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Lauren’s heart sped up at his words. She knew she was meeting them today, but right now?
She looked toward the door.
A tall man, his dark hair thinning a little, smiled at the woman standing next to him. She was trim, with a chestnut layered bob, and a pleasant expression.
“They’re going to love you,” Mitch assured her, taking her hand in his.
“I hope so,” she murmured.
Mitch had met her parents a couple of months ago – her mom first, and a few weeks later, her dad. Her parents had approved of him – but who wouldn’t? Mitch was a police detective, but not only that, he was intelligent, dependable, and incredibly capable. As well as good-looking, warm, and seemed to “get” her.
Mitch raised a hand in greeting as his parents approached.
“I told them we’d be here today.”
Lauren nodded, barely hearing him as she focused on the man and woman walking toward her. Mitch’s dad had a faint military air, and wore jeans and a light sweater. His mom wore cinnamon palazzo pants, teamed with a cream shirt.
“Mom, Dad, this is Lauren.” Mitch made the introductions.
“Hi.” Lauren winced at her squeaky voice but they didn’t seem to notice.
“It’s nice to finally meet you,” Mitch’s mom told her, smiling. “Mitch has told us a lot about you.”
He had? Lauren looked up at her boyfriend. When they’d first met, he’d been quite guarded, although she supposed she had been a little, as well. Over time, he’d gradually opened up, and had recently told her more about his parents. They’d been travelling around the country in an RV before returning to their home in San Diego. They’d decided to stop at Gold Leaf Valley on their way.
“He’s also told us about Annie,” Mitch’s dad spoke. “Is this her?” He gestured to Annie’s cage.
“Brrt.” Hello. Annie looked at Mitch’s parents inquisitively.
“Yes.” Lauren found her voice. “Annie won today, in the long-haired cat class for premiers.”
“Oh, congratulations.” Mitch’s mom smiled, first at Annie, and then at Lauren. “I have to confess I’ve never had a cat. She’s very pretty, though.”
“Thank you.”
“Brrp.” Yes, thank you.
“I’m Zoe, Lauren’s cousin. And this is Chris.”
“Hello again, Chris,” Mitch’s mom said.
“We’ve met Chris before,” his dad explained. “He and Mitch have been friends for a while.”
Lauren let out the tiny pent-up breath she’d been holding. It seemed to be going well, so far.
“I told you they’d like you,” Mitch whispered into her ear.
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah, I’m sure. How could they not?”
Mitch’s parents asked about the café, and before long Lauren forgot most of her nerves as she answered their questions, Zoe chiming in enthusiastically.
“I wish we could stay longer,” Mitch’s mom finally said.
“But we promised an old friend we’d stop by their place on the way home,” his dad added.
“We haven’t been home for a while now, and although it’s been fun visiting different states, I must confess I’m looking forward to being back in San Diego for a while.”
“It was nice to meet you,” Lauren told them.
“Same here, dear.” Mrs. Denman smiled at her.
“I’ll walk you out,” Mitch said, giving Lauren’s hand a squeeze before accompanying his parents through the hall.
“Phew.” Zoe grinned at Lauren. “That went well.”
“I hope so,” Lauren said. She thought it had, but ... She touched the gold L necklace Mitch had given her.
“I’m sure they like you,” Chris told her.
“Thanks.” She smiled at him. “Do you want to look at the cats with Zoe? I can stay here with Annie.”
“Are you sure?” Chris asked.
“Of course.” Lauren nodded.
“We won’t be long,” Zoe told her. “Oh, look!” Her attention was snagged by Nina looking proud as judge Dana attached a blue ribbon to Brunhilda’s cage. “It looks like Brunhilda won first place, too!”
“I’m glad Kathleen didn’t win, if she really was trying to bribe Robert the judge,” Lauren said.
Mitch rejoined them, giving Lauren a warm smile.
“My folks are back on the road, on their way to their friend’s place,” he told her.
“Mitch, there’s been an incident.” Father Mike rushed up to them, keeping his voice low. “I need you to come with me at once.”
“What’s wrong?” Mitch scanned the room, his dark brown eyes suddenly steely gazed.
“It’s Kathleen. The woman who tried to bribe the judge. She’s dead.”