Page 122 of Solid as Steele
“No. Can you get Dad?”
“Sure, but why?”
“I have some good news for once.”
Her face paled. “Is this about Cassie? Did you find the person who murdered her?”
“Yes and no.” Owen shifted. “Just get Dad, okay?”
“Okay, but I don’t know why you’re acting so odd.” She went back into the house, but left the door open, and the yeasty scent of recently baked bread drifted out.
Cassie squeezed Owen’s waist and danced. “I can’t wait to see their faces.”
Owen looked over his shoulder. “I hope the shock isn’t too much for them.”
“They’ll be fine.” Cassie sounded sure.
Mackenzie didn’t know. This surprise was a big one, but a phone call would carry an equally big shock, and she agreed this wonderful news should be delivered in person. It’d been important for Owen to tell them in person that Cassie had died. How could it not be equally as important to be face-to-face to share the good news?
His mom returned with a tall gentleman who resembled Owen in so many ways Mackenzie couldn’t list them all. But the man’s facial structure, thick head of hair, and the same height and broad shoulders as Owen stood out for her.
“Son.” His forehead furrowed, and he took his wife’s hand. “What’s going on? You’ve got your mother in a state.”
“Cassie’s alive,” Owen said.
Mackenzie had hoped he would come right out with it like this.
“What?” His mother’s eyelids fluttered, and she clutched her chest. “But you told us you found her remains.”
“I did, but the DNA didn’t match the sample you brought in.”
His father’s eyes narrowed. “Why should we believe that these latest DNA tests are accurate?”
“Believe them or not, she’s alive.” Owen reached behind and drew Cassie forward.
“Oh, my goodness!” His mother fanned her face. “Sweetheart. It’s you. It’s really you!”
Cassie threw herself at her mother, whose arms came around Cassie. “I don’t know what to say. Oh my! Oh my! Praise God for this miracle! Praise Him! Praise Him!”
“Amen to that and let me get in on some of that hugging.” Their father swiped tears from his eyes. “I never thought I would be able to hug you again, honey. Oh my goodness. I can’t find the right words, so get over here for that hug.”
Cassie let go of her mom and flew into her father’s open arms.
Tears flooded Mackenzie’s eyes, and she didn’t even try to stop them. Why should she? As Mrs. Greer said, Mackenzie was witnessing a miraculous day for this family. God’s blessings after a terrible time in the desert. Reminded Mackenzie of God’s welcoming open arms waiting for her for when she’d strayed in the past. He never gave up on her. Never failed her. Just like this father’s love she was witnessing. Mr. Greer had never given up on Cassie until science told him his daughter was dead. But now, now he was overwhelmed with the same joy Mackenzie had when her Heavenly Father welcomed her back into the fold. The joy that came each morning when she woke up and remembered she was a child of God.
Owen looked back at her and held out his hand. She took it, and he drew her forward to cradle her under his arm, his warmth chasing away a bit of her chill. “Mom. Dad. I would like you to meet someone special to me. This is Mackenzie Steele. She took care of me when I lost my memory and helped me find Cassie.”
His mother cocked an eyebrow. “But I can see that’s not all.”
Owen shook his head. “If she agrees, we’re going to be seeing a whole lot more of each other.”
“She agrees.” Mackenzie chuckled.
“Then we’ve had two miracles this day,” Owen’s mother said. “Our beautiful daughter returned to us, and our son found a woman he wants in his life.”
Owen rolled his eyes. “Now come on, Mom. That’s not quite a miracle.”
She glanced at her husband.
