When She Rose From the Ashes (Natalie and Jensen) novel Chapter 425

Chapter 425 Kids Say the Darndest Things

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“Alright,” Natalie said with a small smile, “I’ll admit I never had the best impression of the Witch Doctor. But since he’s your friend–and he saved my life–I’ll let that go. When we have time, let’s invite him out for dinner. I still haven’t thanked him properly.”

Baron froze for a moment. Thank him? My wife wants to thank me? How exactly is she planning to

do that?

Suddenly, he decided it might not be the best time to reveal he was the Witch Doctor. Maybe it would be more interesting to wait until that dinner she mentioned–when she’d invited him herself–and see the look on her face when she realized the truth.

The thought of her shocked expression made the corner of his mouth curve up.

“Alright,” he said casually. “I’ll let the Witch Doctor know. Just tell me when you want to treat him.”

“Okay,” Natalie agreed with a nod.

Just then, Shauna came in carrying a brand–new phone and SIM card–both bought with Rachel’s money.

Seeing that Natalie was awake, Shauna smiled. “Mrs. Stone, you’re up? Are you hungry? I can have the kitchen whip something up for you.”

“Actually… yes, I am a little hungry,” Natalie said, realizing it only after Shauna mentioned it.

Baron gave an approving nod and waved for Shauna to go ahead.

Then, remembering the calls from Flynn and Waylon earlier, he said in a low voice, “When you were taken, your parents and brother were worried sick. They’re the ones who sent me to Ocevarís. But… something might’ve happened in Ocean City.”

Natalie’s face immediately filled with worry.

“What? What happened to my parents and brother?”

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“I don’t know yet. Flynn called earlier, but Rachel was right there–I had to pretend to be unconscious, so I didn’t answer. Then she tossed my phone in the water. That’s why I had Shauna buy me a new one–with Rachel’s money, of course. I just got it back. Should we call your dad and brother now?”

Natalie nodded quickly.

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Chapter 425 Kids Say the Darndest Things

Baron dialed Flynn’s number, and the call connected almost instantly.

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“Baron! Are you okay? What about my sister–are you both safe? Dad and I are ready to head to Meridia right now, just hang tight!” Flynn’s voice came through breathless, wind whipping in the background.

“I’m fine, bro,” Baron replied.

Because he had it on speaker, Natalie chimed in, “I’m fine too.”

Flynn froze for a moment; then, hearing her voice, his tension broke.

“Natalie? It’s really you? Are you alright?”

“I’m okay. I’m sorry, I must’ve scared you and Mom and Dad half to death.”

“Of course, we were scared! You’re our daughter–how could we not be? When are you and Baron coming home?”

At that moment, Waylon’s voice suddenly broke in. He snatched the phone straight from Flynn’s hand.

“Dad, that’s my phone,” Flynn protested weakly.

Waylon shot him a cold glare that shut him up immediately.

Natalie could feel their worry, their care–something she’d longed for her whole life. All the affection she’d missed over the years seemed to flood into her heart at once, warm and overwhelming.

“Dad, Baron and I will come back tomorrow,” she said softly. “Rachel tried to hurt us, but Baron caught her. We’re waiting on her confession. Also, one of my friends‘ sons needs surgery -if she hadn’t helped me, I might not have made it long enough for Baron to find me. I want to go visit her before we leave.”

Before Waylon could answer, two small voices suddenly shouted through the line–Susie and Sean had somehow gotten hold of the phone.

“Mommy! Be honest–did you and Daddy run off to have another baby?”

The words hit like a thunderclap. Natalie froze, her face instantly turning crimson all the way

down her neck.

Baron blinked in stunned silence.

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Chapter 425 Kids Say the Darndest Things

“What baby? You two little rascals!” he barked. “You’ve been skipping your lessons again, haven’t you? What on earth are you filling your heads with?”

His roar sent the twins scampering away at once.

Natalic, realizing Flynn and Waylon had heard everything, turned bright red and swatted Baron’s arm.

“What kind of nonsense have you been feeding them?”

Baron looked utterly wronged.

“Swear to heaven, baby, I never said a word about having another kid! They-” He stopped mid–sentence.

Wait. They’re back? He glanced sideways at Natalie, relieved she hadn’t caught his slip.

Just as he was about to say something else, hurried footsteps and shouts sounded outside the door.

Baron’s good mood vanished in an instant.