“You’ve been busy saving the world.”
“You are the world. My world.”
She examined his complexion, the rise and fall of his chest, the skin beneath his eyes, always checking for signs of adrenal issues.
His meds would last a few more months. They’d need to find more—or make more.
Always more to do.
“I want to make sure you know that. That you’re okay.”
“Yeah.” He tilted his head and chewed on his bottom lip like he was concentrating. “I’m okay.”
She pulled her son into a hug, breathing in the sweaty little boy scent of him. He wrapped his skinny arms around her neck and hugged her back.
“I told Quinn I would share you,” he whispered into her scalp, his breath hot on her ear. “You can be Mom to all three of us, right?”
A pang struck her. A mix of sadness and joy and fierce pride. “That’s a great idea.”
“Can I tell her we’ve adopted her?”
“Of course. I think you’ll make a fantastic little brother.”
She felt his grin against her cheek. “Challenge accepted. And also, do you think she’d like a snake in her bed?”
“Knowing Quinn, she probably wouldn’t mind a bit.”
Laughing uproariously, Milo peeled away from her and scampered off. He whistled to Ghost. “Come on, boy!”
With an exasperated huff, the Great Pyr lumbered up and shook the cats off him. They scattered with a furious cacophony of feline yowls.
Oblivious to their outraged hisses, Ghost ambled after his boy, his majestic white tail streaming behind him.
He limped. He was still Ghost.
Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love” popped up next.
“That’s Quinn’s favorite!” Milo crowed.
“Is not,” Quinn said.
He darted over, grasped her hand, and flashed that infectious grin. “Dance with me! Pulleaaaase?”
Quinn shot Hannah a helpless, tortured look.
Hannah waved her hand. “Have fun.”
“This is not even on the scale of fun!” She rolled her eyes in disgust as only a teenager could. Then she gave a devilish smile, grabbed Milo’s hands, and twirled him round and round, then slow danced with him while he shrieked and dissolved into giggles.
As the King’s crooning voice filled the clearing, Jonas rose and walked across the grass through the ring of camping chairs, toward Quinn and Milo.
His face bright red, he tapped Milo on the shoulder. “May I cut in and have a turn with the lady?”
“Lady?” Quinn sputtered. “What lady?”
Milo stepped back with a gallant flourish. “Of course, good sir!”
Flustered, Quinn’s gaze darted from Jonas to Milo to Jonas. “What are you doing?”
Jonas grinned from ear to ear. “May I have this dance?”
Nonplussed, Quinn mumbled a half-coherent response.
“I think that’s a yes.” Jonas took Quinn’s hand.
For a second, she looked like she might shake off his hand. Or bite him. Instead, her face turned an equally bright shade of red, and she managed a nod.
Jonas fumbled, suddenly nervous, unsure what to do. With a roll of her eyes, Quinn put her hands over his and placed them around her waist. They both grinned like Cheshire cats.
Hannah held back a laugh as they danced, awkward but sweet. This was a good thing. Quinn needed some joy in her life. And Jonas was kind; he would be good for her.
“No way I’m missing out on this.” Reynoso’s eyes flashed with mischief. He spun and searched for someone in the crowd. “Perez?”
Perez crossed her arms over her chest and gave an adamant head shake. “Don’t even think about it.”
Reynoso faltered, looking disappointed. But he recovered quickly. “Bishop!” he yelled over the din of conversation, music, and laughter. “I need you!”
Bishop, who was still deep in conversation with Travis, half-turned. He wore a bright purple Hawaiian shirt covered with yellow pineapples. “What?”
Reynoso grinned and beckoned to Bishop. “Dance with me!”
Bishop handed the baby to Evelyn and winked. “With a proposal like that, how could I resist?”
Everyone laughed as the two burly men danced merrily, goofy as teenagers, knocking into each other and chortling when they stepped on each other’s feet.
When ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” burst from the speakers, others got up as well, including Dave and Annette. They moved to the music, basking in the sunshine and soaking in this rare moment of peace.