“For making me feel safe for the first time in five years.”
Panic coursed through me like a wildfire taking out dry brush. I wanted to give that to Aspen. More than anything. But the fear that lived inside me said I’d fail when it truly counted.
I pressed my forehead to hers. “I’d do anything for you. Anything.”
Aspen’s breath hitched. “I know.”
I stood there for a moment, just breathing in her cinnamon scent and letting it calm the beast that still raged inside me. After a minute, I released her and opened her door. “Let’s go get our girl.”
Something flashed in Aspen’s eyes that looked a lot like hope as she slid into the truck.
We made the drive in less than two minutes and pulled up to the carpool line just as school was getting out. Cady ran toward my truck, and Aspen got her situated in the back.
“Mr. Grizz, we had art today, and I drew you a picture. It’s of me and Dory. That way, you’ll never, ever forget Dory, and this is like her telling you thank you. It’s in my backpack.”
My ribs constricted, squeezing my lungs. “Thanks, Tiny Dancer.”
She kicked her legs up and down, glitter boots shining. “Can Charlie and I have a playdate tomorrow? There’s no school.”
Aspen twisted in her seat. “I don’t see why not. Let me text Lawson and see if it’s okay with him.”
“Yay!” she cheered. “I’m gonna marry Charlie one day. Then we’ll all be family.”
My eyebrows just about hit my hairline. “You’re too young to be thinking about marriage.”
“Not now, Mr. Grizz. Later. When I’m old like Mama.”
Aspen snorted. “Gee, thanks.”
My lips twitched. “Just as long as you’re not thinking of running away on us now.”
“Never! I’m having way too much fun. Our slumber parties are the bestest.”
Aspen glanced my way. Some of those shadows had cleared with her daughter’s excitement. “Being the bestest is the highest compliment she’s got.”
“Nuh-uh,” Cady argued.
Aspen arched a brow at her. “Then what is?”
She grinned. “Sharing my glitter nail polish.”
I barked out a laugh. “Good to know.”
When I pulled into Aspen’s drive, there wasn’t a reporter to be found, but Lawson still had a cruiser parked out front. I knew that was a sacrifice with the murder case going on at the same time, and I appreciated it more than I could say.
I waved to the officer as we turned in. By the time I parked, Cady was bouncing in her seat. “I gotta get out.”
Aspen hurried to get Cady free and unlock the door. “Do you need to pee?”
“Nope!” Cady ran inside, and Aspen gave me a puzzled look.
A second later, Cady reemerged, putting on a helmet.
“Katydid,” Aspen said. “Let’s save bike riding for after your snack.”
“I’m not riding my bike,” she called, running toward the pasture.
We trailed after her.
“Where are you going?” Aspen yelled.
“Ms. Breaker taught us about goats today. She said this is how they play.”
Cady slipped through the rails on the fence and headed straight for the four goats. They all brightened at her arrival. Then she lowered her head and ran toward one.
Aspen gripped my arm, but the goat just lowered his head in answer, and they headbutted. Cady let out a giggle as she turned to the other goat. They crashed into each other, and Cady went flying with another giggle. “I’m a goatie now!”
A laugh rumbled out of me as the third goat started nibbling on Cady’s pant leg.
Aspen stilled next to me, her gaze slowly finding mine. There was wonder in those green eyes.
“What?” I asked.
“Most beautiful sound I’ve ever heard—you laughing.”
36
ASPEN
“Aaaaaaayeeeeee!” Charlie shouted as he flung himself off the monkey bars.
I winced as he landed with a thud. “Lawson’s never going to let me watch Charlie again if I bring him back in a full-body cast.”
Grae laughed from her spot next to me on the bench. “My brother is raising three boys. Almost all of whom have been in a cast at one point or another. He knows there’s no stopping them.”
Cady let out a higher-pitched squeal as she flew off the monkey bars like Charlie.
Roan moved as if he were going to launch himself off the bench. I grabbed his arm to stop him, and he snapped his gaze in my direction. “I don’t think it’s safe.”