Addie didn’t see Glory’s surprise because she’d already stepped away, the pup held in her arms. Yes, she supposed it was a compliment. Glory loved visiting Addie’s home, because itwasa home—in a way she’d never experienced before. Every room held memories, good ones that Kam, Tanner, and Addie loved to share, and some bad ones, too, that they could thankfully laugh about now. Everywhere Glory looked, there was warmth, even in a framed photo, or a cherished gift—like the wall hanging the boys got Addie for her birthday one year thatsaid:Now I know what home means.Addie had gotten teary-eyed when telling Glory about it.
Glory had, too.
That sense of warmth was even there in the worn material of an older love seat where Addie used to snuggle up with the boys on either side of her for movie night. They’d share popcorn, drink milkshakes, and take turns picking the movie for the night. Addie had told her that on the nights when it was Kam’s turn, he often wanted action movies. Tanner enjoyed horror, and she would choose comedies.
It was such a wonderful family thing to do.
Glory heard some whispering, then Kam carefully sat beside her. “Callie and Tanner are taking the pup out for a bit. They want him to be able to get used to your backyard. Addie’s fixing you something to eat.” He touched her cheek. “How do you feel?”
Selfish, sad, scared... and a little excited. She couldn’t, wouldn’t say any of that, though, so she said, “I’m fine.” Seated on the couch, an ice pack on her shoulder, the probable repercussions making her head swim, she felt... completely lost. “I’m fine.”
“If by fine, you mean safe, then yes you are.”
Honestly, she hadn’t thought much in terms of safety, but she probably should. “Did the police talk to you?”
“At the hospital. They stopped by the waiting room with a bunch of questions, but there wasn’t much I could tell them. None of us know of any specific white cars with tinted windows.”
“They talked to me as soon as the doctor had finished stitching me up.”
His jaw flexed as if he’d clenched his teeth. “Shitty timing on their part.”
“No,” she said. “It was understandable. They wanted tofind out if I thought the wreck was deliberate, if I recognized anyone, or if the car was familiar.” She shifted, felt the pain in her ribs, and immediately stilled. “Thinking back on it, it’s possible I overreacted. Mike has me spooked, I guess.”
Appearing tired and tense, Kam rubbed both hands over his face, then huffed a breath.
So far, he’d been incredibly gentle with her, and she missed his snarky, comedic side, his quick comebacks and wicked teasing. “Don’t hold back. If you have something to say to me, say it.” She’d welcome a return to normalcy.
He slanted her a look, his brows together, before he shifted to face her. “You didn’t overreact, okay? Get that out of your head.”
Such an order. It made her smile despite all the complications churning for attention. “Yes, sir.”
“I mean it, Glory. This was Mike. We both know it.” As if gauging her reaction, he said, “I told the cops about him.”
“Good. So did I.” His surprise made her smile widen. “What, you didn’t think I’d mention it? I gave them what information I could, and they said they’d check up on him. I don’t know if they’ll get back to me or not, but I hope they keep me updated.”
“We’ll check in with them in the morning.”
Addie returned with a bowl and a fork. “I have homemade mac and cheese for you. It wasn’t easy to think of something you could eat with an injured shoulder and broken ribs. Hot soup was out—I didn’t want to chance you getting burned on top of it. Tomorrow I’ll bring some other dishes for you.” She handed the bowl to Kam. “Things that will be easy to eat.”
The mention of food made her realize how hungry she’d gotten. “Thank you. It smells delicious.”
Kam lifted a bite to her mouth.
No way did he expect to feed her. “I can—”
The bite went into her mouth. Scowling at him, she had no option but to chew and, oh, heaven, it was good. “Mmm, that’s amazing.”
Beaming, Addie said, “Oh, good, here comes Callie and Tanner with PB.”
Yapping, the dog bounded in, turned a circle, and then tried to jump up on the couch with Glory.
Four people lunged at the poor animal, startling her, and making Glory flinch. Kam got the pup first, holding her close so she couldn’t wiggle free while he tried to calm her.
PB stared at Glory the whole time, and to her exhausted eyes, she looked loving. Damn it, she’d start bawling if she wasn’t careful. “She’s okay.”
Kam looked at her like she was nuts. “Babe, listen to me, please. We can’t do this tonight.”
“We?” she asked first, and then, “Do what?”