Page 67 of Shadows of You

I bit back a chuckle. “I’m afraid it’s the law, and it wouldn’t be very good if your dad didn’t follow the law since he’s the chief of police.”

Charlie’s shoulders slumped. “I guess.”

Cady tugged on his hand. “We can decorate your booster. I put pink glitter and stickers on mine.”

He looked at her thoughtfully. “Could we do frog stickers?”

“Totally,” Cady said.

“Okay.”

That being settled, I got the two of them situated in the back seat. “Ready to rock and roll?”

Charlie grinned. “You got cookies at your house?”

I twisted in my seat. “Do I look like an amateur to you?”

His little brow furrowed. “What’s an am-am-a-teur?”

“Someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing. A beginner.”

He grinned again. “Nope. You make the best cookies and muffins and sconesever.”

“Thanks, Charlie. That just made my day.”

“It’ll make my day if I can get some of those cookies.”

I laughed as I pulled away from the curb. “I’ve got cookies, but I was thinking we could do some experimenting in the kitchen after I chat with your dad and uncle. I’m working on a new recipe.”

“Is it a yummy one?” Charlie asked skeptically, not sure he wanted to give up on cookies.

“Mama’s recipes are always yummy,” Cady told him. “Well, other than when she makes broccoli. This isn’t broccoli, is it?”

God, these two were good for the soul.

“No broccoli. I wanted to make double chocolate peanut butter cup muffins.”

Silence reigned in the car for a beat.

“That sounds freaking awesome!” Charlie cheered.

“It’s like my favorite but better,” Cady echoed.

“I’m glad I’ve got your vote,” I said as I turned onto Huckleberry Lane.

The two of them talked in a rapid-fire language I didn’t have a prayer of understanding. I caught the occasional mention of a type of candy or a dessert, but that was it. But the chatter and joy warmed my heart. It was the perfect balm after a trying day.

I pulled into my drive, spotting Lawson’s SUV. But when I saw Roan’s truck next to it, my heart rate ratcheted up. “Get a grip,” I muttered to myself.

The second the car was in park, and the engine was off, the kids were unbuckling and climbing out. I hurried to follow them, catching sight of Roan and Lawson emerging from the barn. The kids ran toward them.

“How’s Dory?” Cady called.

Roan’s lips curved the barest amount. If I didn’t make a habit of studying the man, I likely would’ve missed it. “She looks really good. Bet she’ll be able to go home in another few days.”

Cady’s expression dropped. “I’ll miss her.”

Roan’s face gentled. “I bet you’ll see her around. And you’ll be so happy knowing she’s back with her family.”

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