Page 43 of Luke

Luke shrugged. “You get used to it when you have to be outside all day on a case.”

“I don’t think I could ever get used to being out in this weather.”

“Sweat in the summer, freeze in the winter.”

“Glad that’s not me.” Bryce shook her head as they drove down Main Street. It was deserted, but the parking lot of the diner had quite a few cars there. “I can’t believe that Connie is open.”

“She rarely closes. Just in case someone wants to get some food.”

Luke hissed in a breath when the truck slid.

“They’re covered in ice,” he said.

“They look dangerously slippery,” Bryce said with concern.

“They are, but I’ll just take it slow.” His phone buzzed and he removed it from his coat pocket.

“Mom, we’re on our way.” Bryce heard him say. “Yes, they’re bad. I’m taking it slow. We’ll be there soon. I will, Mom. Love you.” Luke placed his phone on the center console and glanced at Bryce then back to the road. “She’s worried.”

“She’s not the only one.”

Luke squeezed her hand. “We’ll be fine.”

A tense thirty minutes later, he stopped the truck beside the porch of his parents’ house.

Bryce sighed with relief. “God, that was nerve wracking, and we have to do it again.”

They stepped out and walked across the porch. Luke was about to open the door when it opened, and his mother stood there. She waved them inside, hugged Luke, and then Bryce.

“I was so worried.”

“I was scared to death and now we have to do it again.”

“No, you will not. You will both stay here tonight. No arguments.” Lisa put her hands on her hips and glared at them both.

Luke looked at Bryce. “It’s the smart thing to do.”

“There is plenty of formula and diapers. You’re very smart to pack way more than you need.” Lisa laughed.

Bryce chuckled. “I do tend to go overboard a little.”

“Well, thank God, you do. Are you hungry? I have plenty of things for sandwiches.”

Bryce was about to answer when her stomach rumbled, and everyone laughed.

“I’ll take that as a yes. Get out of those wet clothes. Bryce, I’ll give you a T-shirt and sweatpants. Luke, honey, I’m sure there’s plenty of clothes for you in your old room.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Was Leah good for you?” Bryce asked with a smile.

“A perfect angel. Let me get some clothes for you, Bryce. You can take a hot bath if you want. Leah just went down for a nap.”

“I’d love a hot bath, if you’re sure. I’d like to see Leah first, though.”

“I’m positive. Make yourself at home. Luke, you should put dry clothes on too. Come with me, Bryce. Leah is in the room you’ll be using.”

“I hate putting her out,” Bryce whispered as she walked past Luke.

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