Page 114 of Renewal After Dark

“Damn it,” Blaine said. “I was so hoping.”

“I know,” Jack said. “Me, too, but at least Morgan and Billy’s friends will get closure.” He surprised himself with the statement as he rarely used that word and seriously doubted such a thing even existed. He knew all too well how elusive a conceptclosurewas after having lost his wife to breast cancer when she was only thirty-five.

The fire department boat joined them next and took command of the scene.

Blaine transferred to Jack’s boat since Deacon would be assisting in the recovery. “Give me a lift back to the dock?”

“Sure.”

Jack turned the boat toward McCarthys’, thankful to be leaving the scene before he had to see more of Billy.

“Are you all right?” Blaine asked.

“Yeah, I’m glad we found him even if it wasn’t the outcome we wanted.”

“Agreed.”

“How’s Deacon doing after finding Sturgil?”

“He seems okay.”

“Keep an eye on him. After his own ordeal, that’ll hit close to home.”

“I hear you, and I agree.”

“I’ve been thinking nonstop about Tiffany and sweet Ashleigh.”

“Thank you for that,” Blaine said. “They appreciate the outpouring of love and support.”

“They deserve it.”

“For sure.”

“How’re you dealing with it?”

Blaine looked over at him. “Me? Doesn’t involve me, except for supporting them, of course.”

“It involves you.”

“How do you figure?”

“You just became that little girl’s only father.”

“Yes, I guess I did.”

“That’s kind of a big deal, no?”

“It only makes official how I already felt about her. I’ve always loved her like she was mine. How can you not?”

“Right? She’s adorable and sweet. I love the way she takes care of Addie.” Jack had spent a memorable evening with the Taylors recently and had fallen in love with Blaine’s little girls.

“She’s her second mommy. Cutest thing ever.”

“She’s a doll.”

“I hated that son of a bitch Sturgil and what he put them through,” Blaine said fiercely. “I fucking hated his guts.”

“That’s understandable.”

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