Page 41 of Bridge to Safety

“Everything good this week?” He opened the passenger-side door.

“So far.” She smiled. Did she dare hope Duke had given up?

Once they were on the Interstate, she asked, “Do you have any family?”

“No, my parents were gone before Rachel was born. My wife’s parents moved to California after her death.

“They don’t see Rachel?” She couldn’t imagine.

“They said it hurt too much. It doesn’t make sense to me. Their granddaughter is a mini version of Rose. I’d think it would be a bit like having their daughter back, but since there’s nothing I can do about it, I’ll let it be.”

“Maybe someday, they’ll come around.”

“Maybe.”

“Siblings?”

“A sister teaching in the Middle East.”

“I guess you know I’m an only child.” She tilted her head.

“Yep. I asked about you when you arrived in town, and this whole thing with Duke started.”

“So, you know I’m from the wrong side of the bridge. At least, I used to be. Things have improved since I left.” She stared out the window.

New homes, more cleared fields, yes, a lot of things had changed in the last fifteen years. Most of it good. She turned and studied his profile. Her heart hoped he would be the best of the good. It was time for her to have more than just herself.

“What are you thinking?” He arched a brow.

She laughed, feeling braver than ever. “I was thinking how handsome you are.”

“Aw, shucks.”

“I bet you’ve been told that before.”

“A time or two.” He reached over and took her hand. “I don’t hold a candle to you, sweetheart.”

The endearment settled over her like a child’s favorite blanket. The flush returned to her cheeks as he lifted her hand to his lips.

A few minutes later, he parked in front of a Japanese restaurant where they grilled the food in front of the patrons. Shiloh waited for him to open her door for her, then slipped her hand in his so he could help her from the car. She could get used to this kind of attention from a man.

Her mind spun down ridiculous paths. Could he love another woman as much as he seemed to have loved his first wife? A lot of people remarried and led a happy, fulfilled life, right?

A frown furrowed between his eyes, and she smiled to show everything was fine. He returned her smile and tucked her hand in the crook of his arm.

A car backfired.

Rowan shoved her behind him, then laughed when he realized no danger existed. “Sorry.”

She faced him, staring into his eyes. “I’m safe here with you.”

He leaned his forehead against hers. “I can’t save you from a bullet.”

“Duke doesn’t want me dead.” She stepped back and cupped his cheek. “Let’s go inside so you’ll feel better.”

~

Rowan couldn’t believe he’d mistaken a car’s backfire for a gunshot. He stifled a groan as he placed a hand on the small of Shiloh’s back and guided her into the restaurant. He was there to protect her, and she ended up calming him. This case was getting to him. “Two, please.” He forced a smile at the hostess who led them to a corner table.

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