Page 30 of When the Smoke Clears

“I do.” I finish washing my hands and turn to face her. “I don’t know if Sutton told you, but my mom and I aren’t close. Haven’t been for a while.”

“He didn’t. You know he doesn’t take to talking about people much. Or himself, for that matter.”

“No, he doesn’t.” We share a smile. “He’s been so amazing. Even before my injury”—I clear my throat of the catch—“always so patient and kind. I’m lucky to have found him.”

Andi wraps her arms around me, squeezing me tightly and speaking into my ear. “Oh, honey, you are the best thing that’s ever happened to him.” She pushes back to arm’s length. “He’s always been intense, but he’s lighter with you. I know you two will take things on your own terms, but he does it because he cares.”

Her eyes turn glassy and she swallows hard. “I hate that you haven’t had enough people love you unconditionally. But I am so happy,sohappy,that my son gets to be the one to show you how it’s done.”

Tears trickle down my face.

The front door closes firmly and we both jump, though a shared happiness flows between us. I use the back of my hand to wipe at my face, trying to get myself in order before whoever it is comes walking in.

As if I don’t know. I’d know Sutton’s steps anywhere.

He rounds the corner and grins broadly at me before his face drops.

“Hey, Cowboy.” I smile widely.

His eyes flit between Andi and me. “Mama, why is Maci crying?”

“I’m standing right here.” I tip my chin down indignantly.

Andi smiles. “We were just having girl talk. Don’t you worry.” She pats his arm.

He considers for a moment before relenting. When he wraps me in his arms, I melt into his chest, wrapping my own arms around his middle and trying to cover my wince at the stretch. He kisses my forehead. “I saw that.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I pull back and open the oven, sliding in the muffins Andi had me working on.

He hums a response and grabs a glass for water, as usual. “Just came in to check on my two favorite ladies.” He smiles at us and I swear his mom blushes. She’s adorable.

“I’ll walk you out,” I say, once he’s downed the glass.

“Walking me out of my own house?” He raises his eyebrows at me.

“It’s not your house,” Andi says, as we head down the hallway. “You’re building your own.”

Sutton opens the door for us, following me onto the porch. Once the door is closed, I speak again. “Do you think you’ll have a late night?”

“Actually, no.” One hand slips around my waist, pulling me to him, and the other pushes a strand of errant hair behind my ear. “Missing me?”

I place my chin on his chest and look up at him. “Yeah. A lot. And I think we need to talk.”

“Sounds serious.” His tone is playful.

“Important.”

“Ok. I’ll be in for dinner and we can talk after. That ok?”

“Yes. Actually, I need to head into town.”

Sutton pulls back and looks me over. “Everything ok?”

“Yes,” I give him a faint smile, “but I haven’t been in to speak to Detective Porter, and the last thing we need is more people coming out here to look for me. I’d rather go to him on my terms.”

“I’ll come.” He shifts his hat.

“No.” His jaw tightens. “Please. I can’t feel like I’m always pulling you from other things. I’m fairly certain the worst that can happen already has. I’m just going to have a conversation with him.”

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