Page 86 of Beat of Love
“It’s hard to make perfect decisions in a split second. You saw an animal, and you made the choice to avoid it. That’s a normal human instinct, not recklessness.”
“You think so?”
“Iknowso.”
“And my license? I onlyjustgot my provisional.” Her voice rose, panic overriding misery. “What if I lose it? What if I can’t drive anymore?” Her eyes widened. “What if Dad takes my car away?”
Rafferty reached out and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “If that happens … it’s not the end of the world, Mimi. But don’t jump to the worst-case scenario. And if your dad is upset, it’ll be because he cares about you. I doubt he’s gonna take away your car over this.” He hoped he wasn’t selling her a load of crap.
“He’ll do it just out of spite,” she muttered. “Dad was mad when Livvie called because she woke up the baby.”
He took hold of her hands and gave them a reassuring squeeze. “Why don’t we put the accident and any possible what if’s away for now, and watch some ridiculous TV show until the sun comes up?”
She blinked. “Now?”
“Now. I’ll make us some hot chocolate while you select a show.”
Amelia gave him a wobbly smile. “That’ll be nice. And thanks, Raff. I … I don’t know what I’d do without you here.”
And he found himself repeating the same promise he gave Brandy-Lyn a few hours ago. “Anytime, darlin’. Anytime. And remember, this is one moment, not your whole life. Things will work out.”
Taking a deep breath, she replied, “Okay. I’ll try to remember that.”
“That’s my Mimi-girl,” he said, standing. He had hot chocolate to make.
23
Ruggedly roguish
At the light rap on the doorframe, Brandy-Lyn looked up from her cellphone, grimacing at the stiffness in her neck, but also thankful that the brace was gone. She slumped back when seeing the identity of her visitor. “Sheriff,” she murmured, unable to keep the disappointment from her voice.
“Morning, Ms. Powers.” He walked closer, his lips quirking. “Expecting someone else?”
She cursed her red hair as heat flooded her face. “Rafferty’s on his way.” According to Preston, the man had left a short while ago to come and fetch her.
“He giving you a lift home?”
“Yeah.”
His mouth widened into a full-blown grin.
“He’s a friend, Sheriff,” she snapped. The nursing staff had been relentless with their curiosity about her relationship with the ruggedly roguish (their description, not hers … but itwasrather fitting) Rafferty Lawson.
Sheriff Wheeler held his hands up. “No offense meant, ma’am. After all, the manismy brother-in-law. Just glad you’re sorted getting home. Was gonna offer myself.”
She deflated. “Thank you. Rafferty … he stayed with my kids last night.”
“How’re they doing today?”
“Stiff and sore. Amelia had a bad night. They’re staying home today.”
According to Olivia, Amelia woke up from a bad dream during the night and went to get a drink. The noise woke Rafferty, and he stayed up with her, watchingBuffy, the Vampire Slayer. After breakfast (Rafferty made pancakes, even though it was Olivia’s breakfast duty week), Amelia finally fell asleep on the couch, and Rafferty carried her up the stairs to bed.
Brandy was so grateful he was there for them. “What brings you here, Sheriff?” she pushed the words past the lump in her throat.
“Deputy Cruz went out at first light to look for the animal that caused her to swerve. Although there was no indication that she struck an animal, the possibility of an injured one roaming around did not sit well with him, so he went searching. He found it. Or rather,adog found him, then ran off. He chased after the hound, a smallish terrier mix, and it led him straight toanotherdog. An injured golden retriever. Not sure which animal caused the accident, maybe neither and finding them is a coincidence, but he took both to the clinic.”
A wave of concern washed over her. Poor animals. She couldn’t help but picture the dogs, vulnerable, afraid, and in pain, and the thought tugged at her heartstrings. And poor Amelia. It would devastate her sensitive daughter if they discovered she had hit the animal.
