Page 12 of Mine to Save

“This isn’t a lecture,” he said softly. “Do you love him?”

“I married him. Of course, I do.”

“I know how important the baby thing is to you, so you need to remember what the doctor said.”

“Yeah. Yeah. The more I stress, the less likely it is to happen.” She blew out a puff of air. “I’m trying to relax. Really. I am.” She squared her shoulders and smiled.

He chuckled. “So, can Trinity have a room or not?”

“One hundred bucks a week. That will cover the cost of food and whatnot.”

“I think that’s fair.” Emmett dug his hand into his pocket. “I’ll give cash now for a week. If we need it longer, I’ll give you more.”

“I appreciate it.” She curled her fingers around his biceps. “I saw the news. I can’t believe what happened. Someone could have gotten killed.”

Now that Emmett had had time to process everything, he honestly didn’t believe he’d been in any real danger. But he couldn’t tell anyone that. “No one did.”

“No one was injured thanks to you—except that murderer.” Melinda had always praised Emmett, though she’d done it privately. “Lucy Ann said it was terrifying but that you were calm and knew exactly how to handle things.”

“It’s my job.” Emmett’s smartwatch vibrated. He glanced at the screen. “She’s five minutes away.”

Melinda tilted her head and puckered her lips. “Are you going to stand there and tell me that you told her I’d comp her room?”

“No. I told her I’d get her a room here.”

“So. You gave her the address and told her I had a room before speaking to me?” Melinda tilted her head.

“Something like that. Now, I’m going to go greet her and let her know the bill has been settled.”

“Why is she here? You still haven’t given me a reason.”

Shit. Melinda wouldn’t let this rest, and it would eventually come out. At some point, everyone in town would find out that Trinity Hughes was Jeff Allen’s daughter.

“She’s here to find out some information about her father,” Emmett said. He couldn’t completely lie to Melinda, but he’d find a way to give her the information piecemeal.

“And she needs your help for that?” Melinda planted her hands on her hips. Her eyes grew wide as that wicked brain of hers turned a million and one possibilities over.

“I’d better go meet her at the front door.”

“What the hell have you gotten me into, Emmett Avery Kirby?”

God, he hated when anyone used his full name, but it especially grated on his nerves when his ex did. He closed his eyes and counted to ten before blinking them open once more. “Nothing. It doesn’t concern you.”

“What has this woman done?”

“Jesus. You think I’d ask you to put up a criminal? I’m a damn cop, for Christ’s sake.”

“Then why are you being so sketchy? You know I’m not a gossip. I can keep a secret—even for you.”

“I need you to let it go, Melinda. Can you do that?”

“For now,” she said with a nod. “But if anything weird happens, I’m going to browbeat her until I find out. Got it?”

“Understood.” He turned on his heels and double-timed it to the front of the house, pulling open the massive wood doors. “Oh. Hello.” He cleared his throat as a woman about five-ten with long, dark hair, blue eyes, and a slender build stood in front of him with a suitcase at her side and a large bag on her shoulder. “Are you Trinity?” It was hard not to stare at such a beautiful woman. Striking, actually. Something about the emotional depth he saw in her eyes made it nearly impossible to unlock his gaze.

“Yes. And you’re Emmett. I recognize you from the news.” She stretched out her arm.

He took her hand in a firm shake, holding it longer than would likely be considered appropriate. Her skin was silky-soft and warm. He enjoyed the way it slid across his.

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