Picking up a sachet in the baby food section, he read the contents, then replaced it and went for another. His head was spinning by the time he’d made his way down the row. Should he get sachets or boxed meals? Food in a jar, or packet?

“Need any help?”

He turned at the voice and found a woman standing behind him. Middle-aged, she had a small girl child with her.

“I need to get food for a one-year-old just like that one.” Dylan pointed down and smiled. “I have no clue what she would eat, so any help is gratefully accepted.”

The woman was efficient, and his basket was full in no time. He even had a sipper cup for Grace to drink from, and snacks. Plus breakfast food.

“Now, do you have bottles and formula?”

Dylan shook his head, because he had no idea what formula was.

“Right, come with me.”

He changed his basket for a trolley.

“Does she need clothes or pajamas?”

“I have no idea.”

“Okay, we’ll get a couple of things, and you can come back if you need more.”

Twenty minutes later he’d thanked Melody—they were now on first-name terms—and headed for the checkout. He’d chucked in a few more supplies for him and Piper too. Once he’d paid and loaded it into the car, his phone rang. Noting the number, he answered.

“Joe.”

“Thank you seems a bit inadequate right now, but thank you anyway, Dylan.”

“No big deal.”

“It’s a huge fucking deal!”

“Okay, it’s big and you’ll owe me a massive favor, and probably the keys to your ATV.”

Dylan started the car and put the call on speaker.

“Jesus, I can’t believe Piper had to identify the body. She must have been terrified.”

Dylan let Joe talk as he drove slowly back to the motel. The man was like a brother to Piper, and hurting because he wasn’t there for her.

“It’s going to take us seven, maybe eight hours to get to you, or longer. Dylan, I know it’s a lot to ask, but will you stay with Pip and Grace until we arrive?”

“Go home to Ryker and set everything up for the baby’s arrival, Joe. Piper has to meet with the social worker in the morning, and then she’ll bring Grace home. I’ll wait and drive her, as I’m here.”

Joe was silent for several seconds, but Dylan knew he was there.

“I can’t ask you to do that. My cousin has just become guardian to a one-year-old girl and her best friend is dead. She needs her family.”