“I’m not disputing that. But it’s late, and Piper will likely fall asleep as soon as Grace does. Besides, it makes sense. You’ll arrive here in the morning for a few hours, then leave again. I’ll bring her home as soon as I can, and we’ll head straight to Ryker.”

Joe argued some more, said he needed to get there and help her; Dylan reasoned, and he won. But Joe wanted a call first thing in the morning.

“Will do.”

He used the last few minutes of the drive to think about what the hell he was doing. Dylan Howard, major commitment phobe, was committing to helping Piper get that sweet little girl out of Rummer and safely back to Ryker.

“I’m losing it,” he muttered, pulling into the parking space outside their unit.

“I have supplies,” he said, opening the door. Piper was sitting on the bed looking at her phone.

“I was making some calls about Joanie’s funeral. I’ll have to come back for it, because this is where she lived. But I really want to bring her to Ryker. Really want her where Grace and I can visit her. Would it be wrong to do that, Dylan?”

“Is there anyone here who cared for Joanie?” Dylan put the bags on the table.

“No. She was a loner.”

“Then you have your answer.”

“She didn’t say what she wanted.”

“Then do what you think feels right.”

The eyes she turned on him were red-rimmed from crying, and fatigue was in every line of her face.

“I don’t know what feels right.”

He moved to sit beside her on the bed. Not touching, but close enough so he could.

“Leave this until you get home, Piper. You have family to lean on there, and they can help you make decisions.”

“I spoke to Joe.”

“I know, me too.”

“He wants to come here now.”

“I told him to go home and get things ready for Grace’s arrival. I’ll stay tonight, and drive you home in the morning.”

Her eyes searched his face as if she could read his thoughts, which he knew was impossible. Dylan could hide easily; he’d been trained to do it.

“I’m too tired to fight you.”

“Then don’t.”

“Did you call your family, Dylan?”

“They know I won’t be back tonight.”

“Your mom’s not going to like this.”

“I’m not fifteen anymore, Piper.”

“I’ve been wondering if I should tell you this or not, but Joe thinks you should know that not all your mother’s anger toward us is because of you.”

“Okay.” Dylan wasn’t sure he wanted to know what she was going to say next.