They’d barely spoken a word to each other over the last hour, and by the time the car drove down the main street of Ryker Falls, the tension between them had climbed.

“Dylan—”

“No more thank-yous, Piper.”

She bit her lip to keep the words inside her mouth.

“Okay.”

He pulled over at the end of her drive, leaving the car idling.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, I just wanted to say something.” Dylan turned to face her.

“What?”

“If this was any other time and place, then I’d have wanted more between us, Piper. I just needed you to know that. But I hope we can at least stay friends.”

She swallowed down the lump in her throat.

“Of course we can stay friends,” she managed to get out. Because at least if they stayed friends she would know what he was doing with his life. She’d make sure of that. “Give me your email address and I’ll send you updates on Grace.”

“And you.” He cupped her cheek. “I want to know about you too.”

“I don’t think there’s going to be much to say on that front. My life is now focused around this little girl. No dating, no going out.”

She watched his eyes as she said “dating” but they didn’t look worried about the prospect of her seeing other men. Why did that thought piss her off so much?

He didn’t speak again, just leaned in and laid a soft, sweet kiss on her lips. Then he started the car and they were heading toward the main house.

The door opened as the car stopped outside, and out they ran.

“Your family will get you through this, Piper.”

“I kn-know.” She felt the tears spill over her lashes.

His big hand reached over and wrapped around hers. He squeezed it gently.

“It’ll be okay now.”

Opening the door as Joe reached her, she let him pull her into his arms.

“You okay, sweetheart?”

“I am now I’m home.”

He released her as Jack arrived, and she was hugged by everyone, including her mother, who she hadn’t realized had arrived home.

“Mom.” Piper sobbed loudly, falling into her parent’s arms.

“She’s so sweet.”

The words came from Bailey. Easing out of the embrace, Piper turned to find Dylan holding Grace. The little girl had her arms around him and her face burrowed into his neck.

“I’ll get the stuff out of the car,” Luke said, and Jack followed.

“I’ll take her.” Piper moved closer. “She’s probably a bit shy with all the people. Gracie?” Piper touched her cheek. “You want to come to me now? Dylan has to go.”

Lifting her head, she looked at Dylan, then Piper.