“I hope that shit passes soon, it’s downright unsettling,” Piper said, when what she really wanted to do was sigh again. She loved watching these two together even if she felt a small pang of jealousy that it wasn’t her all loved up.

Joe smiled, then leaned over to kiss her cheek. “Come on, Pip, spill.”

“Where’s Buzz?”

“He’s out back gnawing on a bone. I told him he can come inside when he’s done.”

Buzz was his dog and the town’s favorite son.

“I went to visit Joanie.”

Joe lowered the glass to the bar with a snap.

“You told me you were heading into Rummer to get supplies, do a bit of shopping, and take a break.”

“I did that too.”

“Jack, Luke, and I said you were not to go see Joanie without one of us, in case that scumbag ex is still hanging around.”

“She called me and sounded sad, and as I was going to Rummer anyway, I called in.”

“Jesus, and you never told us. Christ, Pip.”

“She’s a big girl, Joe, and a smart one. Piper would never put herself into a situation she wasn’t comfortable in,” Bailey said, always the peacemaker among the fiery Trainers.

Joe wanted to argue, but Bailey reached across to touch his hand, and he shut his mouth.

“Grace is so cute,” Piper said, shooting Bailey a smile. “She’s twelve months now, and really happy and healthy. Joanie has been clean since she had her.”

“But?” Joe said.

“But she’s not well. Thin, pale, and her appetite is nonexistent. I’m worried about her because she’s all Grace has.”

“There’s no other family?” Bailey asked.

“None. Her family were never much, and her mom abandoned her, so she’s been alone since. We went to school together for three years, and I’m the only friend she has.” Piper looked at her big cousin. “She made me Grace’s guardian should anything happen to her, and I agreed, Joe. I had to. Joanie’s made it official, because she knows Grace wouldn’t be happy with her father.”

“Christ.”

“I know, it’s scary, and I’m worried about Joanie like I said. But I had to do it, Joe. I had to for Grace.”

“Bring them here again,” Joe said. And to him it was that easy. Her big strong cousin, who took action and had turned his life around. He would simply welcome Joanie and Grace into the family if they chose to make a home in Ryker.

“I tried, she’s not interested.”

“Why, if she has no ties? She loved it here last time.”

Piper was silent.

“He’s still around? Or you think he is?”

Piper shrugged. Joanie had vowed her ex wasn’t still in the picture, but she had doubts.