“Gwen,” the woman said. “And I saw it, but you have to understand that we must follow a process to ensure the best possible care is taken of Grace. Yes, you are her legal guardian, but I still want to ensure the child is safe in your care.”

“I understand that completely, but I am the only person other than her mother that she has, which is why Joanie made me her guardian. Her father is also dead.”

“Yes, I understand that you are all she has left, Miss Trainer. If you will just let me run through a few things, then I will come and visit you in your home environment next week.”

“Of course.”

“I’ll just need some details from you.”

Piper nodded and the woman opened her briefcase and started going through papers, leaving her alone with her thoughts, which went straight to what Joanie had looked like lying cold and emotionless on that gurney. She’d wanted to scream at her. Ask her what the hell she thought she was doing. Anger and grief had consumed her, and the frustration of losing her friend so young. Reading the letter Joanie left her had increased that anger.

Joanie had written that letter knowing she was going to take her life. Knowing she was leaving her daughter alone in that apartment. It was unforgivable, even if she’d left a note for the neighbor. Piper knew she must forgive her friend, because if not it would eat away at her.

But not today, and maybe not even next week.

“If you will read these.”

She did as she was asked, reading and filling in several forms while behind her Dylan entertained Grace. She heard him making funny voices, and even singing a song in a deep, flat baritone.

“She will be happy with me,” Piper said when she was finally allowed to leave. “I have a large family and live on a ranch. It is the perfect place for Grace to grow up.” Pulling the letter out of her pocket, she handed it to the woman. “Read that. It may give you some peace of mind.”

She did, scanning the paper, before handing it back.

“Thank you for allowing me to read something so personal. I’ll collect the remainder of Grace’s things and have them here for you in the morning. Here’s my card if you need anything.”

Details were shared and then they were leaving with a diaper bag with pink rabbits on it, plus a stroller, portable cot, and a car seat.

“If you’ll just run me to a car place, Dylan, I’ll hire one and then—”

“We’ll find a hotel and go from there. Right now I have to work out how the hell to fit this thing into here.”

Piper held Grace, and they both watched as Dylan studied the car seat. Finally, after several muttered curses, he had it fitted.

“Right, in you get, princess.”