"You were shaken by what we found out about Laura, about why she helped you. I knew why you left, and it wasn't the wrong thing to do. You needed time to think."

"That time could have cost you your life. It was selfish."

"Oh, Kade," I said, shaking my head. "You are anything but selfish. I've seen a lot of bad in the last few days, but not with you. You might be a dark artist, but you have been a very bright light in my life. I know you hate that Laura lied to you and supported you out of guilt, but I am very glad that you were staying at her house when I arrived. I don't think I would have made it through the past several days without you. I know it's not the same for you. You made my life easier and safer—I made yours harder and more dangerous."

"Well, we both survived. Some days that's enough."

I nodded, then jumped up as I saw a nurse wheel Dani into the waiting room. We moved over to meet her.

"I'm okay," Dani said, as she got up from the wheelchair and sat down next to me. "The baby is fine. I have a bump on my head, but it's not serious. My blood pressure is going down. Steve will be here in about forty-five minutes. What about you, Brynn?"

"I'm also fine. Rachel is in surgery, and Max is dead," I added. "The other guy is in jail."

"Good." Dani said. "I know that I was there for everything, all the shocking revelations, but I feel like I missed some stuff. My fear was so great I think I was blacking out even though my eyes were open."

"It's okay. I can fill you in when you're ready. I don't know everything, though. That's going to involve Mom."

"I knew you were going to say that," she said with a sigh.

"I can talk to her on my own. I just might need a minute before I do that."

"You don't have to rush it," Kade said. "Why don't we all go back to Laura's house? It will be more comfortable waiting for your husband there than here."

"I like the sound of that," I said. "Dani?"

She hesitated, then nodded. "I'll call Steve and tell him to meet us there."

* * *

When we got back to Laura's house, it was after seven. Dani and I curled up on the couch in the family room while Kade went out to pick up food for all of us. Steve arrived before Kade returned, and the happy, joyous relief that flowed between Dani and her husband filled me with emotion. I would not have been able to face Steve if anything had happened to Dani.