“Of course they care.” Erin stared at Alex. “And if they don’t, we need to make them care. We need to make sure it’s rebuilt.” She rose from the sofa. “I need to head home to Mom. I told her I’d be a little late, but I’m leaving tomorrow, and I need to pack but also visit with her.”

“What? No game of Parcheesi?” Alex genuinely sounded disappointed.

Terra tossed a pillow at him. “You’re welcome to stay and play. Owen should be home soon.”

Alex stood and moved closer to Terra. “I should get going too.”

Regret flooded her. This evening certainly hadn’t gone as expected. Terra hugged Erin. She got to see her much more often than Alex, but she still missed her. Erin headed to her vehicle while Alex lingered.

Terra was glad for a few more moments with him. “I’m worried about you.”

Hands in his pockets, he shrugged. “There’s no need to be. Honestly. I’m good.”

“Would you tell us if you weren’t?”

He grinned. “Probably not. That’s only because I want to protect you like an older brother.”

“I have an older brother.”

His grin dropped. “Yeah, well, he wasn’t really around for you when you needed him.”

Terra fought the retort as hurt and anger flashed through her.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.” He shifted closer. “Look, Terra, I’m worried about you. You’re involved in a big investigation. You’re close to the memorial geographically, and your mother’s plaque suffered the most. What if it’s somehow related?”

“Is that all?” She braced herself.

“You know it’s not. Jack Tanner is back in your life. It tore me up the way he hurt you.” He swiped his hand over his face. “I mean, do I need to quit my job and move back here to make sure he doesn’t hurt you again?”

That brought a chuckle, despite his serious tone. “You don’t need to worry about me and Jack. There’s nothing going on between us.”

He studied her long and hard. “I’m not convinced.”

“He’s different. Something happened to him, and it changed him somehow. I’m still trying to figure things out. Don’t worry about me. But as for you, young man, I want to hear from you in a few days. Call me and tell me what’s really going on in your life.”

He sighed. “I might just take you up on that.”

Alex leaned in to kiss her on the cheek, and she gave him a big hug. At least the evening had ended on a good note. Terra felt like she’d reconnected with Alex, who had seemed somehow distant the whole evening until the last few moments.