“I want you to tell me you’re being careful. That you won’t let her do the same thing she did before.”

“Ya say that to Luke, too?”

“So what if I did? It’s turning into recycle summer around here.”

Ned hooted with laughter. “That’s a helluva way to put it.”

“I’ll tell you the same thing I told him—watch yourself. Don’t let her do it to you again. It was bad enough watching that the first time.”

“I’m older and wiser this time ’round.”

“Let’s hope so.”

“Even though yer a pain in my ass, I’m glad ya didn’t die.”

Big Mac laughed and then winced again when his head fought back. “Aww, thanks a lot, old pal.”

“Anytime.”

Chapter 24

Janey told herself if she just kept busy, she could prevent the meltdown that had been threatening all day. She made soup for her mom and ran her a bath. She put fresh sheets on beds for Adam and Evan, and cleaned up the kitchen. As she was putting the last of the dishes in the dishwasher Joe hugged her from behind.

“You’re running at ninety miles an hour, babe,” he said, his lips brushing against her neck.

She attempted to squiggle free of his embrace. “I need to toss in some laundry.”

“Not tonight.”

Janey turned to him, primed for a rare fight. But when she saw only love and concern on his face, she sagged against the counter.

“You’re completely exhausted. Let’s go home.”

“You can go. I should stay here in case my mom needs me.”

“I’m not going anywhere without you, and Grant will be here for your mom. You need sleep.”

“The boys will need—”

“To fend for themselves. The boys are grown men who manage to survive without you the rest of the time.”

Her lip began to quiver, a sure sign of impending meltdown. “But I have to—”

He wrapped his strong arms around her. “Stop, Janey. Just stop.”

Despite her best efforts to contain it, a sob hiccupped through her, and the floodgates opened.

He ran his hand up and down her back. “It’s okay, honey. Let it all out. It’s been an awful day.”

“I’m sorry,” she said, wiping her face several minutes later. “My dad. . .”

“You can’t imagine life without him.”

Her heart ached as she shook her head.

“Neither can I.”

“What happened today was a big reminder that someday we’ll have to live without him.” She looked up at Joe. “How will we ever do that?”

“I have no idea, but thankfully that’s not something we have to think about anytime soon.” He wiped the tears from her face. “Let’s go home. You need some time with the menagerie.”

At the reminder of her beloved pets, she forced a wan smile for his benefit. “And with you.”

“And with me.”