A flurry of doors closing in the driveway drew Luke back to the living room fifteen minutes later. He wasn’t surprised to see Mac and Maddie returning in two vehicles. When Luke opened the door, Buddy seemed to know where he was needed and disappeared into the bedroom.

Mac handed Luke a bag of dog food and a leash.

“Thanks,” Luke said.

“Is she okay?” Maddie asked. “What happened?”

“She’s asleep,” Luke said. Once again, he related the story of the near miss on the road. His hands grew damp as he remembered the heart-stopping moment when he’d been certain they were going to crash or roll over or worse.

“Oh God,” Maddie said. “Poor Syd—and you. Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. Just a little rattled by the whole thing. She was doing so well.”

“Until something brought it all back again,” Maddie said. “Do you want me to stay? In case she wakes up?”

Luke shook his head. “You need to get home to Thomas.”

“Janey and Joe are with him. They were at our house when Mac got your text.” Maddie rested her hand on Luke’s arm. “I can stay if you think you might need some help tonight.”

As much as Luke feared Sydney waking up and remembering what’d nearly happened, he had a feeling she might not want extra people around for that, even her close friend. He wondered if she’d want him around for that. Well, she was stuck with him, and somehow he’d get her through it. “I’ll have her call you in the morning, okay?”

Maddie nodded. “If you’re sure.”

He was sure of nothing. “Thanks for the offer.”

“Call me in the middle of the night if need be. I’ll come.” She gave Luke a quick hug that caught him off guard for a moment before he returned the embrace.

Mac reached out to squeeze his shoulder. “We’re a phone call away if you need us.”

Overcome by their support and friendship, Luke nodded. “I might not be in tomorrow. If that’s okay.”

“You certainly don’t have to ask. Remember that whole ‘make you a partner in the business’ thing last year?”

“I still forget sometimes,” Luke said with a small smile. “Old habits die hard.”

“Business owners come and go as they please. Don’t worry about tomorrow. I’ll be there all day.”

“Thanks again for coming earlier and for getting Buddy for me.”

“Anytime.”

While he and Mac had known each other all their lives and had always been friendly, they’d never been friends until they started working together every day.