A soft knock on the door had her raising her head from her knees and wiping her face.

“Syd. Let me in. I know you’re upset. You don’t need to be alone.”

Riveted by his voice, she couldn’t bring herself to move.

“Come on, baby. Let me in.”

Tears cascaded down her face.

“Sydney.” His voice was so soft, so tender. “I’m not leaving you alone. I figured out about two seconds after you walked away that you were on the verge of a meltdown and didn’t want me to see you that way again. But I’m not going anywhere. You can melt down every day if you need to. I’ll be right here with you.”

Sobs hiccupped through her, one right after the other. All at once, she was on her feet, opening the door. Braced in the doorway, arms over his head, his tall frame took up most of the space. He scooped her up with one arm and carried her into the house.

“Hold on,” he whispered. “Hold on to me.”

Sydney wrapped her arms and legs around him and buried her face in his neck, comforted by his familiar scent.

He lowered them into a big easy chair, settling her on his lap. “It’s okay, baby. Get it all out. I know how scared you must’ve been all night long. I was scared, too. Buddy is such a good boy, and he’s been right by your side when you needed him most.”

All the fear and dread and worry about Buddy melded with the ongoing grief she lived with every minute of every day, making her feel weak and defeated. She’d tried so hard to put her life together again, but two frightening episodes had set her back.

They sat there until long after the sun came up and lit the room. Luke stroked her hair and whispered soft words until no tears were left, until her sobs became an occasional hiccup. Telling her again to hold on, he lifted her and headed for the stairs, going directly to the room he knew was hers from years of throwing pebbles at her window.

He set her down next to the bed and helped her out of her clothes and into the oversize T-shirt she slept in. Next, he led her to the bathroom and waited outside the door for her before he tucked her into bed and stretched out next to her on top of the comforter.

“Come here, Syd.”

She turned into his embrace, taking comfort from his strength.

His lips were warm against her forehead. “Sleep, baby. Close your eyes and let it go for a while. I’ve got you.”

Sydney released a long shuddering breath and closed her eyes, relieved to let it all go, relieved to be surrounded by his unconditional love.