“I don’t know, Bell.”

I leaned a hip against the counter, meeting Ford’s gaze. “We’ll be fine. Doors will be locked while you’re away.” I hated the worry in Ford’s eyes. Loathed what it might mean. The idea that Ford might have confused concern for love had landed in my head somewhere around three a.m., and I hadn’t been able to let it go.

Kara’s gaze bounced from my face to Ford’s and down to our clasped hands. She gave a little squeal. “I heard some talk around town, but seeing it…you two just make me so happy.”

She threw her arms around Ford, and he released my hand to pat her back. “Okay, Mom. Let’s dial it back.”

Frank chuckled. “Come on, Kara, let the kids breathe.”

She turned on her husband, giving him a mock glare. “You will not steal my joy in this moment. My boy is dating a girl I love like my own daughter. I’m allowed to be excited.”

Frank grinned. “Just don’t strangle them with one of those overexcited hugs.”

“I’d never.” Kara wrapped an arm around my shoulders. “You two go for your walk. And take a long one. I need time with my girl.”

Warmth flooded me at Kara’s words, but a sinking dread followed closely on its heels. So many people would be affected if this relationship blew up in my face.

“Make sure you lock the door, Mom.”

Kara waved her son off. “I will, I will.” We stepped inside, and she flipped the lock. “He’s protective of you, huh?”

I grimaced. “Just a little.”

Kara laughed. “You’ll get used to it.” She glanced out the window. “And it should ease when they catch whoever’s doing this.”

“I hope so.”

Kara led me into the kitchen, where ingredients were already laid out for chocolate chip cookies. I smiled at the familiar sight. I’d spent countless afternoons in this kitchen growing up, making these very cookies. There was a lived-in warmth here that had always been absent at my own home. There was never a rebuke for making a mess, but you’d always be expected to clean it up. There was never criticism for making a mistake in the baking, just a gentle hand showing you the way. Tears pricked the corners of my eyes.

Kara gripped my shoulders. “What is it, honey?”

The flood I’d been trying to hold back spilled over. And once it started, I couldn’t stop it. The tears tracked down my face faster and faster. I didn’t know how to answer her, couldn’t put into words what was wrong. I gasped for breath. “I’m scared.” The words were out before I could even consider what they meant.