He wrapped his arm around her waist, and Stella rested her head on his shoulder. She couldn’t get enough contact with his body. It was as if her mind needed more reassurance that he was alive.

They turned into the hallway. Lance was sitting in a chair in a waiting area.

“Can you give me one minute?” she asked Mac.

“Sure.” He moved toward the elevator.

“Why are you here?” Stella asked Lance.

“I drove Morgan.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “I heard Horner got his hair wet.”

“He did.” Stella noticed her boss also made sure he’d appeared on camera in his body armor, but he’d still surprised her. That night was the first time she’d seen him not behind a desk, mirror, or microphone. “Did you really quit?”

“Look, Stella. I can’t control my temper. Physically, I’m not a hundred percent either. I’m a mess. I can’t take the risk of another cop getting hurt because of me.”

“Go back on disability. Get better.” She touched his forearm. “You don’t have to quit.”

“I really do.” He met her eyes. His gaze wandered to the doorway, where Morgan straightened Gianna’s blanket. “I need—I don’t know what I need, but this is the first step in a long time that has felt right.”

Stella glanced back at her sister. “All right, but don’t be a stranger.”

“I have no intention of doing that.” Lance kept his eyes on the doorway. “I promised your grandfather I’d install some security cameras at your house tomorrow. The tech guys came and took theirs back. Art said something about trespassers.”

“Did he?” Stella wondered if Grandpa was still determined to catch the errant dog owner or if he wanted Lance around the house for another reason. Like Morgan. Stella wouldn’t put it past Grandpa to play matchmaker. He’d do anything to alleviate Morgan’s sadness. Stella only hoped Lance didn’t get hurt in the process. He had enough of his own troubles. She needed to have a conversation with her grandfather, as if she had any control over him.

“So I’ll see you tomorrow, Stella.”

“Bye.” She returned to Mac.

They went back to his cabin, took a long hot shower, and fell into bed. The storm had broken the heat. Mac closed and locked all the windows and turned on a fan. He tugged her into his arms. “For a guy who once royally messed up his life, I’m feeling pretty lucky.”

Stella stroked his bare shoulder. “You should.”

He kissed her deeply.

“I’m the one who feels lucky.” Stella rolled him onto his back and spent the next hour showing him just how much she loved him.

Chapter Forty-One

Chapter Forty-One

Monday

The sun shone with staggering brightness over the cemetery.