He didn’t speak for a long moment. “Thought it’d be safer if I left. I’m sorry.”

Even if it would hurt him, he’d do anything to keep them safe. Dear heavens, she’d seen his face when he told them he’d shouted at Aric. So devastated.

“You should be sorry.” She rubbed her cheek against his shoulder. “Don’t even think about leaving, or I’ll sic Aric and Regan on you.”

Because he was a total pushover when it came to the children.

“You got a mean side, woman.” He brushed her hair out of her face with one hand and lifted her chin with the other.

Who knew gray-blue eyes could be so warm?

“I love you, too, you know.” The words in his deep rasping voice filled her heart.

And then he kissed her.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

The purpose of life is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

“My God, Hawk has a really effective shout.” Erica leaned on the receptionist desk in the municipal building. “He silenced them. We should hire him.”

“Were the children upset?” Kit asked. There was no summer school today, and the young woman had come in to talk about Aric’s fight yesterday. And about Hawk.

Erica snorted. “Aric was the only one who was really scared—and, honestly, a lot of things set him off. After he calmed down, your boy wrapped himself around Hawk like a monkey.”

Kit smiled. Of course he had. Aric trusted Hawk right down to the ground. Like Kit did. “Aric is supposed to apologize to Rachel. If he forgets, can you remind him?”

“Sure. She gets to apologize for shoving.” Erica rolled her eyes. “After Aric and Hawk left, I had a talk with the children about better ways to disagree and about saying you’re sorry.”

“You’re an amazing caregiver. I’m glad Aric has you this summer.”

“Oh, god, that’s so cool to hear.” Erica beamed. “I’ve decided that childcare is going to be my career. Who knew I’d want to follow in Mom’s footsteps?”

Kit laughed. “I was hoping Aric would follow in mine, but I think Hawk enticed him into wanting to fly.”

“Of course he did.” Erica rolled her eyes. “Those Hermitage guys make anything look sexy.”

Now there was a truth. “Oh, I wanted to tell you, we’re having an all-female celebration on Saturday at the roadhouse. I hope you and your mom can come. Audrey’s pregnant. ”

“I heard! It’s so awesome, and one more way to make sure our Chief and librarian stay here where they belong. I turned twenty-one last month, so yay, I can get into the bar.” With a wave, Erica headed out, sidestepping two people coming in.