Bending, he kissed Audrey’s soft hair, breathing in her light citrus scent. By next summer, there would be three of them.

“Uncle Gabe, Uncle Bull, Audrey!” Regan ran across the grassy grounds followed by her small pack of children and Gryff. His niece was a natural leader, and Gabe couldn’t be prouder. “Come and see our classroom first.”

Herded by the kids, they started with the third-through-fifth-grades’ classroom. Ms. Wilner, the same teacher Regan had last year, was standing beside her desk, talking with visitors.

With a warm smile, she hugged Audrey, then looked her over carefully. “Thank goodness, you’re all right. I’m sorry I didn’t stay longer at the party. I could have helped; I’m a good shot.”

Gabe stared at the curly-headed instructor who was very clearly sincere. She would have willingly put her life at risk to defend others.

Back in L.A., he’d quit the force when it seemed as if the entire civilian population was against him. Here, his problem would be keeping the civilians from getting killed when trying to help.

Damn, he loved this town.

Standing to one side of the grounds, Kit was darned glad that Knox and Chevy had caged off her new landscaping plants last weekend. She’d been thinking only of keeping moose from nibbling, but boy, the mob today would have trampled her knee-high baby shrubs and slender trees.

But the crowd provided an excellent chance to observe the flow of people on the property and make plans.

That curve there should definitely be turned into a pathway.

The area just below the rise cried out for a shade tree and a comfy bench for a student or teacher who wanted a little quiet time.

“Ms. Sandersen?” a man called.

Tensing at an unfamiliar voice, Kit turned.

A businessman with white hair and a receding hairline stood at a polite distance.

She was apparently still a bit nervy after last weekend, wasn’t she? Get it together, Kit. She was not only in a crowd, but…she had backup, as Hawk would call it.

JJ, who was patrolling the crowd, was veering closer.

Chatting with Principal Jones, Bull had his gaze on Kit.

On the playground, Hawk was pushing Aric on a swing…and watching. He glanced at the white-haired man, then grinned.

Okay then. Kit smiled. “Yes, I’m Ms. Sandersen. Can I help you?”

“I’m hoping you can.” He held his hand out. “I’m John Biese, and I handle the facilities and grounds management at McNally’s Resort.”

She shook his hand, pleased that his handshake was all business. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“I have to admit to poor behavior. The COO and I were eating lunch—and eavesdropping—when you were telling Hawk what you would change about the resort’s landscaping.” He gave her a rueful smile.

She winced. How badly had she criticized the grounds? “I’m sorry?”