He got behind her and gave her a quick push, and when she swung back, he pushed harder, and then again, and again, until she was leaned back in the swing, her dark hair flying out behind her, laughing.

Hunt watched with tears in his eyes, his heart so full of love for her that it hurt to draw breath.

Chapter 10

Richard Borden was inconsolable. There was nothing to be said to make what he’d done okay. He’d worked at the bank for years, but he didn’t go in today. He couldn’t stop crying and was so sick to his stomach that he couldn’t stand without feeling like he was going to pass out. From the moment it happened, he hadn’t stopped praying, and he didn’t know how he was going to take another breath if that little boy died.

It was nearing 5:00 p.m. when Richard’s cell phone rang. When he realized it was Chief Pittman calling, his heart nearly stopped. His voice was shaking as he answered.

“This is Richard.”

“Richard. Chief Pittman here. The Randolph family called and asked me to let you know that Davey’s surgery is over and it was successful. He’s still in the ICU and in critical condition, but his prognosis is good. They know you were at fault, but they also know their child ran into the street. They’re being very generous, and I hope you appreciate their intentions to let you know.”

Richard dropped his head and started sobbing.

“Oh my God, thank you, thank you for letting me know. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to get behind the wheel of a car again, but that doesn’t matter as long as that child heals and lives a long and happy life.”

“Understood,” Lon said. “Have a nice night.”

“You too, Chief. Thank you again.”

Richard put down the phone, then went to tell his family that their prayers had been answered.

* * *

At the same time Richard Borden was receiving good news, Dan Amos was about to be on the receiving end of some not-so-good news.

He was in his office posting invoices, entering rental payments, and smelling all of the good stuff Alice was making for supper, when he heard footsteps coming up the hall. He thought it was Alice coming to tell him supper was ready, but it was his son, Charlie, and Booger, the family bloodhound.

Booger ambled over to where Dan was sitting, and Dan stopped what he was doing to give Booger a scratch on the head.

“Hey, Booger… Hey, Charlie.”

“Hey, Dad, can I talk to you a minute?”

Dan nodded, thinking how tall Charlie had grown since he and Alice had gotten married, and pointed to the chair at the end of his desk.

“Absolutely. What’s on your mind, buddy?”