“Oh shit, if those are half as good as you smell, then I’ll take back anything you want me to.”

The gold in her sea-glass necklace sparkled in the light as she laughed. “Remember to share.”

I let my gaze drop to her breasts. “Never.”

“The cookies, you insufferable man.”

“Right. Cookies.”

Once Finley reappeared with the cat carrier, Morgan cajoled Satan’s mistress into the contraption and packed up the food Fin forgot into a spare bag.

She walked us out, and once Fin was in the car, I kissed Morgan good-bye long and hard outside the garage. “I love you.”

“You’re just saying that because I’m taking Juno so she doesn’t pee in your shoes.” She grinned against my mouth.

“I’m saying it because it’s true.” I cupped the back of her neck and lamented my work schedule for the hundredth time.

“Be safe tonight, okay?” Some of the light died in her eyes. She did her best to lock down the fear, but it was always there, a nail scratch from the surface.

I kissed her hard. “I will. I’ll text you if I end up flying.” She did better if I sent a before and after message, which we’d learned the week after my storm call.

“Okay.”

“I love you, Morgan.” I kissed her one last time, effectively keeping her from muttering something like I adore you.

Then I headed toward Buxton, where Vivian’s house was just a couple blocks off Pamlico Sound.

Brie answered the door with a smile. “Finley!”

“Hi, Aunt Brie!” The two hugged, and I shut the door behind me so the cool air didn’t escape.

The Beach Boys blared from the speakers, and Claire danced her way in, singing about California girls. I had to laugh. She really hadn’t changed that much since college.

“Fin!” Claire stopped dancing and raced over, sweeping Fin into a hug. “Are you ready for the best Fourth of July ever?”

Finley nodded. “Yes! I brought cookies!” She lifted the Ziploc bag that Morgan had given her. “Morgan made them!”

Claire’s smile didn’t falter, but the happiness dimmed in her eyes. “Well, I bet they’re just sweet as can be!”

“Come on, Fin, let’s go find Grandma!” Brie took her hand and off they went.

“Her hair looks great,” Claire said softly.

“It really does,” I agreed, not wanting to draw any more blood than the cookies had.

“Morgan?” she questioned with a wince.

“Yeah, but if it makes you feel any better, she has Juno.”

Claire’s eyes widened. “That cat is the devil.”

“Incarnate, and yet our daughter doesn’t agree.”

Finley appeared through the window, dancing across the deck with Brie, and we both smiled. It was the least antagonistic moment I’d had with Claire since she came home nearly two months ago. Two months. It was the longest she’d ever stayed.