Because Jersey, Rachel, and Anna were on her mind when she walked into the kitchen, she was only mildly surprised to see Holly and her friends seated around the kitchen table, waiting to hear what she’d learned. Mabel, her mother-in-law, stood at the counter wrapping up the leftovers from the dinner she’d offered to make when Alyssa had called her husband to let him know she’d be late getting home. All four of them twisted their heads in her direction as she put her weapon in the gun safe.

Tears formed in Holly’s eyes when Alyssa came into the kitchen and kissed the top of her daughter’s head. ‘Did you learn anything?’ The tone of her voice clearly showed she wasn’t expecting good news.

‘No, honey, not really. I’m sorry. I wish I could give you better news.’

‘Aunt Natalia told my mom this afternoon that Jersey’s dad returned her call.’ The lines around Sophie’s lips and eyes tightened. ‘He didn’t seem overly concerned, saying she’d come home when she was ready, that she was probably just out “sowing her wild oats.”’ She snorted as Leigh Ann covered Sophie’s hand with her own. ‘I think he’s mistaken his daughter for himself.’

Just then Brock came downstairs, fresh from a shower. His smile lit up when he saw Alyssa. ‘Hi, babe. Do you want me to heat up a plate of food for you? It shouldn’t take too long. We actually just finished about half an hour ago.’

‘Oh, I can get it,’ Mabel offered, already moving back to the refrigerator.

‘Thanks anyway, but Cord and I grabbed a bite to eat about an hour ago.’ She walked over and standing on her tiptoes, kissed her husband. ‘I’m going to sit with the girls for a bit, and then I’ll be in to talk to you, okay?’

Brock’s eyes darted in Holly’s direction before flitting back to Alyssa. ‘Sounds good.’ He leaned down to give her a peck on the forehead before turning to his mother. ‘Care to join me in the living room? I’ll even let you pick what we watch – as long as it’s not one of those hand-someone-a-rose shows you like.’ He shook his head and shuddered.

‘Sure.’ Mabel removed the apron she’d borrowed and draped it over the oven handle, then followed her son into the other room. As she passed Holly, she ran her arthritic hand down her granddaughter’s hair before giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze.

Holly watched her dad and grandma leave before voicing what she was thinking. ‘Isn’t it a bit unfair for us to be going through this again? I mean, isn’t it someone else’s turn?’ The second the words left her mouth, her face flushed. ‘I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that. What I meant is enough is enough. No one should have to endure this ever, but certainly, no one should have to go through it twice.’ Her face paled as she snapped her neck in Alyssa’s direction. ‘Oh my gosh, I can’t stop putting my foot in my mouth.’