“Katie, relationships aren’t about anyone owing anyone anything. I want to call you because I want to hear your voice. I want to be with you because... I love being with you. I think I care about you more than I’ve cared about another woman ever.” He gave her a wry smile. “Well, there was Wanda Sterns in high school, and I did have a crush on her, but it fell flat pretty quickly.”

“High-school crushes can be crushing,” she murmured.

“Katie, I want to see where this goes. I think I’m falling in love with you.”

She suddenly felt like she was just made of hot liquid, and she’d melt away...

But in an amazed and grateful way.

“Really?” she whispered.

“I won’t ask you for any commitment at this moment,” he said. “But...would you think about leaving NOLA for a while, coming with me, living in the DC area?”

“I—I—I’d love to, but... I need to figure out the house, leaving... Oh, I’d have to tell Monty, and he’s been the best boss ever. He’ll need to replace me. I think he’s out with a carriage now, but he doesn’t like being a full-time guide.”

“If you’ll just think about it, that’s all I need,” he said softly. “I just want to be with you.”

She smiled. She would have kissed him right there, fallen into his arms...

But Mitch nudged into her side, tail wagging in his urgency to let her know something.

“Let’s get inside,” Dan suggested.

The dogs followed them to the porch, whining.

“They’re acting hungry. I’m pretty sure Monty was out today with Sarah and the carriage that I use. I’m going to feed them.”

“Sounds good. Do you have food?”

Katie laughed. “Dog food? Yes.”

“I meant people food—for us.”

“Yes, I keep food. Look around and see what you’d like. I’m not exactly a gourmet, but I can whip together a few things. Thing is, meat is in the freezer, but we can defrost it quickly.”

As Dan prowled in the refrigerator, Katie poured out three bowls of dog food.

“I’ll just put these on the porch for the boys,” she said.

He nodded absently, then turned to look at her.

“He did kill your parents, Katie. Sonny Hartfield killed your parents along with Jennie, whoever she really was. Jennie has met the same fate. We will get the proof we need. We will get justice for them,” he said softly.

She smiled and nodded.

Then she headed out to the porch, balancing the three bowls of dog food.

She’d thought Jerry, Ben and Mitch would be waiting there, hopefully wagging their tails. They knew she was a sucker for them, and even if they’d eaten, they’d wind up being fed again.

“Guys? Come!” she called. “Mitch? Ben, come on. Jerry!”