He knew she cared about him. He’d felt it in everything she did and said, but still his heart nearly stopped as she said it. She could have any man she wanted, and she chose him above everyone else despite his faults, flaws, and painful past.

“I take it this is your girlfriend?” Carrie asked, snapping Tobias back to the moment.

“Shit. Where is my head? Sorry. Care, this is Madigan, and she’s more than my girl. She’s my angel. She’s the reason I’m here.”

“That’s not true,” Madigan interjected hastily. “I mean, he calls me angel, but he’s here because he loves you, and he loves your daughter. I’m just the one who wouldn’t stop nagging him to knock on your door.”

“I’m so thankful that you didn’t,” she said.

“Are you guys going to be okay?” Madigan asked.

Carrie looked at him, happiness and hope rising in her eyes and in his heart as they said, “We will be,” at the same time.

TOBIAS LOOKED AT the adorable toddler sleeping with her arm around a stuffed moose. Several strands of dirty-blond hair lay on her pudgy little cheek. Her eyelashes were as blond as blond could be.

“She’s beautiful,” he whispered. “Just perfect. I’m so sorry I wasn’t there for you.”

“Believe it or not, Dad really stepped up after I moved back to the area.” As they left her daughter’s room, she pulled the door behind, leaving it ajar. “He said he got lost after Mom died, and he’s more like he was when we were kids, only different. He’s lost that shine in his eyes, but it’s still in his heart. I guess none of us will ever be the same, but he’s a wonderful grandfather.”

Tobias got choked up. “That’s good.”

“He talks about you and about his regrets. He has a lot of them. I think he’d like to see you if you’re willing to talk to him.”

Tobias looked across the living room at Madigan, who was talking with Zeke at the entrance to the kitchen, thinking about what she’d said the night of the fireworks. The night everything changed between them. I don’t think a person can have too many people who love them in their life. “I’d like that.”

Blaine walked out of the kitchen and said, “You live here alone?”

“With my daughter. Why?” Carrie asked.

“You’ve only got that one lock on the kitchen door. You should have a dead bolt,” Blaine said, heading over to the front windows.

“What’s his deal?” Carrie whispered to Tobias.

“He’s a big brother.” He shrugged, smiling as she rolled her eyes.

“When we have time, I want to hear all about you and Madigan, but for now…” She lowered her voice to whisper, “Her brothers are cute. Are the other two single?”