“Yes, you,” I growled. “The note was left on your SUV. It was directed at you. I want to know how you plan on keeping yourself safe.”

Her expression hardened. “I’ve been taking care of myself and those three kids for years. I’m not a moron. I have pepper spray in my purse and Parker on speed dial. We don’t have an alarm system, we can’t afford it, but we do have good locks. It’s not fancy, but it works.”

I let out a slew of curses in my mind. “I didn’t mean it that way. I know you take amazing care of those kids and yourself. But this isn’t exactly your everyday safety issue. I’m just worried.”

Some of the stiffness eased out of Caelyn’s muscles. “I’m sorry. I’m just a little sensitive when it comes to people thinking I can’t take care of myself and my family.”

“Understood. But I don’t think that.”

“I know,” she whispered. “I’m just strung a little tight.”

“I think that’s understandable.” There had been a ton thrown at Caelyn over the past few weeks, and she’d had no time to herself to process. “Why don’t I pick the kids up from school? I can take them out to the farmhouse. They can run around, and then you have a little time to yourself before you come pick them up. Get a coffee, go for a walk.”

Caelyn was silent for a moment. “I don’t know.”

“I like having them around. And Will’s supposed to work with me today anyway. I don’t want him riding his bike out to my place alone until we know what’s going on.”

“You’re sure you don’t mind? It’ll be two hours or so until I’m done with work.”

I squeezed her shoulder. “Take a little longer. Give yourself a break. Some time to process this week.”

She nibbled on her bottom lip. “I wouldn’t mind sneaking in a quick yoga practice.”

“Do it.” Caelyn needed time and space for just her, and I’d do whatever I could to help her get it.

“Okay. And I’ll bring my pepper spray.”

I chuckled. “Glad to hear it.”

“Thank you… Again.”

“No thanks needed.” I shoved my hands into my pockets. “What time do you have to be at work?”

Caelyn glanced down at her phone. “Shoot. I need to open in ten minutes.”

“Let’s go, then.”

Caelyn locked the front door, and we headed for the SUV. The trip to The General Store was quiet, my brain taking the time to come up with every possible thing that could go wrong in the next eight or so hours.