I let out a groan. “I swear. This is not me hiding something from you. It’s just—Griffin was driving by when I saw the note. He called Parker and then stayed with me.” Hot tears began to build behind my eyes. “He went with me to get the kids. Took us to the park and for pizza. He slept over on the couch. He made me feel safe.”

God, how long had it been since the safety of my little family hadn’t rested solely on my shoulders? Probably never. And knowing you were responsible for making sure no harm came to three of the most precious beings on the planet? It was exhausting. Totally and completely worth it but tiring in a way that seeped into your bones. For the first time since I’d taken custody of my siblings, I’d relaxed last night. I’d slept so deeply, I hadn’t even heard Mia come out to the living room and wake up Griffin. I’d been at total peace.

Kenna watched me carefully, her mental wheels turning. “He’s good to you.”

“We’re friends, Ken. That’s all.”

“I’m not trying to judge or control, I swear.”

I took in her expression, one that was completely open and accepting. I loved my best friend, but open and accepting wasn’t her usual M.O. She was constantly worried that someone would hurt the people she cared about. But falling in love with Crosby had worked miracles in her life. And it seemed she’d taken our conversation a couple of weeks ago to heart. My shoulders relaxed a fraction. “Thank you. He’s really kind. He’s been great for the kids. And I think we’ve been good for him, too.”

I thought about how much more open Griffin had become over the past weeks. It was as if he’d been in this state of suspended animation, existing but not fully living. My tiny terrors and the chaos they created brought real life back to Griffin’s existence. And I hoped I did, too.

“I’m glad. I really am,” Kenna said.

I rounded the counter and pulled her into a hug. “Thank you.”

“If you start crying on me, I’ll pick up on my overprotective big sister kick again.”

I chuckled as I let her go. “I’ll try to keep it in check.”

Kenna brushed her hair back from her face. “Thank you. Now, tell me about this letter.”

I grimaced but recounted what had happened from finding the note to Parker’s arrival and everything that came after. Kenna let out a low whistle. “Do you really think it’s your mom?”

“Who else would it be? It’s not like I regularly piss people off to that degree. I lead a pretty boring life.” My mind flashed to the scene with Patti. Okay, maybe I pissed people off occasionally.

“What’s with that look?”