CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

As the clock ticked ever closer to five-thirty, Hailey’s stomach did cartwheels in anticipation. In the bathroom, she brushed her hair, dabbed on some perfume, and checked her makeup.

“Hailey?” Gran’s voice echoed down the hallway.

“Coming.” She checked herself one last time in the mirror, making sure she didn’t have anything in her teeth.

Hailey strolled out into the living room keeping her nerves under control. Peter stood there in gray shorts and a black shirt that fit him snugly in all the right places. His eyes widened almost imperceptibly when he turned and saw her. “Hi. You look beautiful.”

“Thank you.” This dress is a winner.

“Are you ready?”

Hailey was more than ready. “Where are we going?” she asked.

A playful smile stretched across his mouth. “It’s a secret.”

“Sounds exciting,” Gran said, clasping her hands together.

Gramps was sitting in his recliner. He adjusted his blue shirt and then said with some effort, “You t-t-wo, h-h-h-aaaaaaaavvvve fffff-uuun.”

“Thank you. I think we’ll do just that,” Peter said brightly. “I’ll take good care of her, Harry.”

“You b-b-betttttterrrr.” Gramps pointed at him and smiled.

Hailey bent over and gave Gramps a kiss on the forehead. “You and Gran going to bingo?”

Gramps rolled his eyes.

“Maybe you’ll win.” Hailey said.

“He doesn’t enjoy bingo like I do. Thinks it’s rigged,” Gran said, her silver dangly earrings swaying as she spoke. “It’ll do him good to get out for a bit. Dee will be here to pick us up soon.”

Gramps shrugged.

Gran gave Hailey a kiss on the cheek. “I’ll leave the porch light on.”

Peter escorted Hailey to his car and they started driving.

“You really aren’t going to tell me what we’re doing tonight?” Hailey’s curiosity kicked in.

“Nope.” He smirked.

“I’m not a huge fan of surprises. Just so you know. I like to be prepared.”

“This is a good surprise.” He nodded with a grin. “You’ll like it. Trust me.”

That’s exactly what she was doing—trusting him. She hoped it wouldn’t come back to bite her.

They pulled into a parking lot. “Here we are,” he said with enthusiasm.

Peter opened her door and they walked over to a landing pad. The sun was beginning its descent over the bay and a few birds flew overhead.

“I read some good reviews about this dinner cruise, but I haven’t been on it,” Peter said.

“Dinner cruise? I’ve never been on one. Sounds . . . fun.” What she wanted to say was that it sounded romantic, but she thought better of it. Hailey didn’t want to read anything into this date.

“I guess this is a first for both of us,” Peter said as they walked across a bridge onto the deck.

The boat had a huge wooden paddle behind it, which reminded her of the Mark Twain Riverboat in Disneyland. When they entered the dining area inside, succulent smells of roasted meat, fresh-baked bread, and garlic floated in the air. White linen tablecloths adorned the tables, and a small bouquet of red silk roses sat in the middle of each one. A tall woman dressed in a white blouse and black pants directed them to a table for six next to a large window that overlooked the water.

“This is pretty out here.” Hailey noticed all the vegetation along the banks.

Peter pulled out a chair for Hailey, then sat next to her.

Another couple was seated at their table.

“Hi, I’m Abbie,” a platinum-blonde, petite woman said. “And this is my husband, Brad.” She giggled.

“In case you can’t tell, we just got married,” the man with wavy brown hair and a goatee said.

Great. We’re sitting at a table with newlyweds. This is going to be awkward. Hailey gave them her best smile.

“When did you get married?” Peter asked.

“Three weeks ago,” Abbie cooed. “It was so romantic. Our ceremony was at the beach right at sunset.”

Brad reached his arm around his bride and pulled her close. “And she was the most beautiful bride.” He kissed her.

Two empty chairs were still available at the table, and Hailey worried another newlywed couple would sit with them.

Brad pointed at Hailey and Peter. “How long have you been married?”

“Us?” Hailey laughed nervously. “Oh, we aren’t married.”

“At least not yet,” Abbie said with another giggle and then turned and snuggled into her husband.

What did she mean by that? Hailey was sure her face matched her red dress.

“This is our table,” a middle-aged lady with short black hair said. She sat next to Hailey, then pulled out her phone.

A balding man with glasses sat across from the lady. “I guess we’ll be eating dinner with you,” he said. “My name is Rick and this is my wife, Samantha.”

“Nice to meet you,” Peter said, then introduced Hailey and himself.

Samantha kept scrolling on her phone while Rick leaned back in his chair and gazed around the dining area. Neither of them seemed interested in conversation with each other or with anyone else at the table.

Hailey turned to the newlyweds, but they were wound up in each other’s arms. She gazed at Peter, who gave her a helpless look. It seemed that they had two people at the table who couldn’t get enough of each other and another two who had more than their share. Where did that leave them?

“The prime rib is excellent according to what I read,” Peter said, scooting closer to Hailey.

“I love prime rib. T-bones, sirloin, filet mignon. You name it, I love it.” Hailey’s mouth watered.

Peter gazed at her and raised his eyebrows. “You do?”

Hailey nodded. “Oh, yeah.”

“Most women prefer chicken or no meat at all.” Peter casually draped his arm across the back of her chair.

“Back in Colorado, we used to get a side of beef every year. Gramps insisted. He grew up on a cattle ranch.” Happy memories of her childhood poured in, and suddenly she longed to share her hometown with Peter, but she quickly tied those feelings into a nice, neat package and tucked it away.

“Harry was a cowboy?” Peter’s eyes widened.

“He sure was. And he used to ride broncs on the rodeo circuit.”

“Really?” Surprise splayed on his face. “Never would’ve guessed that.”

“Gran made him give rodeoing up after they got married. She wanted a family man who was home with the kids. They lived on the ranch, and Gramps took care of the animals and milked the cows.”

Peter moved in closer. A whiff of his musky cologne floated past her nose, putting her nerves on alert. “How did he end up on the police force?”

“Hard to make ends meet on a ranch. His older brother took it over when my great-grandpa died, and Gramps thought that was a good time to make a change, but he still helped when he could.”

“Fascinating.”

Hailey twirled a lock of her hair. “Gramps used to take me hunting on the ranch.”

“You hunt?” He blinked a couple of times.

“I’m a pretty good shot, if I do say so myself.” She paused, then smiled. “And I do.”

“You’re blowing my mind.” He blinked again. “I never would’ve imagined you were a hunter.”

“Well, I was never a fan of gutting the deer or skinning it, but I love fresh venison.” She could almost taste it.

“And you ride horses?” His full attention was on her and it radiated warmth like the midmorning summer sun.

“When I was a kid, I used to spend time during the summer there riding John.”

“John?”

“He was a Quarter Horse. Big, deep brown, and full of muscles. Nothing better than riding him in the field and feeling the wind whip through my hair.” The freedom and pure happiness she felt during those carefree days flashed through her memory.

“You are definitely a western girl.” His fingers brushed her bare arm, sending prickles across her skin.

“I am.” She leaned in. “What about you? I mean, besides being the Lakeridge Swing Jumping Champ, what else did you do?” Being this close to Peter made her heart flutter.

“After my many championship jumps, I retired and spent time at the beach.”

“Beach bum, then?” It was easy to imagine him on the beach with his trim body and sun-bleached blond hair.

“Kinda.” He smiled, his hypnotic eyes drawing her in. “I did a lot of scuba diving and fishing. My dad and I would drive over on a Saturday morning from Orlando and spend the day fishing at different spots. Spent a lot of time talking about life and waiting for the fish to bite.”

“I used to fish with Gramps back in Colorado, and one time he took me on a big boat here when I was visiting. It was so much fun.”

“Maybe we could all go fishing sometime. It’d be great fun with Harry and June.” His gaze held hers, making her stomach twist and turn like she was on a rollercoaster while energy sparked between them.

“Excuse me,” someone said, breaking the spell.

Hailey looked up to see a waitress with a salad in her hand. Hailey cleared her throat and settled back in her chair, noticing the temperature had increased several degrees. At least it felt that way.

After the salads had been handed out, Samantha wrinkled her nose and said, “This looks like that bagged salad you get at the grocery store.”

“Maybe you could enjoy it, instead of complaining,” Rick said without emotion.

“Maybe if we went to a place I wanted to go, I wouldn’t have to complain,” she said sourly.

“Are you kidding me? You said you wanted to go on a dinner cruise.” Rick sat back, a look of disdain crossing his face.

“Not this weekend.”

They began to bicker and Hailey made a mental note to never become someone like that. What a miserable way to live.

A few minutes later, the waitress placed the prime rib on the table. The newlyweds barely noticed. All they could do was gaze into each other’s eyes with an occasional giggle from Abbie. Hailey envied that and hoped someday she’d have the same thing.

“This prime rib is excellent,” Peter said.

“Practically melts in my mouth.” Hailey took a bite of the asparagus drizzled with garlic butter. “I’ve never liked asparagus much, but this is so good.”

“And the rolls taste like my mom’s,” Peter said. “But don’t tell her that.”

“I won’t.” Hailey patted her chest. “You can trust me.”

Peter smiled.

Hailey took a few more bites of the tender meat. “This was a great idea. An awesome idea. A superb idea, in fact.” She stopped herself from rambling on anymore and hoped she didn’t sound too over-the-top enthusiastic.

“I agree.” Peter bit into his asparagus, then licked his lips, drawing Hailey’s attention to his mouth. All she could think about was feeling his soft, full lips on hers, tasting his kiss, and losing herself in his strong embrace. Her heart drummed a steady beat in her ears while delectable thoughts of kissing Peter circled round her head.

Peter looked up at her, making her realize she was staring and letting her mind go wild with all sorts of risky thoughts. She smoothed her hair and said, “Uh, yeah, I was just thinking that this dinner is so . . . good.” It was the best she could do. I’m so transparent. He totally knows I was thinking about him.

“I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”

“I am. Aren’t you? I mean, it’s delicious, don’t you think?” She sounded like a babbling teenager wrapped up in too many conflicting emotions.

Peter peered at her, making her feel dizzy. “I’m enjoying everything.”

The way he said it didn’t leave much doubt as to what he meant. “Me too,” she said, steadying herself against the impulse to wrap her arms around his neck and kiss him. Do not be impulsive.

After they finished dinner, the waitress brought them each a slice of cheesecake with strawberry sauce.

“Your dessert,” Peter said with a smile. “I’ve made good on the bet now.”

Hailey took a bite of the creamy goodness. “You have.”

“When we’re done, there’s dancing on the upper deck.”

“Dancing?” Could this night be any more magical?

He nodded.

They finished the decadent dessert and then headed up the stairs. The music hadn’t started so they strolled to the front of the boat. Hailey leaned against the railing. “What a beautiful evening.” Twilight was settling in and a soft breeze blew from the south. The water across the bay rippled, then lapped at the side of the boat. Peter leaned against the railing, his upper arm slightly touching Hailey’s arm. They stood there, gazing out on the water but not saying anything, while a peaceful, pleasant feeling encased them.

Some instrumental music began to play. Peter extended his hand and Hailey eagerly took it, loving again how his hand fit so comfortably around hers. They made their way back into the dance area.

A woman with long purple-streaked hair wearing a bright purple spaghetti-strap shirt lifted a microphone to her mouth and said, “Welcome to Moonlight Cruise on the Bay. We’re happy you’re here with us tonight. How about we get this party started?” The crowd clapped and a man in the back whistled. “First off, let’s dance to one of my favorites, Tim McGraw,” she said.

The guitar intro started to “I Like It, I Love It.”

Peter said, “Would you like to dance?”

“Do you know the swing?” Hailey asked. “Not the jumping out of kind, but the dance steps?”

“Yes, I do. My mom insisted I take dance classes when I was twelve. I hated it, of course, but she wanted me to be a gentleman. At the end of the class, we all had a big dance.” They stood at the edge of the dance floor holding hands and talking.

Hailey smiled at the thought of a twelve-year-old Peter at a dance. “Like a formal one?”

“Yeah. We dressed up in suits and had to ask girls to dance. It was quite the event.”

“Especially at that age.” She remembered being twelve and wasn’t so sure she would’ve been game to take dance lessons.

“It’s still seared into my memory.” He tapped his forehead.

Sure he was exaggerating, Hailey said, “That sounds a little daunting.”

Peter let out a whistle. “I think Carol Anne Stevens would agree.”

“Oh yeah?” She had to hear this story.

He drew his brows together. “I did mention the girls wore long dresses?”

Hailey shook her head.

“And that I was clumsy?”

She shook her head again.

“And that when I stepped on Carol Anne’s dress it kind of ripped.”

Hailey covered her mouth. “A big rip?”

“The biggest.” He pursed his lips and nodded.

“Oh no.” She pictured a young girl standing on the dance floor with a gaping hole exposing her underside.

“So, yeah, seared into my memory.”

“We can skip the dance. You know, if it brings back painful memories,” she said with a grin and a playful nudge with her arm.

Peter placed his hand on the small of her back and guided her out to the dance floor. They began to swing. Hailey wasn’t as graceful as she’d hoped and stepped right on Peter’s foot, but he acted as though it didn’t hurt. They scooted across the dance floor and did a two-step to the next song. Hailey was having so much fun and trying her best not to step on his foot again.

After some vigorous dancing, Peter said between breaths, “Let’s go outside.” He reached his hand out for Hailey and she readily took it.

The air wasn’t much cooler outside, but it was a welcome relief to get away from the crowd on the dance floor. Dusk had turned to night.

“You are quite a dancer,” Peter said.

“Better than your partner in dance class?”

Peter smiled. “Yes. And you aren’t a foot taller than me, either. That’s a bonus.”

Hailey stood on her tiptoes. “Not into tall girls?”

“Not in middle school. Way too intimidating.”

“You were intimidated by girls?”

He nodded emphatically. “Very much so.”

“I find that hard to believe.”

He turned around and leaned against the railing. “Let’s see. I don’t think I hit a hundred pounds until I was a sophomore, maybe even a junior, in high school. My nickname was Pee Wee Pete, thanks to a couple neighbor boys.”

“I see.” Hailey bit her lip so she wouldn’t smile.

“I’d like to think I don’t earn that name anymore.”

Arching a brow, she said, “Fishing for a compliment, Mr. Stafford?”

He straightened. “No. I wasn’t fishing. I didn’t mean . . .”

Hailey let out a laugh. She found his humility charming.

“Can I get you a drink?” he asked.

“I’d love an ice-cold lemon water. All this dancing has made me thirsty.”

“I’ll be right back.”

Hailey watched him walk away. He was the total package. Gorgeous. Funny. Fun. Kind. Compassionate. Their conversation was engaging, and she was having a wonderful time tonight. But how long could it last? She’d eventually go back to her life in Colorado and never see him again. Of course, they could enjoy some fun—except Peter wasn’t the sort of man you simply had fun with. He was the sort of man you made a life with.

“As you ordered.” Peter handed her a glass of water with a lemon floating at the top.

“Nothing quenches my thirst like water. And it’s so hot here I think I must drink two gallons a day.” She sipped the cool liquid, letting it slide down her dry throat.

“Florida heat and humidity are an acquired taste, I suppose, but I can’t imagine living anywhere else.”

When the music slowed and Taylor Swift’s song, “Enchanted,” started to play, Peter guided Hailey out to the dance floor. Peter pulled her close to him—close enough she feared he could feel her heart beating furiously inside her chest. His hand was strong and certain against her back, and in the other hand he clutched hers, slowly bringing it to him, making the nerves up and down her arm start to twitch. Swaying back and forth, Hailey lost herself in his capable arms—the music, the dancing, the romantic setting—and felt as though she could stay here and dance like this all night. Like the title of the song, she was finding herself enchanted by this man and hoping he felt the same. Despite Hailey’s efforts to lock her heart, Peter had found the key.

When the song ended, Peter led her out to the deck. The warm breeze washed over her while the moon perched above them in the sky. Peter reached his arm around her as they gazed across the water. Neither of them said anything.

“This is a perfect night,” she said, breaking the silence. Everything about this date was flawless. In the Great Book of Dating, this would absolutely be number one. The only thing that could make it better would be a kiss under the moonlight.

As if reading her mind, Peter turned her around so they were facing each other and peered deeply into her eyes.

Her gaze was drawn to his lips as he moved closer to her. A whiff of his cologne awakened all her senses. He ran his finger along her neckline, inciting a mass eruption of goosebumps from her neck to her toes. Her breathing became labored as his lips hovered over hers. She’d never wanted a kiss as much as she wanted this one. Right here. Right now. His warm lips brushed hers softly, delicately, leaving her breathless and yearning for more. Once again, his mouth covered hers, gently at first, but then more confidently. Her lips tingled and sent ripples of energy coursing through her body. He brought her even closer, their bodies melding together as one while his strong hands caressed her back. It was as if no one else existed on the boat, or on the planet for that matter. Every part of her was consumed with desire to kiss him long and hard and never stop.

He finally pulled away, drew in a deep breath, and then brushed a tendril of hair from her face. “I don’t know what’s happening, but I like it.”

She nodded. Definitely enchanted.

“I don’t want this night to end,” he whispered.

Hailey loved his honesty. “Me either.”

They spent the rest of the boat ride arm in arm. Hailey wasn’t sure what all of this meant, but, at the moment, she didn’t care. She only wanted to be here with Peter. Nothing else mattered.

When the boat docked, they walked leisurely with arms around each other to the parking lot. Inside the car, Peter grasped her hand and held it in his. He drew it to his mouth and lightly kissed each knuckle, sending such a strong current through her body that she was afraid it might paralyze her limbs.

On the drive back, Peter asked,” What kind of music do you like?”

“I’m pretty eclectic. I like Twenty-One Pilots, Neck Deep, and Aerosmith. And I listen to Rascal Flatts, Boston, and I love a few of Taylor Swift’s songs.” Especially “Enchanted.”

“You’re right.” He laughed. “That’s quite a spectrum of music.”

“What about you? Besides the Beatles, what other music do you like?”

He glanced at her. “I used to listen to heavy metal back in the day.”

“Really?” That didn’t seem to fit him.

“In high school, I played the electric guitar. I was even part of a band.”

“Seriously?” She’d completely misjudged this man. What other surprises did he have? “What was the name of your band?”

“The Screaming Dolphins.”

She didn’t want to laugh out loud, but that was a ridiculous name. Instead she said, “That’s interesting.”

“Yeah. We didn’t make it too far down the road to fame and fortune.” He paused. “Plus most of our parents refused to let us practice in their garages. But, in our minds, we were legendary.”

“You ever play the guitar now?”

He shook his head. “I gave it up when I went to college. I needed all the time I could find to study and learn as much as possible about language and speech.”

Hailey gazed out the window. “Of all the things that could’ve been affected by his stroke, speech was the worst one for Gramps. I sure hope . . .”

“Harry is already beginning to regain his speech and have conversations.” Peter squeezed her hand as if giving her encouragement. “With you helping him, he can’t lose.”

“Thanks.” She appreciated Peter’s positive attitude and his encouragement, and she hoped he was right. More than anything, she wanted Gramps to regain all his speech, and for things to go back to normal.

“I was thinking we could plan a picnic at Cocoa Beach,” Peter said.

“That sounds awesome. We could—” Hailey’s phone started playing “Hello.” Worst timing ever. I don’t want anyone calling me right now. Why didn’t I turn off the ringer?

“You should answer it,” Peter said.

Hailey reluctantly pulled her phone out and looked at the caller ID. “Gran?” she said.

“Oh, Hailey,” Gran said through sobs.

“What is it?” Hailey’s stomach clenched and her pulse beat erratically.

“It’s Harry.”

“Gramps?” Please don’t say he’s had another stroke. Please!

“Something’s happened. I don’t know.” Gran wept. “I called 911. The paramedics are here.”

“I’ll be there as soon as possible.” Hailey’s eyes brimmed with tears and her throat swelled three times its size.

“Please hurry.”

Hailey ended the call, blood rushing through her veins.

“What’s wrong?” Peter asked with urgency.

“EMTs are at the house.” Dread filled Hailey’s lungs as she struggled to breathe.

“Another stroke?” His voice was thick.

Hailey wiped at her eyes, fear threatening to suffocate her. “Gran doesn’t know.”

“I’ll get us there as fast as I can.”

The drive over was a blur, a million thoughts pinging in Hailey’s mind. A lump formed in her throat and grew exponentially the closer they got to the house. Gramps has to be okay. He has to be.

When they arrived at the house, Hailey flung open the door of the car and jumped out. With each step, she felt as though she were swimming against an unrelenting current. Finally, she made it to the front door and went inside. The thick, stale air weighed heavy on her chest. Two women wearing EMT uniforms stood next to the door.

“What’s going on?” Hailey asked, her heart rapping against her ribs and adrenaline shooting through her veins.

The woman with black hair said, “When we arrived, we checked his vitals and couldn’t find a heartbeat.”

“You did CPR, right? He’s okay.” Hailey looked between the two women. “Gramps is okay, right?” A cold sweat began to envelop her.

“We’ve done all we can,” the other woman with short red hair said. “I’m sorry.”

“No, no, no. Do not say that. You keep trying.” Tears spilled down her cheeks. “Do you hear me? You keep trying.” Her voice felt rough and harsh, and her hands wouldn’t stop shaking.

Gran came over and draped her arms around Hailey.

“He can’t be gone. Tell them to keep trying.” Hailey buried her face in Gran’s neck. After several moments, she said, “This can’t be happening. He was fine when we left. You were going to bingo.” Hailey stepped back and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. “What happened?”

Gran looked at her with red-rimmed eyes. “We went to bingo, and I even won a game.” She took in several breaths. “Dee brought us home and I asked him if he wanted anything to eat or drink. He wanted to watch TV.” Tears welled up in her eyes. “I was only in the bedroom for a short time. When I came back into the living room, he was slumped over in his chair. I couldn’t get him to respond.” Gran started sobbing, so Hailey hugged her close, refusing to look in the direction of his chair. “I had no idea he was . . .” Gran didn’t finish her sentence.

Hailey and Gran stood there locked in a tight embrace. Hailey wanted to comfort Gran. She wanted to comfort herself. He can’t be gone. He can’t be.

“I don’t know what I’ll do without him.” Gran seemed so tiny in Hailey’s arms—so fragile, as if she’d break at any moment.

“What can I do to help?” Peter asked, reminding Hailey he was still there.

Hailey stepped away from Gran and shrugged. Her eyes were on fire. This couldn’t be it for Gramps. Not yet. She wasn’t ready.

Peter caressed her shoulder, then pulled her to him. Through her tears she said, “This isn’t real. I don’t believe he’s gone.” Hailey gulped for oxygen like she was drowning. How could he be gone so fast?

“I’m so sorry,” Peter said softly.

Gran started sobbing, so Hailey went to her and held her.

“It could’ve been a heart attack or a stroke,” a male EMT with glasses and wearing blue gloves said. “We’ve put in a call to the coroner.” He gazed at Hailey with sympathy in his eyes. “I’m sorry.”

“Thank you,” was all Hailey could say to the paramedic.

The coroner, a dark-skinned man with gray hair, arrived a short time later, and spoke about arrangements for Gramps, but Hailey’s mind was so muddled and her emotions so raw, she could barely function. Pull yourself together so you can take care of Gran.

Peter stepped up and said, “I’ll make some calls.”

“You will?” Hailey had never been so grateful.

“Yes. You need to focus on June. I can take care of this.”

A flood of relief washed over Hailey. “Thank you.”

“I’ll be here as long as you need me.” Peter gave her a hug, then pulled out his phone.

It was surreal—Hailey was there but not there at the same time. The air was dank and clingy, enveloping her in disbelief and sorrow. Her heart was shattered for Gran, but also for herself. How could this have happened? He’d been fine and she’d been enjoying a magical date with Peter. Then, in an instant, it all changed.

She and Gran sat on the couch in silence for what seemed like hours until a knock sounded at the door. Two men in dark clothing came in and loaded up Gramps to take his remains away. A piece of Hailey’s heart left with them.

She turned her attention back to her grandmother, who was silently crying in Peter’s arms.

“Let’s get you a glass of water and then you can lie down,” Hailey said.

“I don’t know what I’m going to do. Harry was everything to me,” Gran said. “I can’t believe he’s gone.”

Hailey gave her some water, then guided her down the hall to her bedroom. “I don’t want you to worry about anything. Please try to rest.”

Gran sniffed. “I’ll try.”

Hailey made her way back to the living room feeling like she wore cement boots. Her whole body ached with sadness.

“Thank you for being here, Peter.”

He pulled her into an embrace. “I’m so sorry.”

Hailey let the tears flow as she hung onto him. “He was fine when we left. How did this happen?”

“This is the most difficult part of my job. It’s hard losing people we love.” He kissed her tenderly on the forehead.

“I wish I’d talked to him one more time. Told him I loved him one more time. I feel so . . . empty.” She let out a long, mournful breath.

“He knew you loved him.” Peter held her close. “No doubt about that.”

“My heart hurts so much.”

Peter guided her over to the couch and they sat. He put his arm around her, and Hailey snuggled into him, needing the comfort he offered. Hailey lost track of how long they sat there.

Finally, she said, “I thought he was going to get better. That he’d get back to his old self. I didn’t think he’d die. I mean, I knew it was a possibility, but I didn’t think it’d actually happen.”

Peter stroked her hand, but didn’t say anything.

“I thought I’d come here and help, then leave when things were back to normal. I thought it might take a month or so, but I figured he’d be better, and they’d both go on living for years.” She shook her head. “I should’ve stayed here with them tonight. Maybe if I’d been here . . .”

“You can’t do that to yourself.” Peter said. “You can’t second guess what you do.”

“But maybe I could’ve saved him.” If she’d been thinking about her grandparents instead of herself, Gramps might still be alive.

“I’ve learned in my career that I can’t play the What-If game. I have to treat people the best I can and live the best I can and then trust God to take care of the rest.”

“I feel so sad.” Sad didn’t seem to adequately convey the depth of her sorrow.

“Harry was a good man and he lived a good life.”

Hailey sat up and wiped at her face. “What do we do now?”

“You’ll need to make arrangements for the funeral.”

A waterfall of tears splashed down her cheeks, and she slumped back against the couch. “I can’t even think about this.”

“I’m here to help in any way I can.”

Peter was so kind and caring. He was a port in this unexpected storm, and she was grateful for his strength. “Thank you. I appreciate you being here. It makes me feel better.”

Hailey leaned her head against his shoulder and closed her eyes. The next thing she knew, her eyelids flew open, and she was lying on the couch with a blanket tucked around her. Peter was on the floor, his head propped up on one of the couch pillows. Early morning light was streaming through the window and it all hit her again with the force of a speeding truck. Gramps is gone.

Warm tears slipped down her face and onto the pillow. Today was going to be hard, but she had to be strong for Gran, who needed her more than ever now.

Hailey glanced down at Peter. He looked so peaceful sleeping there. Her heart was touched that he’d spent his night trying to comfort her. He was a good man. The kind of man she could love for a long time to come. She shook that thought free. Gran needed all of Hailey’s attention and focus right now.

Hailey went to the bathroom and splashed cool water on her face. Her bloodshot eyes stared back at her from the mirror. She had so much to do, including calling her mom and letting her know. And what about Regina? Hailey should find her and tell her, even though Regina was the last person she wanted to find. Under any other circumstances, Regina could stay gone forever, but Hailey knew the right thing to do was to find her aunt.

Hailey tiptoed down the hall and peeked in on Gran, who was still sleeping. What would Gran do? Would she keep living here? Go somewhere else? Maybe go to her sister’s house? Or back to Colorado? Too many unanswered questions rolled around her throbbing head.

When Hailey returned to the living room, Peter was awake and sitting on the couch. He stood. “How are you?” he asked, his eyes full of empathy.

“Still trying to process everything.” Hailey ran her fingers through her hair. “I’m sorry I fell asleep. I didn’t mean for you to have to stay.”

“I wanted to.”

“But you probably have appointments today.”

“I do.” He nodded. “But I can cancel them.”

“No.” Hailey held out her hands. She couldn’t ask him to give up work. Besides, she needed to focus on her grandmother. “You should go to work. It’ll be fine.”

He peered at her with compassion. “Are you sure?”

“Yes.” She wasn’t sure she could handle this at all, but somehow she had to.

“Would it be all right if I came back after work to check on you?”

“I’d like that.” Actually, I’d love that.

Peter smoothed his hair and adjusted the collar of his shirt. He made his way to the front door. “I’ll see you later.”