“It’s a challenge for sure,” she said. “But the technology has also helped catch tons of bad guys and put them away.”

  “True.” Russ shot to his feet. “I’ll get with Colin on this. For now, Keenan looks like our top suspect.”

  “Agreed,” Ryleigh said.

  “I’ll have my team go back through those video lapses,” he said. “See if we missed anything. And I’ll ask them about the silver-heeled boots.”

  She also told him about the blood in Gates’s truck and Sierra’s take on it.

  “Interesting twist, but she’s right,” Russ said. “We should wait for the DNA. Keep me updated on any developments, and we’ll meet again first thing tomorrow.”

  He spun and departed without waiting to see if they had any questions. He was clearly used to being a leader, something Finn could respect.

  Finn glanced at the clock. “We should get going.”

  Ryleigh sat for a moment before getting up and heading for the door. “I wish these videos had provided answers—not more questions.”

  “Agreed.” He walked by her side to the lobby. He wanted to be the one to give her those answers, but he couldn’t. At least not yet, and that grated on him. He was a fixer. A doer. The past two days had been more waiting and pondering than doing. Not his wheelhouse at all.

  He held the exterior door for her and opened the truck door too. He should be spoiling this woman. Pampering her on a nice date. Not helping her find a killer.

  “We should review Colin’s reports again.” She climbed up on the seat, her mind obviously still on the investigation. “Especially the ones on Keenan, Carla, and the other Sovereign Earth members. Maybe we’ll see something we missed.”

  “We can do that right after Avery goes to bed,” he said, closing her door. He jogged to his side of the vehicle, wishing that they could spend quiet time together instead. Recouping. Refreshing. And getting to know even more about each other.

  Yeah, he’d changed all right. For the better he hoped, but what if once Ryleigh got to know the softer, more relaxed side of him, she didn’t like him?

  She buckled her belt with a solid click. “Can we make time to play a little soccer with Avery? She’s really talented, and I’d love to give her more pointers.”

  “We’ll have to ask her what she wants to do. Pizza night is usually movie night too, but she might make an exception for you.”

  “Either way, some downtime sounds good.” Ryleigh sat back and looked out the window.

  She was done talking. He didn’t mind the silence between them, but he wanted more. Maybe the easiness they’d once shared. Talking. Joking. Laughing. Finishing each other’s sentences. She’d been much more lighthearted than him, and she brought that side out in him too.

  As a SEAL, he’d been constantly on edge. Waiting for danger. Planning and prepping for the worst so it didn’t come to pass and take out anyone on the team. But he’d honestly felt more balanced around her. Relaxed and content.

  Could they ever get that easiness back and find a way to be together even with hundreds of miles between them?

  He hadn’t changed his mind about moving Avery before she was ready. No compromise on that. None at all. And just like he couldn’t see how Keenan got the explosives from the depot, he couldn’t see a way around a long-distance relationship.

  So stow it. Stow your feelings.

  Ryleigh was off limits.

  Remember that. Don’t hurt her again.

  Something else that he couldn’t compromise on either. No matter how painful it was for him.

  The drive to Finn’s house where Avery was being cared for by her babysitter was short, but Ryleigh had relaxed and sleep beckoned. She would love to take a quick nap before dinner, but she also wanted to spend time with Avery.

  What a surprise. Ryleigh had never thought of herself as mother material. She doubted Finn considered himself father material either, but here he was raising a child by himself. And from what Ryleigh had seen, he was putting that can-do SEAL attitude into his every move and doing the best job he could do.

  Ryleigh understood. The child’s terrible loss really spoke to Ryleigh’s heart, and the desire to help Avery find joy in life again ate at Ryleigh. Much like she’d seen in Finn. So tonight, she would relax and forget about the bomber. At least until after Avery had gone to bed.

  Finn pulled into the driveway. Avery sat on the porch steps. She waved wildly at them and then came running.

  Finn stopped shy of the garage. “Something’s up.”

  Ryleigh looked beyond Avery to movement on the porch. “Come on, now. What are they doing here?”

  “Who?” Finn shifted into park.

  “My grandparents.” Ryleigh had to work hard to get the words out over her rising unease. “They’re rocking away on your porch.”

  He glanced at her. “That’s odd.”

  “For most grandparents,” she said. “But not mine. They don’t know what boundaries are in the lives of their grandchildren. It’s sweet but can sometimes be overwhelming.”

  Irritating too, but she wouldn’t speak badly of them. It was love—so deep that Ryleigh only hoped to emulate it one day—that motivated their every action.

  Still, she dreaded this upcoming conversation and sat watching until Finn opened her door.

  He gave her a pointed look. “Coming?”

  Ryleigh got out. She had to believe they arrived to butt into her life. Thankfully, she’d only told Mackenzie about Finn and had sworn her to secrecy or her grandad would give Finn an earful.

  Avery rushed up to Ryleigh and Finn, excitement burning in her eyes. “Your gran and grandad are here. I like them. They’re nice. They brought cookies and other good stuff. I wish I had grandparents as nice as them.”

  Avery grabbed Finn’s hand and dragged him toward the porch. He cast Ryleigh a plea for help, so she somehow got her feet moving, and the three of them reached the steps together. The situation in so many aspects would be idyllic. The sun shone warm and a soft breeze played over the yard, carrying the scent of roses from bushes dividing the next-door property. She was with the man she was falling for and his sweet little girl.

  But then, her grandparents stared at her from the rocking chairs creaking with each move.

  Her gran pushed ruby red glasses up her nose and smiled. “We knew you and this wonderful man would be working hard on the investigation and could probably use a home-cooked meal.”

  “Actually,” Ryleigh said. “Finn cooked a fabulous dinner last night.”

  “He grilled burgers.” Avery thrust her chest out. “They were really good.”

  “Thanks, Peanut.” Finn held his hand out to Ryleigh’s grandmother. “Finn Durham.”

  She clasped his hand firmly and shook. “Eloise Steele, and this is my fine husband, Artie.”

  No way her grandad, who was a former lawman, would sit for an introduction. He stood to shake hands and look Finn in the eye. “Nice to meet you, young man. Were you in law enforcement before your job with Shadow Lake Logging?”

  Finn shook his head. “Retired SEAL.”

  “Impressive,” her grandad said. “Thank you for your service.”

  “Ditto from me,” her gran said. “We should probably get dinner going. Bring the basket, Artie.”

  “Wait,” Ryleigh said. “Saturday night is pizza night. Avery’s tradition.”

  “It’s okay,” Avery said. “She’s making spaghetti, one of my favorites. Your grandad said it was the best spaghetti in all of the world, so I want to have it.” She took Gran’s hand. “Besides. She made her own bread. Can you imagine? Making your own bread. It must be really good.”

  “Avery does like bread,” Finn said.

  Ryleigh’s gran looked down at Avery. “Ryleigh can bake bread too.”

  Avery’s gaze flashed to Ryleigh. “You can?”

  “Yes. Gran taught me.”

  Avery switched her focus to Gran. “Can you teach me too?”

  “Of course. You’re about the same age as when I taught Ryleigh, her sisters, and cousins.”

  Avery shot Ryleigh a wide-eyed look. “You have cousins too?”

  “Three of them. All girls.”

  Avery frowned. “Man. You’ve got it all. A mom and dad, grandparents, and cousins.”

  “I am most blessed,” Ryleigh said, trying to sound convincing while her wayward grandparents stood on Finn’s porch where they really didn’t belong.

  “For now, why don’t we start with teaching you how to make my spaghetti,” her gran said. “Then tomorrow, maybe we can tackle the bread. If not, then on my next visit to see the Maddox family.”

  “You’re staying the night?” The words flew from Ryleigh’s mouth before she could control them. “But where?”

  “The Maddox family kindly offered us a room.”

  “I know Russ and Ryan are bunking there too, so you could stay here if needed,” Finn offered.

  Ryleigh wanted to swat him, but she shoved her hands in her pockets and held her breath as she waited for her gran to answer.

  “Thank you for the kind offer, but we’re looking forward to catching up with the Maddox family. We’ll be glad to join you for church in the morning though.” She clasped Avery’s hand and marched inside.

  Ryleigh wanted to argue. To ask her grandparents to go home before they figured out she had feelings for Finn and really settled in to their favorite pastime. Matchmaking. Which had intensified as she was the only granddaughter without a match. But she loved them with everything she was made of. She would never want to hurt them when they believed they were doing what was best for her.

  It was just like the way God dealt with her—doing what was best for her even though she didn’t see it. Or like it. So many things in her life that seemed like disasters or trials, and she could see God’s hand in them. See how He had used the situation to grow her into the person she was today. If she’d never suffered, she wouldn’t have the compassion she felt for Avery. Or even the compassion she needed to show Finn after the career he loved had come to an abrupt end.

  So she would go with the flow. Let her gran make the meal and hope that things didn’t get too uncomfortable during dinner.

  Finn picked up a box of groceries.

  Her grandad took the cooler next to it and then looked at Finn. “You fish, son?”

  Ryleigh groaned.

  “What?” Her grandad looked at her, a broad smile on his face. “Can’t a fella ask a question?”

  “Honestly, I’m surprised it took you this long to ask him. Seems like it might be a record.” She laughed.

  “Hey,” he said. “It’s been like five minutes since we met. I’m sure I’ve waited to ask someone far later than that.” He chuckled and went toward the door but turned and looked at Finn. “Well, do you? Fish that is.”

  “I do indeed.” Finn smiled. “I love to go fishing.”

  “Well, praise be.” Her grandad’s eyes sparkled, and she knew Finn had just won his heart. “Finally, one of the men in my granddaughters’ lives who likes to fish. We’ll have to go out sometime. But now, my sweetie needs this cooler.”

  He entered the house.

  Finn looked at her.

  “I know. They’re something else,” she said as she didn’t know what else to say.

  “They are for sure, but I like them, and Avery seems to as well. So let’s forget about the investigation for a while. I’ll send Avery’s sitter home, and we’ll just enjoy your grandparents’ company for dinner.”

  A very generous attitude and it upped her respect for him.

  She smiled up at him. Their gazes locked. Time stopped. Heat flashed between them. Sizzling like the fire, but this time warm and lovely. Not harsh and scary. Okay maybe a bit scary too. She shouldn’t be gazing into his eyes. Wishing for more. Like maybe a kiss.

  She broke the trance and rushed past him and into his house.

  She would enjoy the dinner all right. Because she’d officially fallen for this guy again, and she wanted to be in his company.

  Problem was, when this investigation ended, and she left Finn and Avery behind, she was in for a world of hurt, and there would be no way around the pain.

  18

  Finn struggled to eat. Not because the food wasn’t good. Not because the company wasn’t good. Both were great. He loved being with Ryleigh’s family. But most importantly, Avery bloomed in their presence. Coming alive in a way he hadn’t seen since her mother’s death.

  He set down his fork to look around the table. Avery sat between Eloise and Artie across from Ryleigh and him. He’d tried not to look at Ryleigh but could feel her next to him and feel her unease. She seemed to wait for her grandparents to do something she didn’t care for. He wanted to reach under the table to take her hand, but that would likely make her jump and draw attention to them.

  Besides, Avery was who really captivated him. Her big smile. The joy in her posture. And that was due to the warmth emanating from Ryleigh’s grandparents. Eloise’s gentle approach combined with Artie’s comical antics had Avery beaming. Finn’s grandparents were more reserved. Less open. Avery hadn’t bonded with them like this.

  But the biggest surprise of all?

  Finn felt the child’s joy to a degree that he thought would be reserved for his own child if he ever had one.

  But now what? She was falling in love with the idea of having grandparents like Eloise and Artie. He would have to take her to see his grandparents more often and hope they warmed more to her. They tried, but they were older, and Avery seemed to exhaust them very quickly. He would make a point of visiting his sister, too and make the most of those relationships.

  At some point, he would need to begin thinking about a relationship for himself and someday providing Avery with a mother.

  He glanced at Ryleigh.

  Could he even consider a relationship with another woman or was she the only woman for him?

  He didn’t know, but he could easily imagine her in his life. To wake up to her each day. Have breakfast with her and Avery. Coming home at night to both of them.

  That seemed like something worth fighting for.

  As they worked together, he would have to keep an open mind and decide if they could handle a long-distance relationship. Or even if she might be open to temporarily relocating to Shadow Lake. He wouldn’t ask, of course. Even if he could sway her that way, she might grow to resent him for it.

  He turned his attention back to his meal and put the last bite of crusty white bread into his mouth. He chewed, even enjoyed it, but was thankful when the meal came to a close and he could get up and move. “I’ll clean up so you all can get going to visit with your friends.”

  Artie stood and looked at him. “Appreciate that, but not sure my Eloise will allow it.”

  She got up and studied Finn. “I would rather clean up, but it’s your house so if you want to, I won’t stand in your way.”

  “I want to,” Finn said, brooking no argument as he had to move. “It’s the least I can do to thank you for such a wonderful meal and for making everyone feel at home.”

  Avery flung her arms around Eloise. “But I don’t want you to go.”

  “Sorry, honey,” Artie said. “We have to go now, but remember, we’ll go fishing together soon if it’s okay with Finn.”

  She spun on Finn. “Can I? Please.”

  He brushed her hair from her eyes. “Sure thing, Peanut.”

  “We’ll see you in the morning for church and brunch,” Eloise said.

  How had he and Ryleigh transitioned from watching videos of a potential killer to talking about brunch? Just showed how life could change in a flash. The day Felicia died was the day Finn’s life changed forever. In an instant. One minute he was a carefree single guy, and a telephone call later he was a full-time dad. Unbelievable.

  Ryleigh moved around the table to her grandparents. “I’ll walk you to the door.”

  She and Eloise turned for the door, and Avery clung to Eloise’s hand.

  Artie hung back. “Must’ve been tough to give up your life to come here and raise Avery. How are things going?”

  “I have to say they weren’t great.” He frowned as the past memories of Avery’s negative behavior assaulted him. “But I had a conversation with her to assure her that I was never leaving her. I think she finally believes it, and she’s started to open up.”

  “Don’t know how much this is worth, but my parents always told me the hardest things we go through in life will turn out to be the best for us in the long run. We can’t see it when we’re in it, but we can look back and see how it molded us as a person. Or God can often put someone special in our life. Someone we need. Someone like my granddaughter.”

  Finn didn’t know how to respond to the last bit, but the first part he could relate to. “Your parents were very wise. As are you. Thanks for sharing it.”

  “And my granddaughter?” His gaze locked onto Finn, and Artie’s thick glasses did nothing to hide his questioning gaze. “What are your intentions for her?”

  “We’re not in a relationship so—”

  “So nothing.” Artie took a firm stance and gone was the cuddly grandfather to be replaced by the retired law enforcement officer. “You both have feelings for each other. It’s as plain as can be. You hurt her once before. I’m keeping an open mind on that, but don’t do it again.”

  Finn couldn’t help but gape. Artie and his wife had been so pleasant to him, and all the while they’d known he’d hurt Ryleigh. How could they have done that?

  “You know about that?” he asked once he got control of his thoughts.

  “Whole family does. Not that Ryleigh knows we’re in the know, so keep this between us.” He ran his gaze over Finn. “From what I can tell at this point, you seem like an honorable man. Be that guy with my granddaughter, and we’ll get along just fine. Don’t, and you’ll not only have me to contend with but Ryleigh’s whole family. A force you don’t want to reckon with if you know what’s good for you.”

  His gaze clung to Finn for a long moment, then the warning cleared from his eyes, and he held out his hand. “Nice to meet you and thanks for your hospitality. See you at church in the morning.”