And hed remain alone. It was easier that way. He cared for Delilah but he wasnt relationship material. His job kept him too busy. His siblings demanded too much from him, and he was spent. Exhausted. He didnt have it in him to romance Dee and treat her like a queen. But she deserved no less.

The moment he pulled his truck into the driveway, their mom greeted them, the screen door banging loudly behind her as she came out onto the front porch, waving wildly.

Well, isnt this a surprise! she called as Lane and Wren exited the truck. Two of my children coming to see me. I thought this only happened on holidays.

Lane grimaced. Right. Always fun times at Thanksgiving and Christmas when the family was forced to be together. He freaking hated pretty much every holiday.

Wren made her way up the front steps, embracing their mom. The two women clung to each other, his moms cheek pressed against Wrens hair, her eyes closed for a brief moment. It gave Lane plenty of time to study her, looking for those telltale signs Wren had mentioned.

Angela Gallagher did look a little pale. And there were more gray strands than golden brown in her hair. Other than that, she just looked like . . . his mom.

His sister had to be overexaggerating. He hoped.

Lane. His mom let go of Wren to draw him into her arms, and he went willingly, holding her close. Thats when he felt it. Shed always been thin, but right now she felt as light as a feather and her bones seemed downright . . . fragile. Carefully he pulled her away from him, taking her in as he kept his hands cupped around her shoulders.

You okay, Mom? He bent his knees a little so he could look into her eyes and she flushed beet red, shooing at him with a fluttering hand as she stepped out of his grip.

Stop fussing over me. Is that why youre both here? Did Wren call in the big guns? She sent Wren a knowing glance. Didnt we already go over this?

Mom" Wren started, but she shushed her.

Im fine, she rea.s.serted, turning away from them so she could open the front door. Now, come inside and Ill fix you two a gla.s.s of iced tea. Its hot as blazes out here.

Lane looked over at Wren, who gave him a See what I mean? expression. Maybe Wren hadnt been overdramatic. Something could be wrong with their mom. But what?

Well take you up on that offer, Lane said as he and Wren both followed their mom into the house. He was immediately hit with the familiar smell, a bunch of varying scents coming at him all at once. A candle burning on a nearby table; the lingering hint of bacon from breakfast earlier this morning, no doubt; the dog that sat near the couch panting gently. Clearly he needed a bath. Oliver was old"hed been around at least ten years, probably longer"and his muzzle was white, marring his otherwise shiny black fur.

Lane wrinkled his nose. Yep, and Oliver was a farter. Dog had the worst gas hed ever experienced. He remembered moving out and being thankful that he wouldnt have to smell that particular scent any longer.

Hey, old boy, he said to Oliver, walking over to him so he could give him a scratch on the head.

Oliver woofed at him in response, his tail starting to wag, hitting the bare wood floor with a loud, rhythmic slap.

He misses you, his mom called over her shoulder as she made her way to the kitchen. He misses all of you.

Oliver? No way. Hes an old man who loves that all of the kids are gone, Lane argued. Now he gets all the attention from you and Dad.

As he entered the kitchen, his mother shook her head, sighing loudly. I was talking about your father, not the dog.

Oh. Yeah, sure his dad missed them all. He can pick up the phone too, you know, Lane answered stiffly while Wren said nothing at all. This was an age-old argument that was pointless to discuss. Where is he anyway? Is he here? He went tense at the thought of facing his father. Of having to deal with him. They avoided each other as much as possible. The old man preferred to be alone most of the time and everyone else was just fine with that.

He went on a fishing trip with one of his friends. Mom waved a hand vaguely as she went to the fridge and pulled out a pitcher of iced tea.

A friend? Their dad had no real friends. Well, he had a few. Guys whod retired from Cal Fire right around the same time he had. Men who liked to grumble about the old times and drink beer as they sat in their fishing boats out on the lake, soaking up the early morning sun.

His dad was also incredibly selfish. Hed never been around when they were little kids, too busy with work, with his other girlfriends, with his s.h.i.tty so-called friends who liked to drink and party.

All while their mom had sat at home, diligent and loyal, raising four kids essentially on her own. Talk about a s.h.i.t life. He didnt know how his mother had done it, and always with a smile on her face too. Hed watched over her, helped her out when he could, and had even stuck around at home for a while after hed graduated high school, saving up money to go to the police academy. Finally, one day, hed gotten lucky and the Wildwood County Sheriffs Department offered to pay his way through the academy if he signed a contract to work for them for five years.

That had been well over five years ago, but he wasnt going anywhere. Wildwood was his home. And seeing his mother bustling around her kitchen reminded him of that. Home. How he hadnt been to see her in forever. How he wished they had a better relationship. How they could have a better relationship if he would just make the time to see her more often.

Lane and Wren settled in at the small kitchen table while their mother fixed them gla.s.ses of iced tea, leaving it plain for Wren and dumping in a bunch of sugar for Lane, just how they each liked it. No surprise that she still remembered. She was thoughtful and had taken good care of her children. And look how they treated her now.

Dont feel too guilty. When their relationship started to fall apart and everyone tried to convince her to leave him, she wouldnt do it. She chose her husband over all of you.

It was hard to remember that as he watched her. She looked so frail, so . . . alone. He didnt like that.

Thanks, Mom, he said when she set the gla.s.s in front of him.

Sit with us, Wren practically demanded as she wrapped her hands around her gla.s.s.

I should fix something for dinner. I hadnt planned on much other than a sandwich, but say youll both stay. Please? Im sure I could drum something up. She looked so hopeful Lane didnt have the heart to tell her no.

He glanced at Wren, and she nodded her answer.

Well stay, he said, pointing at the chair that was next to him. But you need to sit and visit with us first. Lets catch up.

Give me a minute. Let me put this away. She spun around, grabbing the pitcher from the counter and buzzing over to the fridge. Opening the door, she bent forward, sliding the pitcher inside before she stood quickly, slamming the refrigerator door with so much force it rattled. Oh! she exclaimed, her voice loud and sharp.

That was the last thing she said before she crumpled to the floor.

Chapter Ten.

SLOW DOWN, WREN. I cant understand what youre saying. Delilah paused, letting her friend babble on for a minute before she interrupted her again. Your mom? Is she okay? Her heart felt like it had crawled up into her throat as she listened. What happened? Delilah clutched her phone close to her ear, listening as Wren took a deep, sobbing breath. Youre scaring me, she murmured.

Its M-Mom. She f-fainted, Wren stuttered out.

Now Delilahs heart threatened to jump out of her throat, it was thumping so hard. Where are you? Is she okay? Did you take her to the hospital? Wheres Lane?

Wren blew out a harsh breath. Were at the emergency room. We went to see her, Lane and I. She was fixing us iced tea one minute and then collapsed on the ground the next. She woke up for like, a minute, and said shed stood up too fast but then she pa.s.sed out again. Lane couldnt rouse her so he called for an ambulance.

Have either of you spoke to a doctor yet? Do you know her condition?

No. Not yet. Were in the waiting room now. A baby started to cry in the background, as if on cue. This place is a nightmare, Wren whispered. I guess there was an accident on the lake earlier this afternoon so the wait is extra long.

s.h.i.t. Ill come see you right now. Delilah rose from her couch and slipped on her flip-flops before she went in search of her purse and car keys. I can be there in fifteen minutes.

You dont mind? I called Harper but shes out of town with her grandma.

Of course I dont mind. Delilah found her purse in her bedroom, discarded on the floor. Her keys were on her dresser, and she s.n.a.t.c.hed them up, making a face at her reflection in the mirror. She looked a wreck with her hair in a messy bun on top of her head and mascara smeared beneath her eyes. Forget it. Who cared? She wasnt going to the emergency room to impress anyone. Lanes still with you, right?

Yes. Wren sniffed. Hes getting irritated at me for crying too much, she admitted in a low whisper.

Men dont like crying. Especially Gallagher men. She recalled West wasnt a fan of the water works either. It makes them feel helpless.

Well, hes being a jerk. Wren sniffed again. Holdens on his way though. He should be here any minute.

What about your dad?

Hes out of town. We cant get a hold of him. Wrens voice was cold. Their father was never around. West is out on a call and hes not off shift for another few days, so he couldnt make it if he wanted to. Though he did ask us to keep him posted.

Okay, hold tight. Ill be there soon, I promise. Delilah exited the house, locking the door before she darted to her car and got inside.

Thanks, Dee. I appreciate it. I need someone wholl hold my hand, not bite it off with every word, Wren said irritably.

No doubt she was talking about her big brother. That was another thing Delilah remembered about Lane"he may deal with trauma and scary moments like any seasoned-professional cop, but when it came to dealing with his family, he clammed up and became angry. It was just his way.

And everyone sort of hated him when he acted this way.

Delilah gripped the steering wheel tight as she drove toward the hospital. Shed set him straight. Offer him comfort during his time of need. Guess Wren hadnt been wrong when shed voiced her concerns about their mother. Angela Gallagher was one of the strongest women she knew. Shed shouldered so much when her marriage became rocky. She was still shouldering it all these years later, and always with a smile on her face.

Hopefully Angela was okay. And Lane and Wren too.

Delilah didnt know what she would do if there was a serious problem. Her mom was a friend of Angelas. Long ago, when theyd all been kids, their moms had been very close. This wasnt her family by blood but they felt like family to her. If something was wrong with Angela . . .

She didnt want to think about it.

THANK G.o.d YOURE here, Wren said the moment Delilah strode into the waiting room. She hopped to her feet, rushing to Delilah and giving her a tight hug. It smells weird in here, she whispered close to her ear.

Delilah gave her a squeeze and then let her go, wrinkling her nose. Smelled like a combination of sterile hospital mixed with sweat. Gross. At least it doesnt smell like the dance studio after an afternoon full of cla.s.ses.

Wren laughed weakly. She was always complaining about the scent of smelly feet and sweaty girl bodies that permeated the air every single afternoon Monday through Friday. Yeah, thats true.

Have you heard anything? Delilah glanced around in search of Lane. She finally found him standing in the farthest corner of the waiting room, his back facing everyone and his cell phone pressed against his cheek. Clearly he was talking to someone, but who? Not that it was any of her business. Has a doctor come out yet?

I dont even know if theyve gotten to her yet. Wrens gaze was full of worry. A boating accident took precedence, and I dont even know where she is! They wont let us back there. Said its too chaotic.

Listen, sh.e.l.l be all right. I promise. Delilah rubbed Wrens arm, hoping she wasnt lying to one of her best friends.

Dee. What are you doing here? Lane asked as he approached.

Delilah glanced up, her gaze going to his. She wished she could give him a hug, tell him it was going to be just fine and maybe even give him a kiss, but she did none of that. Instead she smiled at him, trying her best to convey all the emotions swirling within her with that one gesture. Wren called. When she told me what happened, I said Id be right here.

You didnt have to do"

I wanted to.

He clamped his lips shut, running a hand through his dark hair until it was gloriously messy. Ugh. Even when he was stressed out and worried, he was gorgeous. I just spoke to one of the nurses and threw my weight around. Plus, I knew her. Theyre letting me in there so I can at least sit with Mom while she waits for a doctor.

Wren turned to Delilah. See, I told you they hadnt seen her yet. She glanced over at Lane with tear-filled eyes. Can I go with you?

He shook his head, his expression grim. Its pretty crazy back there, what with that accident and how many were involved. Guess a speedboat crashed into a party barge and quite a few people were injured.

Thats awful, Delilah murmured, earning a lingering gaze from Lane. She felt his eyes on her as if hed physically touched her and she licked her lips, wishing he would actually touch her.

But he didnt. Now was neither the time nor place.

Take care of Wren for me, will you? Lane asked, his voice solemn, his eyes dark as they stared into hers.

Ill stay with her, Delilah said, earning the softest, sweetest smile she thought shed ever seen from him. It made her knees wobble, and she locked them into place so she wouldnt collapse like a swooning idiot.

Thanks. He nodded at Delilah, patted Wren on the shoulder, and then he was gone, zipping through the crowded waiting room and pushing through the double doors that led to the actual emergency room.

We dont know whats wrong with her, Dee. She seemed perfectly fine. Her usual self, though she looked so frail. It scared me, how easily she fell to the ground. She just . . . crumpled. Ive never seen anything like it. She hit that floor so hard. The linoleum is thin, and its just solid concrete foundation beneath it. I thought she hurt herself. I really did. Like, knocked herself out. Wren was rambling, her eyes full of unshed tears, and Delilah said nothing. Just drew her friend into her arms and held her close. It was all she could do.

All she could offer.

LANE! THERE YOU are. His mother sounded relieved. And even the slightest bit . . . irritated? They wont let me out of this very uncomfortable bed. I told that nurse Im fine and they should just let me go home, but she wouldnt listen. Just gave me one of those condescending smiles before she took off.

He didnt know whether to be relieved at her nonchalant yet irritable att.i.tude or frustrated. Maybe it was a combination of both. Mom. You had a serious fall. You were unconscious. They want to make sure youre okay, thats all.

They could give up my bed to someone else. Im not hurt, and theres a whole mess of people around me who were nearly killed out on the lake. She shook her head with a wince, clearly beside herself. Its ridiculous, Lane. Youre a deputy. Tell them to release me so I can go home.

No. He touched her shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. He could see the pain flare in her gaze. She was hurting and pretending everything was all right. Im not letting you out of this place until youre thoroughly checked out by the doctor.

His mother rolled her eyes. Youre being ridiculous. Wheres your father?

Ah, c.r.a.p. He didnt want to tell her, but she deserved the truth. We cant get a hold of him. His voice was tight and his anger was barely under control. It made him furious, how his father was never around when s.h.i.t got bad.

She sighed. It was a knowing sound. A sad sound. He said hed have bad cellular service where he was going.

More like he was ignoring all of their calls. Lane had left him a perfectly polite, perfectly scathing voice mail message and didnt expect a return call. Old b.a.s.t.a.r.d probably wasnt even checking his d.a.m.n phone. He was too busy being selfish and drinking himself into a stupor, like he usually did when he made an escape.

Im sure h.e.l.l show up eventually, Lane said. Because his dad always did, like a bad penny"and what the h.e.l.l did that saying mean anyway?

Yes, he will. She smiled as if trying to rea.s.sure him. Man, she blew him away. In the meantime, lets find a doctor so I can get back home. Im hungry for that sandwich.

Mom, dont worry about the sandwich. If you check out okay, Ill take you to dinner.

Her eyes lit up. Oh, we should go to the BFD. I havent had a hamburger from there in so long.

Ill take you there then. He patted her arm, glancing around the crowded room. There was a curtain up on one side of the examination table and bed but that didnt allow for much privacy. People were coming and going, nurses constantly buzzing by. Lane figured they were in for a long wait.

Is Wren okay? Where is she? his mom asked.

Shes out in the waiting room. They wouldnt let her come back here. Its too crazy, Lane told her.

Her face fell. Shes out there all alone? Thats not right. You go back and sit with her. Ill be fine here by myself.

She probably told herself that a lot, considering she spent a lot of time alone. No way was he leaving her. That would make him as awful as his father, and he didnt want anyone to draw comparisons. Delilah showed up a few minutes ago. Shes with Wren so shes not alone.

Aw, Delilah. I adore that girl. Shes always had a thing for you. Lane was struck silent by his mothers statement, but she didnt appear to notice. Just kept on talking. I know she went out with West, but that was never meant to be. I always thought you two were better suited for each other.