Devon consciously relaxed his shoulders. “We talked about what happened enough for me to understand why she went into therapy and why she felt the need to help out with Hailey’s disappearance.”
“That’s all?”
“I didn't want to hear exact details because what went on in my family is too fresh at the moment. I imagine we’ll discuss it more in the future.”
“So you plan on a future with Chloe?”
Now begins the fifth degree. “Yes, I believe there will be. I’m slow to move and working on not comparing Chloe to my deceased wife, but I want to make the effort.”
“Okay. I want to make sure you understand where I’m coming from without violating Chloe’s trust. Has she discussed her one and only boyfriend with you?”
“Only as far as to say it wasn’t a healthy relationship and she briefly went back into therapy over it.”
Rebecca nodded. “Then I won’t say more about it. You’re responsible, and she’s grown plenty since then. I just don't want to see her get into trouble.”
“With all due respect, shouldn't you have that conversation with her?”
“I have.” Rebecca steepled her fingers on the desk and leaned forward. “I won't issue any threats, Devon. I want you to know I like you. I’d love for you to come to the house sometime and meet David, but I’ll leave that sort of invitation up to Chloe. Just keep in mind that I’m on your side and hers.”
That was an odd way to put it, but Devon merely stood and offered his hand again. “I appreciate it, Rebecca. I really need to meet Hailey’s school bus.”
“Of course.”
The chief had given him more to think about. His curiosity was piqued when it came to whomever Chloe had dated at twenty-one. She’d only briefly touched on it, but it was clearly a slip she’d had to recover from. They didn't have plans in the coming days, but he’d told her he’d call her.
Was it too impatient of him to want to see her again so soon? They’d spent two days together, yet he wanted to be with her again. His parents would be home that evening, so he didn't want to invite her over for a big family thing. He needed to be with Hailey after she’d been gone all day, so going out was out of the question.
He’d settle for calling her once Hailey was in bed.
He was there when the bus came around the corner, and the shiver running up his spine couldn't be helped. He got out and stood by the car as the bus stopped and let out a few kids. Hailey ran to him, and everything fell away as he saw her so strong and healthy.
“Hailey!”
“Daddy! I had so much fun! Miss Alicia let us paint today and I made a picture for you.”
“That’s sweet. You can show it to me as soon as we get home, okay?”
Once she was fastened in and they were on their way, Hailey continued to tell him about everything that had happened to her. She’d clearly missed her friends.
He made her a snack while she pulled out the painting she’d made. It was his parents’ house with the family standing in front of it.
“This is me, and this is Grandma and Grandpa.” She pointed. “This is Uncle Caleb and Aunt Lori; she’s holding Maisie.”
“Maisie is purple.”
“She’swearingpurple, Daddy.”
He squinted. “Oh.”
“And here’s you and Chloe.”
His breath caught in his throat. “You like Chloe, don’t you?”
“More than Miss Alicia.”
That was saying a lot, since Alicia was pretty much her favorite non-family member. “Okay.”
“Is she coming over tonight?”
