But that’s why this time was different. This time, she was with her family who loved her, she owned a business that mattered, lived a life worth protecting. And of course, Kevin had all of that now, too. She remembered the night she argued with her parents and her sister about leaving and felt their love all over again. And then the guilty relief when they realized April wasn’t the one in danger.Even now, I’m still safe, she reminded herself.
This time, I'm not running.
She only prayed that was the right decision, one that wouldn’t ultimately hurt the ones she loved.
Through the front windows, she saw Shane's SUV pulling into the lot, snapping her back to the present. Her heart did that same fluttery dance it had done since high school—Shane Foti still had the power to unravel her with just a smile through a windshield.
Sonny appeared beside her, his big frame radiating protective energy. "You okay?"
"I’m okay." April watched Shane park and then turn to say something to Kevin in the back seat. "Can you?—"
"I already texted your mom and Hannah. Told them Kevin's safe and they don't need to cut their trip short after all." His normally booming voice quieted. "Unless you need them home?"
April's throat tightened with gratitude. "No. Let them enjoy their day." She made the quick hummingbird gesture over her heart that told her Papa she loved him, and headed out the front door.
The back passenger door opened and Kevin unfolded from the seat—lanky legs, backpack strap over his shoulder, that careful set to his mouth that meant he knew he was in trouble. But his eyes were bright, almost...relieved?
Mom-scan first, always. No blood. No bruises. No obvious missing limbs.Check, check, check.
"Hey, baby," she said, one palm settling at the back of his head as she did her second inventory—ten fingers, ten toes, pupils even, breathing steady.
"I didn't run away," Kevin announced before she could say another word. "I was on a mission."
“A mission?” April's gaze flicked to Shane getting out of the driver's side, all controlled movement and watchful eyes as he headed to the back of the SUV.
"Mr. Foti will explain," Kevin added.
“O…kay,” she managed—more air than word. She smoothed Kevin’s hair, and he tolerated it like a soldier under inspection, then made a dash for the back of the SUV, undoubtedly to help Shane with Pete. The kid was crazy for the dog. April followed, her heart squeezing at the sight of Kevin helping Shane with Pete. Her son looked happy, and so did Shane. He glanced up ather with a smile and a shrug that saidThis kid. What can you do?
If I were a better mom, I’d ground Kevin this minute and not let him near Pete. But, she couldn’t find it in her heart to do it. They looked so…natural together.
If only things had been different.
She threw that thought back into the locked box of things she wouldn’t let herself think about.
"Thank you for bringing him back," she said, forcing her voice to stay steady. "I know you're busy and I don't want to keep you?—"
"Actually, April, we need to talk."
Kevin froze mid-pet, flicking a nervous look at Shane.
"It's okay, buddy," Shane said gently. His gaze returned to April. "Kevin and I had a talk."
April's pulse skipped. "What kind of talk?"
"Man to man."
A startled laugh escaped her. "He's a third-grader."
"He's also scared."
April’s stomach dropped through the asphalt. The world tilted. April's hands went cold, her mind immediately jumping to the worst possibilities.Why go to Shane and not to me—or to his Grandpapa?Guilt punched hard and mean.
"Oh God, did something else happen?" Her voice came out wrong, barely there.
“Mom,” Kevin said in an annoyed voice that was more defensive than disrespectful. “I’m fine.”
Shane's fingers brushed her arm, a familiar touch from long ago that still sent shivers through her. "He is. Let's just go inside and talk, okay?"
