“You didn’t let it stop you from doing what had to be done.” His comment mimicked hers from the night of the storm, but he needed her to see she possessed those same qualities.
She patted her pocket. “I need to call my parents.”
“I already did.” He put a hand over hers. “I figured you’d want them to know.”
“I’m sorry we’re missing the fireworks.”
He put a finger to her lips. “We’re exactly where we were meant to be tonight.”
“Once Tiffany is settled with the girls, we can leave.” She took a long, slow breath. “It shouldn’t be much longer.”
“What can I do?”
“Hang out and keep me company.” Her lips parted into a weak smile. “Pray for Luna and all the residents.”
“Do they know?”
“I want them to enjoy the fireworks.” Her gaze shifted faraway. “They have been through so much. They deserve a night without worry.”
“They’ll be back soon. Will you tell them then?”
“That will keep us here longer.” Her features twisted with indecision.
He drew her into him once more. “I’m here for however long you need me. Don’t worry about that.”
“You’re a saint.”
A growl rumbled from his chest. “If you knew my thoughts toward Manny, you wouldn’t think so.”
“I’m not one to gamble, but I bet not a single person on this property tonight has a charitable thought toward him.” Her arms clenched tighter around him. “I should go inside and see if they need me.”
“Probably.” He made no effort to disengage from their embrace.
Neither did she. She leaned her head against his shoulder. “Aaron?”
“Yes?”
“Never mind.”
He brushed a hand over her tousled hair. “Go inside. We can talk later.”
Holding her hand, he walked beside her into Hope House. The social workers, Tiffany, and the girls had gone to the dorms. This once, he could go there. He suspected Rachel’s rattled nerves were the only reason she made the exception.
At a quarter to midnight, they finally left Hope House. The other residents were understandably upset and had needed time to talk and process their emotions. Rachel assured them the facilities were secure, but extra measures would be added. She also arranged for a church van to pick them up tomorrow and take them to visit Luna in shifts.
By the time they left, Rachel was exhausted emotionally and physically. She’d been put through the wringer tonight and the tired lines on her face said it all. He’d planned to take her straight home, but she put a hand on the steering wheel when he drove onto her street.
“Can we go somewhere?” Her voice lacked its normal strength.
“Where?”
“Anywhere but here.” She scratched at a fingernail. “I don’t want to go home yet. I’m so tired but I’m afraid I’ll have nightmares if I don’t decompress first. And I know my parents. Their intentions are good, but they’ll want to know all the details. I can’t rehash it right now. I just can’t.”
He understood and thought of where he could take her. The town had several twenty-four-hour diners, but he doubted that’s the venue she wanted. Jefferson Park was nice but closed at dusk. His house was off limits. Alone after midnight on a night when emotions ran high wasn’t a good way to avoid temptation.
The perfect spot came to mind. “We can drive to my parents’ place.”
She jerked her head. “Why? I don’t want to bother them.”
