Chapter Twelve
Connor hung out by the fenced off area of the carousel while Tiffany, Rachel, and three other Hope House employees took all the children for a ride on the colorful horses.
“They’re having a blast,” Aaron, Rachel’s husband said. “I haven’t seen this many smiles in weeks.”
“Tiffany said Tara’s death hit hard, understandably so.”
Aaron nodded. “Rachel won’t talk about it, and that’s not good. From the little she said, she’d feels guilty, like she could have prevented it somehow.”
“It’s a common emotion after tragedy. I’ve seen it often.” The flashing lights and upbeat music surrounding them supplied a strange, upbeat background to the somber topic. “I’ve experienced it myself when I didn’t solve a case quick enough.”
“I can’t imagine you have an easy job.” As he spoke, Aaron watched the carousel go around.
“Not always. Whenever it gets boring, I remind myself that’s not a bad thing.” He waved back to Tiffany as she passed.
“You’ve barely taken your eyes off her all night,” Aaron commented, a teasing note to his voice.
“We’re friends.”
“Friends don’t look at each other the way you two do.” Slapping Connor’s back, Aaron grinned. “I’ve been there.”
“It’s complicated.” His heart twisted wistfully, wishing it wasn’t.
“Life is rarely simple.”
“Ain’t that the truth,” he muttered under his breath, but loud enough that Aaron heard.
Aaron chuckled. “Maybe it’s not my place to say anything, but Rachel told me about the history between you and Tiffany.”
“Why am I not surprised?” He truly wasn’t, and really, he was grateful Tiffany had a good friend to confide in.
“My wife thinks the world of Tiffany. They’re as close as sisters, and for what it’s worth, Rachel is rooting for you and Tiffany to have a happily ever after.”
It was Connor’s turn to laugh. “That’s good, I think?”
“Well, ultimately, it’s up to you and Tiffany.” Aaron grinned. “But it doesn’t hurt to have good friends on your side.”
“Thanks.” He tilted his chin in the direction of the carousel. “Looks like they’re slowing down.”
“Now I have to think of another diversion not to rideThe Jumper.”
“Not a fan of thrill rides?”
“Have you seen the way that one shimmies and shakes?” Aaron shuddered. “It doesn’t look one bit safe to me.”
“Is that the claim adjuster in you coming out?” Connor couldn’t resist the good-natured barb after Aaron had gotten in a few throughout the night.
“I call it the common sense in me.”
Laughing, Connor nodded. “I’ll give you that one.”
“Maybe I’ll offer to take some of the children to the game area and pray no one wins a goldfish.” As the ladies and children disembarked the ride, Aaron shot him a final glance before everyone rejoined in a group. “It’s really great what you did for the residents.”
“You’re not supposed—”
“Don’t worry,” Aaron interrupted. “Nobody else knows, but Rachel tells me everything. I won’t repeat it to anyone.”
“I’d appreciate that.” For good measure, he added, “If you do, I’ll make sure to find a way to make you rideThe Jumper.”
