CHAPTER 26
Kori gasped.Then she looked and saw fireworks in the sky.
That wasn’t gunfire. Her mind must be working overtime.
“Those must be from the neighbors,” Wyatt said. “The Hendersons. They’re always up to no good.”
Another burst of red exploded in the sky.
“Strange timing,” Kori muttered.
“Everything about them is strange.” He shrugged. “Now let’s get you inside.”
After Wyatt had told his family goodbye and pulled away, Millie showed Kori to her room. Three other women were staying at the house, but they’d all turned in for the night already. According to Millie, their newest guests liked keeping to themselves. Kori did hear one of them next door, probably closing a dresser drawer or something.
She washed her face and got ready for bed. But before turning in for the night, she slipped back into the living room.
It was now empty. The fire had burned down to coals, and the dogs had redistributed themselves. Hamilton and Good Boy had stretched out near the hearthrug. Biscuit had migrated to the warmest corner of the couch.
Kori glanced toward the kitchen and saw Naomi standing at the sink, working through a stack of dishes. The portable crib sat a few feet away on the kitchen floor, positioned where Naomi could see it without turning. Grace was in it, awake, making small, unfocused movements.
Naomi looked up and smiled. “Couldn’t sleep?”
“Not yet.” she glanced around. “Where did everyone else go?”
“They’re checking on the dogs in the kennel.”
Kori stopped at the edge of the kitchen and nodded at the crib. “Can I?—?”
“Please.” Naomi nodded toward the crib. “She’s been restless. Company might help.”
Kori moved closer and looked down.
Grace stared back up at her. One fist had worked its way free of the blanket. The other was tucked under her chin.
“She’s beautiful,” Kori said.
“She is.” Naomi’s voice was quiet, her tone both simple and complicated. “I’m thankful to have her—even if it’s just temporary.”
“Wyatt mentioned you were fostering her.”
Naomi turned off the water and reached for a dish towel. “It’s complicated. But basically, Grace’s father killed my sister. He’s in prison now. Then Grace’s mom was arrested, and this innocent little baby had no one.”
Kori’s eyes widened, and she straightened. She couldn’t imagine . . . “That sounds rough, to say the least.”
“It was.”
“Wyatt said Sarah built this place.”
“That’s right. Sarah and her husband, Richard. She had dreams for this property. A bed and breakfast, somewhere people could come and take a load off.”
Grace made a small sound.
Naomi glanced at her. “Would you like to pick her up?”
“I’d love to.” Kori reached into the crib and settled the baby against her chest.
The infant went still.
