She had no idea. She’d always thought she would be alone and dote on Reed’s kids, but now? Now she was as confused about that as she was about whether she should testify.
She gathered herself together and crossed the room. “How did you end up babysitting?”
“My fault,” Reed called out but didn’t look up. “He gave me a breakdown on the investigation, and I wanted to read this file.”
“I took this little fellow because I didn’t think he should be looking at a h-o-m-i-c-i-d-e file.”
“You don’t have to spell yet.” Malone laughed. “He doesn’t understand.”
“I don’t know.” Ian grinned. “He seems pretty advanced to me.”
“Do you want me to take him?”
Ian looked down at Asher. “You’re good here, right buddy?”
Asher babbled joyfully.
Ian looked at her. “We’re good.”
Surprised, she started for Reed to look at the file and talk to him about the threat, but someone knocked on the door.
Reed and Ian both came to their feet, their hands going for their guns.
“Relax.” Sierra came from the kitchen and started for the door. “It has to be someone we know if they’re inside the building.”
“I’ll get it.” Reed stepped in front of her. “Security, even the best, can be compromised.”
Ian handed Asher to Sierra. “And I’ll back him up.”
Malone hoped they were both overreacting, but she was thankful to have them there.
Reed reached the door and looked through the peephole. He let out a long breath. “Stand down. It’s your mom and dad, Sierra.”
Sierra sighed. “I should’ve known someone would’ve told her what happened.”
Ian’s shoulders relaxed, and he stepped back into the family room.
Reed opened the door, and Peggy quickly scooped Reed into a hug. “You or Sierra should’ve called me. I came as soon as I heard.”
She released him and strode down the hallway. She wore jeans, a green turtleneck, and a lighter green cardigan. Her hair was short and spiky, a mixture of gray and silver. She was a stunning woman.
“Thanks for the escort, Drake,” Peggy’s handsome husband, Russ, said.
Malone heard the door close, and Russ, who was still fit from his law enforcement days, stepped in carrying two shopping bags. He and Reed joined the others.
Peggy swept the baby out of Sierra’s arms, put him on her shoulder, and kissed him until he giggled. She then turned her sights on Sierra and hugged her with her free arm. “I’m glad to see you’re all right and staying home where you’re safe.”
“You didn’t have to come, Mom,” Sierra said, sounding both frustrated and grateful. “I know you had to get a babysitter for Logan and Sadie.”
“Of course I had to come, and the kids are fine in Mrs. McWillis’s hands.” Peggy released Sierra after explaining about their younger foster children and set her sights on Malone. “How are you doing, sweetheart? You’ve had a tough time, and I didn’t even know about it.”
Malone wondered which of her sons had told her about the murder charges and the warning. Before she could ask, Peggy enveloped Malone and gave a careful hug that didn’t smoosh the baby. She smelled like vanilla, just as Malone remembered her mother had when they’d baked cookies.
Peggy stepped back and ran a practiced eye over Malone. “What can I do for—?” She caught sight of Ian, and her eyes widened. “Now, who do we have here?”
Ian stepped forward. “Ian Blair. PPB homicide detective.”
“You’re helping our Malone out?” Peggy stepped closer to him, her inquisitive gaze running his entire body.
