She wiggled out of Reid’s arms. “Bandit!” she called out.
The excited little dog jumped from an over-stuffed leather sofa in front of a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace. He trotted to Ella, stopping to sniff a ten-foot or higher spruce tree in the corner waiting for Christmas decorations.
Jessie stood from a matching chair, a book in her hand and an expectant gaze fixed on the door.
“Where’s Syd?” Russ asked.
“Upstairs,” Jessie said and peeked around him toward Reid as Russ charged up the rustic steps.
“Hey, Bug.” Reid flashed his daughter a joyous grin.
She raced across the room and threw her arms around him. “I missed you last night.”
“I missed you too.” He ruffled her hair then bent to kiss the top of her head.
Why couldn’t Orrin have been a father like Reid seemed to be? These two were so connected that it made Megan’s heart ache for Ella. As much as this home seemed wonderful and welcoming, they were outsiders here.
Before tears started to fall over everything Ella had lost in her life, Megan turned away to study the room and inhale a savory aroma coming from the open kitchen behind her. Windows filled the entire front wall, and stairs led to a balcony overlooking the room. A massive island surrounded by wrought-iron bar stools separated the kitchen from the large two-story family room.
She could almost see Reid’s family as he grew up sitting by a roaring fire, sipping cocoa, and playing games as she’d done with her family. Of course, she was an only child. With three boys, this place probably saw a lot of rough play.
She turned to the kitchen giving off the same homey vibe as the family room. A slow cooker sat on the granite countertop, likely the source of the mouthwatering scent kicking up an appetite that had been missing since she’d spotted Fowler yesterday.
Fowler.Everything was nice and pleasant for once. Why’d she have to think about him?
Voices drifted from upstairs. Russ and Sydney, arm in arm, came across the balcony and headed down the stairs. Of course Russ had immediately gone in search of his wife. That’s what a man in love did.
Jessie slipped away from Reid and crossed over to Ella and Bandit. “Wanna play Barbies before dinner?”
“Can Bandit come with us?” Ella asked.
“Sure,” Jessie said. “C’mon.”
Ella looked up. “Is it okay, Mom?”
“Of course. Take it easy, okay?”
“’K.” Ella followed Jessie into a hallway on the far side of the room.
Sydney and Russ reached the first floor and strolled arm-in-arm across the wide plank floor. Up close, the unease in their expressions contradicted their relaxed posture. In love or not, they were fully aware of the danger. These law enforcement professionals wouldn’t let their guard down. No matter where they were. No matter if Megan felt safe or not.
They were there for her.
Russ released Sydney and stepped closer to Megan. “I got a call from Chief Gleason on my way here. He put out a public plea for anyone who was in the area during the hospital attack.”
“That’s good news,” Megan said.
Russ nodded. “If you’ll provide a key, he’ll also have his forensic team go to your house to do a more thorough job. You can give it to me, and I’ll make sure he gets it.”
She took out the spare she hid in a secret pocket in her purse in case she misplaced her key ring. “Thank you, Russ. For this and for getting that stocking cap sent to Veritas.”
“Glad to help.” He pocketed the key.
Sydney patted his shoulder. “That’s my guy. Helpful. Except when it comes time to doing dishes. Then he makes himself scarce.”
Sydney laughed, and Russ joined in. Megan got the feeling he didn’t laugh easily, she liked seeing him relax.
Reid pointed at the door. “We should bring in the bags before it’s completely dark out.”
