Exhausted.
Relieved.
Still fully Sheriff Scott.
When he saw her looking at him, he gave the smallest wink.
You’re okay now.
Izzy laughed softly through tears.
Then whispered against Grant?—
“Thank you.”
53
Bridlepath Farm
The farmhouse was quiet when Burke’s truck finally rolled into the drive.
Exhaustion hung over everything.
The mountains.
The fading blue lights.
The men climbing slowly out of patrol units after a night that had stretched into forever.
Grant came around the truck immediately, opening the passenger door before Izzy could touch the handle.
Like he still needed to physically see she was there.
Alive.
Caitlin burst through the front door before they even reached the porch.
“Oh my God?—”
She hit Izzy at full speed, arms wrapping around her so tightly it nearly knocked the breath from her lungs.
Izzy laughed shakily and cried at the same time.
“I’m okay,” she whispered.
Caitlin pulled back enough to cup her face.
“You scared me to death.”
Behind her, Naomi stood in the doorway with one hand pressed to her heart, eyes glassy with relief.
“Well,” she said thickly, “it’s about damn time somebody brought you home.”
That nearly broke Izzy all over again.
Grant’s hand settled quietly against the small of her back as they stepped inside.
Warmth hit her immediately.
