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“Absolutely,” I said, "If she gives me the chance."

Claudia watched me for a long moment. Then she turned toward the window. "Hmm."

I was beginning to suspect that hmm was her favorite word.

By the time we pulled into the ranch, I felt like I'd survived a congressional hearing.

Barely.

Claudia sat up straighter as we drove past the main house. "Oh, this is lovely."

"Glad you like it."

"It’s a beautiful property."

"Thank you."

She glanced at me. "Your family owns all this?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Hmm."

There it was again.

I pulled up in front of the cabin she'd be sharing with her sister Beverly. I got out, walked around, and opened her door. She accepted my hand as she climbed down.

Then she looked up at me.

For the first time since I'd met her, a hint of warmth flickered in her eyes, and the tension eased from her face.

"Thank you for picking me up, Damon."

"You're welcome."

"And for putting up with all my questions."

"Happy to."

She smiled. "I just worry about my girl."

"I know."

"She's always been so strong. So capable. Sometimes I think people forget that strong people need someone looking out for them, too."

I thought about Mikayla struggling to breathe in my living room. About how she'd tried to apologize afterward. Like needing help was something she should've been embarrassed about.

"I haven't forgotten," I said quietly.

Claudia looked at me. Really looked at me. Then she nodded. "Good."

I carried her bags up to the porch and set them beside the door.

She reached for the handle, then paused.

"Oh, and Damon?"

"Yes, ma'am?"