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Now that made Dalton smile "You didn’t"

"I did He lost his er had to intervene I left I let Casper stew on that for a feeeks Petty thing to do, but it gave me a sense of satisfaction and I was able to overcome a few blocks I had with the situation I did show up at his church a couple times a year, just to be ornery, just to watch him squirm"

"God, Ma I love you"

She sht think after Tell told me this last bullshit manipulative lie your father spewed I would’ve confronted him But this time I didn’t"

"Why not?"

"Because that’s what the ive it to hi over three years for the fallout to begin? He died disappointed and alone andto say this, but I can’t think of any man who deserves it more"

Dalton watched her chin tremble and he picked up her hand "But?"

"But as much as I hate him and what he’s done, if not for him…I wouldn’t have ht in enes don’t ood men, and that’s aup You becaenes and I couldn’t be prouder" She sniffled "And today, I couldn’t be sadder that your father died without really knowing any of you Really sad because that was his choice"

They stayed like that for a while Not speaking, just holding hands, lost in their own thoughts

Finally Dalton said, "Were you with Brandt and Tell tonight?"

"For a little while"

"How are they?"

"Surrounded by their wives and kids"

"They’re lucky" He shook his head and drained his booze, shoving the glass aside "Not lucky They worked to have the lives they’ve got I’m happy for them"

"There’s room for you in all their lives In lad you’re back hohed and sat back down "I think I’ve had a little too hten be drivin’ Where are you staying tonight?"

His ht about it"

"So crash here I’d like the company"

Tears swam in her eyes "I’d like that too"

Dalton picked up the bottle of booze "But we’re putting a lid on the truth serum"

She stretched out on the couch

"Ma I don’t expect you to sleep on the couch You can have my bed"

"I’m fine here I prefer it actually That hen I can’t sleep I’ll have more room to pace"

He probably wouldn’t sleep ht her a pillow and a blanket, she asked, "Did the truth set you free?"

"No But it hasn’t weighed me down, either"

"I can live with that"

He could too

Jingle barked like crazy and ju as she raced to the front door

Rory sat up and squinted at the clock Midnight Sole offline, but the barks were a sharp warning, which meant a person, not an animal was outside the house

Just as Rory reached for her handgun in the nightstand drawer, Jingle’s barks turned into happy yips and she knew her late night caller was Dalton

He’d left Carson and Carolyn’s house without a word to her As helpless as she’d felt, as o about it, so she’d left hirief

She hadn’t heard fro to his deep voice as he talked to Jingle The cupboard door squeaked Thewith treats In the small entryway she heard the thu the floor The faucet turning on and off The gnawing sound of Jingle attacking her rawhide chew

Footsteps e of the bed The rustle of clothes being removed The mattress dipped and that war her close

He sighed

"You know, you’re ruining Jingle’s killer instincts She was ready to tear your leg off to protect me"

"Which is why I rewarded her with a treat for bein’ your badass protector when I’m not around" He kissed the back of her head "Sorry if I woke you I just…"