Page 10 of The Friendship Pact

“A nurse will come and get you. Only immediate family.”

Her eyes glistened. “Thank you.”

Nick placed a gentle hand on his mom’s shoulder.

* * *

Nick pulled into his parking spot at the police station, emotionally exhausted. His dad’s surgery had been a success, and he was resting comfortably.

Sitting in the lot, Nick wondered what it would be like to share this roller-coaster of a day with another person. To have a shoulder to cry on. He wasn’t as macho as some thought him to be; he broke down from time to time, just not in front of anyone.

None of his siblings were married. Both he and Garrett had almost made it down the aisle, but he’d never asked why it hadn’t happened for his brother. His family didn’t know how close Nick had come.

He placed a finger to his temple, stifling a headache. His thoughts drifted to the woman who’d set his pulse racing at first glance, Kate Davis. He shook his head and headed inside.

When he entered the building, Meg rushed forward. “I’m so glad your dad is going to be okay.”

He shrugged off his jacket and placed it on the coat rack. “Thanks. Me too. I’ve got some paperwork to do, and then I’m signing off.”

“Okay, hon, finish up and then get some sleep.”

“Thanks, Meg,” he said and headed to his office.

Nick had known Meg for years. She had been a dispatcher when he’d been in the D.A.R.E. program back in high school. She always looked out for him like a second mom. Being her boss now felt strange, but they respected each other, and it worked.

Sawyer stood up from his desk. “Glad to hear your dad is doing well. Scary shit.”

“Thanks, Sawyer. Not a day I’d like to repeat.”

“I hear ya.”

CHAPTER FOUR

Nervous energy propelled Kate to finish decorating the front window of Rural Chic Boutique.

She hoped Chloe wouldn’t mind. Only a handful of customers stopped in, nothing she couldn’t handle. She’d worked at a department store in college and enjoyed helping customers. She sold two sweaters and a pair of jeans. Since then, it had been quiet. Her phone vibrated on the counter as she hung the last glittery snowflake from the ceiling.

Chloe had sent a text. Kate braced herself for the news. Dad’s going to be okay. Thanks, Kate, for staying. Go ahead and lock up. I have a spare key to the shop. Dad’s resting comfortably. Talk later.

She sent a reply: Good news. I’ll lock up now. Thanks for letting me know.

The moment Kate had heard her dad would pull through after being shot was the moment she had finally broken down. She’d been grateful that her best friend, Regina, had been with her and Mom the entire time he’d been in surgery. She’d check in on Chloe later to see if there was anything she could do. Maybe make a pan of brownies. Kate always found food a good source of comfort.

She flipped the door sign to CLOSED and released a sigh of relief. Chloe still had her dad. She wiped a tear away. She picked up the Santa Days flyer, turned it over, and scribbled a note to Chloe:

Chloe,

Let me take over the baking for Santa Days. I’m happiest when I’m baking. Please let me do this for your mom. She has too much to worry about right now. I can be at the lodge bright and early tomorrow.

Kate

She hoped she wasn’t getting in over her head by helping the Reids, but her mission statement for Sacred Grounds was to commit to helping and being part of the community. Her contractor, Alexis Welby, and Pete Larson, the foreman on her reno, had assured her that construction continued to go well, with no major setbacks.

Kate headed home to feed her cats and make a pan of brownies. Pulling on her favorite sweatshirt and sweatpants, she flipped the switch to the fireplace and covered herself with a fuzzy white blanket. Nyla sauntered over, and she pulled her in for a hug. Kate’s mind ran through the events of the day, resting on Nick, his strong jaw set in worry and determination as he rushed his mom and Chloe from the store. Her heart ached for him and his family.

Being the daughter of a police officer wasn’t easy. Kate’s dad missed most of her dance recitals and school concerts. It wasn’t until later in life that she understood the importance of his job, but she had vowed never to date, much less marry, a police officer. No way would she want to raise a child on her own while he took care of everyone else. Why did the only man she felt an instant attraction to have to be a cop?

* * *