Honor And Defend. Lynette Eason

and held hands as though their time together was as long as eternity. “Thanks.” His voice came out husky and he cleared his throat. “And I think your summer camp idea is a fabulous one, too.” She’d gone into detail about that when she’d hired him. “We won’t be able to do many weeks this summer, maybe the first two weeks of August before school starts back, but next year we should be able to get off to an immediate start when the school year is over.”

      Ellen stilled and went quiet. Then gave a slow nod. “Yes, next year.”

      “What is it?”

      She blew out a low breath and shook her head. “Nothing, nothing. Your ideas are wonderful. Your long-term planning is amazing and a real benefit to the program.”

      “But?”

      She sighed. “But I don’t know where I’ll be in a year.”

      His heart dropped and he cleared his throat. “I...ah... I see. So what does that mean?”

      “Lee, I’m not hanging around here. I’m doing my best to get away from Desert Valley.” And my mother. He heard the words even though she didn’t say them out loud. Which meant she’d be leaving him, too. Again. “And as soon as we solve Veronica’s murder,” she continued, oblivious to his aching heart, “my assignment is complete and I’m free to move on to another city. Or state.”

      He gave a slow nod. “Okay then. Thanks for the heads up.” And the warning to guard his heart. The one that was beating a sad rhythm as he tried to reign in his emotions. He fell silent for a moment then sighed. “At least when—if—you decide to go somewhere else, you’ll be leaving behind a legacy that will continue to help people for a very long time.” Because while he intended to finish vet school, he could see himself returning to Desert Valley to continue working with the program. Maybe even as the program’s full-time vet.

      Maybe.

      The thought of doing all of that without Ellen by his side left a bitter taste in his mouth. He pulled his hand from under hers and returned to his food. For the next few minutes an uncomfortable silence hovered between them.

      Ellen finished her dinner and stood. “I should get going. I need to go by the hospital and check on my mother.” She tossed the wrappers into the trash can, then glanced at her phone. “I know if there was any change in her condition, they would call me, but sometimes I hope that just by my being there, she’ll know it. That it might trigger something in her brain and she’ll wake up. Even if it’s the desire to tell me I’m ruining my life.” She gave him a rueful smile.

      “You’re a good daughter.”

      The smile slipped off and her jaw tightened. “Too good sometimes, I’m afraid. And not good enough at other times.” She looked into his eyes and Lee’s heart beat a little faster at what he saw there. “I have regrets, Lee, I just want you to know that. I really do.”

      He reached out a hand and dragged a finger down her soft cheek. He knew what she was referring to. “I do, too. Unfortunately, I don’t think it’s possible to go through life and not acquire a few regrets.” He sighed and pulled her into a hug. She stiffened then relaxed and let him hold her. It hit home how much he’d missed her. “I’m sorry you’re having to go through this.”

      “Thanks, me too.” She sucked in a deep breath and pulled back. His arms immediately felt empty but he didn’t protest. “Do you need me to come get you in the morning?” she asked.

      “I suppose. I’ll need to get a rental car, I guess.”

      “You can use one of my mother’s cars. She has a Jeep and a BMW. I recommend the Jeep.”

      “Um, no way, thanks. If Marian Foxcroft wakes up and finds that you’ve let me drive one of her vehicles, she’ll have both of us arrested for grand theft auto. I’ll pass on that one.”

      “Ha-ha. She will not.” She might try, though. “I have some pull with the police around here should she try anything. Seriously, I should have thought of it before I brought you home, but we’ll take care of it tomorrow.”

      He was touched by her offer. Mostly because he hadn’t been expecting it. Still... “I really don’t think it’s a good idea.”

      “Well, I do. End of discussion.”

      Lee drew in a deep breath. “Okay, if you’re sure.”

      “I am.”

      “Then...I’d appreciate it. I’ll call George at the body shop first thing in the morning and see when he thinks he’ll have my truck ready. Might be a while, though.”

      “That’s fine. I’ll come get you in the morning.”

      He nodded and stood to walk her out the door. A low thud made him pause. He looked at Ellen. “Did you hear that?”

      Carly rose to her feet, ears cocked, attention on the front door. “I did and so did she.” Ellen lifted a finger to her lips and pulled her weapon. “Stay here. Someone’s out there.”