“You do.” Mort grins. “Don’t forget I plan on cashing in when we get home.” He claps Luke on the shoulder. “We’re family, son. We want our girl safe.”
Seth laughs. “I take it this means he’s rehired?”
Luke nods absentmindedly. All he can think about is Sal. Whatever Mort wants, he’ll give it—he just has to wait until Sal is settled.
Jace speaks up. “We have to call Lacey.”
Seth scowls. “Fuckin’ great.”
Luke grits his teeth, agreeing with Seth, but he knows Jace is right. He also knows that dealing with Sal’s sister is an exercise in being driven slowly insane. He’s not sure if he and Lacey can overcome their already-strained relationship, but for Sal’s sake, they’ll have to try.
“And listen ...” Luke rubs his brow, hating himself, hating what he’s about to say. “Nothin’ about the baby or Alabama.” He levels an even gaze at his brother and best friend. “You hear me?”
Jace nods slow. “You think that’s a good idea?”
“I don’t know,” Luke admits, running a hand down his beard. “I hate keepin’ it from her. All I know is what the doctor said. I ain’t overwhelmin’ her with too much. At least, not right away.” He glances back at the closed door where Sal sleeps. “We get her home and take care of her.”
That’s all Luke’s focused on—getting Sal better. Keeping her safe and protected until she’s healthy enough to learn about the past.
“Damn straight,” Seth swears. “Anything. Anything for Sal.”
Turning to face Sal’s room door, Luke presses his palm against the window. Inside, Sal sleeps easy. Her breathing light, her hair damp against her brow. She looks so fragile, so raw; Luke’s eyes suddenly fill with tears.
He has to tell her the truth again. About Alabama, about the night he was off and gone, putting a song before his wife. Only this time, like last time, he doesn’t know if she’ll believe him.
Luke closes his eyes. She has to. He can’t lose her.
Not again.