"But nothing's changed, Amos. I still have to put Kyra first. I can't date."
The words hit like a blow to the stomach. "I don't want to date you, Alana. I want you in my life. You and Kyra."
She shakes her head. "How can you say that when we've only known each other a few weeks?"
"It's enough for me. My instincts are never wrong."
She frowns and studies my face. "It's too soon for me. I like you, Amos. But I'm too close to the adoption going through. I can't do anything to jeopardize that. Kyra has no one in the world but me. I can't let her down."
Her expression is agony, and it makes me love her more. Alana will do anything for her daughter, and I respect her for that.
I rest my hands on her shoulders. I can't force Alana into anything, and I can't let her go. "I understand now. I'd do anything for Sam, anything."
Her expression softens. "Thank you for understanding."
"But that doesn't mean I'm giving up on you, Alana. I'll wait for you and Kyra however long it takes.”
Tears spring to Alana's eyes, and she blinks rapidly. With my thumb, I brush away a single tear that leaks out of her eye.
"One day we'll be together, the four of us under the same roof. I'll take care of the both of you, and we'll be a family. You just tell me when you're ready, Alana."
Her gaze meets mine wide with amazement. "You'd wait for me?"
"I'll wait a lifetime if I have to."
There's movement in the hallway, and she steps away from me as Kyra walks into the living room, rubbing her eyes from sleep.
"Is Sam better?" she asks.
Alana goes to her and crouches next to her daughter. "He's getting there."
She pulls her daughter into a hug and leads her through to the kitchen.
As she walks past me, my heart goes with her. I love her for putting her daughter first, but damn, it's hard.
23
AMOS
Six Months Later...
Acloud of gravel dust wafts over my SUV as a concrete mixer rumbles past me and up the road to Jake's Retreat. Joel's getting ready to lay the last of the concrete in the main building areas, and the place is alive with construction vehicles.
I'm the only one heading out, and I give Joel a wave as I drive past on my way to school pick up.
My phone buzzes, and I smile as Alana's number flashes on the dashboard screen of my car. I hit answer, and her voice fills the SUV.
"Amos, thank god I caught you."
The tone of her voice wipes the smile of my face.
"What's happened? Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. But I'm caught up with a new case."
Her voice wavers, and I grip the steering wheel. I've gotten to know Alana over the past six months, and the things she sees at work can be tough.
"Are you okay?" I ask softly.
