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“Like you would have stayed.” Emmie stood gracefully. “You'd have checked yourself out after one day.”
“That's different.”
“How?” Emmie challenged.
“Enough.” Little Grandma's voice cut through the room. “Our Joy is home. That's what matters.”
Seth wasn't done. He looked at me, something hard in his eyes. “You sure she should be here and not at the hospital?”
“Seth.” Cobb Magill's warning came from the doorway. I hadn't heard him come in.
“I'm just saying, Dad. She got shot three days ago.”
“And Graham's been by her side the whole time.” Randy stood, facing his brother. “Back off.”
The tension in the room ratcheted up. This was more like what I'd expected—not everyone instantly accepting everything.
“Boys.” Sarah's voice trembled. “Please. Not now.”
Joy tried to stand. “I'm fine. Everyone stop—”
She swayed. I caught her, easing her back down.
“See?” Seth pointed. “She can't even stand properly.”
“Because you're stressing her out.” My voice came out harder than intended.
Seth stepped forward. “You want to go?”
“Seriously?” I stood, ribs screaming. “You want to fight me in your parents' living room while Joy's recovering?”
“Stop it!” Joy's voice cracked. “Both of you, stop it right now.”
The room went silent.
“Seth, I know you're scared. I know you're angry. But Graham saved my life. He rode his bike with two broken ribs and a concussion to find me.” Her voice broke. “So please, please don't do this.”
Seth's shoulders dropped. He scrubbed his face with his hands. “Christ, JoJo. When Graham called and said that psycho had you...”
“I know.” Joy reached for her brother with her good hand. “I'm sorry. I'm so sorry I scared you.”
Seth carefully took her hand, then looked at me. “Thank you. For bringing her back.”
I nodded. An understanding passed between us—not perfect acceptance, but a start.
“Can we eat now?” Emmie's voice cut through the moment. “Because I'm starving and Aunt Sarah's food is getting cold.”
The tension broke. People moved toward the dining room. I helped Joy stand, moving slowly.
“That was interesting,” she murmured.
“Your brother's protective. I get it.”
“He's an ass sometimes.”
“If someone hurt you, I'd be worse.”
Sarah, Pattie, and Lettie had outdone themselves. The table groaned under platters of food. I watched Joy try to manage with one hand.
