Page 393 of Rangers Unexpected Return

Doc looks at him.

“She's six, Barrett.”

“She needs real food.”

Sophie peeks around me.

“I like bacon.”

Doc points at her.

“See? Smart kid.”

Something almost happens inside my chest.

Almost a laugh.

I haven't laughed since yesterday morning.

Maybe longer.

I don't remember.

Doc disappears through a swinging door.

Cole moves away from the window.

“Come sit down.”

“I don't want to sit down.”

“You're swaying.”

“I am not.”

“Claire.”

I hate that he can still say my name like that.

Like he's known me forever.

Maybe he has.

I met Cole the same night I met Nathan.

Nathan talked enough for both of them.

Cole sat across the table watching everyone and saying almost nothing.

By the end of the night, Nathan had asked for my phone number.

Cole had told him he'd forgotten to pay the check.

Nathan had blamed me.

You distracted me.

I'd rolled my eyes.