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“Likeit? I love it.” He pulled her in for a brief kiss, then rested his forehead against hers. “I wish I could take you to the ball and show you off.”

Robin lurched back. “Wait, why can’t you? We’re ready to go.”

“Uh… maybe because one of the suspects in our no-longer-cold case was just sitting at your kitchen table acting like he’s onto us for suspecting him?”

“So? I was listening at the door, and it sounded like you put his mind at ease. Besides, you said you’d see him there. Wouldn’t he be suspicious if we didn’t show up?”

Jack let his head fall back with a shaky exhalation. “It’s not just Holden I’m worried about. Tommy called and said CJ left Philly, and I’m afraid he’s coming here.”

“Why would he?”

“We don’t know what Holden’s told him. What if CJ thinks you know something, and he comes here to tie up loose ends?” Jack stepped forward and put his hands on Robin’s trim waist, urging her closer. “I won’t let anything happen to you and Abby. It might be best for us to lay low until Philly PD finds CJ.”

Robin shook her head and gave him a sad smile. “We can’t do that, Jack. I’ve spent years living in fear. Not in this way, but of putting my heart out there and losing someone again. I know it’s not the same thing, but recently I’ve decided to stop letting fear keep me from living my life, and it’s even more important when I think about all the ways my words and actions affect my daughter. I want to set a good example for her, and she’s been looking forward to this ball since the last one ended. Wehaveto go.”

“Robin,” he groaned. He understood her point, but he didn’t have to like it.

“Like you said, you won’t let anything happen to me or my daughter. Besides, you don’t look too bad yourself, and maybe I’m excited to show you off too. You wouldn’t want to deny me that, would you?”

The wicked grin she’d flashed him was a direct hit, so he bowed his head in surrender. But as he watched her stride to her daughter’s room to collect her for the ball, a rare sensation of dread settled deep in his gut.

He had a bad feeling about tonight, so even though he’d do his best to let the woman he loved and her amazing daughter live their lives without fear, he wouldn’t take his eyes off them while they did it. In fact, he’d take Tommy’s advice and keep his head on a swivel. It was all he could do.

CHAPTER18

Robin

Jack heldthe door for Robin and Abby, and the second she stepped into Colonial Hall, Robin’s breath left her in a sudden whoosh. Nick and the crew had seriously outdone themselves this year.

There were more twinkle lights and sheer golden drapery on the ceiling than they normally used, and theNutcrackerset on the main stage on the far side of the room was more elaborate than ever. Each of the round tables that framed the room held magnificent centerpieces of red and gold, and the alternating maroon and forest-green tablecloths gave it a well-rounded feel of Christmas elegance. Even the photo area for Santa and Mrs. Claus had an elevated feel to it.

“It looks amazing!” Abby cried, jumping up and down as she surveyed the room. Then she pointed to the group of girls who’d been at their house for hot cocoa and grabbed Robin’s arm. “Can I go hang out with my friends now?”

“Sure, sweetie. Have fun!”

Jack stiffened beside her, and Robin turned in time to see him blow a short burst of air through his nose.

She quirked a brow at him. “Something you’d like to say, Ferdinand?”

Jack’s brows furrowed as he stared down at her, clearly not understanding the reference.

Robin pointed to her nose and mimicked the flared-nostril thing he’d just done. “You looked like an angry bull when you did that. Haven’t you heard of Ferdinand the Bull?”

His lips pulled inward, and though she could still see he was attempting to look stern, the humor in his eyes was a dead giveaway. “Are you sure it’s a good idea to let Abby run around in here without one of us with her?”

“Jack, it’s the Gingerbread Ball. Not only are there tons of witnesses in the form of her classmates and friends and even your family, who love her, but what’s the point of being here if we’re not going to let her have any fun?”

Jack opened his mouth to reply, but then confusion settled over his features, and he closed it with a snap.

“What?” Robin asked with a light laugh.

“Your family.”

“What?”

“You mentioned thatmyfamily was here, but um… wow, this feels ridiculous to only now be asking you, but what aboutyourfamily?”

An old familiar pang of sadness stirred deep within Robin’s chest, but she slammed the door on it before it could take over. “Abby is my family.”

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