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She kept her eyes forward. “It would mean a lot to Rita.”
“And you?”
Her throat thickened. “Sam. Please.”
“Fine, but Janey hit the nail on the head. Thanks, Janey.”
Kit glanced at Sam. He was smiling at Janey over his shoulder.
“Also,” Sam added, lowering his voice, “you’re making choices for me. You wouldn’t like if I did that to you. Just think about that.”
Kit did think about that. She thought about it all the way to Mateo’s. Sam was right. But so am I.
Have dinner. Tell Rita you love her, then get the hell back to work.
Because work was safe.
Kit pointed to the sign for Mateo’s restaurant. “It’s a legit place. We have a private room in the back. I won’t force you to come with us, but if you decide to take off, go to New Horizons. Please.”
Jane studied her shrewdly. “Okay. We’ll come with you.”
“If your parents say it’s okay that we crash your party,” Janey added like she didn’t care, but there was a glimmer of hope in her eyes.
Kit understood that, too. “They will.” Both girls held their breath but followed them into the noisy restaurant, hand in hand.
Kit swallowed hard, remembering clutching Wren’s hand the same way.
“You okay?” Sam murmured.
She nodded. “Memories.”
“Thought so. You did a good thing, Kit.”
Her name on his lips sent a shiver down her spine. “Let’s find the party.”
The private room wasn’t much quieter than the main dining room. Harlan McKittrick loomed over everyone, tall and broad-shouldered. He was strength personified and Kit loved him with her whole heart.
“Kitty-Cat!” he called, crossing the room in a few long strides. “And Sam. I’m so glad you came.”
Sam shook Harlan’s offered hand. “Thank you, sir.”
Harlan shook his head. “We’ve talked about the ‘sir,’ Sam. Cut it out.” He folded Kit into a rib-crushing hug and kissed the top of her head before letting her go. “Who have we here?”
“This is Jane and Janey,” Kit said with a straight face. “We met them on the way.”
Jane still looked ready to run as Harlan smiled warmly. “Welcome. We’re so glad you came. Come and meet Rita and Mrs. McK.”
“Dr. Sam!” Rita came running, giving Sam a hug. “I didn’t think you were coming.”
“I changed my mind,” Sam said mildly.
Rita gave Kit a too-knowing grin. “Thanks, Kit.” She turned to the girls. “Hi, I’m Rita. I’m glad you’re here. Come meet my new mom.”
She led them away, chattering merrily.
“She’s come so far in a short time,” Sam said quietly.
“She has,” Harlan said proudly. “Team effort. Mostly Rita, though. She knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go after it. She said she’s channeling her ‘inner Kit.’ ”
