“June, then. If it hampers his ability to use his arm, will that mean he can’t be a Ranger anymore? Because I know that would just about kill him.”
“That’s my worry, too. We’ll simply have to wait and see. On the bright side, you won’t have to worry about your safety anymore. Kit took down the man who killed your husband.”
Talk about the bitter with the sweet—
“He also killed one of the man’s accomplices and wounded another, who has been arrested. Ranger Vance killed the fourth man, the one who was hiding in the getaway car and injured Kit.”
It took a minute for Natalie to take it all in. She stared at Kit’s mother. “You’ve been through this before.”
“Yes. But this time we can be thankful Kit’s life has been spared.”
“I—I’m so thankful, I don’t know how to react. How terrifying for you to have to hear news like this about your son.” Natalie put her arms around the older woman, and the two of them simply held on to each other for a little while before June pulled back, wiping her eyes.
“I’ve been told your living room window was shattered during the gunfire. It might be best for you to stay here until the Rangers have finished their job and the people from Forensics are through. Then they’ll have the mess cleaned up and new glass installed. I imagine that by tomorrow you’ll be able to go home.”
Natalie felt numb. Home without Kit was unthinkable. “How soon can he have visitors?”
“The surgeon told me not until tomorrow and maybe not even then depending on his condition. He’s been through a lot of trauma physically and psychologically.”
“But he’s tough.”
June nodded. “He’s just like his father.”
“Has your other son been told?”
“Yes. I called Brandon the second I had word from his captain. He’ll arrive at the hospital before long to talk to the doctor.”
“Why don’t you stay here until you hear from him? I was just about to make coffee. Have you had any breakfast?”
“Not yet.”
“Then let me get us some. I’m so thankful he’s alive, I need to work off my excess energy and stay busy. I’m glad you’re here with me. Amy and I would love the company. It’s been very quiet with just the two of us.”
“It must have been intolerable to be cooped up in your house.”
“Not really.” Not at all. I’ve had Kit all to myself. Now there’s no excuse for us to be together under the same roof. “What I’ve missed is taking this little girl out to the park.”
Amy awakened and stood in the playpen. “Mama.” She held out her arms. “Kit!”
“Oh—” June laughed. “She knows his name. She’s adorable.”
“He’s been playing with her.” She walked over to the playpen. “Amy, this is June. Can you say June?”
She pointed her finger at Kit’s mother. “June.”
“Yes, sweetheart. June!” Natalie looked at Kit’s mother. “Your son has won her heart. I’ll just change her diaper and get her dressed. Then she can eat breakfast with us.”
She picked Amy up and carried her into the bathroom. When she returned to the living room she saw that June had gone into the kitchen. She’d made the coffee for them and was toasting Eggo waffles.
“Waffles sound good.” Natalie put the baby in the high chair.
“Kit has always loved them.”
She got out the syrup and the butter. While June brought the plates of waffles to the table, Natalie found a jar of applesauce she’d brought with her. She broke a waffle into pieces for Amy and June poured the coffee.
They began eating their breakfast, but after a few mouthfuls of fruit, Amy wanted to get down. “My daughter is restless. Excuse me for a minute. I’ll put on her sandals and take her outside for a little walk. In the rush to get here yesterday, I forgot to pack the stroller.”
“I’ll walk outside with you. Right now I’m afraid I can’t sit still.”