Gross. It had to be. He wrapped an arm around her and pinned her to the floor.
Her harsh curses echoed in his ears.
The back door opened and a voice shouted, “Police!”
The lights flashed on. An officer stepped up to him and crouched down, brandishing handcuffs. “I’ve got her, sir.”
Griff rolled off and let the officer cuff her. “The gun’s over there somewhere,” he said, picking himself up off the floor as police filled the room.
He whirled, apprehension squeezing his chest. “Sunny!”
Where was she? Was she all right?
SUNNY SAT UP, blinking in the bright light. She’d hit her head on the edge of the desk when she’d shoved the desk chair at Jane and dropped to the floor.
She had to get the book. Her head was fuzzy. She touched her temple and felt dampness.
Book? It took her a fraction of a second to remember.
Bess’s book of children. She’d dropped it. She had to find it—it was her only bargaining chip. She felt around her until her fingers touched the smooth-grained leather.
A familiar voice echoed in her ears. She was still a little dazed. Had she dreamed Griff had saved her?
She slid the book into her pocket. She had to hold on to it.
“Sunny?”
There was his voice again. She blinked and cringed as a shadow towered over her.
Then strong familiar arms lifted her.
Griff.
“Are you hurt? Sunny? What happened to your head?”
She couldn’t talk. All she could do was wrap her arms around him and burrow her nose in his neck. Eventually she realized she was crying, and he was holding her tightly.
“Have you been shot?” he asked. “Are you all right?”
His voice sounded strange—strained, unsteady.
All she could do was nod and cling to him. He was here. He’d found her.
Then Jane’s harsh curses penetrated her confused brain and everything came back to her with brilliant clarity.
“Oh, my God! Emily!” She pushed at Griff’s chest as panic filled her. “Where is she? Where’s Mia?”
“It’s okay.” Griff kept one arm loosely around her and touched her face with his other hand. “The police have her. She’s fine. We’ll go see her in just a minute, after the EMTs make sure you’re all right.”
“No!” She shoved at him. “Now!” She broke away from him and pushed through the melee toward the door.
One of the officers grasped her arm, and she tried to shake free.
“No! Let me go!”
A female voice said, “Ma’am, I’ll take you. They’re just over here.”
Still frantic, Sunny let the woman lead her out of the house. She searched the backyard, but didn’t see anything except police cars.
The policewoman spoke on her shoulder mic, then pointed toward one of the police cars.
Sunny watched the passenger door open. Mia got out, holding Emily. Her precious baby.
With a cry of joy, Sunny ran, her arms out.
She grabbed up her daughter, her chest burning with relief. Her sweet, warm, soft baby. Happy cleansing tears streamed down her face.
“Oh, Emily…” she sobbed, hugging the tiny, familiar body against her, cradling the fine little head, hearing her frightened whimpers. “I was so afraid…”
Her heart felt like a big balloon, swelling with love.
“I know, baby,” she murmured, trying to swallow her tears. She rocked Emily gently from side to side. “Mommy’s scaring you. I’m so sorry, Emily. I’m so sorry. Mommy’s got you now, and I will never ever let you go.” She pressed her lips to one perfect little ear. “Mommy’s got you now,” she whispered on a quiet sob.
GRIFF TURNED AWAY. Blinking against the stinging in his eyes, he headed back toward the house. There was a lot of work to do before he was through here. For now, it was still his job.
That wasn’t the only reason he’d turned away, though. If he’d watched Sunny and her baby for another second, he’d have cried.
And Griffin Stone had never cried.
He’d seen his share of reunions. But none had ever affected him like this. The joy and love that radiated across Sunny’s beautiful face as she held her baby penetrated him to the core.
His own heart swelled in echoed joy. He had kept his promise. He had helped her find her daughter. It was all she’d asked of him.
He ran his palm across his eyes as Captain Sparks approached.
“Good job, son.”
“Thank you, Captain.”
“And thank God there were no casualties.”
Griff nodded.
“I have some news for you.”
Griff sniffed and looked up.
“My dispatcher just called. A Hiram Cogburn showed up at the police station, declaring he has evidence that will put Jane and Ed Gross in prison for the rest of