don’t need to do that. The girls will be home soon and they can help me. I’ve actually become pretty good at doing it myself, too.”
He looked mutinous. “I said I would help.”
“Henry. Go home. It’s hard enough having you see me like this. Having anyone see me,” she quickly corrected, hoping he didn’t notice. “I don’t need you to put me into my bed like I’m an ancient old woman in a nursing home. Olivia and Caitlin will be here soon and one of them can help me.”
He still looked as if he wanted to argue but he finally sighed. “Fine. But I’m not leaving until one of them returns. I’ll try not to fall asleep this time.”
He had that stubborn set to his jaw that told her nothing she said would change his mind. Up from his own nap, Otis wandered out of his crate across the room to stand by the door. “I think Otis needs to go out. Can you help him?”
“Sure. Come on, bud.”
The dog padded after Henry to the back door off the kitchen. Henry opened the door for Otis and stood while the little dog hurried outside to do his business.
He was still standing there waiting for Otis when the front door opened and Olivia walked inside. She paused, looking startled to find Juliet still in her recliner.
“Oh. You’re not in bed.”
Henry and Otis both came back at that moment, the dog dancing with joy to see Olivia. She picked him up and held him close, her cheek resting on his head as if she needed to find comfort there.
What had happened?
“I did try to help her settle for the night, but she is being her stubborn self,” Henry said.
“I feel like I have done nothing but sleep all day. I really wasn’t tired.” She wouldn’t admit that she was actually quite tired now. Instead, she mustered a smile. “How was the birthday party?”
“Good. I’m glad I went. I think it gave Mel a nice lift to know her friends love her so much. Everyone asked about you. Oh, and Cooper saved a woman’s life who went into anaphylactic shock from shellfish.”
“Did he?”
Something else had gone on. She didn’t know exactly what, but her mother instincts were humming. Little subtle clues in her body language hinted that Olivia’s emotions were in turmoil.
“Sounds like we missed an exciting night.”
What had happened to upset her daughter? If Henry weren’t there, would Olivia tell her? Probably not, she thought sadly. She and her daughter didn’t have that kind of relationship, much to her regret.
“It was.” Olivia smiled at Henry. “Thank you so much for hanging out with Mom and keeping an eye on things.”
“My pleasure. Really. I’m happy to hang out anytime. You know where to find me. And, Juliet, I’ll be in touch next week about that field trip.”
“Okay.”
He leaned in to kiss her on the cheek, as he had done dozens of times before. For one crazy moment as the clean, masculine scent of him teased her, Juliet wanted desperately to shift and brush her mouth against his. At the last instant before she could do something stupid, sanity returned and she sat back in the recliner, trying to ignore the pounding of her heart.
He waved to both of them and headed out the door.
“What field trip?” Olivia asked.
“If I’m up for it, he wants me to go down the coast with him next week to check out a job site. I’m not sure I can sit in the car that long but I’ll have to see.”
“Who knows? You might be more than ready to get out of here for a few hours.”
“I already am,” Juliet admitted.
When Olivia didn’t answer, Juliet turned and found her daughter gazing out the window at the dark night, her features distracted.
Henry’s departure had almost pushed her concern to the back burner but it instantly reignited.
“What’s wrong? You’re upset.”
Olivia frowned, looking flustered. “I’m not. Everything is fine. Why wouldn’t it be?”
They might not be as close as she would like, but she could still sense Olivia’s moods. “I’m your mother,” she reminded her. “I know when something is bothering you.”
Olivia gave a smile that seemed forced. “Nothing’s wrong, Mom. I’m tired. That’s all. And you should be, too. Let’s get you settled into bed.”
OLIVIA
Her mother didn’t let up. Even as she helped transfer her to her wheelchair and pushed her into her bedroom, Juliet continued to dig.
“Did one of the tourists say something to you? Sometimes they can be