Beck didn’t correct him. Better to let him think that killing Jed was the issue.
“Oh, and thank you. River told me how you worked on me at the lodge before I came to in the chopper,” Dean said, extending his uncasted hand.
“No thanks needed,” Beck assured with a solid shake. “I’m just glad you’re still with us.”
“Me, too, brother. Me, too.”
As Beck left the hospital and headed home, the evening traffic was surprisingly light, unlike his thoughts. Despite being worried, he was looking forward to their date night. It would be good for them all if he and Seth cuddled their girl between them.
But when the garage door opened, the PI’s SUV wasn’t there. A string of curses rolled off his tongue, but he tamped down his disappointment—until he headed inside to find Heavenly sitting on the couch, hugging her knees to her chest.
“Little girl?”
She turned and looked up at him. “You’re here. It was getting late, and I wondered if you were both going to get caught up at work.”
He could have, and before her he probably would have, but… “No. It took me a little longer to make my rounds, but there was nothing urgent, so I came home. I was looking forward to date night with you and a bowl of popcorn.”
“Me, too.” But her smile was halfhearted at best. “I’m worried about Seth. He didn’t seem like himself before he left. And he hasn’t shown up yet.”
“Has he called?”
“No.”
Her lost expression gutted him. His worry ticked up a notch.
Seth should be here to clean up his mess, but since he wasn’t, Beck wouldn’t let her mope.
They’d start date night without him.
“Well, you know what that means, don’t you?” Beck asked.
She shook her head. “What?”
“More popcorn for us.” He winked, extending his hand.
With a fragile smile, she placed her slender fingers in his palm.