Page 7

He took his hat off as his gaze went around the chaotic living room. "My name's Jacob Hart. My brother, Dylan, works with Eliana Tiernan. Apparently, there's a situation, and Eliana would like for me to escort you and your daughter to a new location for a little while." His words were light and calm, but there was an underlying edge to his voice that got her attention in a hurry.

"Now?"

He nodded. "Right now. Pack for a few days, I guess."

Alarm crept down her spine. "What's going on?"

"I don't know." The first smile she'd seen on him danced at the corners of his mouth. "Apparently, you check your phone less often than I do. Eliana has been trying to reach you."

"My phone?" Of course. Her phone. Phoebe dashed into the kitchen, grabbed her purse off the counter, and pulled out her phone. Her heart sank when she saw eleven voicemails and twenty-five text messages from Eliana. "Oh, God."

"Mommy?" She turned around to see Annie staring at her, her eyes wide, a mixing bowl in her hand. "Mommy? Is something bad happening?"

"Oh, no, of course not. This is my friend…Uncle Jacob." She quickly texted Eliana, not taking the time to read all the texts. The few she saw were enough to raise her adrenaline. She immediately texted Eliana. Jacob Hart is here. Said you sent him. Send me a picture of him if he's okay.

Jacob cocked an eyebrow from his spot in the doorway, from which he still hadn't budged. Cupcake had given up harassing him, and was now sitting by Jacob's side, staring up at him expectantly. "Uncle Jacob?" he repeated, a hint of amusement in his voice.

"Yes. He's a dear and trusted friend." Phoebe smiled down at her daughter with confidence she didn't feel. Her mind was whirling, and panic was trying to close in on her. "Jacob is a sillyhead," she said. "You'll adore him."

Her phone vibrated, and she looked down as Eliana sent a picture of the man standing in her doorway. Is this who's at your door?

Yes.

Good. He's Jacob Hart. Go with him. Get out now. I'll explain as soon as you guys are clear. High alert. Go!

Oh, Lordy. She couldn’t believe this was happening. Do we have time to pack?

Three minutes. That's it.

Ok. She fought to hold off the panic as she shoved her phone in her pocket. "Guess what, Annie! Jacob's taking us on a vacation!"

Jacob's brows shot up, and Annie's eyes widened. "Disney World? Are we going to Disney World?"

Crap. She shouldn't have said vacation. "Um…not exactly…It's a surprise. Right, Jacob?"

Jacob looked at her, then looked at Annie. He seemed to wage an internal battle, then he got down on one knee so he was eye level with Annie, who was still in the kitchen. "Do you like horses?"

She nodded silently as she slid her hand into Phoebe's.

"Want to go visit a horse ranch? You and your mom can help me take care of the horses. I have this new one, a pony, who needs a friend. She feels lost. Would you be her friend?"

Annie stared at him, then nodded once. "What's her name?"

"Her name is…" He paused, and then got a thoughtful look on his face. "She doesn't have a name yet. I need help naming her."

"I'll help!" Annie clapped her hands. "Can I see a picture?"

"Yeah, sure." He pulled out his phone as Annie ran across the room. She leaned against his shoulder as he scrolled through some pictures.

Phoebe felt her heart turn over as she watched Annie's face light up at a photo he showed her. Annie didn't trust men, and yet she'd warmed to Jacob immediately. Yes. Her throat tightened. Maybe her baby would be all right.

"Send it to Mommy so I can see it all the time." Annie grabbed his phone and pressed a kiss to the screen. "Pony, I'm coming!" She dropped the phone and started to run out the front door, but Jacob gently blocked her.

"I think you need to pack, don't you?"

She stared at him. "Yes! Mommy, come on!" She turned and raced toward the stairs, her little feet thudding as she ran up them. Cupcake barked and took off after her, yelping with delight. As they reached the top of the stairs, there was a crash, and then, "I'm okay," Annie yelled. "But you need a new lamp!"

Oh, God.