Page 9 of Shelter for Shay (Broken Heroes Mended Souls #2)

“No.” Shay wiped her face with her napkin, tossed it on her plate, and snagged her wine, bringing it to her lips.

A vision of Moose filled her brain. The man was flipping gorgeous.

He had soulful eyes that held her captive every time she held his gaze.

His lips were plump and full and she resented that she wanted to know what it would be like to kiss him.

To have him hold her in his arms all night.

She shouldn’t be thinking like that while her mother was dying.

Not only was it disrespectful, but it was…

oh, who was she kidding… her mother was the one putting some of these thoughts in her head.

When she’d sit with her mom while Moose was doing some chore around the house her mom had asked him to do that didn’t really need fixing, her mother would ask her if she found Moose attractive.

Or she’d want to know what they chatted about when they weren’t all in the same room.

She’d tell Shay how he was the kind of man who’d make for a good partner.

It drove Shay nuts, but only because she didn’t disagree.

“Then who’s with your mom?” Becca asked with a confused tone, her forehead scrunched.

“This guy by the name of Moose. Matthew, technically. He… knew my mom years ago. She was his school counselor.”

Becca blinked. “Wait, isn’t that the man who wrote the letter?”

Shay nodded. “Yeah. He came to see her. Just got in yesterday.”

“And neither your mother nor you have seen this man since he left here how many years ago?” Becca held up her hand.

“Before you go reminding me about the fact I watch way too much crime television.” She jerked her thumb toward Jacob, the district attorney.

“He prosecutes all the bad guys in this town and her father was a serial killer. Do I need to say more?”

“Well, you’ll love this, then.” Shay leaned forward. “I told Moose he could stay at the house.”

“Wonderful.” Becca sighed. “Either you and your mom will be murdered by morning or your mom found your husband.” Becca pushed her plate aside, resting her elbows on the table. “Is he at least hot?”

Shay bristled. “It’s not like any of that. He’s not some stranger. They were close. And honestly? He’s been… kind. Quiet. Helpful.”

“Didn’t answer the hot question.” Becca cocked her head.

“He’s not bad on the eyes,” Shay admitted. Her mouth defied her and she smiled.

“While you’re grinning, it sounds like there’s a but there.”

“It is weird having someone like him around. Sometimes he’s quite chatty and open. Other times he barely talks. But mostly, it’s like he sees straight through you.”

Becca gave a knowing smile. “That sounds dangerous. Criminal Minds dangerous.”

“Oh my God. You need to stop watching that crap. Moose is a Navy SEAL. He’s a decent man who had a troubled childhood.

He’s not going to go all Ted Bundy on me,” Shay said quickly, then hesitated.

“I can’t think straight and having him there doesn’t help.

He and my mom have a weird bond. I’m used to people telling me how great she is and how much she helped them.

But this is next level. And then there’s how he’s always just there, helping before I even ask. It’s weird.”

“You’ve never been good at asking for anything,” Becca said gently. “And I can’t believe I’m going to say this… don’t shut the door if he’s someone who makes things feel less heavy. You deserve some light in all of this.”

Shay looked out the window, past the flicker of the Blue Moon’s patio lights, toward the quiet lake beyond. A man stood on one of the docks. He looked out of place in his freshly pressed dark suit with his hands in his pockets as he leaned against the post, staring at the patio.

“I’m not sure I even know what light looks like anymore,” she said, squinting, trying to get a better look. But then the man pushed from the post and strolled up the dock and disappeared around the corner. For some strange reason, Shay felt as though the man had been watching… her.

But she chalked that up to the conversation.

“Well,” Becca said, reaching for her wine again. “Maybe start by watching how you look at him.”

“I’m not interested,” Shay said.

“Your red cheeks say otherwise.” Becca lifted her wine, sipped, and smiled like she’d just won a million dollars. She was the kind of person who believed in love. Believed in happily ever after. Believed that everything worked out in the end.

For her, all that was true.

“Only because I’m frustrated.” Shay fiddled with her wineglass. “A man is the last thing I need right now.”

“A distraction from all this is exactly what you need.”

Before Shay could say anything, the main door opened, letting in a gust of cool air and a tall figure in a tan jacket.

Andy Harmon, Lake George State Trooper, old friend, and local fixture, stepped inside. He scanned the room, his gaze landing on their table almost immediately. “Well, well,” he said, strolling over with a smile. “If it isn’t trouble and her shadow.”

Becca laughed. “I haven’t been trouble in years.”

Shay stood and offered a quick hug. “Hey, Andy. You on patrol or just hunting down overpriced wine?”

“Bit of both as my mom sent me to bring her home dinner. Dad’s working late again, and my little brother is flunking like everything,” he said, tipping his head. “How’s your mom doing? I’ve been meaning to stop by. My folks have a basket for you.”

“She’s… holding on,” Shay said. Her throat tightened, but she forced a small smile.

“Some days are better than others, but the doctor said the end is days, or at best, a week or so away.” She saw no reason to lie to Andy.

His family were old friends, staples in the community, and they deserved the truth. Not some sugarcoated version of it.

Andy’s smile faded. “I’m sorry, kiddo. She’s always been one of the good ones. She really helped me and my family.”

“Yeah,” Shay said softly. “She touched a lot of lives.”

Andy glanced between them. “You girls having a good time?”

“Trying,” Becca said. “Between toddler stories and murder trial theories.”

“Speaking of catching up,” Andy said, turning his attention to Shay again. “I heard Moose Rhoades is in town.”

Shay blinked. “How do you know that?”

“Lake George has eyes,” Andy said with a grin. “Tell him to give me a call. I’d love the chance to say hello.”

“I’ll give him the message.” Shay nodded.

“Take care of yourself, Shay. And your mama too.” Andy tipped his head.

Becca leaned in. “I can’t believe no one’s made him a husband yet. He’s dreamy and a gentleman.”

“He’s also a player with commitment issues.” Shay rolled her eyes but smiled—just as her phone buzzed on the table.

Moose.

Her chest tightened. She picked it up immediately.

“Hello?”

“Shay.” Moose’s voice was low. Rough.

Her stomach dropped. “What’s wrong?”

“She’s—your mom—something changed. Her breathing’s different. Shallow. Rapid.” He paused. “I called the hospice nurse, but I… I didn’t know what else to do.”

“I’m on my way,” Shay said, already rising from her chair.

“She was asking for you,” he added quietly. “She kept saying your name. Then she just sort of… faded out again.”

Shay’s vision blurred for a second as she grabbed her bag. “Stay with her. I’ll be there in ten minutes.”

“I’m not going anywhere.”