Chapter Twenty-Eight

Leigh woke in the morning with Jim's arms around her. The pain of Ryley's loss hit her, but for the first time she thought she might survive this. There were others hurting like she did. Time she did something to recognize the wound to the community.

She started by making coffee and putting toast on for Jim. The snow had stopped and he'd be going to work. He appeared in the kitchen looking rumpled and wonderful. She walked over and gave him a hug.

"Thanks, love."

"Do you need me to stay home today?"

"I'll be fine." She poured him a coffee. "You have work to do, you promised Georgia. I have work to do too."

"OK then." Jim sipped at his coffee and spread peanut butter on his toast. "Call me if you need anything." He finished his coffee, then with a kiss and a hug, he went out the door. Leigh didn't look at the TV, but went to her office. She'd start with Jake's mother. She was a single mom who stayed in town because she didn't have anywhere else to go.