Page 131 of Jay Bird

“We don’t know.”

“But you think it could be.”

Jay Bird wasn’t going to lie to her. “Yeah. I think it’s possible.”

Her gaze immediately moved around the crowded aquarium, and Jay Bird hated himself for putting that fear back into her eyes.

He stepped closer. “Look at me.”

She did.

“If I thought you or Peanut were in immediate danger, we wouldn’t be standing here.”

“But something’s bothering you.”

Damn woman knew him too well already. “I’m being cautious.”

“That’s not an answer.”

“It’s the answer I’ve got right now.” He gently touched her hand. “Nobody has found anything directly connected to you. Tink is watching it, Derek knows, and everyone has been alerted. Until we know more, we stay smart.”

Willow took a slow breath. “Okay.”

“You trust me?”

The answer came without hesitation. “Yes.”

That one word hit him harder than she probably realized.

Jay Bird curled his fingers around hers. “Then let’s go see what other animals our daughter plans to acquire illegally.”

Willow laughed. “First the puppy, now aquarium animals.”

“She’s ambitious.”

“She gets that from you.”

“I’m pretty sure that’s you.”

Lily suddenly yelled for them, ending the discussion, and Jay Bird gladly let the subject drop.

Several hours later, Lily had officially run out of steam.

She had made it through sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, and enough fish to occupy her vocabulary for the next six months before finally deciding Jay Bird was easier transportation than her own legs.

She was draped against his chest as they walked toward the parking lot, one arm around his neck while Ellie was wedged between them.

“She’s asleep,” Willow said.

Lily lifted her head. “No.”

Willow laughed. “Oh, excuse me.”

“Not tired.”

“Of course not.”

Lily’s head dropped back onto Jay Bird’s shoulder, and he grinned.