Free Dancing with Detective Danger by Lynn Crandall Page A

he’s doing just fine. I’d be happy to make up the hide-a-bed for you.”
    Even in the dim light from the hall, Lacey could see the woman’s eyes were kind. “Thanks. This chair will be fine.”
    “At least take this blanket.”
    As the nurse closed the door behind her, Lacey huddled down deeper into the upholstered chair and unfolded the blanket across her lap. Lacey knew the nurse had no way of knowing that it didn’t matter where she rested her head, she would not be sleeping tonight.
    The soft sounds of Tyler’s breathing comforted her. The steady rhythm, in and out, in and out, assured Lacey that her son’s accident was just a bump in the road, not another tragedy. But even though sleeplessness ached at the back of her eyes, she would remain vigilant, like a sentry at the watch. It was the only way to make sure nothing would rob her of her cherished loved one.
    Thirty minutes later with her strained muscles begging for a stretch, Lacey unfurled from the chair and walked to the window, the blanket pulled around her shoulders. A starless, dark sky blanketed the night, but Lacey suspected the stars, hidden in the glow of the city lights, were twinkling brightly. Invisible, but always there.
    Lacey felt a tickle against her ear as one of the rose quartz earrings her sister had given her twisted gently. A shiver shimmied down her spine and her attention was drawn to an image reflected in the window. She blinked hard, twice. The blanket slipped from her fingers and cascaded around her feet. “Nicholas?” Freezing to the spot facing the window, Lacey squeezed her eyes shut. “You’re really letting your imagination run wild, Lacey,” she said, talking to herself out loud and not daring to open her eyes.
    Then she smelled it. The subtle sweetness of apple blossoms made familiar by association.
    The scent reminded her of a loved voice, a strong shoulder, a sweet smile. And, oh, how much she’d missed it all. She stood captured in the implausibility of the moment.
    “No, you’re not imagining anything, honey.”
    Still facing the window, Lacey slowly opened her eyes, a delicious feeling of finding something once lost lighting in her heart. “Nicholas,” she breathed. Her husband’s unmistakable sparkling eyes reflecting back at her melted all disbelief. “But how … is this magic?”
    Lacey felt his touch on her shoulder, so warm and known, and chanced to turn and look directly at her beloved Nicholas, or at least at the dream of him.
    “No, it’s not magic, it’s love. Don’t worry about how. Just know I’m here now, Lacey.” Nick drew her into his arms. “I’ve missed you so much.”
    There was no mistaking it, this was really Nicholas. She knew his presence as surely as she knew her own home.
    Nestled against his chest, all the fears and longings Lacey had been carrying around for two years seeped away into thin air.
    “Oh, how I’ve longed for this,” she said.
    “I know. I felt it too,” Nick said, gently stroking her hair. “I had to find a way to reach you.”
    Lacey made herself pull away from his embrace. “I have so many questions. But I’m afraid.”
    Nick cupped her face in his hand and tilted her chin up to him. Closing his eyes, he pressed a tender kiss to her lips, sending her senses spiraling. It had been so long since she’d felt so loved. Tears welled from her eyes and drifted down her cheeks.
    “Don’t be afraid, Lacey,” Nick said, brushing away her tears. “And don’t cry, love. I’m never far away now. And I promise I’ll answer all your questions.”
    Fear instantly ignited in her heart. “You’re leaving, aren’t you.”
    “I have to go, but don’t worry, I’ll be back. Nothing can keep me from you, Lacey. Just believe that.”
    In an instant, Nicholas was gone. Lacey stood in the hospital room, alone with the sounds of her sleeping son.
    • • •
    Sterling rolled over in bed, the rich aroma of coffee filling her head. She stretched lazily, opened her