The Groom's Little Girls. Katie Meyer

County foster parent” and found the page for the Department of Children and Families. Scanning quickly, she found a section about emergency and temporary placements. “It looks like I might be able to get clearance more quickly, given that I already have a relationship with him. And I’ve been through most of the background checks as part of the guardian ad litem program. But I’ll call his social worker and see what she says. I want to have things in place before he leaves the Cunninghams.” She looked up at him. “I’ll make this work. I won’t let him go to a group home. I won’t let him down.” There was nothing worse than having the people you trusted turn their backs on you. She’d learned that lesson too well, and part of her would never be the same. If she could protect whatever hope Kevin had left, whatever belief he had in good winning out over evil, she would.

      Tyler shook his head. “What scares me is, I’m starting to believe it. Now go. Make it happen before I come to my senses and try to talk you out of it.”

      “Thanks!” Impulsively she leaned in and hugged him, then froze, expecting the panic to set in. Instead, she felt a pulse of lightning shoot through her, lighting up nerves that had lain dormant so long she’d forgotten what they were for. Heat and confusion filled her head, leaving her dizzy as she pulled back. “I’ve got to go...call the social worker.”

      Tyler nodded, stepping away from her. “And I’ve got inventory to unpack. But, Dani?”

      “Yes?” Her pulse sped. Had she overstepped with the hug? Had he read something in to it?

      “Never mind. Just...good luck.”