Gabe had seemed to want to talk this morning, which was so unusual for him. But last night had been a breakthrough, and she wanted to be there for him if he needed her. The moment she thought that, she realized she was getting involved too quickly. Gabe had made it clear on more than one occasion that he’d rather be alone, and she had to respect that, just as she kept telling Emma. But she couldn’t get the vulnerable man she’d held in her arms last night out of her head. She had an appointment at the bank and she made it just in time. Her father had had a excellent life insurance policy and Lacey wouldn’t have to worry about work for some time. But cleaning house and doing laundry were going to get old quickly. Once Emma didn’t need her so much, Lacey would have to find something to do. In Horseshoe that would probably be difficult. For now, though, her goal was to make the best Christmas possible for Emma. The appointment went well.
