Tyson's heart seized. "That's exactly what I'm going to do."
"We, bro," Colton corrected him. "We're going. He broke into our domain."
Tyson nodded. He didn't care how it went down. He wasn't losing the woman he loved to the same man twice.
Chapter Nineteen: Chapter 19 Title
Valerie Blanchette Kenway
Valerie volunteered to help Vinia clean up. The older woman smiled at her. "For someone who is supposed to be a guest, you certainly do a lot of work around here."
"I enjoy it." She kissed Vinia's cheek. "I enjoy being back around here."
"Mommy," Londyn tugged on her arm, "I'm going with Aunt Sarah to the bakery. She's going to make cinnamon rolls for breakfast."
"I think you mean cinnamon."
"That's what I said. Cimmanon."
Sarah laughed. "Come on, squirt. Maybe we'll just rename them so they're specific to the ranch."
Valerie watched them leave hand in hand. "I think it's doing Londyn good being here around people like your family."
"I think it's done Sarah good, too," Vinia added. "I think this is about the longest stretch she's stayed home in a while."
Valerie grabbed some dishes. "None of my business, but you guys have no idea where she goes?"
"Not a clue. The boys haven't tried following her yet, but the time is coming. Whoever she's seeing is someone she's not anxious about us discovering."
"And you have no idea who it is?" Valerie smiled. "If I remember correctly, you always knew everything around here."
Vinia shrugged. "I used to. I have no idea what's happened to that talent. The boys were easy, but this girl is going to give me nightmares."
"Great," Valerie laughed. "Just what I want to hear about girls." She sobered. "If I ever get my son back for comparison."
Vinia patted her shoulder. "Now, you know Ty will stop at nothing to make you happy."
Her words made Valerie cringe. She didn't deserve it from Ty. Not after how she'd treated him. She didn't deserve the kindness from any of the Hales.
"Now, stop. I didn't say that to make you sad."
Valerie shook her head. "You always did know how to read my mind."
They chatted until the kitchen was clean and the dishes were put up. Vinia looked around and declared their duty finished. "Thank you for the help."
"No worries. I'm going to save Sarah before she has a big old mess to clean up."
Valerie grabbed a bottle of water on her way out. She stood on the porch and took a long drink. Being up here made her feel better, or maybe it was because she drank more water than soda. Either way, it felt great. She skipped down the steps and started across the yard to Sarah's building.
She was almost to the porch of the bakery when Randall stepped out from around the back of the building. Valerie's heart stopped, and she turned to run, but two of his brothers, or men, were behind her. She sucked in her breath and waited. Running inside wasn't an option; she didn't want Randall coming in and grabbing Londyn. She refused to take a step as he approached, but a movement in the window caught her attention. She locked eyes with Sarah and silently pleaded with her to keep Londyn safe. She could read the turmoil in Sarah's eyes, but she didn't come outside.
"Hello, Valerie."
"What are you doing here, Randall?"
"I'm here to take you home. And it's a pity. I warned you about making me come and get you."
Off his shoulder, Valerie saw Sarah pick Londyn up and disappear from sight. "Let's go."
