As this noose of fear tightens, the drumbeat of my heart pounds in my ears. Swallowing over the knot in my throat, I steady my voice. “Forensics, Sheriff. There is no way your story will hold up in court.”
Her face turns crimson as she screams, “I don’t fucking give a shit! I’ve lost everything.”
Sensing our time is up, I squeeze Mack’s hand, twist my neck and mutter, “When I say go, tip to the right.” With any luck, the old chairs’ loose rungs will snap from our weight. This move could buy us a few more precious moments.
My former bestie giggles. Weapon aimed, she curls her index finger around the trigger. “I heard you, you know. It won’t work. Adios, girlfriend. You did this to yourself.”
Time shifts, slows, then halts. I recall the first time I held my baby and how her bright eyes bravely met the world. Missing a front tooth, she charged into kindergarten using the same self-confidence.
Breath hitching, heart aching, I take her hand again. She’ll never grow up, never graduate, never fall in love.
My head turns. In my mind’s eye, I peck her cheek goodbye. “Close your eyes, honey. I love you.” The words scarcely leave my mouth before our door explodes.
As shards of wood burst into the room, our would-be assassin swivels toward the noise. “What the—”
“Now, Mack. Now.”This is it.With my foot to the table’s edge, I shove with all my might.
Gunshots blast. We hit the floor.
A breath later, a familiar voice calls out. “Kell? Mackenzie? Are you hurt?”
Wildlife? What’s he doing here?
Face fierce, his 9 mm drawn, he drops to his knees beside us. “Is anyone else in the building?”
I shake my head no. “But Bourdin… He could be nearby. He and Sheriff Laughlin were a couple. I had no idea.”
My gray matter struggles to catch up to reality. Knife out, he cuts our zip ties, then yanks us into his arms. Safe, we sob into his warmth, absorbing his strength until he gently lifts us to our feet.
Standing, looking over my lover’s shoulder, I wave at my silent, loyal brother, Kade who just arrived. He’s always been there for me. How had I never truly seen him before? After a quick yet firm hug, he nods at my hero.
“C’mere, Mackenzie.” A fatherly arm around my daughter, he leads her outside.
Alone now, sirens wail in the distance. My fingers slide over Scott’s shoulders, lacing behind his neck. Our gazes locked, he brushes his soft lips across mine. I dig my digits into his scalp to trap him in place. Soon, I’m carried away by his kiss.
When we break apart, I gasp in fresh oxygen until my foggy brain clears. “How did you know?”
He shakes his head. “I didn’t. I wanted to surprise you.”
Whoa. If his plane had been delayed, or he’d stopped for coffee… No way, not going there. Slipping on my coat, I blow through my teeth and walk with him into the cold.
Together, we can face anything.
Epilogue
Hunt
Most say spring is the season for lovers, but I disagree. With its crisp air, tart apples, and vibrant foliage, fall wins. If you add bonfires and steamy nights beneath the sheets, there is absolutely no comparison.
With Kelly’s delicate hand in mine, we stroll through the craft fair in our raincoats, enjoying our root beer barrel candies. A stringed puppet tap-dances to an Appalachian dulcimer. I swear, I could stand here for eternity, simply basking in her smile.
Every day, I wake up more in love than the last. My heart thumps, expanding at the fuzzy box I hid under my socks. We’ve talked about marriage often enough. So why are my palms damp?
I must’ve been silent for a while because my future wife tilts her head, palm heated against my cheek. “A penny for your thoughts.”
Not yet ready to share my secret, I kiss the tip of her pert nose and nibble her earlobe, “I was thinking how much I want to hear you scream as you come.”
With cheeks flushed, her gorgeous eyes lift to mine. Caught by her gaze, my smoldering desire bubbles to the surface. As I’m about to tug her into my arms, the sprinkles turn into a downpour.
