“I agree,” Rose added, moving to the front of Petey, shining a light in his eyes. He didn’t flinch, didn’t even bellow or kick out a leg. “He’s been a complete gent. Haven’t you baby?” She scratched his nose, and I was convinced I saw him wink, Rose’s gentle voice seeming to calm the massivebeast.
“He’s like a different animal,” I breathed out.
Gunner put an arm around my shoulder. “She’s safe, Wild. She’s safe.”
He was right but I was having a hard time accepting it.
Later that evening, sitting on Tally’s back porch while she slept, I looked up at the sky and the stars like scattered diamonds against the darkness. Finally, I was starting to feel some peace slip back into my limbs. The tightness in my shoulders, the stiffness of my spine for the last week was gradually disappearing. That fear would always be there, though, I was convinced of that. I had been so close to losing everything I’d been gifted with.
“Wilder?”
I turned to see Tally standing in the doorway, she was wearing some fleece pajamas and had a wool blanket wrapped around her shoulders. I moved to stand but she put out a hand to stop me.
“No, stay. I want to sit with you.” She walked toward me, her eyes and smile full of sleep, and a hint of her jasmine perfume.
Moving my arms to the side of the rocker, I invited her onto my lap and when she curled up against my chest my breathing evened out. The wooden rocker creaked softly beneath us as her breath whispered warm against my neck.
“Are you cold?” I asked, wrapping the blanket tighter around her, tucking it under her bare feet even though her skin felt warmer than it had in days.
“No, are you?”
I was wearing a sweater and my shearling jacket, my feet pushed into a pair of boots, the laces loose. “No, not now you’re here.” She snuggled closer, the night carrying the scent of pine and the fresh mountain air. “Was just looking at the sky you love so much.”
Tally lifted her chin and looked up. “It’s more than sapphire tonight, it’s navy, don’t you think.” She turned to me. “Funny how I often have my happiest, most peaceful moments looking up at that sky with you.”
Fuck. How the hell did she do that? Slay me with simple words.
“My happiest moments are with you period, Brownie.” I kissed hersoftly, careful not to put my hand near her wound. I didn’t care what she said, her eyes told me she still felt pain. “Life is going to be great.”
“Once I’m divorced. Once Glenn gets what he deserves.”
I could feel the slight tremor of exhaustion in her body as she laid her heavy cast against my chest. I didn’t care because I would carry any weight for her. For however long she needed me to.
“His trial date is set for next month according to the sheriff and your lawyer said your divorce papers finally came through, so we’ll get the good, Brownie. I promise you.”
She sighed and traced my profile with a cool fingertip. “If I’m with you I know I will.”
I could have been King of the world and wouldn’t have felt prouder than I did at that moment. I could have worn a golden crown littered with the most precious jewels and it wouldn’t have been as priceless as sitting on a porch watching a sapphire ocean with my girl and us loving each other.
Chapter 52
I’m Movin’ On – Rascal Flatts
Tally
The courthouse steps felt like a mountain that I wasn’t sure I could climb. Wilder stood on one side of me, Liam on the other, while Cole and Nash, gripping Lily’s hand, flanked us staring straight ahead and looking ready for business. I felt frozen to the bone, despite the thick sweater and coat I was wearing.
“You don’t have to do this if you’re not ready,” Wilder said quietly, his hand finding mine.
“Yes, I do.” My voice was steadier than I felt. “He needs to face what he did.” I lifted my arm in the cast. “I wouldn’t have this or a six inch scaron my side if it wasn’t for him. And I haven’t been able to paint my nails for weeks!”
He didn’t speak, just gave me his usual silent support as he led me into the marbled foyer.
The courtroom was smaller than I expected, all dark wood and fluorescent lights that made everything feel harsh and clinical. Glenn sat at the defendant’s table in a suit, shirt and tie and I could see him as a banker, the job he’d had in the city. He looked more comfortable dressed like that than as a ranch hand, that was for sure. His shoulders were hunched as his eyes met mine across the room and a chill ran down my spine.
“You okay, Talls?” Cole asked, leaning in between me and Liam as we took our seats. I gave him a nod, my mouth too dry to speak.
Liam’s hand rested on my knee. “You’ve got this, sweetheart. We’re with you.”
