This was father hard.
This waswar.
Nora was with him, one hand on her belly, eyes bright with worry. The Magnolia ladies trailed behind her like a squad of tiny generals in cardigans, whispering like they were planning a coup.
“Rylie,” Sheriff Tate said, voice rough.
Rylie rose from the bed so fast she nearly stumbled. The moment she saw him, she broke.
She didn’t sob loudly. She didn’t fall apart for show.
We all knew Rylie wasn’t the type to hide in a corner, afraid of her own shadow.
She just walked straight into his arms and pressed her face into his chest like she’d been carrying the weight of the world alone.
Her father held her so tightly it looked like he was trying to glue her back together.
I felt something crack in my chest.
Saint hovered near the doorway with his arms crossed, phone still in his hand, his expression grim. Ace and Beast stood silent, watching the hall.
Havoc scanned the stairwell like he expected the cartel to show up any second.
I took a breath and stepped forward.
Sheriff Tate lifted his head, eyes wet and dangerous. “Jennings.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Who is he?” he asked.
Rylie’s grip tightened on him.
I answered before she could. “Thomas Thorn. Came in here like he owned the place. Threatened Rylie. Threatened you. Rylie said she would marry him because he threatened the town.
Sheriff Tate’s jaw jumped. “He threatened our entire town?”
Rylie pulled back just enough to speak, her voice shaking. “Dad… I’m sorry. I didn’t want you involved.”
His eyes softened for half a second. Then they hardened again.
“You don’t get to decide that,” he said gently. “You’re my daughter.”
The Magnolia ladies collectively made a noise of approval like he’d just passed some secret test.
“Now,” Sheriff Tate said, turning toward me, “tell me what you’ve got.”
I moved to the table, spreading out what Saint had already started scribbling.
“Black SUV. No plates. Two men inside. Thorn’s got a bodyguard with him—shaved head, looks trained.”
Sheriff Tate’s gaze cut to Saint. “You recorded him?”
Saint held up his phone. “Clear threat. He referenced the sheriff’s job. We’ve got it.”
Sheriff Tate exhaled through his nose. “Good.”
Rylie swallowed. “It won’t be enough.”
