I reach up, tracing the worry lines between his brows. “I know you’re scared,” I tell him gently. “I am too. But I meant what I said too. I love you, and I’m not going anywhere. Whatever happens, we face it together.”
He catches my hand, pressing a kiss to my palm. “Together,” he echoes, but I can still see the shadow of doubt in his eyes, the fear that our newfound happiness might be too fragile to withstand the storm that’s coming.
As we step inside, I make a silent promise to myself, to him, to us. I won’t let that fear come true. We’ve both spent too long searching for what we’ve found in each other to lose it now. No matter what Noah Sanchez or Richard Morrison throw at us, they won’t tear us apart.
Some things are worth fighting for, and what Devlin and I have? That’s worth everything.
SIXTEEN
DEVLIN
The next morning,I follow Atlee into town, but while she drives over to the pharmacy, I turn down a side street and head toward the Law Offices of Shawn Cooper. True to her word, Atlee spoke to Lennon, and I’m meeting with Shawn Cooper himself today to see what we can do.
I park next to the curb and get out, heading up the walkway. Before I get there, Lennon comes out of the building.
“Hey, I wanted to talk to you before you met with Shawn,” she says, putting her hands on her hips and staring at me like she can see right through me.
“All right,” I answer, crossing my arms over my chest and rocking back on my heels. “Why do I get the feeling that you’re going to make sure your sister is okay? And you’re going to do it by making me wish I had one of my brothers to back me up?”
She smirks, running her tongue over her teeth. “I just want to make sure she’s okay. If Noah’s after her, then I want to make sure she’s being protected.”
I can sympathize, but there’s a part of me that hates that she’s having to ask. “No one is going to touch her, I promise. Which is why I’m here to talk to Shawn.”
She presses her lips together, and it’s like she wants to say something, but instead she nods. “All right. Let me show you inside.”
I follow her through the door, taking in the tastefully decorated reception area. It’s professional without being pretentious, with leather chairs, dark wood, and framed degrees that let you know Shawn Cooper is the real deal. The receptionist smiles at Lennon and gives me a curious once-over.
“Mr. Cooper is expecting you,” she says, gesturing toward a hallway. “Last door on the right.”
Lennon leads the way, her heels clicking on the hardwood floors. I’ve never been much for offices like this. Give me open spaces and the smell of hay and horses any day. But right now, this place might be the only thing standing between me and a jail cell. Between us and losing everything we’ve built.
“He knows the basics,” Lennon says quietly as we walk. “I filled him in on what Atlee told me. But he’s going to want to hear everything directly from you.” She stops outside a closed door, turning to face me. “And Devlin? He’s the best attorney in three counties. If anyone can help you, it’s Shawn.”
I nod, appreciating her vote of confidence even as anxiety tightens my gut. “Thanks for setting this up.”
“I’m not doing it for you,” she says bluntly. “I’m doing it for Atlee.”
“I know,” I acknowledge. “But I appreciate it all the same.”
She gives a short nod and knocks on the door. A deep voice calls for us to enter.
Shawn Cooper rises from behind his desk as we walk in. He’s older than I expected, maybe mid-fifties, with salt-and-pepper hair and the kind of weathered face that comes from spending time outdoors. Not your typical sits-behind-the-desk lawyer.
“Mr. Nelson,” he greets me, extending his hand. His grip is firm, matching my own. “Shawn Cooper. I’ve been looking forward to meeting you.”
“Likewise,” I respond, though it’s not entirely true. I’ve been dreading this meeting, dreading having to lay out all our mistakes to a stranger.
“Lennon, would you give us some privacy?” Shawn asks, his tone making it clear it’s not really a question.
She hesitates, glancing between us. “Of course,” she finally says. “I’ll be at my desk if you need anything.”
Once the door closes behind her, Shawn gestures for me to take a seat in one of the leather chairs facing his desk. He doesn’t return to his own chair but instead takes the one next to mine, removing the barrier between us.
“So,” he begins, leaning forward slightly. “I’ve been briefed on the situation with both Dark Skies Ranch and Grizzly River Ranch. Jesse and Truett were here earlier this morning.”
This surprises me. “They were?”
“At my request,” Shawn confirms. “I wanted to hear from all parties involved before formulating a strategy. They gave me quite an earful about your cattle rustling operation.”
