Somehow, I knew that was true.
???
When we returned to the clubhouse, Meadow gave permission, and Chill headed outside with the children. Although I was getting used to people staring, I didn’t want to be constantly exposed to it.
Through the doors, I watched as Chill slid the kids some notes. Cassian tried handing some back, but Chill shook his head. Chill said something, Cassian nodded, pocketed the cash, and then took the younger kids’ hands and walked off.
“How much did you give him?” I asked.
“Two hundred bucks. I’ve got the feeling they don’t have much. Meadow’s struggling; her ex is still giving her the runaround and has hidden the money. Luckily, Meadow can prove it existed. The judge is ready to throw the book at the fucker if he doesn’t start being honest,” Chill replied.
“Meadow confides in you?” I asked.
Chill looked guilty. “Not quite. I’ve made her business my business—and don’t you tell her.”
“I won’t say a word. Pinky promise,” I teased.
Chill sent me a disgusted look and walked away, to my laughter. The doors opened, and I gasped. “Dad, Papa! Declan!”
Declan tore from Papa’s hand and rushed over to me. He climbed onto my lap and hugged me tightly.
“Looks like we’re not wanted anymore,” Papa complained as he came over and kissed my cheek.
“You’re always needed. Hi, Papa,” I replied.
Dad followed suit and stepped back. His gaze narrowed on my arm. “What is that?” he demanded.
Declan looked at my injury, and worry appeared in his eyes. I went with the stunt woman story that Declan bought, but my dads didn’t. Declan, usually a quiet child, began babbling about sheriffs, the Wild West, and horses. I was slightly shocked. Declan typically spoke one or two words, and I hoped this meant he was coming out of his shell.
“Shall we go explore? I know where there are horses,” I asked.
Declan jumped down and bounced on his toes. His little face lit up with glee. “Sheriff?”
“Well, there’s one in town. Fancy visiting him?”
“Yes!” Declan cried and grabbed my hand.
“We’re going to talk,” Papa promised, and I nodded . Somehow, I’d guessed that.
Vortex met us as we began the tour, and he texted Drew to find us. I gaped when I saw what Drew was wearing.
“Oh wow, Declan will go nuts,” I whispered.
“Drew looks great, and it was his idea,” Vortex murmured.
Drew wore black jeans tucked into cowboy boots with spurs. His gun was in a side holster, and he’d donned a white shirt with a thin black tie knotted into a bow. Over that was a tan waistcoat, and to cap it all, a knee-length brown leather duster. On his left breast shone his sheriff’s badge, and a Stetson perched on his head.
Behind Drew came Bow, wearing the same but different colours; his jeans were light tan, his waistcoat a faded red, andhis leather duster was black. A black bandana was around his neck.
Tourists stared as they headed towards us. Declan began bouncing on his feet. “Sheriff!” he cackled and clapped his hands. I smiled as Drew and Bow stopped close by.
“Any trouble?” Vortex asked Bow as Declan engaged Drew.
“No. We’ve had some looks and questions whether we’re really law enforcement. The taser, cuffs and ID are enough to convince most,” Bow replied.
Some young women strolled by and stared at Bow. He tipped his hat and offered a slow smile. I barely stopped the laugh as I saw them fall instantly in lust. Bow knew exactly what he was doing as he winked. One was so distracted that she walked into a gas lamp post and bounced off it.
“Damn,” Vortex muttered. “Now I know why you’re wearing them.”
