“Yep.” His jaw clenches as he navigates the uneven ground towards the main buildings of Black Gulch. “Whoever it is, they’re getting bold. Stealing twenty or thirty head here and there was one thing. This?” His gloved hand waves in a circle. “Burning the lodge down? I hope we find the lot of the bastards before Wade does.”
I can understand Mason’s fear about having my wedding at the rodeo.
But I’m also torn with wanting to give Sophia her dream.
“Do you think I’m crazy for wanting to keep the plans for the ceremony?” I’m desperate for any kind of input.
I want Sophia forever. The last thing I want to do is start off the rest of our life by denying her biggest dream.
Ford just grunts, driving in silence for a while.
It isn’t until we’re in sight of the barns that he finally glances over. “Whatever you decide is the right step. If you still want to do it at the rodeo, we’ll make sure you’re safe.”
“Thanks.” I barely know him, but somehow it feels as if he’s the rock that holds this ranch together. “Doyouhave any theories on who might be doing all this?”
He lets out a sigh. “Lots. I thought even at first it was getting back at me for—” He turns, fixing me with his hard, gray stare. “—sins of the past. But then when the dairy got hit, it seems like it’s more about the brand.” Then he tilts his head. “You’ll need to watch yourself once Sophia’s cows get over to your place. Set up cameras like we have now.”
It’s been my crew’s job to poke them on every corner of every building.
I wish we had them up before Christmas to catch whoever started the fire.
In a strange twist of my gut, I realize that if that was the case, Sophia may have never started that conversation with me in the book group.
Fate has a funny way of working.
He stops the Ranger in front of the steps, but grabs my sleeve before I can get out. “Wanna know what I really think? Whoever did this also somehow pulled our contract. They’re trying to eat Mason down, bite by bite until he gives up. Tarnish the name, ruin him financially.”
“But arson? Isn’t that a step over that?” How big of a leap would it be to just an outright attack?
“Yep. That’s why I aim to bury whoever is behind this.” He settles back, glowering into the distance.
Seeing the set look in his gaze, I believe him.
“You coming in for dinner?” I pause as I get out.
“Nah, April and I are staying in.” He turns with the first smile I think I’ve ever seen on him. “She’s hankering for another baby.I learned a long time ago to not argue with that woman,” he chuckles and hits the gas, speeding down the lane towards his home.
I think that’s the answer. I’ve heard whispers of the shit that Ford has gone through, and his wife.
But his number one goal is her happiness.
With a set in my jaw, I step inside to see Sophia standing near the table, her youngest baby brother on her hip as she sets a plate down.
Then those big blue eyes find me and she melts into the biggest smile as she moves to wrap her arm around me.
“Hey, stranger,” she murmurs, rising onto her toes to meet my lips.
I’m dusty and dirty from digging all day, but I still cup her cheek to tenderly taste her. “I think, even with all of this, we should have the wedding of your dreams, baby.”
Her eyes brim with fast tears and her fingers tangle in my shirt to pepper my mouth with a fever of kisses. “My dad’s gonna be cranky about this.” She smiles, adjusting little Benjamin as easily as if he was her own.
I can’t wait to see her holding our child. “I’m not worried about making his dreams come true, princess. You’re all I care about.”
She presses tighter against me and rests her cheek against my chest. “Have I told you lately that I love you, Biggie?”
Your tits look great
Sophia
