* * *
The sheriff’sdepartment quickly arrived, and Derek Brevard took control of the scene. For the record, Derek stated that Colorado followed the Stand Your Ground law, which allowed people to use reasonable and appropriate force against imminent harm without retreating, both inside and outside their home. Not only that, under the Make My Day law, Colorado permitted the use of deadly force against any intruder who unlawfully entered the owner’s home.
Photographs, interviewing, documenting, and sketching took place. The coroner pulled up in an unmarked van along with two ambulances and a fire truck. Derek informed Chase and Jade a smaller but similar scene was taking place at the Spatafore house.
Still on the phone, over his shoulder, Derek reported, “The painting above the fireplace in the living room was burned to a crisp.”
“Didn’t I tell you recently you were smokin’ hot?” Chase smiled and touched his forehead to Jade’s.
It was a slam dunk.
* * *
Chase and Jadewere the last two to join the barbecue. He hadn’t let her out of his sight since seeing Franco backhand her. They arrived to longer-than-usual hugs and handshakes. Despite everything, they were starved and welcomed being nourished by food, family, and friends. By this time, it was mostly just the family, including Chloe and Rachel. Derek Brevard had thanked Cash for the supper invitation but had to decline under the circumstances. Chloe reconciled herself to waiting until the wedding to see Derek again.
The finale of riding and roping for Cash’s dude ranchers had ended with a literal bang. After Cash’s guests had heard during the barbecue about the situation at Triple C Ranch-Central, the OK Corral had been mentioned several times, and everyone said they’d gotten more than they’d bargained for from the Triple C Ranches. Most moseyed to their guest cabins in awestruck fascination. One fellow had departed, not to return.
Richard and his crew, unruffled by the shootings, had enjoyed the barbecue and beer. Chase had since confirmed with Derek that it was Lester Bisbee who had tipped off the sheriff’s office as to Ragsdale’s whereabouts. Richard and Chase agreed, as did Jade, that Lester had redeemed himself. He and his electric scooter would be allowed back at Southside Suzy’s and welcome at the ranch barbecues.
Katy and Finn had stayed until he and Jade arrived to say goodbye. Finn, wearing a cowboy hat straight out of Cash’s store, was in great spirits as everyone referred to him as a hero. Jade smiled, telling him she planned to follow up with Finn and Katy if any trauma surfaced. Mean Pete graciously offered to drive Katy and Finn home since they had arrived via Franco’s white Mercedes. Chase’s great room was being cleaned by a biohazard remediation and forensic business. Rachel’s house was full, but Cash pointed out he had an empty guest cabin that hadn’t been slept in, so they decided to spend a night or two on Triple C Ranch-East.
Under the soft lights of the outside eating area at Cash’s place, the moon and stars twinkled in the sky as if nothing was amiss. Straddling the bench of a picnic table, Chase pulled Jade between his legs. Resting her head on his shoulder, she wrapped her arms around his waist, holding him close. He tapped his anger down as he remembered telling Derek about Franco hitting Jade. Derek agreed with him that Franco was so unhinged he would have certainly shot Jade as soon he realized she’d fooled him into thinking she’d marry him. Chase felt Jade shiver and figured she was remembering all of that as well.
“Did you find the perfect dress today?” Chase asked.
“Yes, but most importantly, I found the perfect man,” Jade replied and leaned away just enough to look at him. “Have I thanked you for rescuing me?”
“Hmm.” Tilting his head, he teased, “I don’t think so.”
“Chase, I don’t just mean today,” she felt the tears she’d been holding back for hours sting her eyes. “I mean, you saved mywholelife.”
He thumbed a tear off her cheek and said, “You saved me, too, Jade. I was well on my way to becoming a bitter and ornery bachelor for life before you graced my doorstep.”
“You’re still ornery,” she laughed in spite of her tears. “How about I show you how much I love your ornery side?”
“Cash, where’s the key to our cabin?”
CHAPTERFORTY
Labor Day dawned on Triple C Ranch-Central without a cloud in the blue sky. The sunny afternoon temperature of the dry Colorado climate was perfect at seventy-five degrees. As for his bride-to-be, Chase hadn’t seen her since midnight. He smiled, knowing Jade was sequestered at the bed-and-breakfast with Chloe and Rachel. No longer did he have to wonder if Jade was safe. She was now and always would be. From this day forward.
In the saddle on Valor, Chase reined the horse in on the outside of the corral, which was made festive with white bows. Jubilee, inside the corral, came trotting to them. The huge stallion snorted and nodded his head.
Chase chuckled. “You’ll get your chance with Jubilee next spring, Valor.”
As people scurried to take care of last-minute preparations, Chase paused atop Valor, observing the transformation. Jade, along with Chloe, Rachel, and Teresa—with a mixture of decorators and caterers—had turned the large backyard into a wedding fantasy. Jade’s favorite color, red, was represented with roses. Closest to the house, boasting centerpieces of roses as red as the barn, were picnic tables covered in white tablecloths. Guests could relax and visit later between dances as there would be live music. The picnic tables gave way to two sections of chairs adorned with white bows and separated by a red carpet down the middle of freshly cut grass. Between the stables and barn to the west and the corral and pastures to the east stood a newly constructed, tall, wooden arch covered in white lace and something called tulle. Red roses adorned both corners of the arch underneath which he would marry the woman who took his breath away every time he looked at her. That moment could not come too soon, he thought as the best man called his name.
“I’ve been told to find you and tell you it’s time for us to get ready,” Cash called astride Captain Jack as he rode up next to Chase.
“I’m ready,” Chase replied, knowing Cash was referring to their clothes.
“Yeah, well, you’re not in your wedding duds.” Cash dismounted. “I don’t want to get in trouble with my sister-in-law-to-be by not doing my part as best man to get you where you’re supposed to be on time and in the right clothes.”
“Okay.” Chase said with a grin and dismounted.
Hank took the reins to Valor, and Max took charge of Captain Jack. They, along with Cash’s ranch hands, would be in charge of horses others were sure to ride to the wedding. Red had put Reno and Faro in charge of directing cars, trucks, and Harleys where to park. Bob and Teresa were guests today, but by second nature, currently taking charge wherever necessary.
Spirits were high, and the brothers hugged each other before striding toward the house. Cash would escort Chloe, the maid of honor, down the aisle. Mean Pete had been asked to pair up with bridesmaid Katy. Mean Pete had been only too happy to oblige, and Chase had heard from Jade that Katy was pleased as well. Martyman would stay close to Aunt Rachel, rounding up stray guests to sign the guest book.
