“They lured you here, Tracy, to make me tell them where the money is,” Tammy said, confirming Cash’s suspicion. “I’m so sorry.”
“What money?” Tracy asked.
“I’m getting to that.” Grandma took her hand and pulled her down beside her on the sofa. She patted the cushion on the other side of her and Cash took a seat. “If not for you, Cash, Tracy and I would be dead,” she said bluntly. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” Cash said to Tammy and looked past her to Tracy. “I love your granddaughter,
“I can see that. I can see she loves you too,” Tammy said. “Don’t you, Tracy?”
Tracy placed her left hand over her heart to reply, “With all my heart.”
Cash reached across Tammy and took Tracy’s hand. “If I thought she’d say yes, I’d put a ring on this finger.” He stroked her ring finger.
“What would you say, Tracy?” Grandma asked.
“Yes.” Tracy’s heart raced, and she repeated, “Cash, I’d say yes a million times.”
“Excellent,” Tammy said as Cash winked and let go of Tracy’s hand. “Now, here’s what I need the two of you to know before the ambulance arrives.” Tammy pointed straight across the living room. “Behind the cheap paneling covering that wall is where the money from the oil well is hidden.”
Tracy nodded and glanced at Cash. Then they bothlooked at the paneled wall. “What do you want us to do?” Tracy asked.
“When everyone outside is gone, tear that paneling down and put the money into pillowcases. It’s all for you, Tracy. Grandpa and I insulated that wall of the house, a bit unconventionally, with the money we made from that well.” A sigh escaped her, and she said, “We easily lived on our social security checks and bills were debited from our checking account. I can transfer that account to a Colorado Springs bank. We’ll sell this place because I will never come back here.”
“Grandma, that makes me so happy,” Tracy said. “I’ve wanted you to come live with me in Colorado Springs since the day I left Wild Horse.”
“I know, honey. But there was a method to my madness,” Tammy said. “I’m not quite as eccentric as people may think. I felt I needed to stay here and guard the money until you were established somewhere safe and secure. There’s nothing here for me now that you and Grandpa are gone.” To Cash, she said, “A man who risked being shot to save my granddaughter’s life and who proposed before he knew about the money sounds safe and secure to me.”
“Thank you,” Cash said.
“Speaking of saying yes to Cash a million times, there’s at least two million dollars hidden in the wall.” Tammy laughed and said, “She comes with a dowry, Mr. Cooper.”
Cash chuckled. “That money’s all hers, ma’am.”
Tracy said, “Wait until you see Triple C Ranch-East, Grandma.” With a smile at Cash, she added softly, “And the new Rav4 Cash bought for me.”
Cash grinned. “I hope you’ll both stay on the ranch with me, Mrs. Dalton.”
“Tammy,” she reminded him. “Thank you, I’d be delighted.”
A knock on the front door sounded and Cash answered it. The paramedics entered with a stretcher. Tracy hugged her grandmother and then she was carefully placed on thegurney. She and Cash followed them outside to the ambulance.
“We’ll see you in Colorado Springs,” Tracy called to her grandma before a paramedic closed the ambulance doors. She turned to Cash and hugged him. “This has been the most terrifying day of my life. And the happiest.”
Sheriff Hunt approached and said, “My deputy just left. He’s taking Donna Smith into the office. Her story keeps changing and has more holes in it than this front yard. She’s already asked for a lawyer. If she’s not charged with anything, she’ll be turned loose. Doesn’t mean she won’t eventually be charged. But even if she is charged with something right away, she could get out on bail. So, watch your backs.”
“Yes, sir, we will,” Cash said.
Tracy felt Cash’s arm wrap around her shoulders. They thanked the sheriff and the fire chief, and eventually, one by one, the army disappeared from the property.
“Ready to tear down a wall?” Tracy asked Cash.
“Yes, but first I want you to know I’m serious about marrying you.”
“I’m serious about marrying you, too, Cash.”
“I know it’s only been two weeks, but you’re the one, spitfire.”
“I knew you were the one the day we met, big’n bad.”
