Page 115 of Sheriff's City Girl

“Yeah, well, then I guess they don’t educate their generations very well, because my damn granddaddy never let me forget what they took from us. They took our land, buying it from the bank, and it was gonna feel really good to watch the Lowes lose their ranch.”

“You took his cattle?” I choked it out, the thought of him being behind it leaving me physically pained. “Why would you do that?”

“Because when my family needed money, that’s what we did, and I knew that would bring Lucas to his knees. I thought maybe it would remind him that we’re still out here, and we still think he owes us.”

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing—and the fact that he was confessing to it all. “Man…” My voice trailed off at the pure shock.

“Never saw it coming, did you?”

I shook my head. “Nah, you got me, Jackson.” I didn’t hide the pain from betrayal in my tone. “I honestly just can’t believe that you did it. I always thought you were gonna be the one who took my place, but you played me.”

“Yeah, and now I think it’s best that you just don’t remember. A deputy is more believable than some dumbass high school kid.”

My life flashed before my eyes as the gunshot exploded in the café. However, where I expected to feel pain, I felt nothing, and as the reality hit, I saw Cody lying on top of Jackson.

“You sorry son of a bitch,” Jackson roared, trying to fight off the teenager. I kicked his weapon off the side, and joined Cody, cuffing Jackson’s hands behind his back. The door burst open and in ran the Rangers, guns drawn.

“Put your hands up,” I muttered to Cody, nodding to him as we both backed away from a cuffed and cussing Jackson, still lying in the booth.

“You got him?” Nick Matthews met my gaze.

“Got him,” I nodded to Jackson, a mixture of emotions overwhelming me as they lifted him from the booth.

“USDA called Ron and they were able to track the false name back to him,” Nick nodded to Jackson. “It’s always bad when it’s one of your own.”

“And right under my nose the whole time,” I grimaced, my head falling in disappointment. “Gonna have a hell of an internal investigation now.”

“You’ll survive it,” Nick chuckled, giving me a nod as he led him out of the café. “We’ll be back to visit.”

Jackson laughed as Nick guided him out, and I turned to Cody, who was staring down at his hands.

“You saved my life,” I said to him, clapping him on the shoulder. “And I won’t ever be able to thank you enough for that.”

Cody nodded, looking up at me. “So, do you think it’d be alright if I dated your daughter then?”

I laughed, the glint of amusement in his eyes refreshing. “Yeah, I’d say that we can probably figure something out.”

“Cool,” Cody said with a nod as the door opened. Emma and Jess rushed in, both of their faces full of relief as their gazes raked over us.

“Oh my god, I was so worried that something had happened,” Emma wrapped her arms around me. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”

“Yeah, I’m okay,” I choked out. “Thanks to the kid. He was able to get a good hold on Jackson.”

“I can’t believe he did it…” Jess’s voice trailed off as she hugged Cody. “And thanks for saving my dad.”

“Anytime, wanna be my girlfriend now?”

Jess chuckled. “I guess you finally got the nerve to ask then?”

“Yeah, he did,” I shot her a smile. “And I guess saving my life is almost good enough to earn a date with you.”

“You’re a good dad,” Emma said to me, pressing her lips to my cheek.

“And a damn lucky man to have you.”

Epilogue

Emma

---