Page 10 of Stone Cold Savage

Devyn put up a hand to interrupt Rip, “I know you all think I’m fragile and just a kid because I am and always will be, the baby of the family, but I really need you to trust that I’m none of those things. I’m a grown-ass woman who can handle herself pretty damn well, given my latest performance. When you just stood there, I shot the bad guy with his own gun… or, perp, or… unsub. Whatever it’s called. You know what I mean. So, I’d appreciate it if you’d stop protecting me, babying me, placating me, and be straight with me from now on. Understood?”

Devyn scanned the group, and they all nodded, “Good. Now, I’m going to go sit on the patio, by myself for a moment, and get my ever-loving shit together because this has not been my week, in case you haven’t noticed. Feel free to fill me in on who Rip is, and why he’s here, when you get your shit together. M’kay? Come, Diesel.”

Devyn walked off, Diesel at her side, as she made her way to the covered patio. She plopped on an outdoor sofa and buried her face in her hands while Diesel sat in front of her and rested his head in her lap.

“She’s right,” Dillon said as Cut and Nash approached. “She’s tougher than we give her credit for.”

“She grew up watching all of us.” Cut shrugged. “Of course she is.”

Nash extended a hand to Rip, “Nash. Nice to meet you. Welcome to Stone Valley Ranch. My place is set up for you to stay. I’ll show you the way when you’re ready. And, uh, sorry, my sister shot you. She’s a little feisty.”

“I can see that.” Rip’s focus never left Devyn. “She just stole my dog.”

3

“I have the first analysis on the body.” Coy held up a large manilla envelope and announced to everyone while they were finishing making breakfast.

“Is this really appropriate breakfast conversation?” Dillon nodded to the children.

“It’s okay. These guys have full bellies now, especially after all those berries they picked. I think we’ll head upstairs for some quiet time. They’ve had quite the morning already. Thank God they thought it was all part of Dev’s counting game and are unfazed.” Nora stood, placing her hand on her back as she did. “I think I have too.”

“Everything okay?” Cut asked with concern.

“Oh, it’s… fine. Just not used to all this action-adventure behavior. Mama needs quiet time, too.” Nora smiled. “It’s certainly been an exciting morning, but this baby is reminding me I don’t have the energy for exciting and that I need to rest.”

“I’ll come with you,” Charlotte said. “We can check on baby real quick, and I’ll take care of the little ones so you can put your feet up.”

“I don’t want to put you out…”

Charlotte took Tuck from his highchair and placed him on her hip while Nora reached for Dally’s hand. “You aren’t. I’m offering, remember? Take the help while you have it. You’re about to be outnumbered times four.”

“Don’t remind me. I’ve already forgotten what sleep is.” Nora teased. “Let’s go upstairs, Beau. Miss Charlotte wants to have a playdate with you.”

The little boy jumped up from his seat with excitement and grabbed Charlotte’s hand, pulling her along behind him. “C’mon Miss Char… Char…”

“You can call me Char, buddy.” She smiled.

“C’mon, Charlie.” He said.

“Charlie works, too.” Charlotte giggled.

“I’ll bring you a plate,” Nash said as they left the room.

“I’ll be fine. I’ll have something later.” She said over her shoulder before disappearing around the corner.

“Isn’t she perfect?” Nash asked the remaining family.

“She is pretty great,” Dillon admitted. “I keep looking for things… wrong with her, but nothin’.”

“Yep. Perfect.” Devyn chided. “Can we discuss this analysis on the human remains found on our property, or are we going to start Charlotte’s fan club first?”

“Someone’s having a bad morning.” Nash ranted.

“Actually, yeah. I am. And maybe whatever information is in that envelope might make things a little less stressful around here.” Devyn took a seat at the table, a stack of waffles in front of her, and groaned, “No strawberries. Great.”

Rip walked through the back door, holding the metal bowl Devyn had dropped earlier. Diesel ran to Devyn’s side, as soon as he and Rip breached the door, and sat obediently. All eyes were on Rip when he approached Devyn and sat the bowl down in front of her. To her surprise, it was full of berries.

He looked around the room, noting they were sitting down for a meal, “Sorry to interrupt. I thought maybe you needed these for something since you were out there picking them so early. Guess I was right.”

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