Page 72 of Love in the Wild

“Not necessarily, but we’re both trying to protect Thea. Whose side are you on?”

Emerson linked her fingers on top of her head and blew out a deep breath. “You’re gonna get us both killed.”

“I wouldn’t bet against me and Brett,” Gage said. “Are you gonna help me or not?”

Shaking her head, Emerson tucked her chin. “I’ll see what I can find out.”

Gage rested a hand on Emerson’s shoulder. “Hey, I won’t let them hurt you either. You’re doing the right thing.”

Emerson rolled her eyes. “Like either of us knows anything about what’s right. No matter which way we turn, our choices are varying degrees of wrong.”

Gage shook his head. “Not this time. Trust me on this.”

Emerson turned to walk out, and Gage wished he knew how to pray to the God Hadley told him about. He’d never needed prayer more than now.

21

HADLEY

“Stop! Wait!” Hadley shouted at Abby and Ben’s backs. Huffing in as much oxygen as possible, Hadley pushed her legs to keep running.

“Last one in is a rotten egg!” Ben taunted.

“No! It’s not a race. It’s not a race,” Abby whined as she crested the hill to the dining hall, her little legs pumping as fast as possible.

“Abby is right,” Hadley panted. “Slow up, Ben.”

Little feet pounded a quick rhythm against the wooden stairs as the kids reached the porch.

Gasping for breath, Hadley chased after them. “Running is awful. There’s no way something that hurts like this can be good for you.”

The kids tore open the door to the dining hall and burst inside. Hadley followed and slowed to a stop as the kids jogged toward Vera’s open arms.

“Hey, you two,” the older woman greeted them with a smile. “I thought there was a herd of bison outside.”

Hadley rested her hands on her hips and bent at the waist. “This isn’t over,” she panted.

“Yes it is! Winner, winner, chicken dinner,” Abby sang.

Colt and Remi’s kids were always fun to hang out with. They were nothing like the herds of rowdy kids she entertained at the ranch during the summer. Ten was a challenge, but two were a breeze. If only Hadley liked running as much as the kids.

Thea and Abby praised Vera’s chicken and rice recipe, while Hadley blinked back the stars dancing on the edges of her vision. At least she’d get some rest while driving Thea to her doctor’s appointment.

Hadley straightened and brushed her hair back from her face. “You two be good for Ms. Vera.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Ben and Abby said in unison as they darted off into the kitchen.

Vera chuckled. “They’re always good for me.”

Hadley pointed toward the door where the kids had just disappeared. “Tell her my threat still stands. I will hang her up by her toes if she gets outta line.”

Thea laughed as Vera walked off shaking her head. “Vera thinks those kids are little angels.”

“Little angels my foot! Trust me, Vera will have something to say if Miss Bossy Pants doesn’t get herself in check.”

Thea wrapped an arm around Hadley’s shoulders and hugged her close. “Thanks for taking me today. You sure you’re okay to do it?”

Hadley gave her friend a squeeze. “Positive. Let’s get on the road.”

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