Page 84 of Love in the Wild

Hadley took her time walking over to where Cheyenne was talking to Brett and Thea, who was now lying on her back and strapped to a gurney. “Are you okay?”

“They want to make sure I don’t have internal bleeding and that my lung function is good. They’re taking me to Cody.”

“Do you need anything? I can pack a bag for you.”

Brett nudged Hadley with his elbow. “Cheyenne is going to bring her some things.”

Hadley turned to her sister. “Could I get you to loan me a car? Mine is… kinda dead, and I need to go with Gage to the police station.”

Cheyenne’s shoulders fell. “Of course you can borrow my car. I’ll take Ridge’s truck to Cody. I’m sorry about your car.”

Hadley shrugged her good shoulder. The car was totaled, and it wasn’t worth much. Still, maybe insurance could help her get a used car. “I guess it was time to let Violet go. She gave me some good years.”

“Are they taking him now?” Ridge asked.

Hadley looked back at Gage who stood talking to an officer beside his cruiser. “I think soon. He has to talk to the detective whenever he finishes doing his business here.”

“How long will you be?” Cheyenne asked.

“I have no idea, but I’ll keep you posted.”

Cheyenne wrapped her arms gently around Hadley’s neck, careful not to jostle her injured shoulder. “Be careful. Brett told us Gage helped them out a lot when they needed it. Will you let him know we’re grateful?”

Gage acted like he hadn’t done anything good in his life, but his careful and quick thinking had probably saved Thea’s life. What would she have done if she’d been in his situation? Could she have pulled the trigger in the face of danger?

Yes. She could if other lives were on the line.

“You bet. Just let me tell Gage the plan.”

Hadley took deep breaths as she walked back over to Gage. Things were going to be okay, but they still had plenty of hurdles to jump before everything was cleared up.

Gage stared at the ground as the officer spoke, and the deep swells of his chest said whatever they were talking about had him worked up. Nothing about his countenance said he could see the light at the end of this tunnel.

Had she imagined his assurances from just a few moments ago? Was he telling her the whole truth? Was she prepared to get her heart broken by Gage Howard?

No. She couldn’t doubt him.

But what if there was more to the story? What if he wouldn’t be released or his involvement with his family couldn’t be overlooked?

Lord, please calm my heart. Take these doubts away, and help me to trust in Your plan.

When she was a few feet away, Gage looked up. A smile pulled on his lips as soon as he saw her, but the expression was strained.

They’d have time to talk about everything. They just needed to get through this day.

25

GAGE

Gage turned onto the drive by the Wolf Creek Ranch sign and checked his mirrors. No one was following him. When would the habit of looking over his shoulder go away?

Never. Some instincts don’t die.

After weeks of wondering where Hadley lived and worked, he was just going to waltz in the main entrance.

Their lives had been so separate until now. There were still plenty of things he wanted to know about Hadley Morgan, and now he had the freedom to ask.

That street went both ways. If she asked the right questions, she might not like his answers.

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