Page 13 of Stalked at Rescue Ridge

Kade reached for his cell and realized he’d turned off notifications after hearing back from the surveyor. “I didn’t realize.” It had been quiet on the ride over. This explained why.

“Everyone is upset.” Chloe picked up her mug and rolled it around her palms.

“Understandable, given the circumstances,” Kade said.

“I wonder if Mom knew about the other woman,” Chloe said with a sigh.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if she did,” Kade said, thinking how marrying the wrong person could devastate a person. He wouldn’t do that to Bree. He wouldn’t ask her to marry him out of duty. He wouldn’t bind her to him in that way since she didn’t love him.

“Beaumont was a terrible human and being back in the house where we grew up reminded me of all the awful things that happened there,” Chloe said. Her trailer might be old and small, but it was clean and, more importantly, hers.

“The more you know, the worse he gets,” Kade said. He took a sip of coffee, enjoying the burn in his throat. “And I agree. Stepping into that house threw me.”

“Have you talked to everyone individually about selling the ranch?” Chloe asked.

“I thought we were all in agreement already,” he said. “Why?”

She shrugged. “Ever notice how quiet Conrad gets when the subject comes up?”

“He’s never voiced opposition,” Kade pointed out. He clamped his mouth shut as reality dawned on him. “But I’ve never heard him agree, either.” He paused long enough to take another sip of coffee. “Has he said something to you?”

“No. Not specifically.” She studied the rim of her mug. “He’s always been a quiet observer. Gone along with the majority. But no one has ever asked him point blank.”

“Everyone has the same right to speak up when we discuss anything as a family,” he said, defensively.

“True,” she said. “It’s just that…have you heard our conversations?”

He shot her a look.

“I’m just saying the loud voices in the room take over, and everyone else has to fight for the floor,” she said. “Conrad is the quiet one of the group.”

“Some might use the termbrooding,” Kade said with a half-smile.

“If we’re going to mount a fight against Beau to sell the ranch, I think we should ensure everyone is on board before we take any action.”

“When did my kid sister get so smart?” he teased, appreciating a few moments of levity after he’d been hit with shock after shock today. Beaumont’s passing should have been good news, but ever since Kade had returned to Saddle Junction, the dark cloud had burst into a full-on electrical storm, complete with thunder to boot. Chloe had made a good point, though. Everyone deserved to have their voice heard.

“Should we call a meeting later?” he asked as Annmarie came tiptoeing into the room wearing pajamas.

“I have to work tonight,” Chloe said, biting back a yawn. “Can’t afford to lose a whole Friday night’s worth of tips, especially if I need to pitch in for legal fees so we can sell the ranch.”

There had to be a way to funnel money to her and the others while Kade cleaned this mess up. It also reminded him of the promise he’d made to a soldier while in the field hospital together. “Speaking of complicated, I need to find a home for a military dog about to be released from duty.”

“What?” Chloe asked.

“I know, it’s random,” he admitted. “However, I made a promise to a guy in my unit who rescued it that I’d help find a permanent home once the dog is released.”

“I’ll ask around,” Chloe offered.

“I gave your name and number as a backup to get a hold of me,” Kade said. “I hope that’s okay.”

“No problem,” she said. “I’d be happy to help arrange transportation, or whatever needs to be done.”

Kade thanked his sister after sharing the contact information. She would understand the special needs of an ex-military dog. Speaking of taking care of something. His thoughts shifted to Bree and the baby. How the hell was he supposed to become a dad in a matter of days? Weeks?

“Why don’t you give Annmarie the night off with Grayson,” Kade said.

“Why would I do that?” Chloe asked, surprise widening her eyes.

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