Page 32 of Security Breach

David escorted her to the closest barn. The hands were scattered around different parts of the ranch at the moment, leaving this barn empty. As they approached the door, soft whines and yips filled the air.

A smile curved his lips when he opened the door and ushered Emma inside the cavernous interior. The yips and whines grew louder.

“Puppies?”

He drew her with him to a stall where Daisy, one of their Blue Heelers, kept a close watch on her pups.

Emma grinned. “They’re adorable. How old are they?”

“Seven weeks. You can have first pick of the litter.” Two neighbors each wanted two dogs and didn’t care which ones they received. That left the fifth pup for Emma.

Her face lit. “I always wanted a dog, but Dad wouldn’t allow us to have pets. He said they were too expensive and too messy.”

“They can be,” he admitted. “Around a farm, though, working dogs are worth their weight in gold. Daisy is a skilled worker. She’s about ready to return to the fields.”

David sat on the floor with Emma and enjoyed watching her play with the puppies and cuddle them. After a long while, he asked, “Have you decided which dog you want?”

She nodded and picked up a puppy. “This sweet girl.”

He snapped a picture of her with his phone. “Excellent choice. She’s smart and has a good personality. She’ll be good with kids, too. Do you have a name for her?”

“Not yet.”

“Think about it and let me know your choice.”

Emma gave him a sideways glance, eyes twinkling. “You’ll let me name her?”

“She’s yours. Why wouldn’t I?”

“You don’t know what name I’ll choose. What if I pick something like Fluffy or Venus?”

He flinched. “Be a shame to saddle a great dog with a lame name.”

She burst into laughter. “Very diplomatic, Sheriff Montgomery. Never fear. I promise to give this sweetheart a name worthy of her character.”

He scratched the pup behind one ear. “I have another surprise for you.”

Emma looked up. “What is it?”

David rose and tugged Emma to her feet. He led her to the back of the barn and opened the door to the fenced field. While he didn’t want her out in the open, she wouldn’t need to be exposed to see what he had for her. He’d prayed she was alive through those long, dark months. When her grandfather was murdered, David had nurtured her legacy.

From the barn doorway, Emma stared into the distance. Her eyes widened when she heard the soft bleating of sheep. Her eyes widened. “Sheep?” She spun. “Are those my sheep?”

He cupped her cheek. “I couldn’t let your dream die.” Even though every indication pointed to Emma’s death, he’d refused to give up hope.

Emma threw her arms around his neck. “Thank you. You don’t know how much I’ve missed working with my sheep and their wool.” After a lengthy, deep kiss, she pulled back. “What about my equipment?”

“In storage. Your carding machine and spinning wheel are safe along with the table you used plus your washing set up.”

Her eyes glazed with tears. “I don’t know what to say,” she choked out. “You had no reason to hold onto my equipment. I thought I would have to purchase new equipment when the FBI arrested the Butcher.”

“When your grandfather died, I brought the sheep and equipment here for safekeeping.”

“But everyone must have thought I was dead.”

“Mr. Watts didn’t, and until I found your body, I refused to believe it. Your grandfather left his house to you. My brothers and I made sure everything was kept up.” He brushed his thumb over her bottom lip. “I had a professional cleaning company take care of the crime scene. You can visit the house when you’re ready.”

She pressed a gentle kiss to his mouth, sending his heart into overdrive. “I’m so blessed to have you in my life.”

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