Page 49 of The Roper & the Author

“Okay.” Walker nodded and looked to Easton.

“I’ll get Marci up and Millie will send some food with you for the drive and flight,” their dad said.

Walker actually smiled. “Mama does know chartered jets have food on them, right?”

Papa smiled too. Easton didn’t. “Don’t tell her. She’d just say it’s not as good as hers.”

“True.”

“See you in a few minutes.” Papa pivoted.

Easton walked toward the trail that led to his cabin. Walker hurried after him. He’d need to go to his own cabin and grab asuitcase and a few things then pack up some of the stuff he had at the main house.

“Easton. Can we work this out?”

Easton glanced at him. “I don’t know what to do or think.”

“Do I have your permission to pursue her and date her after this is over?” Walker had to ask. He had to get this settled. Marci had her free will, but if he competed with his brother, it could ruin their relationship.

“No,” Easton shot at him.

Walker recoiled. He’d never gone after one of Easton’s girls, and his brother had a plethora of women chasing him at all times. Why couldn’t Easton back down the one time it really mattered?

Easton let out a heavy breath. “Can you back off and let things work out? Let’s focus on protecting Marci.”

Walker nodded to him, his heart heavy in his chest. He peeled off toward his own cabin. How would it work out? Would Marci choose Easton or would neither of them have a chance with her? Focusing on protecting Marci did have to take precedence. When would it be time for Walker to stand up and proclaim he’d fallen for her?

He feared that time might never come.

Chapter

Sixteen

Marci was confused about Walker.

No, not confused. Stronger than that. Befuddled or mystified.

She lay back down on the bed and let the tears come. All her bravery and determination to win his heart leaked out with her tears. He’d basically rejected her last night and now she knew why. Families are rough? He loved Lily and Lily loved Clint. Marci’s kiss must have either made him long for his lost love or not have compared to his lost love.

Her heart broke for him as much as for herself. Could he let Marci wait for him and help him heal? She’d never known a man, a relationship, a romance could be like this. She didn’t want to be without him. Ever. If only he felt the same.

A rap came on her door, and she jumped to her feet. Walker. He’d come for her. He’d tell her that Lily didn’t compare to her, not for him, no woman did. He’d wrap her up and kiss her and everything would be right in this world.

Well, except for Abuelita being found.Please let Abuelita be safe and please let Walker love me, she begged in her mind as she flung the door open, smiling brightly.

“Walk … Papa Jared?”

“Marci.” Papa looked far too serious. He rubbed at the back of his neck. “I’ve got … I’m not sure if it’s good or bad news. They found your grandmother.”

“Abuelita!” Tears stung her eyes, and her heart raced. “Where? Is she alive?”

“She’s alive.”

Her heart settled a bit.

“A fishing boat found her earlier this morning. They’re a couple hours ahead of us, so it’s been about three hours since she was found. She was near drowned, her bloodstream full of a drug called Rohypnol, commonly known as a roofie. It took a while for the hospital to revive her and then for Aiden’s people to get the intel.”

“Oh my. Poor Abuelita.” She put a hand to her heart. “Can I go to her?”

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