Page 50 of The Roper & the Author

“Yes. Aiden’s got a chartered jet out of Missoula meeting you at Kalispell. My boys will go with you and watch over you and your grandma until Aiden’s people settle all of this.”

“Oh.” His boys. “Walker?”

“Yes.” He gave her a brief smile and an instinctive dad look. He knew she wanted his son. “Walker and Easton. Pack your bag.”

“I don’t have anything. Just my laptop.”

“Oh. Well, put some extra clothes and toiletries in there, if that’s all right. You’ll be home soon enough. I don’t think they’re keeping your grandmother in the hospital too long.”

“Okay. Thank you.”

“Yep.” He turned and walked away.

Marci hurried back into the room, dropped to her knees, and thanked Heavenly Father that Abuelita was alive and safe. She asked for the men to be caught and for Walker to love her.

She stood and changed into a T-shirt and jeans and threw her own sundress and sandals in her bag. She put on some makeupand put a few toiletries in the bag with her laptop. It would be good to get home. Would Walker stay with her?

She walked out of her room and down the stairs. Walker, Easton, Jared, and Mama waited in the foyer. She forced a smile at all of them but focused on Walker. His blue eyes were full of concern.

“I’m sorry about Abuelita,” he said.

“Gracias. I’m grateful she’s alive.”

“That is a blessing.” He smiled at her and brushed his hand through his hair. She wanted to touch that hair again.

Hurrying toward him, she was intercepted by Mama. “Ah, sweet girl. I’m so glad your grammy is safe. Give me a hug now.” Mama hugged her tight. “When this is all settled, we’d love to see you again.”

“Gracias, Mama. You are an angel.”

“You are, darlin’.” Mama released her and stepped back. “My boys will take good care of you and watch over you.”

“I know they will.” She smiled at Walker.

He studied her and didn’t return her smile. Her stomach tightened. Where did they stand? Did those kisses and their connection mean anything to him?

“Take care now,” Papa said, giving her a one-arm hug.

“Thank you. You too.”

Easton opened the door and gestured. “Let’s get you home to the sunshine and salt water, Marci.” He smiled kindly.

“Thank you.” Easton didn’t know her at all. She loved her sunshine and salt water, but she loved these mountains and trees and … She glanced at Walker but he didn’t meet her gaze.

She walked through the door with Easton. He loaded her in the front seat of Walker’s truck and sat behind her. Walker said nothing as he loaded up. He said nothing as he drove them to Kalispell. The tension between them felt thick and heavy. Hemust love Lily still. He’d hidden that from her and now he was distancing himself.

She pivoted in her seat and drew Easton out about the fire he’d fought. He was great to chat with. Though her gaze kept traveling to Walker, clenching the steering wheel with his arm muscles flexing, she kept a conversation up with Easton until they got to the airport.

They parked the truck, met the pilot, and got settled into a small jet. She gave Walker a welcoming glance as she settled into one of the leather recliners on the plane. He gave her a half smile but didn’t sit by her. Easton did. He asked her questions about her latest series and then he fell quiet. She was able to put her recliner back and try to sleep. She didn’t sleep much. Just kept sneaking peeks at Walker.

When they finally landed in Miami, a car was waiting. Nick Jacobs and Autumn Cardon were there. Autumn was the woman who’d impersonated her.

Nick shook Marci’s hand. “Good to see you.”

“You too. Is Abuelita …”

“She’s doing well. Giving the hospital staff a hard time every time she awakens.” Nick grinned.

“Oh good.” She turned to Autumn. “Thank you for impersonating me and putting yourself at risk to help me and Abuelita.”

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