Page 132 of Stables

Two silhouettes appear through the thick smoke, one with a rifle propped over its shoulder.

“It’s a good thing that pecker had a big ol’ melon.” Wade spits into the dust next to Matt’s body, then slings his gun to hang off his back.

Blue squats down on the other side of Char. “Are you both okay?” He glances at my wounded shoulder, worry etching his features.

“Yea, I’m fine. I need to get Char to the ER though. And we need to get away from this fire.” I can see flames growing through the roof behind him.

“Blue, gimme a hand.” Wade calls him away. “Let’s drag his carcass onto the porch so it burns and I don’t have to fill out a damn report.”

“How did you know?” I ask Blue before he stands.

“Wade was coming with me to stop them loading the horses out. He recognized that piss ant’s car down around the corner.” Blue flips his middle finger at the body. His handlebar mustache widens in a grin. “We had to rock, paper, scissors to see who got to take the shot.”

Wade picks up one arm, Blue the other, and they drag Matt up the wooden steps.

“Get her gone, Dix. I’ll come back later once the fire’s out.” Wade kicks Matt’s foot, then picks up the pistol out of the dirt. “Was awful nice of this jackhole to come back and check on his ex’s house considering he’s the one who started the fire. Tragic that he died trying to get inside.” He pulls his dusty sheriff’s hat off his head and presses it briefly to his chest before dropping it back on.

“He did it?” Char still clings to me like I’m a life preserver in a turbulent sea.

Blue chuckles, gently lifting her elbow to get us both up. “He parked right next to where he started it. Even left the gas can by his trunk.”

I wish I could pick Char up, cradle her in my arms to carry her to the truck.

But Blue supports her, helping me load her into the passenger’s side.

“You good to drive?” He nods at my crusted shirt and seeping injury.

I grimace sliding behind the wheel. “Yea, thanks.”

Peeling out of the driveway, he fades in the rear view mirror, then disappears into the thick smoke before I hit the main road.

“Char?” Fuck, I hate that my right arm isn’t working properly. “Take my hand. I can’t lift it, but I need to touch you.”

Her palm cups over my elbow, and she drops her head onto her shoulder propped on the console.

Tears cut through the dirt smeared across her face. “I was so scared he was going to kill you.” She chokes down a sob, her voice cracking through my name.

I died a small death back there watching her fall.

“Char, promise me, we’re getting married right away. If anything happens to me, I want you taken care of.” I steal a moment on a straightaway to pull her fingers up with my good hand and kiss the tips. “I can’t handle thinking you’d struggle without me.”

My jaw ticks listening to her cry.

I want to hold her so fucking bad.

“Vegas?” She sniffles with both palms wrapping my arm.

“We can leave as soon as we’re cleared at the hospital. I’ll throw you whatever party you want, take you wherever you want to go afterwards. I just want that ring on your finger so I have peace of mind.” I feel as if I’m suffocating in the fear that she’ll be left alone.

At least married, she’ll be part owner of Black Gulch. Mason will take care of her, and my baby.

Jesus.

“And when you’re all healed up, do you have any idea how many spankings I’m giving you for that stunt you pulled? Don’t you ever do something like that again.” My knuckles pop from squeezing the steering wheel so tightly. “Please?” I add gruffly.

“I’m okay with that. But I’d do it again.” Raising her face, dried blood has left a smear down her cheek. Her bottom lip quivers before she pulls it between her teeth. “I couldn’t lose you.” Fresh drops run from her eyes, cutting new clean lines down her cheeks.

“Never.” I vow, slamming the truck into park outside the main door of the emergency room. “Now, let’s get you checked out.”

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