Page 117 of Stables

“Well, that’s good though? Isn’t it? They’re still alive and can just watch for them to come back?” Libby pats Char’s leg.

Blue strokes down his chin before propping his elbows on the table and lacing his fingers. “I’m afraid not. Horses don’t come back from there.”

Libby’s blond brows furrow. “Then you have to stop them. Can’t you call someone?”

Blue’s eyes pinch. “Iamthe ‘someone’. The Feds don’t give two shi—shakes about a couple of shady equine sales. They won’t do crap until it’s hundreds of animals.”

“You mean, they can just take her stock, they could take mine, too, and nothing can be done?” Libby’s voice raises an octave.

This time, it’s Char’s turn to placate. She reaches to Libby and rubs her shoulder.

“No one is going to mess with your farm, Libby. Everyone loves you and your family.”

Libby takes a deep breath, placing her palms flat on the table. “I shoulda just shot Matt, then none of this would have happened.”

Blue, Sawyer, and Sophia are a sea of wide blue eyes on the other side of the table staring at her, until Blue starts laughing.

“You’re feisty. Remind me never to piss you off.”

Chapter 33

Char

It’s hard not tohave a hollow feeling knowing that some of my horse babies are gone forever.

I knew there was a chance of it, but hearing Blue put it into words crushed me.

When we make our way back to Dixon’s cabin, his muscular arm drapes my shoulders while he carries Paisley.

His touch is comforting, but it doesn’t quite fix the pain of losing them.

Knowing I have bills coming up doesn’t help.

I don’t even know how to begin that conversation with Dixon. Admitting to him how deep the debt hole is seems worse than opening up my feelings.

When I bite my lip, the nick on it reminds me of earlier.

Funny, when Matt caused a scab, every time I felt it I’d get a sense of dread.

Now, the memory of Dixon groaning over me floods my limbs with heat.

I’ll worry about the money tomorrow.

For tonight, I just want to lose myself in him.

“Come on, Paisley Anne. It’s time to get your night time diaper on.” I pat the blanket on the floor where I’ve set the bag.

At least she isn’t arguing with me.

She lies quietly watching until her tiny forehead wrinkles when I stand her up. “Owwie, Mommy?” Holding out one finger, she points at my lip.

This time, it’s different.

“It was an accident.” I catch a glimpse of Dixon’s gaze over the top of his phone. Smiling, I pull her close and feather her chubby cheeks with kisses.

Once she’s sufficiently giggling, I let her go to race across the floor to where Dixon lounges on the couch.

We tag teamed the shower, so he’s sitting there all scrubbed and sexy with no shirt on.

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