Page 35 of Her Redeemed Protector

As we pull up, the familiar aroma of brewing coffee wafts out, mingling with the sight of my father letting Ranger and Ruby indoors, an unusual treat for them. They seem to sense the exception, bounding straight for Huxley. The man I know as composed and steadfast melts into a boy among them, laughter ringing out as he becomes part of their playful fray.

Seizing a quiet moment, I draw my father aside. Without a word, I fling my arms around him, wrapping him in a tight embrace, the kind that says everything.

“You’re all right,Saltamontes?” he murmurs, planting a peck on my lobe lovingly.

It feels like forever since I’ve felt this close to him. Perhaps it’s time to release the grip of my angry wish. The wish for Mom to be here, fighting beside us for what was ours, and forDad to see reason and return to Lakefall Valley. Apart from regret and ego, I know there’s no point in clinging to a farfetched dream. In reality, losing the ranch is not our fault. His life, his happiness, and mine shouldn’t be crushed under the weight of what can’t be changed.

It’ll take time to let go of that dream, but I can start now.

Sniffling discreetly, I ease back enough to look at him. Masking what’s been through my mind, I say, “Hux mentioned you’re pleased with what Dr. Palmer did for you.”

Dad pauses, lifting a finger as if to say, ‘Watch this.’

I move closer to Hux, leaning slightly against him for support, as Dad starts to show off his new prosthetic leg. He breaks into a somewhat clumsy tap dance, his old showman’s charm shining through despite the awkward moves. He seems to have finally met his match in this piece of modern engineering. Lightweight and perfectly fitting, it seems ready to keep pace with his stamina.

At that moment, the urge to kiss Huxley is almost irresistible. I could easily tiptoe up and find his lips. But I hold back, straightening up as I announce, “I’m gonna grab a hair tie from my room.” My hair tumbles around my shoulders, slightly unruly.

From the corner of my eye, I spot Huxley observing the sway of my hair. It’s often said men find long hair feminine. Yet, I can’t help but ponder what truly goes through his mind as he watches mine.

“I’ll serve that coffee and set out the biscuits,” I tell them, jovially warning Dad, “Don’t you dare. It’s my turn this time.”

As I dash upstairs, I hear Dad approaching Huxley, and I pause to watch from the hallway. Dad’s voice blares, stern and commanding, “What the hell have you done to her?” It sounds almost like he’s ready to reach for the rifle in the nearby cabinet.

Before Huxley can react, Dad’s tone shifts as he breaks into a hearty laugh, something I haven’t seen in ages. He claps Hux on the shoulder with a rugged rancher’s approval. “Thank you, son.”

My heart swells at their exchange, warmed by Dad’s gruff affection and the easy camaraderie forming between them. As I slip into my room, I hear their laughter drifting up the stairs. Tying up my hair, I stand there for a moment, absorbed in the scene unfolding below, and a wish rises within me. That these moments could last forever.

Later, as we settle onto the couch with our coffee cups, cradling the steamy goodness in our hands, I find myself smiling at Hux. It feels like the perfect time to uncover, just a little, the life of this man whose kindness has become so familiar in such a short time. Despite feeling close to him, there’s so much more to learn about where he comes from and all that has shaped him.

I start, “So, Hux, what did you do before you joined Red Mark?”

His reply is nonchalant yet revealing. “I was a SEAL.”

I can’t mask my astonishment. “A SEAL?” The word conjures images of valor and strength, and a shiver courses through me. I envision him as the embodiment of dedication and resilience, a protector of our nation. SEALs are the epitome of grit, and while I understand there’s depth beyond the uniform, I can’t help but be awed by the thought of Huxley in the throes of duty.

Bless my innocence.

Hux explains his training in San Diego, and the image ignites my carnal desires. I envision how his power could manifest if, right now, we both headed upstairs and slipped into my bedroom. My senses run wild, conjuring daydreams of intimate scenes filled with the touch of his strong hands.

Hux finishes his story, unveiling another facet of his life. “I told your father I used to work at our family ranch. Well, I still do, whenever I can find the time. Though it’s been a while since I could.”

“Wait, what? You own a ranch?” The words spill out before I can stop them. But… wasn’t he afraid of horses? I recall the stunned look on his face when he saw the stallion at the Johnsons’ and was hesitant to approach. Surely, a ranchermustlove horses.

“I spent every waking hour at the ranch, pouring everything I had into helping mom keep it above water after dad passed. My brother was only a toddler, so it hit us hard. But when something’s in your blood, you just keep pushing forward.” His voice holds a hint of nostalgia. Then, a glimmer of humor lightens his expression. “I suppose the animals played their part, too, especially our horses.” He grins, directing it at me.

There’s my answer. How does this man keep ticking every box of my ideal partner without even trying?

He continues, “Once we steadied ourselves, I joined the Navy to afford college. Plans changed, and I ended up becoming a SEAL instead.”

My father interjects, “How old are you, son?”

“Twenty-eight,” Huxley responds.

“You must’ve been very young when your father passed,” Dad probes.

“I was twelve.”

I can’t help but marvel at the strength it must have taken for someone so young to shoulder such responsibility. The more I learn about Huxley, the more I recognize his fortitude, both in spirit and stature. How fortunate am I to have crossed paths with him?

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