Page 27 of The Bull Rider & the Wedding Planner

Cassie could believe it would be safe physically, and she appreciated their diligence and that she wasn’t facing Baxter on her own. She had support from two of the toughest men around. She’d known Easton and his brothers could all fight and shoot guns, but it blew her mind that Jared Coleville had trained all of his boys so diligently and they’d protected the likes of Elizabeth and Jacey Oliver and Eva Chevron. No wonder Eva had fallen inlove with Miles Coleville. She’d come to the picturesque Coleville Ranch and he’d protected her.

Presley and Easton chatted while he drove, all relaxed and appealing in his big truck. Presley was in the back seat, buckled but without her car seat, which bothered Cassie but it was safer than Baxter finding them.

What had her most concerned was how she would stay safe emotionally. Easton had teased her that she’d be begging for a kiss within hours. She would be. If she could trust that he would be loyal to her. He’d been as serious as she’d ever seen him when he looked deeply into her eyes and promised to protect her. She’d believed him in that moment, but it was scary to trust a philandering playboy, especially one who had broken her heart before. Presley loved him already, but could Easton ever give her daughter stability?

They pulled up to a massive wrought iron gate with a tall fence stretching into the trees in both directions. She hadn’t been home in ten years, but she only remembered an old gate and thin electric fence surrounding the Coleville’s property, designed to keep their livestock in.

A guard greeted them. “Where did you find this pair of beautiful ladies?”

“They came to me, Brandon my friend,” Easton said, all cocky and like himself. “You know they always do.”

Cassie stiffened. Why did he have to remind her what a player he was? It was for the best, but it still hurt every single time.

“Yes, I do.” Brandon laughed and waved to Presley. Then he walked back into the guard house and the gate swung open.

Easton drove through, saluting his friend. They drove along the thickly wooded lane and pulled past the massive log cabinthat was his parents’ home. Cassie hoped they’d get to see Mama Millie soon. She loved that lady.

They passed the massive barn and some corrals and slowly maneuvered a narrow lane shaded by trees. A minute later, they pulled up to a two-story, newer log cabin with huge windows and a wide front porch with massive beams. Cassie studied the house, falling instantly in love. Their house in Syracuse was a split-level in a decent neighborhood. She had felt comfortable there, until Baxter had attacked, but it had never appealed to her like this cabin did.

Easton pushed a button and the garage door lifted. He drove the truck in, shut it off, and hopped out, grabbing his hat. “Stay there,” he said to her.

Why? Was he having to check his house or something?

Easton plunked his hat on, opened the back door, and lifted Presley into his arms. He strutted around the front of the truck, and Cassie admired the easy and comfortable way he held Presley, the beauty of his face and shape. How would she stay strong if she was around him until Baxter was caught? Baxter hadn’t been caught in Syracuse. What could Clint do differently than the officers there?

Pulling open her door, Easton offered his hand. Cassie placed her hand in it, her stomach giving a happy leap as his blue eyes lit up and an irresistible grin curved his lips.

He helped her down from the truck and kept his hand in hers as he escorted her and carried Presley into the house. Cassie had the sensation that they were a family, coming home to the house her husband had built just for her, happy and together forever. How many nights had she dreamed about this with Easton? The nightmare of her marriage was a stark contrast to the warmth andsafety she felt now.

She shook that off and focused as Easton led them through a laundry room with an attached half bath. She liked all the woodwork and granite. It was clean and organized, which surprised her. Easton had always been a whirlwind, not really a man she’d expect to keep his house clean.

They shed their coats and boots in the laundry room and then walked into the kitchen and dining area that was also open to the large living room. It was gorgeous. Large windows showcased the forest and mountains around them, and everything was obviously high quality. She loved the deep alternating grains of wood on the cabinets and flooring and framing the windows. The gray swirled granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and leather couches were all very nice.

There was a fresh pine tree in the corner wound with lights and a few red and silver ornaments on it. It was endearing, but she’d love to redecorate it. There was some garland on the banister and a spray on the fireplace mantle but no stockings. What would it look like with stockings for Easton, Cassie, and Presley hung from the mantle? With Cassie’s love of decorating, this home could be a Christmas haven.

“Welcome tomi casa,” Easton said. “Would you like the official tour?”

“Yes, sir,” Presley called out.

Cassie nodded, feeling a little unsteady. What had she agreed to, being alone with him in his beautiful home? She’d been dangling from a cliff by her fingernails with Presley hanging onto her and slipping every moment, horrified at finding her mother dead, knowing Baxter was close and coming for her. When Sheriff Clint told her he had the perfect solution that would keep them safe until he caught Baxter, and then Easton had appeared as that perfect solution, she’d been swept away.She’d fully trusted that Easton was taking this seriously and would keep them safe. Now she was doubting her good sense.

“Main floor is pretty self-explanatory. Laundry.” He pointed behind them. “Kitchen, dining, and living room. You’re welcome to anything you’d like in the kitchen. Mama will no doubt bring over more food, but I have plenty of options as well. The leftover steak fajitas from last night are delicious if that sounds good for dinner. Made them myself, of course.”

He escorted them through the main floor. Cassie’s gaze darted around. “When did you become all domesticated?” she asked.

“What does that mean?” he asked with a laugh in his voice.

“You have leftover steak fajitas that you made?” Her doubts were obvious on her face. “You clean? You’re not a disorganized mess? A Christmas tree?”

“You know I can handle you not glazing me, but Mama would be righteously indignant. You think Millie Coleville raised any boy who doesn’t know how to cook and scrub a toilet?”

Cassie smiled. “You got me there.”

“And maybe I was hoping you’d visit.” He gestured to the tree and winked.

She drew in a breath and looked away.

They reached the stairs, and he gestured for her to ascend in front of him.

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