Page 44 of The Bull Rider & the Wedding Planner

“Is everything all right, Miss Johnston?” Sally, the head caterer, asked.

“Yes. I had to come and say thank you. The food was delectable and your service exemplary. I’ll be giving your company a five-star review and hope to use you again.”

“Thank you. You’ve been a pleasure to work with.”

“Thank you. Excuse me for a moment. I need a little fresh air.”

“It’s been a busy night for you.” The woman smiled kindly, then turned back to the tables she had set up in the garage.

Cassie rushed past more caterers, smiling but not stopping. She reached the back garage door and pushed through it.

She stumbled on an icy patch of the shoveled concrete walk. A man caught her arm and steadied her. She pulled back, surprised. Who was out here?

“Ma’am? Are you all right?” The man wore black clothing, held a big, serious-looking gun and had another on his hip. One of Aiden’s security guards. Oh, thank heavens. She’d had a moment of fear that Baxter was lingering out here. That was silly.

“Yes, thank you. Just needed some fresh air.”

The man’s eyes scanned the area. Satisfied, he released her, gripped his gun with both hands, and nodded to her. “I’ll do a round through the back yard and be right back. Please stay here unless you head back inside.”

“Thank you.”

He slowly made his way through the thick snow and around the back of the house.

Cassie let out a breath and bowed herhead.Thank you, she prayed silently,for the success of the day, for the incredible brides’ and grooms’ happiness and light, for Easton, for Presley, for second chances. Thank you.

Opening her eyes, she looked up at the many stars and the half-moon in the sky. She was blessed and grateful and everything had gone well. She hugged herself. Her thin silver dress wasn’t much protection against the cold. The security guard should be coming back any moment now.

She heard a soft pop and then a quiet thud as if something had hit the snow out back. That was odd.

It was time to get back to Easton and Presley. She turned to go back into the house.

A quiet whisper came from behind her. She spun. It had to be the bodyguard coming back.

Baxter planted his hand over her mouth and slammed her against the house.

She cried out against his hand, but no sound came out.

He yanked her around in front of him. She screamed and dug her fingernails into his arm, kicking at him with her heels.

Slapping his hand back over her mouth, he wrapped his other hand around her waist, lifted her off her feet, and hauled her toward the nearby trees.

“I’ve been watching for days. I knew you’d come out for your moment after the event. Now I’m going to kill you nice and slow,” Baxter crowed. “Then I’ll find our daughter, take her away from these yokels, and raise her up right.”

Icy horror slithered through her bloodstream. She kicked and clawed at Baxter, but he held her fast.

Where was the bodyguard? Where was Easton? He’d told her only one minute. Would he come for her?

Would anybody even know where she’d gone?

Probably not until they found her body.

Cassie shuddered and prayed. Cold sweat slid down her back. Her heart raced out of control. Her body trembled uncontrollably.

Please help me,was all she could think to beg as Baxter hauled her into the thick forest bordering Clint’s property.

Chapter

Sixteen

---