Page 47 of Sheltered by the Lawman

“I haven’t had a good meal like this in so lo—” Kace stopped when Tyler snapped up her brow. “I mean, outside of Tyler’s food of course.”

She kissed his cheek. “I agree. Mom Beatrice is the best cook.”

“Hey, I can’t take all the credit. I’ve had help from Monica and she’s an amazing cook too.” Beatrice patted Monica’s hand. “I can’t even begin to tell you how much I’ve enjoyed her.”

“I can do a few things, but you, Beatrice, have shown me a lot in the kitchen,” Monica said.

Cull felt his body soften. Would he ever find another woman who fit in so well?

Phoenix placed an ear of corn on his wife’s plate and she patted his shoulder. “Thank you, baby.”

“No problem.” He kissed the tip of Ria’s nose and she moved her hands along the edge of the plate, feeling for the fork.

Cull watched with admiration as all his brothers pampered their wives. They were happy, and he was happy for them, but for the first time he felt a void that he’d never witnessed before. He wasn’t quite sure how to read his emotions, but there was a twinge in chest, right over his heart.

Kiersten caught Cull’s gaze from across the table and she gave him a knowing wink. He cleared his throat and dropped his attention to his plate. He brought a taco to his mouth and bit into the crunchy goodness, chewing thoughtfully.

Beatrice tinked her fork against her crystal glass. “I’m sorry that I asked for you to leave my grandbabies with a sitter,” she said from the head of the table. “I just felt it was right that we met with just the adults today.”

“We wanted to speak to you alone today,” Bo said looking ten years older than he normally did. This made Cull’s heart sink.

“What are you two planning? Don’t tell me you’re selling the house and land,” Nix said with a grunt.

“Or moving to Florida. You’re not the beach type,” Phoenix teased.

Bo sat silently—more quiet than usual.

“We’re not selling the land and we’re definitely not moving,” Beatrice assured them. “There is something that I need to tell you though. I want five minutes to explain before any of you comment, judge, or interact. Okay?”

They nodded in unison like a classroom of well-behaving kids.

She met the gaze of her husband a mere second before looking at each of her family members. “It’s nothing to be concerned about. I promise.”

“Bea…,” Bo said softly

“Bo,” she responded with a shake of her head. “I went in to see my doctor for a routine checkup. While I was there, he heard something…well, something that was off I guess…in my heart. He then scheduled me for a few tests.”

“You’ve already had these tests?” Kiersten asked.

Beatrice nodded. “Yes.”

“And you didn’t think to tell us?” Cull exhaled loudly.

“I didn’t want anyone to worry,” his Ma responded.

“She’s always trying to protect others and ends up neglecting herself,” Bo grumbled.

“Oh, stop that, husband.”

“It’s true,” Bo replied.

“What did the doc say, Ma?” Kace asked.

The older woman clasped her hands tightly. “I have what is called coronary microvascular disease.”

Cull dropped his fork and it dinged against his plate. “That’s in the smaller vessels of the heart, right?”

Beatrice nodded. “Yes, son.”

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