Page 118 of Billionaire Lumberjack's Bargain

There are so many hiding spots on the property, so many places he could go, but my gut tells me something I wish it didn’t—that he went to go see Rocky.

And Rocky is in that barn.

* * *

DALTON

My feet slam into the snow as I race across the clearing from the cabin toward the barn, now partially engulfed in a spreading inferno.

The exterior gate to the paddock that always stays closed now stands open, banging against its hitch in the wind that seems to be fanning the flames on the building just behind it.

Oh, God…

There’s onlyonereason for it to be like this—because Davey came through it.

I hope I’m wrong as I shove it all the way open and rush to the barn, but chilly awareness ripples through me as I see tiny boot tracks in the snow closer to the structure, where they haven’t been covered by the falling, blowing flakes yet.

Thick, dark smoke fills my lungs with each breath I take, and I cough and advance inside, barely able to see anything through the darkness swirling in the air. “Davey!”

I listen for him, but all I can hear is the frantic noises of the animals stuck in their pens as the flames grow closer from the back corner.

How the fuck did that start?

It climbs up the far wall and rushes across the ceiling beams and roof.

There isn’t any way to stop it.

This whole place is coming down—sooner rather than later.

Anything and anyone inside it won’t stand a chance.

Coughing and covering my mouth and nose with my arm, I make it to Rocky’s pen, and my heart stops, along with any of my attempts to breathe.

No.

Davey’s brand-new dump truck lies on its side in front of the closed gate.

Only an hour ago, we all sat around him in the living room as he unwrapped it. I saw the joy light up his face. Heard his little squeal of excitement. Felt his arms wrap around my neck and squeeze as he thanked me for the gift.

Now, the only squeals are from the animals desperate to escape the flames.

Camille coughs behind me, skidding to a stop and grabbing my arm to steady herself.

I whirl to face her, gripping her arms and coughing, struggling to draw in any form of useable breath through the thick smoke. “You can’t be in here!”

The terror I felt at knowing Davey could be in here triples as I push her toward the open door.

She tries to pull against my hold. “Davey!”

I finally manage to force her out into the blustery wind. It freezes my bare skin instantly, but at least the air is somewhat breathable, the smoke blowing away from us at the moment.

Taking her face between my palms, I lock eyes with her, hoping she can see the promise in mine through her tears. “I’ll find him and get him out. I promise.”

She sobs, and I can feel the anguish radiate off her.

I lower a hand to her belly. “Youcan’t behere.”

My words finally seem to get through to her, and she nods, taking a few steps back as she stares at the barn going up in flames.

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