Page 47 of Don't Look Back

“You’re impossible.” I roll my eyes.

“He’ll probably get tired around eight. Other than that, Colt knows everything else. He watches the kids all the time.” Skylar brushes Duke’s hair away from his face and plants a big kiss on his chubby cheek.

Skylar and Tucker say goodbye to Riley and Tucker kisses Duke, then they’re gone.

“Uncle Colt? Can I take Snow home with me? I’d really like a dog.”

“Not a chance, squirt. She’s my puppy. You have to get your own.”

“But Daddy said I can't get a puppy until Duke’s house trained.”

“Potty trained. Dogs get house trained, people get potty trained.” Colt holds up a finger and corrects her.

“Whatever.” She waves a hand through the air, dismissing him. “When the kid gets trained, we can get a puppy. Until then he said I could only have one if you gave me Snow.”

“He only said that because he knows I’d never give you Snow.” Colt settles on the floor next to Riley and pets Snow’s thick white fur.

“Well, that’s not very nice. Maybe you should give Snow to me just to teach him a lesson.” She grins up at Colt like she just won something.

“Nice try, squirt. I'm not falling for that though.”

“Oh, c’mon, Uncle Colt! I really want a dog!”

“We can talk to Daddy and Mommy. Maybe if I train the dog, they’ll let you get one.”

“You’d do that for me?”

“Of course. I’d do anything for my amazing niece… except giving you Snow.”

Riley throws herself into Colt’s arms and squeezes him tightly. She doesn’t let go, but she keeps whispering something to him. Colt’s eyes slide shut and there’s a massive smile on his face.

Seeing him like this, I can picture him being a father to our children. The way he’ll play with them and be goofy, yet love them with so much ferocity. He’s going to be protective and gentle, exactly what his kids will need.

Colt must feel my gaze on him because he looks up and grins at me. Riley isn't releasing Colt and he doesn’t mind one bit. He’s willing to sit there and soak up the love she’s giving him.

Snow leaps to her feet and races to the bay window facing the back of the house. Her ears are standing straightup as her eyes scan the area. The hair on the back of her neck stands up as she searches for the source of her unease.

“Colt?”

“It’s ok. I'm just going to get my gun from the bedroom. Riley, go with Aunt Leslie into the playroom while I figure out what has Snow upset.” Colt backs away, never taking his eyes off the backyard. “Les, pull up the camera feeds and let me know if you see anything.”

My hands tremble as I take Riley’s and lead her into the bedroom with Duke in my arms. She’s quiet as she glances around nervously. I'm sure she realizes something is wrong and it’s scaring her.

It takes me three tries to unlock my phone, then I'm scrolling through one video feed after another, looking for anything out of place.

Earlier today, I ran into town to pick up a few things for Christmas. When I was out, I swore it felt like someone was watching me, but I didn’t see anyone. I probably looked like a crazy person with how many times I glanced over my shoulder, but I didn’t care.

I pull up the last feed and stare as Colt walks around the house with Snow close at his side. She’s sniffing the small amount of snow we got last night and he scans the area with his gun held tightly in his hands.

I swallow hard and try to stay calm. If I get upset, it’s going to scare the kids even more. I won't be able to think clearly either.

The back door opens and closes. I freeze and listen quietly. I don’t see Colt on any of the outdoor cameras, but I didn’t see him come into the house either.

“Riley, I want you to sit on the floor and play with Duke while I go check on something.” I carefully place Duke on the floor and pat Riley on the head.

If Jimmy is here, I’d rather he get me where no one else is, than go anywhere near Duke or Riley. I’ll do whatever I have to do to protect the ones I love.

I tiptoe out of the playroom and silently tug the door shut. Movement in the living room echoes down the empty hall, making me tense. I don’t want to go out there, but I’d rather face Jimmy alone.

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