Page 84 of Nate

“I would love for you to go with me.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ll do anything to protect you from that guy.” Nate’s jaw clenched in anger. “I swear, I want to knock him on his ass for not only how he treats you, but also your mother.”

Markie’s phone buzzed with another text from her mother, and she quickly checked it. Her face lit up with a smile.

“She said she’s going to have her sister come stay with her. My Aunt Lola. I’d love for you to meet her.”

“Do you still want to go?”

“I don’t think it could hurt, but you don’t have to. I know how busy you are at the ranch.”

“I can get off anytime. You know I’m off on weekends anyway. What about you?”

“Only the techs work on weekends, but since I don’t know how long I might be, I’ll call Tess now.”

“Alright. I’ll stick around until you talk to her.”

“So, you’re leaving tonight?”

“If I’m going with you, I have to go home and pack,” Nate replied as he cocked his head thoughtfully. “You could pack and come with me, then we can leave first thing.”

“Alright. Let me call Tess.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Markie quickly dialed Tess and explained the situation. She wanted to be there for her mother until Jarrett actually left, and Tess understood.

“I only have two surgeries scheduled for next week, so even if we have an emergency, it will all get covered,” Tess assured her. “Take your time, but please, keep me in the loop. I’ll check on Socks for you. You be careful around that man, Markie. I don’t like him, and you know Sam and Nate don’t either.”

“I know. I’ll be very careful. Nate is going to go with me.”

“Oh, that’s good. I know he won’t take any crap from Jarrett. Let me know when you’re coming back.”

“I will, Tess. Thank you.” Markie hung up and turned to Nate. “Do you need to call Beau?”

“I will while you pack,” he replied with a nod of his head. “Go on, sweetheart.”

“Okay, I’ll be right back.”

“Will your cat be alright?” Nate asked as she headed toward the bedroom.

“Tess said she’ll check on her for me.”

“Good. Now, go pack, so we can get going.”

“Yes, sir,” Markie saluted playfully before jogging toward the bedroom. She could hear Nate chuckling behind her.

As much as she didn’t want to go to Idaho, she trusted Jarrett about as much as she trusted a snake. Scratch that, she trusted a snake more. That man was not a good person, and she wanted him out of her mother’s life, and hers too for that matter.

After hastily packing a small suitcase, she changed into comfortable jeans and a T-shirt. Carrying the bag, she made her way back to the living room where Nate waited patiently. She noticed him tucking his phone into his pocket.

“Was Beau okay with it?” she asked.

“Yeah, he said to take all the time I need. I’m hoping we won’t be long. He’ll call one of the ranch hands to take over while I’m gone.”

Markie raised an eyebrow curiously. “You’re not afraid he’ll do a better job and replace you, are you?”

Nate smirked. “Not likely.”

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