Page 115 of Brands

I’ll agree with that. Blue’s fingers aremagic.

Not exactly something I can share with my brother, though.

“It makes me happy knowing you get along.” I take a deep breath. “You’re going to be an uncle.” I rush the words.

Why was it harder to tell him than Dad?

Devon’s nostrils flare as he continues to stare at his feet.

We sit in weighted silence until I notice the very corner of his mouth drift up.

“I think that’s pretty cool. None of my friends have nieces or nephews. Do you know yet if it’s a boy or a girl?” His blue eyes light up.

It’s the first sign of happiness he’s shown since Dad left.

“Not yet. It’ll be a surprise.” I’m torn on if we want to know yet.

“You could turn your old room into the baby’s room. Then I’d be close enough to help.” His voice is more animated as he starts laying out the plans.

I swear I have reasons to cry nearly every day now.

But these happy moments are worth it.

“I’d love your help renovating. I bet Blue would love the idea too.” I want Devon to be involved.

I wish Dad wasn’t such an ass.

He should have been excited.

A ding on my phone distracts me.

Shit, one of the cameras.

“Dev, there’s someone there,” I whisper, flipping the screen around so he can watch the dark hooded figure with me.

Whoever it is, they flit from the refrigerated storage room and disappear through the side entrance.

“What the fuck?” He pinches the image down, and tries to flick to the next view.

But they’re gone.

“What do we do?” His rounded eyes look up to me.

Panic races through me. “Call the sheriff.” I grab the pistol and race outside into the darkness.

“Libby! Stay here!” Devon calls before the door shuts behind me.

I can’t.

My world is at stake. I have to stop whoever this is before they ruin everything I’ve worked for.

This asshole is putting my farm at risk.

My family.

Everything I love.

I’m halfway to the barn when a dull thud echoes across the lot, followed by the sound of crackling and a wave of sour air washes over me.

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