Page 31 of Colton Family Bodyguard (Coltons of Mustang Valley)

“I’m staying here.”

“We’re being protected,” Evie said in her cute voice.

Carolyn crouched down to the girl’s level. “Well, hello, Evie. You’ve grown since the last time I saw you.”

“I’m five.”

Carolyn laughed a little and stood, sending Hazel a questioning look. “Why are you being protected?” She glanced at Callum.

“It’s a long story,” Hazel said.

“I saw a man get hit in the head with a rock and he died,” Evie said.

Carolyn looked down at her. “Oh, my.” Then she returned her attention to Hazel. “Are you all right?”

“Cal-em is protecting us,” Evie said.

“That’s enough, Evie.”

Hazel must say that a lot to her daughter. The more time he spent with them, the more he learned of their close connection. He had always thought a mother and a daughter must have a special bond. Then his Annabel had died and he’d avoided anything mother-daughter altogether.

“What happened?” Carolyn asked.

Who was this

woman and how did Hazel know her? He waited for Hazel to give a quick summary of why they had ended up here and then she finally turned to him.

“Callum is a bodyguard.”

“Oh.” Carolyn sounded impressed. “A bodyguard, huh? You must be special now.”

“Not really.” Hazel smiled humbly.

“Yes, she is,” Evie said, hanging onto Hazel’s arm.

“Callum Colton.” He held out his hand to the woman. “And you are...?”

Carolyn’s mouth dropped open. “Colton? As in Colton Oil?”

He had grown accustomed to people recognizing him by his surname. They were sort of like celebrities in town; some regarded them in awe and some in loathing, depending on which Colton’s path they had crossed. “Payne Colton is my father.”

“Oh, yes. I’m so sorry. I heard about your father. My deepest condolences.”

What had she heard? “He isn’t dead yet.”

“But in a coma, right? That’s terrible.” Carolyn looked from him to Hazel. “How did you manage to meet up with a Colton bodyguard?”

“Completely by accident,” Hazel said. “He was across the street when the man was struck and came to help us.”

“Aren’t you the lucky one?” Carolyn smiled.

“How long have you and Hazel known each other?” Callum asked.

Hazel put her hand to her forehead. “I’m sorry. How rude of me. Callum, this is Carolyn Johnson. She owns Carolyn’s Kitchen. I told you about working for her.”

“Yes, I remember. Very nice to meet you.”

After a moment where she seemed miffed that her friend hadn’t mentioned her, Carolyn looked at Hazel. “She was one of the best chefs I’ve ever had.”

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