Page 103 of In Colton's Custody (Coltons of Mustang Valley)

“Welcome, Willow and Luna,” the others said in unison. They all clinked their glasses, some filled with wine, some with water or apple juice.

Willow lifted her glass again. “Thanks for the welcome.”

The table was more crowded than usual, with all his siblings in attendance, plus brides-and grooms-to-be for all those who’d become engaged. Bowie was there with Marlowe, Kerry with Rafe and Savannah with Grayson. Hazel and little Evie were attending with Callum.

Payne’s absence was still deeply felt and marked with his empty chair, despite a tight fit around the rest of the table, but Ace’s absence hurt more that day, as well. How easily they’d all been willing to replace him with someone who possibly shared their DNA. Asher decided he would have to remember to call him.

“Do you guys always eat like this?” Willow asked as she added a small serving of potato salad next to her kabob and baked beans. “I’ve barely taken a bite, and I’m wishing I had an elastic waistband on my shorts.”

“Are you picking on Dulcie’s cooking?” Grayson said. “I’d definitely try it first.”

Willow took a bite of the secret-recipe potato salad and then closed her eyes while she chewed. After she swallowed, she opened her eyes and wiped her mouth on a napkin.

Bowie pointed to her plate. “Well?”

Willow grinned. “Looks like I’d better buy some bigger pants because this stuff is worth every bite.”

A phone rang at the table again, and this time Marlowe lifted her hands to announce her innocence. Finally, Asher pulled his cell from his pocket.

“Sorry, Mom, but I have to take this one. It’s Spencer.”

Ainsley leaned forward over the table. “He’s calling you now. I thought he was supposed to come to me first.”

He shrugged. “It’s probably about the plan I told you all about. Just give me a minute. I’ll let you know what he has to say.”

Asher hurried down the deck steps and had a short conversation with his cousin. Then he returned to the table.

Callum was the first to speak up.

“All right. Give it to us. We’re a family. We can handle it together.”

“Yeah, tell us,” Marlowe called out.

Asher held up his hands before they all chimed in. “The plan is a go. Spencer said the trail has gone cold, so he’s given the go-ahead to flush the suspect out.”

Rafe nodded. “Maybe this is the right thing to do. If the shooter thinks Payne is showing signs of recovery, he’ll have to come after him.”

“And then he’s ours.” Grayson held his hands wide. “I mean the decoy cop’s.”

Ainsley leaned on her elbows. “When does this thing go down?”

“The first week of June,” Asher told them.

Willow cleared her throat. “Are you okay with all this, Genevieve?”

Immediately, they all glanced to the far end of the table, where Genevieve sat, hugging herself as if she was freezing.

“Are you, Mom?” Asher said. “We’ve already talked about this. You agreed.”

Genevieve shook her head. “What if I was wrong? What if we all were?”

“He’ll be safe, Mom,” Callum assured her. “We promise. He won’t even be there.”

“Well, remember, he might be your father, but Payne is my life. If something happens to him...” She blew out a breath. “We can’t let anything happen to him.”

Genevieve excused herself, and the party fizzled soon after.

As the brothers, sisters and their significant others worked together to clear away the meal, Asher couldn’t help watching them. This was his family, the people he loved. Someone was targeting all of them, not just their father. Until they figured out who was behind the shooting and all the mysteries, none of them would ever be safe. None would ever be able to live their lives without looking over their shoulders.

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