Page 143 of Bodyguard By Night

“I’m shocked. Booze and Justin?”

“He’s got a head for it. Not only the drinking part. I’m just glad he’s finally looking into participating in the business.” Beckett patted Storm one last time before he picked up the reins from the ground. “You sure you guys are going to be okay out here alone?”

“We’ll be fine.”

“You really should talk to Laverne and Rachel.”

I gripped the strap of my bag. “What did Ransom tell you?”

He stepped toward me and gathered me into a hug. He smelled of earth and smoke. “Enough. And I’ll wait until you’re ready to tell people yourself. For now.”

I gripped his plaid shirt and rested my head on his chest for a second. “Do you think I should go?”

“What?” He nudged me back to gaze at me, his mouth set in a hard line. “Why would you say that?”

My phone felt as if it was burning through my pocket. “I just don’t want anything to happen to you and our family.”

He narrowed his eyes. “What about you?”

“I’m not worried about me.”

“You damn well should be.”

I shook my head. “I don’t mean that. Ransom isn’t going to let anything happen to me. But he can’t be everywhere.”

“How bad is it, Wil?”

“I don’t know.”

He tipped his hat back and stared down at me.

“I mean it. It’s all been petty annoyances. But the break-in?” I looked down at the ground before I did something stupid like cry. “That’s different.”

He tipped up my chin. “You’re more important than a few cases of cider.”

“I know.” I gave him another hard hug. “I’m just being silly.” But I was starting to wonder if maybe I shouldn’t be here for the wedding. What if it only got worse?

If something happened to Rachel or Clay, how would I ever live with myself? My sister had dealt with so much to get to this place. Maybe my being here was just selfish and stupid to boot.

He rubbed my arms. “Rachel is so happy you’re home. Don’t forget that.”

I nodded. “I know.” But the last thing I wanted to do was become a regret for the people I loved. If my career would unintentionally cause that, I’d be better off going somewhere—anywhere—else. “And I missed everyone,” I added quietly.

“Right back atcha. Ransom’s a good man.”

I felt the flush climb my neck. “Not you too.”

“Matchmaking? No, that’s Aunt Laverne’s station. But if you wanted two cents, there they are.” He stepped to the horse and hoisted himself up and over, resting his hand on the front of the saddle as if it was a part of him. “I’m just a call away. I’ve got some paperwork to work on at the main house.”

“Okay. Thanks, Beck.”

He pulled down his hat. “Talk to you later.”

I took a few big steps back as man and horse turned and headed back into the trees. I felt someone’s gaze on me, but it wasn’t accompanied by a slick sense of dread.

Not this time.

When I turned, I wasn’t surprised to see Ransom waiting on the porch, with his legs spread and his arms crossed.

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