Page 43 of Fairy Tale Husband

“It means that this snake’s gonna meet its maker and I’m the one who’s sending it there. And if I find any of its brothers, sisters, or cousins hanging around, they’ll join ’im in snake heaven.” He shook his head in disbelief. “Why the hell—damn!—heck am I even standing here discussing this, when I should be taking care of business?”

“But—”

“Forget it,” he said flatly. “Do you really want to risk one of the kids getting bit? Because that’s what could happen if I don’t kill it.”

“Of course I don’t want the boys put at risk. But, can’t you kill it outside?”

“How do you expect me to get it there? Say ‘Hey, pardner, would you mind slitherin’ outside so we can discuss this problem man-to-reptile?’”

“You don’t have to be sarcastic.”

Dusty burst through the mudroom door. “What’s all the excitement?” he demanded, panting for breath. “Saw you running like your britches were afire.” Spotting the snake, he squawked and scrambled backward.

Apparently Dusty’s arrival was one human too many. With a furious shake of its tail, the rattler slithered towardhim.

“What the hell are you waiting for, boss?” Dusty shouted. “Shoot the sucker!”

“Sorry, old friend. My wife won’t let me. And watch your language in front of the boys.”

“This ain’t funny, Jake. Come on! Shoulder that blowpipe and let ’er rip, will ya?”

“Not unless Wynne agrees.”

“I’m runnin’ short of options here,” Dusty bellowed as the rattler rapidly closed the distance between them. “What do you want me to do? Spit on the dang thing? Fire, Isay. Fire!”

“Wynne?”

“Boss!”

“Okay! Shoot it! Shoot it!” Wynne yelped, tumbling off the counter.

The snake swung in her direction, preparing to strike. It was the last move it evermade.

The rifle blast practically deafened them. Peeking through her fingers, Wynne saw Dusty flat on his back, acloud of dust and debris hanging over him. The snake lay in a small crater nearby, unmoving.

She fought for breath. “Dusty.” His name escaped in a panicked whisper. “Oh, no. What have I done? Dusty, speak to me. Are you bit? Shot? What’s wrong?”

“He passed out,” Jake informed her dryly. “Too much excitement, Iguess.”

With a groan, the foreman sat up and looked around. Spying the dead snake, his face split into a wide grin. “Looks like I got me a new belt. Maybe a hatband, too.” He picked up the snake by its tail and glanced at Wynne, offering generously, “Want the rattle for a key chain?”

Jake didn’t give her a chance to reply, but dropped his rifle onto the table and literally snatched her off the floor, enfolding her in a fierce embrace. “You scared the life out of me, you know that?” he muttered. “I can’t leave you alone for five seconds without your getting into some scrape or another.”

She wrapped her arms around his waist, giving him a reassuring hug. His heart pounded against her cheek, his rapid breath stirring the hair at her temple. Afamiliar lethargy stole over her, leaving her deaf and blind to everything but Jake. It was always this way when he touched her and she couldn’t help but wonder if he felt thesame.

“Maybe next time you’d better just shoot it,” she offered generously.

“Instead of listening to my wife? Thanks. I’ll do that.” He glanced at the boys. “Hop down. The show’s over.”

“That was cool!” Buster enthused. “Will you teach me how to use a gun like that?”

“Absolutely not,” Wynne answered, reluctantly leaving Jake’sarms.

“You’ll be far too busy packing,” he added smoothly.

“Packing?” All four turned to stare athim.

He folded his arms across his chest, his chin set at a familiarly stubborn angle. “It’s not safe at Lost Trail. So, we’re moving over to my grandfather’s ranch.”

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