Page 46 of Ultimate Freedom

“Except it isn’t, right? Tanner’s working a case undercover and when that happens one never knows what a person might have to do while playing a role.”

“I get that, but a married man can’t be expected to break his vows for a stupid case.”

“Except, he didn’t. Or that’s what he told me. You have to understand. Tanner was always a playboy… too handsome for his own good. Back in the day, women would fall all over him, and he kind of let them, encouraged them even. And… because he and Bella had such a rocky relationship in the past, he’d rub it in her face… a little.”

“Ok-ay?”

“No. You don’t understand. He’s a devil sure, but he’d never do anything purposely to hurt someone he loved. He wouldn’t. I know him. He’s like a brother to me. When he and Bella hooked up, he met his match. Told me he’d always known that when he fell, he’d hit hard. And he did. I’ll never believe he cheated on her. Never.”

“Honey, you can’t know what a man who’s vulnerable will do when put in certain circumstances. We’re just human.”

Suddenly he realized she’d stiffened in his arms and began to push him away.Oh shit, me and my big mouth.Trying to recoup his losses, he made her face him, look into his eyes. “Not me, Demi. Never. I’ve waited for too long for the right womanto come into my life to ever wreck the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Please, you can trust me.”

“Do you trust me?”

“Yes.”

“Then that’s how much I trust you.” She watched his eyes, and he knew she’d made her point. He’d have to be the first to break their pledge. And he never would.

“Come into the house, baby. It’s freezing out here. While you tell me everything Tanner said, I’ll make us some hot chocolate. If there’s anything we can do to help, then we will.”

***

Demi felt better for telling Whit about her worries. She’d pretty much accepted that from now on, it would be a way of life for her… sharing everything with him.

Checking for any inner misgivings, she realized that the thought of always having someone in her corner made her feel better - not scared. Knowing he’d be her biggest supporter, life’s difficulties felt lighter somehow… easier to handle. Being on her own for so many big moments, scary times, and lonely holidays, having another person beside her had to be the ultimate.

By the time, she’d shared the full conversation with Whit, they still hadn’t come up with any better idea other than letting Tanner know they were here for both of them.

Demi stared at him while she rubbed the side of her mug. “Should I go back to Phoenix? Maybe if I’m there, Bella would reach out.” She waited to see Whit’s reaction.

“You’ve already texted her a few times, and she ghosted you. What makes you think she’d answer if you were there?”

“I don’t know. It’s just that I feel so helpless. She’s my sister, she needs me, and I’m in Alaska. I’ve always been her go-to when she’s distressed. We’ve been there for each other.”

“Right. Then do you want me to check the flights? If you feel strongly that you want to be there for her, I understand. I’llorganize tickets. I’m here for Charlie, but if you want me with you, we can get Harold and Elsie to take the boy while we’re gone. They’d all understand. Up to you.”

“You’d buy me tickets? Just like that?”

“Of course.”

Dithering, Demi stood and paced the room, her fingernails getting a good workout as her old nail-biting habit surfaced. “What do you think I should do?”

Whit shook his head. “Don’t know. It’s your decision. I’d hate to tell you to wait and then find out later that they needed you there. But… it is a long trip. And if it all turns out to be a squabble easily dealt with, it would be a shame for you to travel that far for nothing. But, you know your people better than I do.”

As Demi sat facing him, making up her mind to accept his ticket offer, her phone buzzed. They both looked down to see a call from Special Agent Isabella.

Chapter Twenty-nine

“You’re where? In Terrace? My God, Bella. That’s one hell of a long way to come for a time out. And in your condition. What were you thinking?”

“Tanner called you.” Bella wasn’t asking.

“Dammit, you knew he would. Look, take a taxi to the Terrace hotel and book a room. I’ll be leaving to join you as soon as I get my parka and boots on. Should only be a couple of hours as long as the highway is clear.”

“What do mean… clear?”

“We’ve been getting a lot of snow and mud slides so we never know what we might encounter.”

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