Overwhelmed with emotion, Kaylee’s eyes welled with tears. “I would protect them with my life. You know that.”

  “That’s why I could send them with you.”

  “But,” Kaylee said, holding up her hand. “They would want their mom and dad. I’m a poor substitute.”

  “They love you,” Ava insisted, looking right and left. The men were still hanging back and busy watching everyone else. “I know that this is a shitty time to discuss this but if anything happens to me and Logan–”

  “Don’t even say it. Don’t even think it.”

  Ava stopped the cart near a tower of bananas. “No, I need to say this despite this being the worst location ever for a discussion like this. I should have done it long before now. If anything happens to Logan and me, we want you and Reed to raise our children. I should have asked you first but we kind of put that in our will. You have the choice, though. If you don’t want to, then Jared and Misty are up to bat. My mom is getting too old to run after two kids and my sister hates my guts. You’re like the sister I never had but always wanted. I know you’ll do right by Colt and Brianna.”

  Tears streamed down Kaylee’s cheeks and she quickly swept them away, not wanting to make a scene right here in the produce section. She bent her head hoping that Reed didn’t see because he’d want to know what was happening.

  “You certainly have lousy timing. We’re shopping for oranges,” she replied thickly, trying to make light of a serious situation. It was becoming a habit. “You know that we’d raise them as our own.”

  “I know you would, but I also don’t want you to feel obligated to do it. That’s why we’ve given you the option. I would understand if you didn’t want the responsibility and expense. There would be insurance money, of course, and you could sell our houses–”

  “Stop,” Kaylee commanded loudly, drawing strange looks from passersby. Jared and Reed were eyeing them curiously as well and looked ready to intervene at any moment. “Seriously, stop talking about this. Nothing is going to happen. You and Logan are going to be fine and we’re going to catch Wade and everything is going to be wonderful.”

  It sounded a little bit fantasy-like, but it was the outcome Kaylee was hoping and praying for.

  She couldn’t even fathom the alternatives. It all made her problems seem so small in comparison.

  Reed sidled up to Kaylee and placed an arm around her shoulders. His gaze was searching, questioning, but this was far from the place to tell him the content of the conversation. “Is everything okay here?”

  Both women nodded and smiled, Kaylee wiping away the last stray tear. Her heart felt too big for her ribs and her stomach tumbled in her abdomen. Ava was the closest thing she had to family and she would do anything for her.

  “We’re fine,” Kaylee assured her husband. “We just had a moment. We’re both hungry so we’re going to hurry up here so we can eat.”

  Reed didn’t believe a word out of her mouth. He’d always known her so well but to his credit he didn’t call her out today. “Sounds good. We’re hungry, too. What all is left?”

  “Produce and meat,” Ava pronounced. “Then we’ll be finished.”

  Reed checked his phone. “The others are done too, so let’s hurry. We need to get back on the road. We’re too out in the open here.”

  Because they could never forget why they were all here together. Wade Bryson.

  Chapter Fourteen

  As far as fishing cabins went, it was nice. Two small bedrooms, a bathroom, and a large combination living room and kitchen. There were two old rocking chairs on the front porch and a cord of wood stacked up on the side of the house. As Jared had predicted it was empty, no smoke curling from the chimney. His friend that owned it was currently in Chicago at a forensics convention.

  The cabin was nestled by a lake at the back and a long winding driveway from the main road. It was a compromise for the next twenty-four hours. Close enough to civilization that they weren’t completely cut off but far enough away that no innocent bystander was going to be mowed down by a hail of gunfire. Once Griffin and Jason arrived, they would be headed into even more remote areas, and as this was a state with more cattle than people that was pretty fucking remote.

  Logan had some sort of plan brewing in his head but Reed wasn’t sure exactly what it was. Getting his old nemesis away from everybody and everything seemed to be step number one. Step two? Reed wasn’t sure, but he trusted his friend not to do anything completely crazy. Logan listened to his gut and so far it hadn’t been wrong, but that didn’t mean it was always going to be right. There were many lives on the line here and not just the people at this camp.

  The men had already decided that the women and children would sleep inside the cabin and they’d stay in the tents surrounding the area. The women, however, weren’t all that appreciative of their chivalry. The twins even less so.

  “I want to sleep outside in a tent,” Colt whined. At this moment he looked so much like his father. “Why do I have to sleep inside the cabin? That’s for girls.”

  “I want to camp outside too, and I’m a girl,” Brianna said, her lips pressed together. She was a tiny Ava. Reed’s heart squeezed tightly in his chest. He and Kaylee weren’t going to experience this. Ever. Most of the time he was fine with it but every now and then it would catch him unawares. “Why can’t we, Mom?”

  “It’s already been decided,” Ava said in her best mom-tone. “Now let’s get your backpacks inside.”

  “But we want to camp,” Colt replied, clearly perplexed at the issue. “We’ve been camping before. Why can’t we now?”

  “Don’t give your mother a hard time,” Logan said in a sharp tone. “Remember how we talked about being helpful?”

  “But–”

  Ava placed her hands on her son’s shoulders and dropped a kiss on the top of his head. “Colten Andrew, do not argue with your father.”

  A kid always knew when the shit had hit the fan and that’s when mom or dad used their full name. Colt rolled his eyes but he’d given in and let it go. For now. Reed had a feeling this discussion wasn’t over.

  “Please take your backpacks inside the cabin,” Ava commanded and the children scrambled to do her bidding. “Thank you.”

  Kaylee reached for the paper sacks in the back of the vehicle, but Reed shooed her away. “We’ve got that, honey. Why don’t you and Ava get settled in the cabin?”

  “Me? Why would I stay in the cabin?”

  To Reed’s amusement, Logan threw up his hands up in the air in frustration. “Doesn’t anyone want to stay in the cabin? Shit.”

  Kaylee grinned and elbowed Reed. “Sorry, Logan. I just assumed I’d be sleeping out here with my husband.”

  Reed couldn’t think of anything he’d like better, but he’d thought she’d be more comfortable in the house. The nights were cold up here in the mountains.

  “Wherever you want is fine,” Reed assured her. “Why don’t you talk it over with Ava?”

  “Men,” Ava sighed, linking her arm with Kaylee’s. “Let’s go inside before my two lovely children have toys scattered all over. I need to freshen up as well.”

  “Mike, why don’t you go with them?” Amy said, tapping on her phone. “Keep an eye out.”

  Mike headed for the weathered front door. “Will do.”

  It rubbed Reed the wrong way how Amy ordered Mike around and generally let him do most of the crap work. The poor guy was living like a vampire, constantly working all night on watch duty. He’d said a few words to Jared and Logan about it but they didn’t want to intervene between the two marshals unless they had to. As it was, they were all walking a fine line and trying not to upset the powers-that-be in the government. Right now, everyone was friendly and cooperating and they needed it to stay that way.

  Colt, Brianna, Ava, and Kaylee trailed after the marshal, leaving the men to unload the vehicles before the ice cream melted.

  Amy tucked her phone in her pocket. “I sent Mike inside because I wanted to talk with you.”

  Chocolate mint was going to be soup very soon so this better be important.

  Logan leaned a hip against the SUV. “What about?”

  Amy stood up straight, her chin lifted as if she expected an argument. Depending on what she had to say, she might get one.

  “I think that we need to be in a high traffic area. Lots of people. I think we should head for Salt Lake City.”

  Before Reed could speak Logan had abandoned his casual stance, his entire body on guard.

  “Whoa, here. Salt Lake City? What makes you think we’ll be safe there?”

  “I second that question,” Reed said. “What makes you think Salt Lake is safe? Why not stay closer to home?”

  Crossing her arms over her chest, Amy cleared her throat. “A major metropolitan area is not a place that Bryson will want to be. Too many people can recognize him.”

  Logan snorted derisively. “Or more people for him to hurt or kill. He’s not working on logic here.”

  “Do you want to take the chance?” Amy challenged. “We know he’s watching us. He would never expect us to pick up and head for Utah.”

  Logan shook his head. “I don’t want to be on the road that long. We’re too exposed.”

  He was obviously thinking about when they’d all helped Evan Davis transport a prisoner headed for Florence. That hadn’t gone well and had resulted in a career-ending injury for Evan.

  “I think you’re wrong.”

  They were at a stalemate. Amy completely sure and the rest of them not sure at all.

  “I’ll talk to my team,” Logan finally conceded. “See what they have to say. In the meantime, it’s business as usual. Let’s get everything unloaded and set up camp.”

  Whirling on the heel of her boot, Amy stomped into the cabin, apparently not happy that she hadn’t been listened to.

  “She’s honked off,” Logan observed when the front door slammed. “I don’t envy Ava and Kaylee right now.”

  “Or Mike,” Jared replied. “Seriously, what do you think about what she said?”

  Not answering for a long moment, Logan finally shrugged. “Fuck, I don’t know. Personally, I think that she’s being a pain in the ass. What about you guys?”

  Logan already knew Reed’s feelings on the subject. “I am in favor of a more populated area, but I don’t think we need to go as far as Salt Lake to find it. That drive sounds risky.”

  Jared’s brows rose and he flicked a glance toward the cabin. “You know, I think she was trying to impress you, Reed. Show you what a great agent she is.”

  “I’m really not paying any attention. My mind is on other far more important matters.”

  Like Logan’s issue. Like his marriage. Those two items took up all of his time.

  “That’s what we need to concentrate on,” Logan said. “Keep our eye on the ball and not let all of these distractions get in the way.”

  Because Wade wouldn’t let any distractions get in the way of his goals.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Kaylee could barely keep her eyes open. Her lids weighed about a hundred pounds and her limbs were like lead. She was lying back on Reed’s chest staring at the crackling campfire while wrapped in a flannel blanket. She was cozy, warm, and her belly was full of s’mores. It was a recipe for deep sleep.

  But she didn’t want to go to sleep. She wanted to keep lying here with her husband and stare up at the starry night sky. The temperature had dropped sharply when the sun went down but Reed – as usual – was like a portable heater, keeping her toasty and warm along with the fire only a few feet away.

  The group was circled around the campfire after putting Colt and Brianna in bed. Inside the cabin. There had been more protests and whining, but Ava had put a quick stop to all of that and tucked them in with a kiss. The men were discussing plans for the next day and Mike and Amy were patrolling the perimeter. Kaylee didn’t know what had happened with the female marshal but she’d been acting rather pissed off since they’d arrived.

  I hope Reed told her where to go.

  “You’re falling asleep.”

  Craning her head back, she looked up at her husband who was looking down at her. He was wearing a gentle smile and there was love in his soft golden eyes. It was moments like these that gave her hope that they could weather this horrible storm. She wanted to believe that Reed loved her more than he wanted a baby. She certainly loved him that much.

  “Am not.”

  “Are too.”

  Giggling, she reached up and brushed her fingers softly across his stubbly jaw. “Maybe I am.”

  “Honey, you were snoring.”

  Uh oh. She was a snorer, thanks to a deviated septum and terrible allergies. Had everyone else heard?

  Face warm, she struggled to sit up her body, not responding as quickly as it normally did. She really had been asleep. “I’m awake now.”

  “But not for long. You should go to bed. In the cabin.”

  They’d already discussed this.

  “I’m fine in the tent with you. There really isn’t any room for me in the cabin anyway. Ava has one bedroom and the kids have the other. Amy has the couch.”

  “She’s not supposed to be sleeping. She’s supposed to be protecting all of you.”

  It had been decided that Amy would take the night watch over the cabin. As for the perimeter, Reed and Logan were taking the first half and Mike and Jared would be on after one in the morning. Tomorrow Amy could sleep the day away for all anyone cared.

  Glancing at the others who were deep in conversation, Kaylee kept her voice low. “I’d rather be in the tent with you. Is that alright?”

  They made so much progress in the last twenty-four hours. Kaylee didn’t want to lose that. It was silly because sleeping in the cabin wouldn’t make things worse between her and Reed. But it wouldn’t make it any better, either. Honestly, she wanted to lie beside her husband.

  “It’s fine. I just want you to get a good night’s sleep. I know how you struggle with that.”

  She did fight insomnia. Her brain was always thinking about new stories and characters and it made it hard to fall asleep. It had been extra hard without him next to her.

  “I think I’ll sleep. I’m tired enough.”

  “I’ll help you to bed.”

  Kaylee was no lightweight but Reed lifted her to her feet as if she was a feather, tucking the blanket around her shoulders. She bid a sleepy goodnight to their friends and followed him to one of the small tents. “Actually, before I go to bed, I think I’ll run into the cabin to brush my teeth. I’ll change in the bathroom.”

  “Ah, good idea. I’ll grab your bag for you.” Reed ducked into the tent and came out with her cosmetics case and her pajamas. “Here you go. Is there anything else you need?”

  That was a loaded question. She needed so many things but this wasn’t the moment to discuss them.

  “I’m good. What time will you come to bed?”

  “Long after you’re asleep. Don’t worry about me. I don’t need as much sleep as you do, remember?”

  She did. He worked some terrible hours as a sheriff. Not all the time, but enough.

  After a quick trip into the cabin, Kaylee snuggled down into the sleeping bag, the flannel blanket spread out over the top. Tired and worn out, she had no trouble falling asleep, but her dreams had her tossing and turning finally waking when she heard Reed creep into the tent. He was trying hard not to wake her but the tent was so small it was a losing battle.

  “You can turn the light on. I’m awake,” she whispered.

  “I was trying not to wake you up.”

  Instead of the lantern, Reed turned on a small flashlight and placed it on top of his suitcase so it wouldn’t shine in her eyes. Yawning, Kaylee stretched under the covers and turned onto her side. His cheeks were bright red from the cold and she had to ball her fists around the covers so she wouldn’t reach out and rub them. Things had been better between them but… She still wasn’t sure where they stood with each other. There was hope though, and for that she was grateful.

  “I know but it’s no big deal. I was having some bad dreams so I’m glad I’m awake.”

  Shrugging off his coat and boots, Reed frowned. “What about? Bryson?”

  “I don’t know what they were about specifically. I just know that I woke up tense. Is everything out there okay?”

  “All quiet.”

  “You could sound happier about that.”

  “I am happy. It’s just…”

  His voice trailed off but Kaylee had an idea what was bothering him.

  “It’s too quiet?”

  “Bryson is toying with us. This is the calm before the storm.” Reed shucked off his pants and shirt before sliding under the covers. Immediately, she felt the warmth from his body just like the campfire earlier. “Logan is more determined than ever to send Ava and the kids down to Florida with Evan. That means you, too.”

  “I don’t want to leave you.”

  The thought of Reed getting hurt and her a couple thousand miles away was unthinkable.

  “A few days ago you couldn’t wait to get away from me.”

  He’d said it with an amused tone but his statement was dead serious. And true. So much had changed in a short period of time.

  “I’m trying, Reed. I’m trying hard to reach out and trust you. This isn’t easy for me.”

  “I know and I’ve been thinking about that. I truly don’t remember how I looked that day at the doctor’s office, but I admit that the news hit me hard. We’d been trying and I guess I just thought it was only a matter of time. Miracles of medicine and all that. But I do know that I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I don’t care if we ever have a child. I want to prove that to you so you can feel safe with me, honey.”

  Kaylee was overwhelmed that he wanted to do that, but she couldn’t think of any way to make that happen overnight.

  “I think it’s just going to take time.”

  His arm slipped under her, pulling her close enough to feel his heartbeat under her ear. When they were cuddled together like this, it was as if the rest of the world didn’t even exist.