Terrified or not, the awareness of being in his arms cut through her feelings. He pushed open the door and she wished he’d set her free as much as she wished he’d keep holding her. She longed to be held by him again and the reality was even better than her memories.

  He looked deeply into her eyes. “Are you okay?”

  “Fine,” she replied, though her heart beat as fast as Beauty’s hooves had struck the ground.

  Gavin scooped her closer. Held her tighter. She circled her arms around his neck. Wanting to kiss him, she lifted her face.

  “What’s wrong, Lex?” Adam called out from the dining room. He was a teenager, but they were so close that he had the ability to sense her distress.

  “Don’t worry, bud. I’m fine.” She dropped her arms and tried to squirm free.

  Gavin held fast and carried her into the family room, where his parents and grandparents were watching television. He gently set her on her feet. She heard Adam follow them into the room.

  “There was a man watching us from the overlook,” Gavin said. “I’m leaving Lexie here and going after him.”

  Walt jumped up from his chair. Winnie’s eyes narrowed and Betty sat forward.

  “Then let’s get after him,” Walt said.

  “Not so fast.” Gavin held out a hand. “I’ve got this. You stay here with Lexie.”

  His father eyed him. “It’s my county, and if anyone does the staying, it’ll be you.”

  Gavin seemed to weigh his decision and finally looked at his grandfather. “You good to watch over Lexie, Granddad?”

  “Course I am.” Jed came to his feet. “But don’t be in such an all-fire hurry that you forget defensive tactics.”

  “Be careful,” Winnie called out, but they were out the door in a flash and Lexie didn’t know if they’d even heard her.

  Lexie’s fear started to abate and her legs felt like rubber. She nearly collapsed but Jed grabbed her elbow. “Whoa, there, little filly.”

  Winnie rushed over to her. “C’mon, sweetheart. You need to sit down.”

  The siren on Walt’s car sprang to life outside while Winnie helped Lexie to the sofa, where she gratefully sank into the worn plaid cushions.

  “I’ll get you some water,” Betty offered. On her way, she stopped next to Jed, who was staring out the door, his hand planted on his waist. “I know how much you want to go with them, but there’s no holster at your side anymore, dear.”

  “I know that. How I know that.” Yearning lingered in his tone as he closed the door and locked it tight. “I’ll go up and get my rifle just in case this weasel comes calling.”

  Lexie heard his quick footfalls on the stairs and was surprised he could still move that fast. These McKade men would remain protecting others as long as they were physically able, and she, for one, was extremely grateful to have them on her side.

  “Are you sure you’re okay?” Adam’s eyebrow rose, looking so much like their father that Lexie felt tears coming on.

  She blinked them away. “I’m fine. How’s your homework coming?”

  “Need to finish math.”

  “Go ahead and finish up so when Walt and Gavin get back we can head to the cabin.”

  Usually he’d argue about the homework, but he gave a clipped nod and, after a long look, left the room. Her mama-bear instincts told her to go after him and talk about the incident, but they also told her not to do so when her emotions were so raw.

  Winnie clicked off the television. “I’m sure the last thing you want to listen to is an old episode of Bonanza.”

  “Actually, it’s comforting to see the four of you still like to watch it. At least there’s something that hasn’t changed.”

  Winnie leaned closer. “I have to admit, the show is more Walt and Jed’s joy. Betty and I put up with it and let the men pretend they’re in the Old West working the Cartwrights’ ranch and protecting their community. But please don’t tell them.”

  Lexie laughed. Oh, how she loved this woman. Lexie wanted to fall into her arms and cry. For herself, sure, but mostly for Adam and the danger he could be in. For the loss of Gavin in their lives. For the pain of seeing him again. For losing this family. This beautiful, wonderful family that she’d hoped to become part of.

  “Tell me that you and Gavin had a nice ride until this man intruded,” Winnie said.

  Lexie swallowed down her distress the same way she’d choked down her father’s callous behavior for years. “The ride was lovely.”

  Betty returned with the water and handed the glass to Lexie. “Now drink up and, once you’re up to it, you can tell us what happened.”

  She settled on the sofa next to Lexie, who caught a hint of the rosemary Betty had used on the fresh focaccia bread she’d made to go with the lemon chicken for dinner.

  Lexie drank the water and took a few breaths before telling the women about the night. Not the intimate time at the pond or how she’d felt being with Gavin again, but about their mad dash across the property.

  “The horses.” She jumped up. “I need to take care of them after such a hard run.”

  “I don’t think it’s a good idea to go outside.”

  Jed poked his head into the room. “This guy has likely skedaddled. Especially after hearing Walt’s sirens.”

  “Still, I don’t think Walt or Gavin would appreciate Lexie going outside,” Winnie said. “I can take care of the horses.”

  Lexie shook her head. “Working with them will help me calm down.”

  “But—”

  “I’ll go out with her,” Jed interrupted, lifting his rifle. “She’ll be fine.”

  Winnie opened her mouth to say something, but Lexie marched to the door before she continued to argue. Still, Lexie wasn’t foolhardy, so she waited for Jed to join her on the porch before descending the stairs and taking Beauty’s reins from the fence rail. She approached Lightning with caution, letting him smell her before touching his nose. He whinnied his acceptance, and she was glad he remembered her and would let her lead him to the stable.

  Jed crossed his rifle over his chest while letting his gaze rove the area as they walked. “You’ve had quite a few days of it, haven’t you?”

  She nodded. “I’m thankful for your family’s support.”

  “It’s nothing. Only wish I was out there with the others tracking this guy.”

  “I’m glad you’re here, or I’d be stuck inside instead of spending time with the horses.” She opened the corral gate and led the horses into the stable.

  “I’d help out, but it’s best for me to stand watch at the door.”

  “No worries.” Lexie moved deeper into the stable. She should walk the horses after the hard run, but Jed wouldn’t allow her to spend time outside. The walking would have to wait for the men, if they got back before the horses cooled off.

  She started the grooming process by loosening the girth then removing the bridle and replacing it with a halter and lead shank for each horse. She would have to rinse off the bits, wipe off sweat and dirt from the saddle and girth and put the tack away, but first she wanted to give the horses water, so she led them to the trough.

  Lexie stroked Beauty’s nose before she dipped it into the cool water. “Thank you for bringing me safely home, girl.”

  “You and Tessa are a lot alike,” Jed called out. “Give her a horse to talk to and she’s happy as a lark.”

  Lexie couldn’t disagree. Misty had been with her for years. Her companion, allowing her to unload all her feelings after Gavin left. She wanted to unload now, too, but not with Jed within hearing distance, so she waited until Beauty drank her fill then rested her head against Beauty’s neck and stroked her soft head. She loved the feel of her, and how she simply stood and let Lexie absorb comfort.

  As much as Lexie wanted to stand there, she needed to examine the horses for any problems from the ride. By the time she’d checked for rubs and chafing from the saddle and tack, and the legs for cuts, bumps and bruises, she heard a car rumbling up the driveway.

  “The men are back,” Jed said. “I’ll tell Gavin you’re here.”

  Lexie nodded, but she was afraid to hear what he’d discovered.

  Jed yelled to Gavin and then she heard a single set of footsteps. She looked out the window to see Gavin headed their way and Walt marching up to the house.

  Gavin crossed over to her. “You don’t have to take care of the horses. I can do it.”

  “I’m glad to. Besides, it took my mind off the man.”

  “Any luck?” Jed asked.

  “He was long gone by the time we got there,” Gavin said disgustedly. “But Dad called Tessa to the overlook, and she may have found a lead.”

  “A good one?” Jed asked.

  Gavin shrugged. “She lifted an oily footprint and another substance she couldn’t identify from where the car was parked. The oil appears fresh. It might mean nothing, but it could also tie the mechanic we’ll be questioning in the morning to the scene. She collected samples and will send them to the nearest lab for processing.”

  “How long does evidence processing like this take nowadays?” Jed asked.

  “Depending on the lab’s priorities and backlog, it could be days—even weeks—but Dad will use his influence to get the tests moved up the calendar. Still, it will most likely take three days or so before we hear anything.”

  “Three days,” Lexie muttered and hoped that it wouldn’t be that long because with Gavin standing close, his scent firing her senses, she didn’t know how long she could continue to keep him at arm’s length.

  * * *

  Gavin stood by the fireplace, presumably to warm his hands, but Lexie’s warning to reconcile with his dad before it was too late continued to plague him. His gaze went to his father as he sat in his big leather chair and talked to Lexie. Her respect for him was evident in her look. A respect Gavin had once been blessed to have.

  He glanced at his parents and grandparents. Such a strong family unit that he’d once thought couldn’t be cracked. Until he’d taken off and left behind a wide fissure. He missed each of them for different reasons. His mom and nana for their unreserved love. His granddad for companionship. No one made a better fishing buddy. His dad—for what? An admirable role model to emulate most of the time, as well as a strong leader of his family and men. All of them for the way they let their faith guide them. Something he’d completely ignored for years.

  He needed to admit it once and for all. He wanted to come back here. But it wasn’t possible. Not with his father’s reaction when he’d learned of the man at the lookout. His dad had jumped up to take charge, claiming territory and barreling over Gavin’s plan. Gavin’s gut had cried out to take lead so nothing could go wrong, and it had been on the tip of his tongue to tell his dad to back off. But it wasn’t just his dad he would have fended off. Shockingly, since Emily had been shot, he didn’t trust anyone to help him. Not even a family member.

  Lexie stood. “It’s a school night, and I need to get Adam over to the cabin.”

  Gavin crossed his arms and widened his stance in preparation for the battle he knew was coming. “I’m staying at the cabin with you and Adam.”

  She lifted her chin. “No.”

  As much as he hated arguing with her, he found her stance cute and nearly irresistible. “It’s nonnegotiable.”

  “It’s a solid plan,” Walt said.

  She opened her mouth, likely to argue, when Adam joined them. “I think Gavin should stay with us, too.”

  Lexie’s mouth dropped open. Gavin’s almost did, too. With Adam so mad, asking Gavin to stay at the cabin meant he had to be seriously afraid.

  “Okay, then.” Lexie gave in, sounding defeated in more ways than one.

  Gavin had to ignore her pain and move on before she changed her mind. “Give me a minute to grab a few things.”

  He gathered only a couple of items he’d need for the night from his room, as he planned to come back here to shower and change in the morning. He picked up his computer and a few files, and hurried to escort the pair down the stairs and into the snow.

  Adam held out a hand. “I’ll carry your bag for you.”

  Gavin didn’t need the help, but he saw the offer for what was intended and handed over the bag. “Thanks, man. Mind helping me keep an eye out as we walk over there?”

  Adam nodded and shouldered the bag. Gavin turned to discover Lexie watching them. He couldn’t read her eyes in the shadowed night, but he hoped she would be happy that Adam was feeling less hostile toward him.

  They walked in silence, their footfalls barely audible in the snow. They passed six small cabins, a fire pit blazing with a roaring fire and ringed by wide stumps where several guests roasted marshmallows. Another couple tossed snowballs and shrieked as they ran from them. The kind of picture-perfect scene that would make a great advertisement for the dude ranch.

  He unlocked the largest cabin’s door, ushered the pair inside, then checked every inch of the four-room building. “You two go ahead and get settled while I step out to talk to the guests by the campfire in case they saw anything odd tonight.”

  Lexie paused in taking off her jacket. “But the trail is nowhere near here.”

  “True, but I won’t leave any possible lead unexplored.”

  “Keep an eye on her while I’m gone, okay?” he said to Adam as he passed.

  Adam nodded, and Gavin was thankful that, for now, the teen didn’t cast a hateful look his way.

  * * *

  Gavin stepped up to the roaring fire. Two men and one woman looked up. One man sat off to the side, and Gavin knew from looking at the guest list that he was alone and the other two were a couple, as was the pair frolicking in the snow.

  “Evening,” Gavin said. “Mind if I join you?”

  “Please,” the single guy said.

  Gavin gave his first name and learned this guy was Dean, the woman Anita, and her husband, Randy. All names matched the guest register.

  “You staying at the big cabin?” Dean asked.

  “Just settling in.” Gavin took a seat on the far side of the fire to keep the cabin in view. “Nice night even if it’s cold and snowy.”

  “That’s what the fire is for.” Dean chuckled.

  “With that pile of red-hot embers, it looks like you all have been out here for a while.”

  “Started the fire right at sundown.”

  “What about the other guests?” Gavin asked, though he knew that, other than the couple in the snow, no other guests were registered. “Any of them join you?”

  “What others?” Randy laughed. “Not too many people foolish enough to rough it in the cold like this and right before Christmas.”

  “Really, no other guests?” Gavin asked. “I thought I saw a guy hanging out at the overlook a couple of hours ago.”

  “Now, that’s just plain nuts,” Anita said. “It would be crazy cold without a fire.” She slid her arm around Randy’s shoulders. “Or love to keep you warm.”

  She laughed, and Randy joined in, but Dean looked like he might be sick.

  Gavin moved on, mixing small talk with tossed-out questions he thought they’d find innocuous. It soon became clear that they hadn’t seen anything, so he excused himself and returned to the cabin. On the way, he received a text update from his father.

  Inside, he found Lexie sitting on the sofa and a light spilling out from the bedroom where Adam poked his head out. Gavin exchanged a nod with the boy telling him everything was okay, and he stepped back into his room. Gavin took a seat next to Lexie, careful to put a safe zone between them.

  “I’ve been thinking about the car you saw,” she said. “Can’t you track it?”

  “All I caught was that it was a small Honda. Likely an Accord, which is too common of a make and model to begin searching by that criteria alone. And Dad just texted to say none of the men on our suspect list own a Honda.”

  “Maybe it’s the mechanic, and he borrowed one of the cars in for repair.”

  “I’ll ask him about it in the morning.” He pointed to her tablet. “What are you up to?”

  “Returning an email from the funeral home. They told me that the ME hasn’t released Dad’s body yet.”

  “That’s not unusual in a murder investigation.”

  “Just hearing you say that dumbfounds me.” She sighed. “I mean, how did my life come to this? To a murder investigation, the loss of my father. Much less having someone trying to abduct me and ransack my home and truck.”

  “I know it’s a shock, Lex. To me, too. Especially around here. You know if I could change things for you, I would.”

  She nodded but didn’t speak.

  “Have you thought any more about talking to your dad’s lawyer?”

  “I’ve thought about it, but I still don’t see the point.”

  He leaned toward her and captured her gaze. “What if he left money for Adam? Won’t be long before he goes to college and could need the money.”

  “I’ve set aside enough money for him,” she insisted.

  “That’s good but—”

  She held up a hand. “I don’t want to talk about it, Gavin. Not now. Not ever. So promise you won’t bring it up again.”

  “See, here’s the thing,” he said, wishing he could just let it alone, but he felt a deep-seated need to speak. “You want me to reconcile with my dad, but even in death you haven’t reconciled with yours.”

  She snapped back. “It’s not the same.”

  “Isn’t it?”

  She jumped up and glared at him. “Maybe it is, but I said I don’t want to talk about it. Especially not with you. And I mean it.” She marched into the other bedroom and closed the door with great force.