had me on the roof adding lights until the sun went down. I’m still not done. There are five more packages.”
Exasperation laced Zeke’s tone, but it was for show. Bennett’s father was burly and gruff, but he had a soft spot as big as the Rio Grande for Joanna Knox. Zeke would move heaven and earth to make his wife happy. Kids, too, come to think of it.
The front door to the house opened before they’d even parked the truck. Bennett’s mother appeared in the doorway, wiping her hands on the apron tied around her waist. The Christmas lights flickered across her wide smile.
Bennett exited the truck and opened the rear door for Emilia. She climbed out. “I have to grab my overnight bag from my car.”
“I’ll get it,” Bennett said. “Just pop the trunk and head inside. It’s cold.”
Emilia hit a button on the fob and the trunk swung open. Bennett removed the small suitcase.
On the porch, his mother embraced Emilia. The murmur of their voices drifted across the driveway, but not the actual words. Joanna patted Emilia’s cheek and ushered her inside.
Bennett smiled. His mother had a fondness for Emilia. Both his parents did.
Bennett carried the suitcase up the walkway. His father waited at the bottom of the porch steps. “What kind of trouble are we dealing with, son?”
“I’m not sure. Emilia’s in danger. That much is certain. She’s received a threat connected to the Derrick Jackson murders. He may not have been working alone. Or someone wants us to believe he wasn’t.”
Zeke’s expression tightened. His hands went to his hips where the butt of his handgun was visible underneath his jacket. Bennett’s father never left the house without his weapon. He had a concealed carry license and was a crack shot.
His gaze swept across the yard. “I’ll go down to the foreman house and talk to Grayson. Let him know what’s going on so he can keep watch.”
Grayson had spent five years in the army, and Bennett had no concerns about his brother-in-law’s ability to guard the ranch.
“Do you want me to go with you?” Bennett asked.
“No, son. You stick close to Emilia. That woman has been through a lot, more than her fair share.” Zeke clapped Bennett on the shoulder. “I’m glad you brought her here. We’ll keep her safe.”
Bennett had expected nothing less from his father, but it was still nice to hear the words out loud. “Thanks, Dad.”
Zeke nodded and headed across the grass to the foreman house.
Bennett went inside the house and set Emilia’s bag by the door. The warm scents of tomato sauce and oregano greeted him. Voices filtered from the kitchen. Bennett followed them and discovered his mother and Emilia in the kitchen.
Joanna greeted him with a wide smile, although worry lingered in her eyes. His mother would never say anything, but Bennett knew she fretted about his job. Being shot at today hadn’t helped allay those concerns.
“Hey, Mom.” Bennett scooped her up for a big hug and kissed her cheek. “Love the decorations. Real sorry I missed helping to put them up.”
She chuckled and swatted his arm. “Don’t lie to your mother. Are you hungry?”
“Starved. Please tell me that amazing scent is Nana’s famous spaghetti.”
“You’re in luck because it is. There’s apple crumble for dessert too.” Joanna waved toward Emilia who was filling glasses with iced tea. “We were just setting the table for dinner. Soon as your dad comes back, we can eat.”
Bennett quickly washed his hands and then pitched in to set the table. He teased his mother and Emilia, keeping the conversation light. The two women joined in the fun.
By the time dinner was ready, the tension had eased from Emilia’s shoulders. She laughed at a story his mom was telling, her eyes lighting up with joy. Bennett’s breath caught and his heart quickened.
Emilia was gorgeous, but more than that, she was brave. Maybe too brave. She’d carried the weight of Derrick’s attack around for the last year, and now her life was being threatened again. Bennett couldn't control everything, but he could ease the burden from her shoulders. Protect her. Be her friend.
Bennett vowed to keep Emilia safe, no matter the cost. Even if it meant his life.
He prayed it wouldn’t come to that.
Five
Emilia sat up, clenched fists raised, a scream bubbling in her throat. Her pulse beat rapid-fire.
She blinked. The woods and the man holding the knife faded as the bedroom came into focus. Morning sunlight filtered through the pretty blue curtains. It smelled of