take you to and from work and see what happens. If he tries to contact you at your office, we’ll know he hasn’t given up on you. If not, then we can reevaluate.”
Tate stared at her. “You should be relatively safe at work with your coworkers and people coming and going all day. But on the road, that long drive where houses and ranches are few and far between, lots of open space and few cars . . .” He left off what could happen out there.
But she didn’t need the details to come to a compromise. “Okay. For now. Maybe I can adjust my schedule and ride in with Adria when she goes in to work at Almost Homemade.”
“You think Tate is overprotective?” Declan shook his head. “No way Drake lets his pregnant wife get involved in anything that puts her at risk along with you.”
She threw up her hands and let them fall. “Great. When he hears about this, I’m sure he’ll revoke my invitation to stay here.”
“Never.” Tate touched her shoulder. “But you will be stuck with me driving you to work.”
“I don’t mind being stuck with you anywhere.” She tried to put some humor in her voice, but it didn’t come through or ease the tension in Tate’s determined eyes.
Declan kissed her on the side of the head. “Stay safe. Be smart.” He left her with Tate in the kitchen.
Tate brushed his thumb across her cheek. “We are all worried about you, Liz.”
“I’m not taking this lightly. I just can’t sit here and let him turn my life upside down.”
He pulled her in for a hug. “I know, sweetheart.”
“I won’t live scared. He can’t do to me what he did to Aubrey, isolating her from everyone she cared about. And as sweet as it is that you want to keep me safe here on the ranch, it’s kind of the same thing.”
“That’s not my intention.” The definitive tone made that clear.
She rubbed her hand up and down his chest and settled it over his heart. “I know you only want to keep me safe. But I won’t give up the life I’ve built, or let him ruin what we’ve found together. I won’t let him separate me from my family and friends. Or you. Because then, he wins. And I refuse to cower and let him win.”
Tate put his hand over hers. “He knows we’re onto him. He knows you’re with me. Let’s hope it’s enough to keep him away.” Tate’s words didn’t hold the assurance she needed, because nothing short of Clint behind bars for life would make her feel better and safe.
Chapter Twenty
Tate stood in front of the fireplace in the cabin and stared at his brothers and sisters. He’d called this family meeting because things were changing in his life. Fast. And he wanted them in on his plans.
Drake and Adria had already taken a seat on the sofa. Trinity walked in last and slid onto one of the bar stools behind them.
Trinity sensed something big happening. “What’s the big news you couldn’t share with me on the phone?”
He stuffed his hand in his pocket and pulled out the black velvet box.
A collective gasp went up from all of them.
“I’m going to ask Liz to marry me.”
No one said anything, they just smiled and nodded.
“I know it’s only been a couple weeks since we got together.”
“You’ve known her since you were three.” Trinity held her hand out. “I want to see the ring.”
“Me too,” Adria said, getting up to meet him as he walked over to show them.
Trinity hooked her arm over his shoulder. “It’s gorgeous, Tate. She’s going to love it.”
“You don’t think it’s too much? Not enough?” He wanted Liz to have the perfect ring.
“It’s stunning,” Adria assured him.
“When are you going to ask her?” Drake glanced at the ring and nodded from his spot on the couch.
“I’m not exactly sure. Soon. I’m still trying to come up with the perfect way to do it.”
“Take her out to dinner. Or for a ride and picnic on the property.” Declan rolled his shoulders. They’d been working hard the last few days. “She’s going to say YES any way you do it.”
He dropped his shoulders and sighed. “I hope so. We haven’t talked about it.” He stared at the ring. “Then again, now that we’re together it just seems inevitable.”
“Are you not sure?” Drake never minced words.
“Oh, I’m sure.” He’d never been more certain of anything. Ever. “We don’t want to miss a