Forever Saved - Kathleen Brooks Page 0,28

asked with hope that she’d say yes.

“I’d like that very much.”

“How about I come pick you up and take you to my place? I can cook dinner in the privacy of my home. No one will know.”

He saw the relief in Stella’s face along with the excitement. “That sounds perfect.” Stella’s gaze went to something behind him. “I’m sorry, but I see someone who needs help.”

“Go be the successful business owner you are. I’m going to help your brother. I can take you to dinner once everything is done for the day.” Jace liked that plan. It let him keep a protective eye on Stella all day. Only there was one problem, and he had a remedy for it. He’d have to pay for it, but he’d do anything for Stella.

“You’re going to stay and help?”

“Don’t worry, I’ve done my fair share of work with plants.” After all, his father owned an enormous farm and invented new technology for farmers that made it possible for his family to be financially secure for life. That didn’t mean anyone in his family was just coasting through life. Piper had caught the inventor gene from their dad, only she invented things having to do with nanotechnology. Dylan didn’t. He was more like their Uncle Miles, but he got the drive to help people from their parents. He and his wife, Abby, did black ops at the order of the president to protect America and people around the world who needed to be freed from oppression. And then there was his younger sister, Cassidy.

Cassidy was quick to pick up languages and incredibly compassionate. She used her skills to help nonprofits apply for grants. She offered free translations for them when she wasn’t working for the Rahmi royal family. Cassidy frequently traveled to Washington, D.C., New York City, London, and Germany at their request to interpret for them. The king trusted her to accompany him since Mo and Dani considered her practically family. She’d even been hired by Draven last summer.

But right now she was home and working with their dad on an app for higher-quality interpretation and translation. Jace waited until Stella was busy and pulled out his phone.

“Hey, Cass. I need a favor.” Jace turned and watched Stella talking to customers as he asked his little sister to grab some groceries for him.

“You’re cooking for her?” Jace could swear he heard Cassidy logging in a bet on the Blossom Café betting app in the background. Winners got a share of the prize, but most of the money went to charity at the end of the year.

“I think that’s pretty obvious, Cass. Do you mind putting it away in my kitchen? I’m going to stay here today.”

“I heard about the ex-boyfriend. What a shame. I hate how overprotective y’all are of me, but I’ve never had to worry about my safety. I’ll run out now and grab this stuff. Let me know how it goes.”

“Thanks, Cass.”

Jace hung up and gave one last glance to make sure Stella was okay before he headed to the barn to start working.

9

Stella closed the gates to the garden center after the busiest day of her life. She was riding high on the excitement of success after years spent dreaming, planning, and then finally executing her dreams.

Her phone vibrated, but when she read the text she almost dropped it.

Rick Hudson: I can’t believe you called the cops on me. I was being kind offering you a chance to make up for breaking us up. I’ve never seen such a pathetic attempt to get my attention before. No more. It’s over, psycho.

Stella didn’t hear Jace walking toward her and when his shadow fell over her phone, she jumped in surprise.

“What is it?” Jace’s voice was cold as he looked down at the phone.

Stella swallowed hard to force some of the dryness from her throat and handed him the phone.

“That asshole.”

“He didn’t admit to sending the texts and this is from his number instead of the unknown number,” Stella pointed out.

“Don’t defend him. He doesn’t deserve it. I’ll send it to Andy.” Stella watched as Jace snapped a picture and texted it to Deputy Sharp. All the excitement from today instantly vanished.

“Aunt Stell!” April yelled as she ran toward them. “Mommy is going to take us to your house while Daddy and Dr. Davies lock up here.”

Stella watched Jace drop down to his knees so that he was level with April. “Can I ask a favor?” April’s pigtails swished as she