One Southern Cowboy - Jennifer Youngblood Page 0,57

be expected. Of course, the press is having a field day considering who Wesley Livingston was.”

Knox grimaced. “I don’t reckon that Ellis took it too well when he found out.”

“Do you think Ellis will try to retaliate?” Ramsey asked, a clear note of concern in his voice.

Goosebumps popped up on Lemon’s arms. Retaliate? That thought hadn’t even entered her mind. She’d heard a lot about Wesley’s dad. She knew Ellis was a powerful man, but she’d never met him.

Knox took in a long breath. “I don’t think Ellis would try anything, but it’s hard to say for sure what people are capable of. I guess we’ll have to just keep our eyes open.”

Lemon’s stomach churned as her words trembled out. “I’m so sorry to have put your family in this situation.”

“It wasn’t your fault.” Birdie gave Lemon a reassuring smile. “We’re just glad you’re okay.”

“You don’t need to apologize,” Jaxson stated firmly. “You’re family. We take care of our own.”

Tears misted Lemon’s eyes. “Thank you,” she said hoarsely.

Ramsey spoke. “I found out some additional news about Jacklyn, the girl who fell.”

Lemon tensed, waiting for him to continue.

“Jacklyn worked for the Livingstons as a maid.”

Lemon’s eyes widened. It made sense. In her dream, Jacklyn was her maid. That bit had puzzled Lemon as she’d never been inside Wesley’s estate. Her brain must’ve inserted the part about the gowns as a way to cope with what she’d seen.

“Jacklyn’s family reported her missing,” Ramsey continued. “She left her parents’ home, saying she was going to the grocery store. She never returned. Her car and body have yet to be recovered.”

A combination of anger and sorrow stirred inside Lemon. She was glad that Wesley would never be able to hurt anyone else. Maybe that’s how Ramsey dealt with the deaths, knowing that his actions were making the world a better place, protecting innocents from terrible people.

Silence settled over the group, the only sound the crackling fire.

“We have a lot to be thankful for,” Knox said, his gaze meeting Lemon’s. “I’m glad that the good Lord brought you back to Jaxson. And that He kept you both safe yesterday.”

Tears rose in Lemon’s eyes. “Me too.”

Jaxson turned, a tender smile softening his features. “God put you in my path.”

“Yes, he did,” Knox asserted with conviction. “Have y’all ever thought about the night of the accident? Think about the odds of Jaxson being the one to come around that corner to find Lemon standing in the middle of the road.” His penetrating gaze moved from Jaxson to Lemon. “Y’all are meant to be together.”

The truth of Knox’s words sank into Lemon’s soul. Moisture rose in her eyes as she blinked to stay it.

Ramsey sighed deeply. “Well, as helpful and sappy as this conversation is, we’d better head out.” He stood, reaching for Hartley’s hand and lifting her up with him. He encircled her waist, pulling her to him with a forceful movement as his eyes moved over her face. “I’d better get this woman home so we can get reacquainted.”

Hartley guffawed, hitting his chest with the flat of her hand. “Hold your horses, superman. You know I’m not that kind of girl.” She glanced at Birdie like she was embarrassed.

Ramsey laughed like he was getting a huge kick out of teasing Hartley. “We’re all adults here, babe. It ain’t no secret what we’ve been doing on our honeymoon.”

Hartley shook her head in exasperation. “I can’t take him anywhere.”

Everyone laughed.

Knox turned to Birdie. “I reckon we’d better head out too.”

She nodded as she stood. Lexi and Lucas also got to their feet.

Lemon was about to stand up as well, but Jaxson caught her arm. “Let’s stay out here for a while,” he suggested, “watch the fire die down.”

“Sure.” Lemon welcomed the chance to sit by the fire with Jaxson.

Lexi leaned over and gave Lemon a quick hug. “I’ll catch up with you tomorrow.”

“Sounds good,” Lemon answered.

As everyone was saying their goodbyes, Hartley made her way over to Lexi. “Hey,” Hartley began, touching Lexi’s arm, “I got a call from a friend of mine. He’s one of the producers for the upcoming season of The Singing Bachelor. One of the bachelorettes had to back out at the last minute. They’re looking for a replacement. I thought of you.”

“Really?” Lexi gurgled.

“Would you be interested in being a contestant? It’ll give you lots of exposure.”

A disbelieving giggle rose in Lexi’s throat. “That would be fantastic!” she gushed.

Lucas was standing nearby. He frowned. “Isn’t that one of those moronic shows where the