Ranch Under Fire by Tina Wheeler

Author:Tina Wheeler
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2022-10-24T23:37:02+00:00

* * *

When the van’s back doors opened, Jackson found his father, dressed, as usual, in jeans and a long-sleeved plaid shirt. He stood with his hands on his hips, waiting for them beneath the cover of trees shading the backyard. The worry lines stretched across his face, from one graying temple to the other, softened.

“About time you got here. I can’t believe you thought it would be better to hide out in an empty rental house without a stick of furniture inside. And don’t tell me you were protecting us from danger. Every member of the Walker family can take care of themselves.” He reached for Bailey’s hand to help her out. “I’m Hank, Jackson’s father,” he said in a kinder voice. “Welcome to our home.”

Jackson grabbed his hat and shook off the admonishment. He had spent most of his life trying to impress his father the way his brothers seemed to do with ease. It was one of the reasons he’d become a DEA agent. Hiding in the back of a van was not how he’d wanted to return home. “Thanks for taking us in,” he said, crawling out behind Bailey.

“That’s what family’s for. Remember that the next time you need a place to hide out. If there is a next time.” His father scowled. “Now, get yourself inside.”

The tension between Jackson’s shoulders eased when he took in his family’s two-story home and spotted his mother rushing out the kitchen door. She was wearing boots with her light blue cotton dress. That meant she’d been out to the chicken coop. Otherwise, she’d be wearing her “comfortable” shoes.

Jackson placed his hand onto Bailey’s back to guide her as they walked past the expansive porch held up by decorative pillars.

His mother hugged him tightly. “I am so glad you’re home and unharmed.” She stepped back to give him a once-over. “Not a scratch on you. Thank the Lord.”

“I’m fine. Mom, this is Bailey.”

She took Bailey’s hands in her own. “Are you hungry, dear?”

“Maybe after the butterflies settle, Mrs. Walker,” Bailey said, touching her stomach.

“That’s understandable. You’ve been through so much.” Jackson was sure that his mother’s gentle tone would go a long way in making Bailey feel welcome. “And please, call me Elise.” She ushered their guest into the kitchen. “I’ll show you to your room, and then you can shower and rest before we eat.”

“I don’t have a change of clothes.” Bailey sounded apologetic.

His mother pushed strands of her shoulder-length blond hair behind her ear. “No worries. Our daughter, Lily, will have something you can wear.”

“I don’t want to put anyone out.”

“You’re not, dear.”

In the kitchen, Jackson grabbed a water bottle from the stainless steel refrigerator and handed it to Bailey. “Drink up. You don’t want to get dehydrated.”

Bailey sent him one of her heartwarming smiles. He took it in but then caught his mother studying him with a hopeful expression lighting up her face. Embarrassed, he turned away to snatch another water bottle for himself, then followed his father past the kitchen island on the way to the dining room.

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