Page 255 of Cowboys & Navy SEALs

“Dad!” Piper screamed. “Dad!”

“911. What is your emergency?” the operator asked.

“A man has been shot.” Addie glanced at Maddox. “Another man has been drugged. We’re at the Gentry Estate in Liberty Falls. Hurry!”

Piper’s anguished wails echoed off the hard wall of the master bath. “Dad’s dead! You killed him!”

“No, you killed him,” Addie replied softly. She wanted to feel pity for Piper, but the bitterness of her betrayal was too overshadowing. She glanced at Maddox. “It’s okay,” she assured him, “the police and paramedics are on their way.” She wasn’t sure but thought she saw relief in his eyes.

“I love you,” she added, gratitude welling in her chest. Her prayers had been answered. It was a miracle that they’d made it through this. Her heart clutched. Hopefully, the drug cocktail wouldn’t have any lingering effects on Maddox.

He blinked, the corners of his mouth twitching.

Intense relief surged through her when he made a noise. At first, it was guttural grunts. Then finally, he got the words out in slurred groans. “I love you too.”

Chapter Twenty-Two

The three of them stood silently, looking out at the gentle sloping hills framed by trees donning their finery of brilliant yellow, orange, and cinnamon brown. Addie’s gaze trailed up to the jagged line of silvery blue mountains, their tips touched with ribbons of pink from the setting sun. A light breeze ruffled her hair, bringing with it the crisp scent of fall.

“Lou Ella loved it here,” Pops said quietly, his declaration interrupting the stillness of the evening.

“Yes,” Addie agreed.

Maddox stepped closer, concern coloring his eyes a deep blue as he assessed her. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah,” she sighed, offering a dim smile. After Jordan’s funeral, they decided to go to one of Gram’s favorite places to honor her life. Maddox slid an arm around her shoulders as she snuggled into the curve of his arm, appreciating his warmth. “I’m just glad you’re here with me.”

He kissed the top of her head. “Me too.” He chuckled dryly. “You’re stuck with me now. It’ll take a lifetime to repay you for saving my life.”

“No repayment necessary.” She turned and looked into his eyes. “I mean that.”

The effects of the cocktail Piper concocted to temporarily paralyze Maddox wore off in less than twenty-four hours, leaving his physical body whole. However, Addie could tell that he blamed himself for being taken unaware and not being able to protect her. She shivered, knowing it would take a long time before she would stop seeing the tortured look in Maddox’s eyes when he was in that wretched bathtub, unable to move. “I’m sorry I didn’t listen to you when you tried to warn me about Piper.” Remorse filled her throat, seeping down and tightening her chest. It would take a lifetime to get over her best friend betraying her—both of them, actually. At least Jordan meant well. Still, it didn’t erase the fact that he’d caused Gram’s death.

Piper was arrested and being held without bail, awaiting trial. Hamilton died before the paramedics arrived. Addie still had no idea if Jordan had given her the formula for PZT. At this point, it hardly mattered.

“You know what I think?” Pops asked, eyeing them.

Addie was the first to speak. “What?” She could feel a lecture coming on.

“It’s time for the two of you to let bygones be bygones. You’ve been given a great gift—the chance to start over fresh.” A smile tugged at his lips as he laughed softly. “If Lou Ella were here, she’d tell you to be happy.”

Addie jerked in surprise, tears glistening in her eyes. There it was, that same advice … again.

Maddox tightened his hold on her, giving her a significant look. “Be happy,” he uttered.

She tipped her head. “That seems to be a recurring theme, doesn’t it?” As she looked at the handsome face of the man she loved more than life, a feeling of pure and undiluted joy bubbled in her chest.

“Maybe it’s time we took it to heart,” Maddox said, his face splitting into a wide grin that showcased his dimples.

“Absolutely,” she proclaimed, winking at Pops.

Epilogue

THREE WEEKS LATER

Addie looked sideways at Maddox. “Where are we going?”

A lopsided grin tugged at his lips. “You’ll see.”

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