Page 38 of Cowboy Peril

“Dad!” The twins barged into the barn.

Cyclone reared and snorted.

“Hush, before the horse hurts himself.”

“Monster brought home a girlfriend. She’s fat.” Eric pointed.

Colt shared an amused look with Dylan. “I’ll check it out.” He followed the boys outside to see a very pregnant mutt staring up at him with soulful eyes. Monster wagged his tail. “Let’s make her a bed in the barn, boys. There’ll be puppies in a day or two.”

“Yippee!” Derrick darted inside. By the time Colt entered, the new dog in his arms, a bed had been made in the corner out of old army blankets.

“This should be good. We’ll make a fence out of sacks filled with hay to keep the puppies from wandering around,” Eric said. “We don’t want them to get stepped on.”

“Nope.” Colt laughed. “We don’t want that.” The anticipation of a batch of new puppies shoved aside the worry about Collins, even if for a little while. The normalcy of new life outshone the uncertainty of evil.

Parker and Dani headed his way. He hoped the two would become friends. Parker could use a good friend. A woman to vent to, share secrets with, confide in—whatever it was women talked about.

“What’s this?” Dani stared down at the dog.

“A very pregnant visitor,” Colt said.

“Oh, I want one.” Parker bent and patted the dog’s head.

“What are you going to do with a dog in a tiny house?” Colt tilted his head.

“I won’t always live in that house.”

The reminder that she’d leave once the threat of danger was past tore at him. He might not have decided whether he actually wanted to pursue a future with her, but he also didn’t want her to leave. Colton Dawson was one confused cowboy. “You plan on returning home?”

She shook her head. “I’m going to sell that house. Make a fresh start.” She straightened, her gaze meeting his. “Again, I’m thinking of staying in Misty Hollow.”

The thought gave him joy.

“Let’s get the new dog some food and water.” Dylan shooed his family out of the barn, a knowing gleam in his eyes.

Colt didn’t care. Let them speculate on his conversation with Parker.

“How would you feel about that?” Uncertainty flickered in her eyes.

“I don’t know for sure. Glad, I think. What would you do?”

She shrugged. “Anything I want. My parents left me very well off. Maybe I’ll form a charity. I’ve got time to think about what I want to do.” A question formed in her eyes. She started to say something else, then ducked her head. “I’d best go see if I’m needed in the kitchen.”

He wanted to tell her to stay on the ranch. But what about when he left the Rocking W? This place wasn’t his permanent home. Was he ready to ask her to go wherever he did? Rather than act on his thoughts, he turned back to the dog, making sure she was comfortable enough to welp her puppies. Then, not finding anything else that needed his immediate attention, he exited the barn and closed the door.

At supper that evening, the mood was high as everyone welcomed back the Wyatt family. The place might have run smoothly in their absence, but having the lead family back completed the circle.

Since the first day Dylan opened the doors to his fellow military heroes, whether emotionally or physically damaged, they’d been one big family willing to do anything for each other. Even face danger.

It was times like this that kept Colt dragging his feet on purchasing his own land and starting his own ranch. He’d miss the camaraderie of this place.

Tires crunched outside.

Every head in the dining room turned.

Seeing the sheriff’s car, Dylan stood, motioning for Colt to go with him.

Sheriff Westbrook met them on the porch. “We found the truck. No sign of Collins.”

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