Page 50 of Cowboy Peril

“No.” She waved her arms. “Get back inside. He’ll shoot you.” She joined Colt behind the open front door, then looked back to see Mark stop, take aim, and miss.

He whipped around and hightailed it in the other direction, Sheriff Westbrook giving chase. Seconds later, another deputy’s car cut him off, and Hudson aimed his weapon out the window.

It was done. Colt opened his arms and enveloped her in them. Parker wrapped hers around his neck and buried her face. “Thank God. I’ve never been so scared in my life.”

“I’m pretty sure my fear can beat yours, sweetheart.” She’d never felt so good to him.

“Are the kids okay? Anyone hurt?” She lifted her head to stare into his eyes.

“Everyone is fine. A little shook up is all.”

“You?”

“Stitched up. I’ll be fine. Let’s get in the car and wait for the sheriff.” His leg was losing the battle to support his weight. He opened the back door and let her slide in first. A sigh of relief escaped him as he joined her.

“You aren’t fine. Liar. You’re in pain.”

He grimaced as he shifted in the seat. “You’re going to be right, but I’m relieved that you’re back with me.” He smiled and leaned his head back, putting his arm around her shoulders and tucking her into his side.

“Do you have anything to eat or drink? I’m starving.”

He laughed and climbed back out of the car, grateful the sheriff’s department didn’t have doors in the back that couldn’t be opened from the inside. He retrieved a bottle of water from the console and dug in the glove compartment for food. Nothing.

“Sorry. This is it.” He handed her the water as he struggled back into the car.

She guzzled half of it in one try. “That’s better.”

Through the windshield, Colt watched as the sheriff and Deputy Hudson cuffed Collins and put him in the back of Hudson’s car. When they’d done so, the sheriff returned to Colt and Parker.

“You okay?” He bent and peered in the back.

“Yes. I am now. The van is at a gas station…not sure how far ahead. I lost track of the time.”

“We know where it is. The 911 operator received a lot of calls.” He grinned. “Good thinking on your part, Parker. The cashier said as soon as Collins turned around, you took off like a rocket.”

“I didn’t know if I’d get another chance.” She scooted against Colt again. “I’m ready to go back to the ranch, Sheriff.”

“I’m ready, too.” Colt kissed the top of her head, more relieved than he’d ever been before. Tonight could have ended so differently.

Epilogue

Six months later

Colton smiled ather. “Where are we going?”

“Pull over.”

He frowned. “On the side of the mountain?”

“There are no cars coming, and I need to blindfold you and take it from here.” She grinned.

He turned off the engine. “I’m not crazy about this.”

“It’s a surprise. Don’t ruin it.” She gave his arm a playful slap. “Now get out and let me do this.”

“It’s cold outside.” His smile widened, but he did as she asked.

She joined him and slipped a sleep mask over his eyes. “Duck your head and get in the passenger seat.”

---