Page 38 of Rafe

“It’s okay, honey. I know—but you should seriously give it some thought about staying with Rafe if you won’t stay with me,” Fred advised gently, his tone coaxing yet filled with concern as he held her close.

“I’ll think about it. I promise,” Maggie whispered.

“Well, that’s a start,” Rafe said.

“I’m sorry I snapped at you, Rafe. I’m just a mess right now.”

“It’s fine, Maggie. We’ll cross that bridgewhenwe come to it.” Rafe strode along the barn’s aisle but stopped and looked back at her. “It’s time Fred knew all of it.” Then he walked from the barn.

Maggie watched him walk out the back doors and disappear. She knew he was upset and wanted to protect her, but Frederick was an evil man, and he’d never give Rafe the chance to keep her safe.

Chapter Eight

Maggie steered her car along the winding road back to town, her eyes sharply scanning every shadow for any signs of trouble. The weight of her tension was almost physical, she knew Frederick would soon be on the lookout for her. There was an urgent need to speak with Vanna, to ensure that her friend felt safe and comfortable enough to walk back to her vehicle in the looming darkness.

Even though the thought of putting anyone in danger troubled her, the option of wandering the alley alone sent a shiver down her spine. Frederick’s reputation for ruthlessness was never far from her mind. As the scenery flew by, Maggie considered making a quick stop at Vanna and Grady’s place. She didn’t want to wait until Monday to break the news; the information was too crucial to be sprung unexpectedly. With her decision set, she navigated her way to the cozy cabin on the Coleman ranch, where Grady and Vanna resided.

Pulling up to the rustic cabin, she smiled thinking about how she spent many days riding on horseback alongside Vanna. She smiled as she thought back to Vanna telling her she used to be afraid to ride, but Grady taught her and now she loved it. Maggie parked the car and stepped out. The cool air enveloped her as she approached the porch. Just then, the sound of a door broke the quiet, and she couldn’t help but smile when Vanna appeared.

“Maggie! What a wonderful surprise. Come in,” Vanna greeted, stepping onto the porch.

“Do you have some time to talk?” Maggie asked, her voice carrying an undercurrent of worry.

“Of course,” replied Vanna warmly. “Grady is working today, so I have a little extra time on my hands.”

Nodding, Maggie followed her friend inside. The interior ofthe cabin exuded a homey charm, much like Rafe’s place, with soft lighting and a welcoming atmosphere. The subtle aroma of lavender intertwined with vanilla filled the space, instantly easing some of Maggie’s tension.

“It smells absolutely wonderful in here,” Maggie remarked, her face lighting up at the comforting scent.

Vanna chuckled. “That’s one of Randi’s candles. I can’t seem to stay out of her shop. It’s irresistible.”

Maggie laughed softly. “I feel the same way. Everything she makes has such a soothing touch.”

“Would you like something to drink?” Vanna offered.

“No, thank you,” Maggie replied gently.

“Alright then, let’s settle in the living room,” Vanna suggested.

They moved into the living room and sank into a plush sofa; the soft fabric inviting them to pause and relax. Vanna’s eyes, warm and inquisitive, searched Maggie’s face. “What’s on your mind, Maggie?”

Taking a deep breath, Maggie launched into her account of the unsettling situation with Frederick, sparing no detail. Her voice trembled with both urgency and fear as she laid everything bare. When she finally paused, an expectant silence filled the room. Vanna sat quietly, absorbing every word before asking in a calm, deliberate tone, “What do you need from me?”

“All I ask is that when we close for the day, will you walk with me around the back,” Maggie said, her voice soft but resolute.

“Oh, of course. I’ll start parking there. We could use the delivery entrance to go out. The only reason I don’t use it when I’d park back there is because I like to walk a little,” Vanna immediately replied, her concern evident. “I wouldn’t want you to face this alone. With darkness soon falling earlier, it’s too dangerous to be out there by yourself. I can’t believe they’re letting him roam free.” She shook her head in disbelief.

“Luke mentioned he must have a first-rate attorney. A real expert who can maneuver through the judicial labyrinth.”

“Exactly,” Vanna agreed grimly. “He stole horses. Rustling is a felony, yet here he is, free as a bird, and not only that, but he was released after being charged with domestic violence. I just hate that it puts you in harm’s way.”

“As long as I’m not alone, I should be alright. Rafe told me I could stay with him,” Maggie murmured, her voice tinged with cautious optimism. The room’s warm lamplight cast gentle shadows around her as she sat, her worry evident in the slight tremor of her hands.

Vanna’s eyes widened in surprise. “And you turned that hot man down?” she asked, her tone a mix of disbelief and playful teasing.

Maggie exhaled slowly, her eyes drifting downwards as if searching for an answer in the patterns of the sofa. “I don’t want to bother him. He absolutely despises Frederick, and I can’t stand the idea of him, or Fred becoming one of Frederick’s next targets,” she explained, a sigh escaping her as the weight of her concern filled the room. “Maybe I’m overreacting, but I know how dangerous Frederick can be. I’d never want Rafe or Fred to suffer because of my presence.”

Vanna leaned forward, her brow furrowing in genuine worry as she asked, “I understand that, but what are you planning to do? Are you just going to hide out in your apartment and the shop?”

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