Page 34 of Javier

“He loved you, Eben. You were his son. How do you feel about the wedding?”

“In truth, I’m relieved. Lighter.”

“No chance you’ll get back with her?”

“No.”

“She could try to trap you.”

“Not going to happen. She was freaking out about her period starting, worried about looking bloated for the photos. Mind you, not worried about maybe not having a romantic wedding night with me. Photos. Sorry, that’s pretty personal.”

“It’s fine. I’m your sister. You should be able to talk to me about anything. I love you. I’ve got your back, brother. Always.”

“I love you, too.” He was quiet for quite a while, then. “Why didn’t I see it earlier?”

“Because it wasn’t part of her agenda.”

Memphis’s phone buzzed, pulling her from her musing. She glanced at the screen. It was the first camera, stationed where their drive started at the road, and it set off a chime in the house. They had a visitor.

No one else in the country was driven around in a full-size luxury sedan other than Trey Rooney. The second camera sent a video of the same vehicle. The black Mercedes-Benz sped toward the house as if it were on an interstate instead of the ranch’s private drive. He would arrive in minutes.

Memphis had a bad feeling. If the car’s speed was any indication, all hell was about to break loose.

Days after from meeting his family and their friends, Eben was changing, for the better. The surly, unhappy man was gone. In his place was a twenty-nine-year-old who was opening up and reexamining his choices, behaviors, beliefs, and himself. Nana shared stories and answered his questions from morning until night. Javier and the others pulled him in and treated him as family, encouraging him to stretch his wings. He smiled more often and asserted himself. And of course, the cherry on top was that he was single and happy about it.

Memphis eased out of the Adirondack chair and into the house to get her gun, just in case, locking the door behind her on the way out and jogging to the meadow to be with family and friends before Rooney was in plain sight. Within a very short time, something she believed was impossible, Memphis had become one of them. With them she felt safe.

The sedan slowed considerably before passing the tents and the motorcycles tucked into the shade of the trees, then drove on to the house where it stopped. Trey Rooney turned in a slow circle after exiting. His neon-white veneers beamed with satisfaction. It was a wonder he didn’t blind himself.

He skipped up the steps of the wide porch and pounded on the door. When it didn’t open, he peeked in the windows. Then he turned and focused on the tents, got back in the car, and was driven to the meadow. The car idled by the fence.

He’s looking for me or Eben. Or both of us. Bring it on, you sonovabitch.

Rooney excited and sauntered cocky-like over to the fence, trying to appear every bit the cowboy in his designer jeans, light gray snap shirt, and belt with a large buckle. His head was hat-free and those ice-blue eyes of his were now covered with mirrored sunglasses.

To intimidate. You’ve got this, girl.

“Who’s the asshole?”

Memphis burst out laughing. Javier’s question was spot on. “That there is my neighbor Trey Rooney, Arla’s daddy.”

“Eben dodged a fucking bullet.”

“I couldn’t agree more.”

“I’ll just stay right here. Nice and quiet like, unless he unleashes. After all, Ransom did ask.”

“He did, and please stay. I can handle his temper, but if he threatens.”

“I’ve got you.We’vegot you, baby.” He slid his hand over her ass and patted it.

“Memphis Creed.” Trey made no effort to cover his insincerity. “I heard you were out of town and suddenly, you’re back. Did you open a campsite?”

“Trey,” she said, purposely exuding too much sugar. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Is Eben around?”

“He’s out with the crew. We like working on our ranch.”

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