Page 59 of Stolen Hearts

“It’s a small sacrifice to share Navy with them,” he said quietly. “Even though I’m jealous of the quality time I’ve missed out on.”

“They’re your brothers too. Your circle is widening. And Navy will always be your daughter. Your bond with her is going to be deeper.”

He wrapped one arm around Willow, pulling her into a brotherly hug. “Thank you for saying that.”

“I meant every word, Denver. You’re a beast of a protector, just like every Malone.”

“Including you.” He gave her a light squeeze and then let her go. “Thanks, Willow.”

“I’m always here.” She threw him a smile and a wave and walked away, leaving him wondering when it would be her time to take some advice from them instead of doling it out.

He stood there for a while longer, gazing out at the ranch. The grass had turned to gold at the tips, waving in the cool breeze. Beyond that, the mountains were as familiar to him as his own face in the mirror. They represented strength and a solid foundation.

He had to echo the mountain and make things right by apologizing to Dutch.

Denver found him chopping wood, picking up where Denver had left off earlier before the urge to see Rhae and Navy took over and he set down the ax.

Dutch swung it in a smooth arc. The blade came down directly in the center of the log, sending two pieces shooting off to either side. He was just positioning another chunk of wood when Denver stepped up next to him.

Dutch swung the ax down but said nothing.

“I owe you an apology, man.”

Dutch met his gaze.

“I thought some other guy playing with my daughter made me look like a bad dad. I had a bad father, and well…the thought of becoming like him bothers the hell out of me.”

Dutch’s eyes filled with understanding.

“It never occurred to me that you and the other guys enjoy spending time with Navy too. I won’t interfere again.”

The veteran didn’t speak. Was that normal for him? Denver swore he’d heard the man speak when he first came home to the ranch. But how long ago was that?

“I’m grateful there were so many people in Navy and Rhae’s life to love them and support them when I wasn’t around. Thatshouldn’t change just because I’m here. No hard feelings?” He held out a hand to Dutch.

The man took it without pause, rough fingers wrapping around Denver’s. Though he didn’t speak, his direct gaze showed Denver that all was forgiven.

As Denver walked away with the thump of the ax striking wood behind him, he couldn’t help but wonder what he could do now to help his new brother heal.

Chapter Thirteen

Rhae sat on the office floor across from Navy, rolling a ball to her daughter. Navy splatted her palm down on the rubber, and it rolled out of reach.

“Get it, Navy! Get the ball.”

With an excited squeal, the baby crawled away after it.

A small chime sounded from Rhae’s desk, one she didn’t hear very often. A new appointment notification.

She pushed off the floor and took a few steps to the desk, leaning in to check the schedule on her computer.

Justin—3:00 pm

Her eyebrows lifted. She’d told the new veteran on the Black Heart to take his time, get used to the place and there was no hurry.

She’d also told him that most of the guys didn’t book appointments. She thought having a session looming over a man might offer him a little peace of mind, but he must prefer more structure.

“Three o’clock.” It was a little different from what she was used to, but she’d roll with it.

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