Page 52 of Montana Justice

“No.” The word came out harder than I’d intended. “We’re not leaving. You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“I’m a Matthews. That’s wrong enough for them.”

Before I could respond, I heard familiar voices at the entrance. Lucas and Evelyn, along with Daniel and Emma Clark, were being seated at a table near ours. Lucas spotted me and waved, his face lighting up with genuine pleasure.

“Lachlan! Good to see you out and about.” He glanced at Piper with curiosity but no judgment. “This must be Piper. Lark’s mentioned you—says you’re doing great work with the horses.”

“Everyone, this is Piper,” I said, standing to make introductions. “And this is my son, Caleb.”

Emma immediately cooed over the carrier. “Oh, he’s precious! How old?”

“Almost six months,” Piper answered softly, some of the tension easing from her shoulders at Emma’s genuine warmth.

“You should join us,” Evelyn suggested, already flagging the hostess. “We can push tables together.”

Under normal circumstances, I might have declined, wanting the alone time with Piper. But tonight, the united front felt necessary. “That would be great.”

As we relocated, our server appeared again with our drinks—water for Piper, beer for me. He set them down with enough force to slosh water onto the table, his sneer directed entirely at Piper.

“Careful there,” Lucas said mildly, but his eyes had gone sharp. As a former Navy SEAL, he could project authority without raising his voice. “Wouldn’t want anyone to think you were being deliberately rude to paying customers.”

The server’s face flushed. “Of course not, sir.”

“Good.” Daniel’s smile was friendly but didn’t reach his eyes. “Because that would be a shame. We so enjoy coming here, but we’d hate to have to find somewhere else if the service isn’t up to standard. Hate to tell all the Resting Warrior crowd to do the same.”

The threat was politely delivered but unmistakable. Rosario’s couldn’t afford to lose regular customers, especially ones connected to Resting Warrior Ranch, which brought significant business to town.

The server mumbled something and retreated, but not before shooting another venomous look at Piper.

“Well,” Emma said brightly, “that was unnecessarily dramatic. Now, Piper, Lark tells me you have a real gift with the horses. Are you planning to pursue equine therapy training?”

And just like that, the conversation shifted. They included Piper naturally, asking questions but not pushing when she gave short answers. I watched her slowly relax, even managing a small smile when Evelyn shared a story about her own mishaps when first learning to handle horses.

But the reprieve was short-lived. As our food arrived—delivered by a different server who was polite but cold—Maria Rosario herself approached our table.

“I hope everything is satisfactory,” she said, but her gaze was fixed on Piper. “We pride ourselves on serving good, honest people here.”

The implication hung heavy in the air. Lucas set down his fork deliberately.

“Are you suggesting someone at this table isn’t good or honest?” His tone was conversational, but I recognized the steel underneath.

Maria’s lips pursed. “I’m simply saying that some family names carry weight in this town. The kind of weight that comes from stealing people’s life savings.”

“That’s enough.” I started to stand, but Piper’s hand on my arm stopped me.

“She’s not wrong,” Piper said quietly, finally meeting Maria’s gaze. “My father did terrible things to your family. To lots of families. I know that. I’m sorry for it.”

“Sorry?” Maria’s voice cracked. “You thinksorryfixes anything? We nearly lost everything because of him. My husband had to come out of retirement, work eighteen-hour days just to keep the doors open.”

“I understand?—”

“And now you waltz in here with the sheriff like you belong? Like being Ray Matthews’s daughter doesn’t mean anything?” Maria’s voice was rising, drawing attention from other diners. “Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, does it? Look at you—baby but no wedding ring. Just like your father, taking what you want without thought for consequences.”

The words hit Piper like physical blows. I saw her crumble, saw the last of her walls collapse under the weight of accusation and old shame.

“That’s enough.” I stood now, my voice carrying the authority of my position. “Caleb is my son. Mine and Piper’s. And if anyone has a problem with Piper or with my child, then they have a problem with me.”

The restaurant went silent. Every eye was on us now, but I didn’t care.

---