Page 55 of Every Single Wildflower
“Shep! Open up!” The fist pounds again, followed by Cooper’s voice.
Jumping into action, I bolt off the bed, my initial thoughts going to my dad. That something is wrong. Maddox follows, his feet thudding behind me as I jog to the door, unlock the deadbolt, and wretch it open. Cooper stands with his hands on his hips, his face serious. I can physically feel my soul fly out of my body when I notice the man standing right behind him.
Brady.
Cooper looks to Maddox before he’s looking back at me. “We have a problem.”
He brushes past me, and I motion my hand for Brady to enter. It’s not like I could leave him standing on the porch. Which right now sounds better considering I was riding his brother’s face at two this morning. When I close the door, Maddox is staring at me. He clears his throat, subtly gesturing a hand to my shirt. I glance down, my eyes widening. “Be right back.”
I hadn’t even realized I was wearing Maddox’s t-shirt. I don’t think Brady even noticed. He's already sitting down at the table. I make a quick exit, changing into some shorts and a tank top before brushing my teeth. When I’m back in the kitchen, all three have a cup of coffee in hand, patiently waiting on my attendance.
“Ok.” I lean back against the counter. “What’s going on?”
“Warren finished his report.” Cooper shifts his eyes to Brady.
“And?” I press.
“He’s ruling it an arson.”
“What?” Maddox and I voice at the same time.
Cooper waves his hand in Brady’s direction. “Tell them.”
Brady braces his forearms on the table. “After my shift I hit the showers before I left. I was one of the last ones out, and when I was passing the chief’s office, I heard him and Warren talking.” He pauses, his hand scrubbing over his jaw. “He was telling chief about his findings. I heard the word arson and investigation.”
“And you’re sure it’s about the ranch?” I question.
“Yeah. He said he was going to have to deliver the news to Emmett and Ruthie later today,” Brady adds. “Look, I shouldn’t be telling you any of this but if I was in your shoes, I’d want to know.”
“Thank you, Brady.” I reach forward and slightly squeeze his shoulder. “We appreciate it. Your name will not be mentioned.”
He gives me a genuine smile, and I move my attention back to Cooper.
“Dad is supposed to go home today.” I groan in frustration. “They don’t even have a home." My head shakes as I hiss. "Apparently some asshole burned it down.”
“They’re going to stay with Penelope. I talked to mom this morning before Brady showed up.” Cooper stands. “I want to be there when they give the news.”
“Me too,” I voice just as Maddox steps up next to me.
I can feel the subtle brush of his fingers against my back and it's shocking the sense of comfort it brings me. “Who the hell would burn down the ranch?”
Cooper levels me with a look. “Who do you think?”
“Oh, fuck,” Maddox sighs.
Realization dawns on me. The only man who would benefit from our demise.
Rocky Bernard.
Chapter forty-two
Maddox
When the door closes, and Brady and Cooper are safely on the other side, I immediately wrap my arms around Ivy from behind. I hold her close, dropping a kiss into her hair before she spins in my arms.
“You ok?” I ask.
“I guess.” She shrugs. “I’m not sure how I feel about that bastard burning down my home.”
