Page 25 of Cowboy

“I thought they had no children,” frowned Hex.

“None living. They had Lisa late in life. Annette was almost forty-five. She was their miracle baby, but they kept it very quiet. He knew that she could be used against him if his enemies found out. When she was three, Annette was taking her on a shopping excursion. One of his business rivals tried killing Annette and missed killing the child. Annette said everything changed after that. He severed business relationships, cleaned up the businesses in Vegas, and started giving money away.”

“Sounds like a man that found a better path,” said Luke. “I’m glad for him, and I’m glad that they’re still together in their next life.”

“Me too,” said Autumn with a sad smile. “But why did someone shoot down my plane with him in it?” Cowboy kissed her temple.

“Baby, that is the million-dollar question.”

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

While the tech team worked to find out if all the flights had made it to their destinations safely, the women took Autumn to all the businesses on the property.

“I can’t believe all of this. It’s like your own little city,” she said, staring at the school, hospital, café, and other properties. “I probably could use a good haircut and manicure.”

“We can make that happen,” smiled Winter. “Why don’t we do it in the cottage, so you’re not off-property. That would probably make Cowboy feel better.”

“I’d love that.” Back at the cottage, Keegan got busy on her hair while Winter gave her a manicure.

“Later, I’ll give you a good massage,” said Ramey.

“You have triplets,” smiled Autumn. “I hardly think you have time to give me a massage right now. In fact, I should be giving you a massage.” Ramey laughed, shaking her head.

“Actually, you wouldn’t believe how helpful Christopher is. He gets up at night with them, changes them, feeds them, all of it. I stood outside the door last night while he was telling them stories of his time in Malaysia. I wanted to interrupt, but it was so damn cute I couldn’t. I’ll have to put a stop to those stories when they get a bit older.”

“That’s so adorable,” smiled Margo. “Patrick is doing the same, and I know Ham is helping Sadie. In fact, the triplets all seem to wake at the same time. Kind of creepy.”

“It should be creepy,” grinned Alice. “Those babies outnumber the adults at the island mansion. You guys might wake up and find yourselves tied to the beds and the children taking over.”

“That’s not even funny,” smirked Micaela. “Mattie has Tanner so wrapped around her little finger I worry that he’s going to buy her a car for her fifth birthday.”

There was a knock at the door, and Lucy got up to open it. Standing there was her daughter, Caroline. Just turned twenty-six, she was in her last year at vet school. Stunningly beautiful, she had her mother’s starling blue eyes and her father’s dark hair. Five-feet-nine, she looked like a cover model, not a vet student.

“Hi, everyone,” she smiled with a wave.

“Caroline! I feel like we haven’t had the chance to see you since you’ve been home,” said Tori.

“Honestly, Aunt Tori, I haven’t had time to see anyone. I’ve been working at the school, plus trying to take a few of my last classes. I’d like to be done with everything by Christmas so I can come back and help Mom and Dad.”

“I know they’d love to have you,” said Rose. She was seated with Zoe and Ani, looking at the magazines from earlier.

“And I’d love to be here,” she smiled.

“So, Caroline,” grinned Lissa, “any male prospects on the horizon.” The young woman immediately turned beet red, looking at the faces of the dozens of women she knew so well. She swallowed, pushing back her long hair from her face.

“Aunt Lissa, I just don’t have time right now. Besides, the guy I like doesn’t know I’m even alive.”

“Then he doesn’t deserve you, honey,” said Tru. Caroline nodded, smiling at the other woman.

“Did you need something, sweetie?” asked Lucy.

“No, I was just going to tell you that I’m headed to the airport. I’ll be in Ankara, Turkey, helping them to care for the animals. The earthquake devastated the zoo, and they’re just trying to contain them. I’ve only signed on for four weeks, but I have all the fancy G.R.I.P. equipment, and I’ll call every day.”

“You’ve trained her well,” grinned Ally.

“Her father trained her well,” smiled Lucy, hugging her daughter. “Be safe, and we’ll see you soon.” She kissed her daughter and watched as she turned, waving to everyone.

“Aren’t you worried for her?” asked Zoe.

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