Page 59 of Moonlight Over Montana

He didn’t look at her but said, “Don’t thank me again, Mags. We’re in this together.”

She wanted to find the humor in something. “Are you reading my mind now?” His lips twitched. “I was going to ask if you wanted a sandwich yet.”

Now he chuckled. “You were not, but I like the attempt at diversion. And no sandwich until I can at least see more than twenty feet in front of me.”

Her cell rang. “It’s the sheriff.” Before it rang a third time, she answered and put it on speakerphone. “Any news? And Jed can hear you too.”

“Good. Jed, where are you?”

“We’re on ninety east, just coming into Livingston in maybe fifteen miles.”

“Perfect. I’m right behind you. You’re going to want to head to the hospital in Livingston. Seems there was an accident. Susie is fine, just some bumps and bruises, but Cash is pretty banged up. The doctors know to hold him until I get there, and I’ve alerted local law enforcement to the kidnapping. They towed his truck, so he doesn’t have transportation.”

Maggie’s heart was beating so fast she thought it might burst from her chest. “Tye, are you sure it’s them?”

“Yes. Now don’t start driving crazy just to get there. I’m less than thirty miles away. When you arrive, don’t go inside without me. I want to keep this as calm as possible for Susie.”

Clutching her heart, she said, “But she’s hurt. I have to see her.”

“And you will, but wait for me. Jed? Don’t let Maggie go inside before I get there.”

He glanced at her and then back to the road. “I’ll do my best, but I think that’s like trying to contain a momma bear protecting her cub.”

In Maggie’s mind, that was a good description. Susie was her first priority. “We’ll be in the truck. We’re driving the GSR dually; you can’t miss it with the logo on the sides and tailgate.”

“I know the truck. See you soon.”

He disconnected and Maggie held on to her phone. “Maybe I should call Susie just to check in and make sure for myself she’s okay.”

“You’ll see her in about an hour. She’s safe and isn’t that all that matters?”

Jed reached for her hand and his touch calmed her. “You’re right,” she said.

“Why don’t you call Annie and give her the update and make sure you tell them we should be home sometime tonight or early tomorrow morning.”

He pulled her hand to his lips and grazed her knuckles. The warmth of his breath calmed her even more. She would never be able to describe how much it meant to her to have his support throughout this ordeal. She wouldn’t have been able to be this strong without it. But that conversation was for another place and time.

“I’ll put the call on speakerphone.” She dialed and Annie answered on the first ring.

“Annie, good news. She’s okay.”

Maggie handed Jed a thick ham sandwich and opened a container of pickles and a bag of chips. The cooler was overflowing with enough food to last for days. She smiled when she thought of Mary and Daphne filling the cooler. They had thought of everything, including some of Mary’s legendary cowboy cookies.

Jed had parked the truck so they had a clear view of the emergency department’s door. No one was going to come or go without them being in plain sight. He was always thinking one step ahead.

She popped the tab on a can of cola and handed it to him. “Caffeine and sugar fix?”

He took a long drink and nodded to her empty hands. “Eat something. There’s no telling how long we’ll be in there or when we’ll get home. You need energy to get through whatever comes next.”

“My gut is churning. I’m afraid if I eat, it won’t stay down.” She saw the concern on his face. “Mary’s cookies look good.”

“Save one for me, please.” He gave her a small smile. “Did you notice we drove out of the storm?”

“I’m taking it as a good omen.” She nibbled on the cookie. Chocolate and nuts had never tasted so delectable. She chewed for a minute. “I want to wrap my arms around her and never let go and there is another side to me that wants to ground her forever.”

“I’m sure both reactions are normal. But I’d stick with the hugging for now. You will need to talk about all of this and if she wants to have a relationship with Cash, I see a compromise in your future. Susie’s interests will come first and you can put your past behind you. A man can change if he’s motivated.”

Taking half of a roast beef sandwich, Maggie devoured it. The cookie had kick-started her appetite. She was ready to eat the other half when her cell pinged with an incoming text. Her heart stopped.

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