Bulletproof Christmas. Barb Han

      Dade and Dalton had been like brothers. Rory had been friends with the Butler twins, Cadence’s brothers, since they were all knee-high, and being close to a tight-knit family—at least from the perimeter—had been one of the best experiences. It had almost given him hope that he could have that someday, too. And that thinking was what had gotten him into bed with Cadence in the first place. It was also the line of thinking that had had him imagining everything would magically work out.

      Wishing was for kids with quarters standing in front of fountains.

      The look of betrayal in Dade’s and Dalton’s eyes was a knife to the chest. Rory deserved it.

      He clued back into the conversation going on around him when he heard the words it could be the same.

      “I mean, the guy, or person, who shot our father had the same kind of rifle,” Ella said.

      “It’s one of the most popular rifles around.” Rory didn’t say that it was popular with criminals.

      “But we can’t rule it out,” Ella continued.

      “Not without a ballistics report,” Dalton interjected.

      Ella locked eyes with her sister. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but have you pulled any of your stunts lately?”

      Cadence folded her arms across her chest. “Do I look capable of doing anything besides eating and sleeping?”

      Ella turned to Rory after another quick glance at her sister. “I’m sorry about what happened to you earlier with our security.”

      His hands were already up to stop her before she could say anything else. “You have to be careful and no one expected me.”

      “We didn’t suspect you of anything. You know that, right?” she continued.

      “Of course not.”

      “Then will you stay on?” Ella asked. Cadence grunted.

      “And where will I go?” she asked.

      “Right here.” Ella must’ve caught on to the fight she was about to get from her younger sister because she threw her hands up. “I realize the plan is not without complications. But now that security has seen Rory and presumably the man who wants one or all of us dead has, too, we need all the extra help we can get around here.”

      Cadence started to speak but Ella shot her a severe look.

      “Our dad’s will is going to be read in five days and the town is already starting to work itself into a frenzy about a big revelation in the will. Maybe the guy who aimed a gun at this house has something to lose,” Ella continued. She moved toward the coffee machine. “I doubt I’ll sleep tonight and work is good for feeling anxious. I’ll throw on a fresh pot. Is anyone hungry? I could cook something—”

      “I appreciate the offer but I’m better off sleeping out there.” Rory motioned toward the ranch hands’ bunkhouse. He didn’t feel right sleeping in Maverick Mike’s house, knowing that the man wouldn’t want him there. It seemed wrong and that might be twisted logic considering Cadence was pregnant. But Maverick Mike was gone and Rory wanted to respect the man’s wishes as if he were still alive.

      “No way,” Ella protested.

      Cadence issued another grunt and her frustration shouldn’t have made him want to chuckle. He suppressed the urge, figuring he’d only make matters worse.

      “At least stick around long enough to help us come up with a plan,” Ella said.

      Rory noticed that Dade and Dalton had been mostly quiet so far. They had to realize he’d had no idea about the pregnancy. But he’d betrayed their friendship by not telling them about his relationship with their sister.

      When they were young, Cadence had been the annoying little sister. Dade and Dalton had refused to let her hang around. If they had, Rory might’ve viewed her like a younger sister, too. He’d felt a brotherhood with the twins that hadn’t extended to Ella and Cadence since he hadn’t been close with the girls. Mr. Butler had made damn sure his daughters hadn’t had anything to do with the hired hands. But the boys had been like brothers. More guilt nipped at him thinking about it.

      And then there was Cadence.

      She sure as hell didn’t seem to want him underfoot based on the way she stood there alternating between touching the growing bump and fisting her hands at her sides when she looked at him. Did she realize how much danger she was in? Did she know he had no plans to leave until she was safe?

      The idea of becoming a father crashed down on him while looking at her.

      Dammit, she looked even more beautiful.

      “If I’m the target and it’s only me this person is after, doesn’t it make more sense for me to leave the ranch so everyone else will be safe?” Cadence asked after a thoughtful pause. “What if he confuses me for Ella and she accidentally gets shot in my place. I’d never be able to forgive myself if a bullet meant for me hit her.”

      Ella swiped at a tear, clearly getting emotional over her sister’s revelation. “That’s not going to happen.”

      Even so, Cadence had a point. Plus, security had been compromised on the ranch. The place wasn’t set up for attacks on the Butlers. Poachers, yes. And there was general security at the main house. The guard shack in front and foot patrols kept away the kinds of threats they normally faced. But there’d been several attempts on Butlers in recent months and although thankfully everything had worked out, that didn’t mean their luck would hold. Mr. Butler had been murdered on the ranch and the killer had been crafty enough to get away with it so far.