Chapter 7 Angry Neighbor

J illian dragged herself out of bed, feeling tense, out of sorts, and still tired. No matter how many pillows she hugged or propped against her lower back, it was getting harder and harder to find a comfortable position in bed.

It wasn’t just the pregnancy wearing her down, though. It was also her marriage. An absent husband wasn’t what she’d signed up for. As much as she loved Dave, part of her was beginning to wonder if she would’ve been better off dating him longer instead of jumping so quickly into married life. Sure, she’d still be pulling the night shift in the ER at the Heart Lake Medical Center, but working there was the demon she was already familiar with.

She didn’t know how much more she could take of living in constant fear for his safety. It was hard not knowing his specific whereabouts or the next time he would call. It was harder than anything she’d ever dealt with. Maybe she wasn’t cut out to be the wife of a high-powered criminal lawyer. Poor Dave! He deserved so much better than a cranky wife with bedhead and swollen ankles .

She started her day by tugging on her longest, reddest, fuzziest sweater over her maternity jeans. In the past, Christmas colors had always lifted her spirits. This morning, she found herself shivering in front of the dressing mirror in the closet. The coldness inside her wasn’t the kind of cold that could be chased away by winter sweaters and central heaters.

Maybe coffee will help.

She and Eloise had made a quick grocery run yesterday morning. Their purchases had included no less than five flavors of decaffeinated coffee and tea for the resident pregnant gal.

She yawned and finger combed her hair into a messy ponytail as she shuffled in her sock feet to the kitchen. “Morning, Eloise,” she mumbled. “Have you heard from?—?”

“No. You?” As usual, Eloise had beaten her to the coffeepot. She was seated at the bar, flipping through a stack of manilla folders.

“You’ll be the first to know if I do.” Jillian placed a k-cup in the single-serve coffee dispenser and pushed the start button. She arched her back to stretch it while the steam rising from her cardboard cup brewed her into a better state of mind. It was impossible not to find a teensy sliver of comfort in the warm, rich scent of hazelnut. Or the festive cup painted with glittering gold and silver snowflakes — a leftover from the holidays.

“You mean when you do,” Eloise corrected in a voice as grumpy as Jillian felt. “My son will wrap up his case, and he will call you. You can take that to the bank.”

Jillian reached for a plastic lid for her cup, wishing her mother-in-law didn’t sound like she was trying to convince herself of that. “What are you working on? ”

“I’m butting my nose into places no one asked me to,” she confessed with a sigh. “To be more specific, I called Dave’s secretary yesterday and asked her to send me a copy of all the case files he’s been working on.”

Jillian spun around in astonishment. “And she agreed to do it?” What about attorney-client confidentiality?

“We’ve known each other for years.” Eloise’s voice was smug.

Still doesn’t sound kosher to me, but okay. “What do you need Dave’s case files for?”

“To keep his business afloat until he gets back.” Eloise flicked an impatient look her way, clearly not pleased about having to explain herself. “Many years ago, I worked as a paralegal in the company where I met my first husband.”

Ah. “Dave’s dad.” Jillian spun back around to retrieve her coffee cup from the dispenser. She capped it, added a straw, and joined her mother-in-law at the bar. “It’s really kind of you to help us out like this.” She wasn’t sure Dave would agree, but he wasn’t here to voice his opinion on the matter.

“We’ll see if my efforts do any good.” Eloise pressed her lips into a flat line. “There’s a court hearing scheduled for later in the week that I’m going to have to file for an extension on. He also has an initial consultation with a new client tomorrow morning that I’m trying to decide if I should keep or reschedule.”

Jillian’s eyes widened. “Is it something you’d feel comfortable handling on your own?”

Eloise gave a mirthless chuckle. “Won’t know until I show up. It’s the nature of the beast in this business.” She flicked a finger at the hand-written note in front of her. “If I’m deciphering Dave’s scrawl correctly, it involves a property dispute, which sounds fairly innocuous. I’m not sure why the client, Mr. Edward…” she leaned closer to squint at the last name, “Wagner thinks he needs a criminal lawyer to get involved.”

Jillian forced a smile, trying to follow her mother-in-law’s lead and put on a brave front. “In the wild west movies, a property dispute could cost a man his scalp.”

Eloise chuckled. “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.”

“No kidding.” Jillian took her first sip of coffee. “Listen, I don’t think I’ve said this yet, but I really, really, really appreciate you staying in town as long as you have. Though Dave’s home is beautiful, I’m sure it doesn’t hold a candle to the coastal views you’re accustomed to enjoying in Naples.”

“It’s your home now, too.” Eloise glanced up from the paperwork she was browsing through. “The sooner you start yanking open drawers and hanging curtains, the sooner you’ll stop feeling like a visitor here.”

“I can’t.” Jillian gripped her coffee cup tighter. So far, all she’d done was browse a few catalogues and websites and make more shopping lists. However, her heart wasn’t in it.

“Why not?” Eloise demanded sharply.

“I just can’t.” Jillian struggled to put her tangle of emotions into words. “Until I know Dave is alright, my life feels like it’s on hold. Like I can’t fill my lungs all the way with air.” She set down her coffee cup and pressed a hand to her pounding heart. “I’m not sure how much longer I’m going to be able to do this.”

Her mother-in-law studied her in silence for a moment. “I know what you’re going through,” she declared quietly. “I truly do, and I think I have a solution. A temporary one, at least. ”

Tears welled in Jillian’s eyes. “Unless it involves a phone call from Dave…” She shook her head sadly.

Eloise abruptly pushed back her stool. “It involves kicking the mulligrubs aside and getting your mind on something else. You’ll feel better afterward. I promise.”

Her words piqued Jillian’s curiosity. “Okay, I’ll bite. What do you have in mind?” She dabbed the wetness from the edges of her eyes.

Eloise’s expression grew mischievous. “According to the address listed on the property dispute,” she stabbed her forefinger at the folder on the top of the stack in front of her, “Edward Wagner lives next door to you guys.”

“Which side of us?” Though she couldn’t see outside from where she was sitting, Jillian turned toward the kitchen window over the sink. On one side of them was a row of upscale town homes. On the other side was a dilapidated old homestead. The two-story white farmhouse and big red barn sitting partially behind it were in desperate need of a paint job. Plus, there were a few loose shutters on the house that needed straightening and tightening down.

Eloise grunted in derision. “Which side do you think?”

“The old farmhouse it is.” Jillian had never seen anyone come or go from it. If it weren’t for the occasional glow of a lamp through the windows at night, she might’ve assumed it was vacant. “I’m assuming this Mr. Wagner lives alone?”

Eloise smirked. “Yep. According to the questionnaire Dave has every prospective client fill out, the fella is as old and as grumpy as me.”

“Does the file say that?” Jillian stared at her, aghast.

“Nope.” Eloise chuckled, “but my son would if he was in the room.” She picked up the file and fanned it open. “Edward Wagner is seventy-three years seasoned, a retired soldier, and a widower. His wife of fifty- one years died two years ago. Their only child died many years before that in a boating accident up near Anchorage.” She closed the folder. “See what I mean? Old, cranky, and apparently being hounded by the local homeowners’ association.”

“Because of his crooked shutters?” Jillian swallowed a chuckle. Her mother-in-law was right. Being nosy was a lot more fun than sitting around feeling sorry for herself.

“Yes, indeed, but that’s not the underlying cause of their dispute.” Eloise’s gaze took on a wicked gleam of anticipation. “According to Mr. Wagner, the purchase of his home predates the inception of Heart Lake’s most prestigious homeowners’ association, which means the HOA board had no legal grounds for mowing his back pasture without his permission and sending him the bill. Oh, and threatening to put a lien on his place for the laundry list of repairs they claim it needs. Aww,” her voice grew mocking, “the very thought of going head-to-head with a bunch of snooty Heart Lakers is really breaking my heart.”

Jillian rolled her eyes. “Please don’t say that under oath, since we both know your words lack sincerity.”

“Ha!” Eloise burst into one of her noisy cackles. “That’s the nicest way anyone has ever called me a liar.”

“When do we leave?” Jillian smiled despite her tiredness and swollen ankles. She couldn’t help it. Eloise and her shenanigans just had that effect on her.

Eloise pointed at the fridge. “Right after you eat something. I threw together a few jars of refrigerated oatmeal and fruit last night. At the risk of sounding like I’m tooting my flute, they’re delicious. I already ate mine.”

“Toot away.” Jillian was already on her feet, moving toward the fridge. “There’s only one word for an already-made breakfast in my book. Amazing!” She wasn’t accustomed to being waited on, which made her mother-in- law’s pampering feel extra special. Not only was a small mason jar of the promised oatmeal and fruit waiting for her, Eloise had tied a red-and-white checkered ribbon around the lid. “It even matches my sweater.” She pulled it from the fridge and swung it through the air as she carried it to the bar.

Eloise snorted as she left the room, presumably to finish getting ready. “You’re unbelievably easy to please.” Since she spoke the words beneath her breath, Jillian wasn’t sure she was supposed to hear them.

It was the best oatmeal she’d ever tasted, and she was only halfway finished scarfing it down when her mother-in-law returned to the room.

She had her cell phone pressed to her ear, talking in such sharp tones that Jillian was guessing it was Gil.

Poor Gil. She hid a smile as she took another bite.

“Technically, we’re not leaving the driveway,” her mother-in-law declared with asperity. “We’re cutting across our side yard into his side yard.” She let out an exaggerated huff of frustration as she paused to listen. “I’m not sure why I even bothered calling you. Are you always this difficult?” Whatever he said in response made her grin in triumph. “If you really think a little neighborly visit calls for a full military escort, knock yourself out.” She disconnected the line.

“I’m assuming that was Gil?” Jillian waved her next bite at her mother-in-law’s phone.

“Who else?” If anything, Eloise’s grin grew wider.

“You enjoy needling him way too much.” Jillian took another bite of the heavenly oatmeal.

Her mother-in-law shrugged unconcernedly. “It’s his fault for holding us prisoner in your own home. Just because we keep falling in line with his oppressive security details doesn’t mean we have to do it quietly.”

“You’re something else.” Jillian polished off the rest of the oatmeal, rinsed out the jar, and set it in the dishwasher.

“I prefer to keep things interesting.” Eloise tapped a foot impatiently while Jillian disappeared into the mudroom to slip her feet into her shoes and grab her coat. Since they weren’t going far, she decided not to take her purse.

Gil was popping the horn of his Rezvani Tank by the time she returned to the kitchen zipped up and gloved up.

“Time to rock and roll,” Eloise sang out as she danced a little jig toward the front door. She had on a brown leather jacket over skinny jeans and a pair of black sneakers with wedge heels. They were dotted with black rhinestones and boasted metallic gold side zippers. It was an outfit a woman half her age would wear, maybe younger, but she was young enough at heart to pull it off.

Jillian’s maternity clothes and suede ankle boots felt tame in comparison, but she liked her mother-in-law’s pizzazz. She also liked the bounce in her step as they made their way down the wide front porch steps together. The thought popped into her mind that Eloise’s exuberance might have something to do with the fact that they were about to pay a visit to a man her age. A single man her age.

“I should’ve had you grab a water bottle before we stepped outside.” Eloise gave her a raking look of concern as they neared the vehicle. “Need to keep you well hydrated, since you’re carrying my grandchild.”

Her concern sent a welcome burst of toasty warmth to Jillian’s heart. As outspoken and abrasive as her mother-in-law could be, she’d not once said anything negative about her son not being the biological father of Jillian’s child. On the contrary, she’d been everything that was accepting and inclusive of the baby.

Unlike Jillian’s parents and sister, who’d gone out of their way to make her feel like her pregnancy was the biggest mistake of her life…

Gil was waiting for them with the two right passenger doors gallantly pulled open.

Jillian gave him a grateful look. “It’s really kind of you to give us a ride.”

“And completely unnecessary.” Eloise nudged Jillian toward the front seat while she slid into the back passenger seat. “Your drive here took longer than our commute next door will.”

“Not true.” Gil waited until they were buckled in before closing their doors. He hurried around to the driver’s side. “I’m on patrol this morning, so I was already in the neighborhood.”

“Unless you were parked right outside the house,” Eloise sputtered.

“Actually, I was.” He winked at her through his rearview mirror as he drove the very short distance to the neighbor’s house next door. He scowled as he studied the house. “It looks vacant. You sure anyone still lives here?”

“Very sure,” Eloise lifted her chin. “So are you, sheriff. Quit pretending like you didn’t already run a full background check on the guy.”

Gil shot a questioning look at Jillian. “What’s up with you two feeling all neighborly all of a sudden?”

She muffled a chuckle. “You don’t want to know.”

“Actually, I do.” He returned his gaze to her mother-in-law through his rearview mirror.

“We’re working one of Dave’s cases for him,” she informed him haughtily. “Dusting off my paralegal skills to help keep his caseload humming along in his absence.”

Gil’s expression grew thunderous. “I’m going to need a few more details about what you’re getting yourselves into before I open your doors.”

“I can open my own door, thank you very much.” Eloise reached for the handle and rattled it a few times. Her expression grew as thunderous as his. “Are you out of your mind?” she demanded acidly.

He ignored her question. “Eloise, I promised Dave I’d look after you and Jillian, and I intend to keep my word, so start talking.”

Jillian could practically feel the steam rolling out of her mother-in-law’s ears. “It’s a homeowner’s association dispute,” she offered quickly. “Fortunately for Dave’s neighbor, his property purchase predates the inception of the HOA. In a nutshell, a few newly elected board members are overstepping their authority and harassing the snot out of someone they have no right to harass the snot out of.”

Gil’s expression cleared. He tapped the button to pop the locks on their doors. “Go get ‘em, tigers!”

Eloise was livid as she pushed her door open and hopped unassisted to the ground. “So help me, Gil, if you ever pull a stunt like that again…”

“Don’t worry, Eloise. You’ll never see it coming,” he promised with another wink. “Watch this.”

To Jillian’s astonishment, she found herself stepping to the ground in clouds of white smoke. It took her a startled second or two to realize it was being pumped out from beneath the undercarriage of Gil’s vehicle. She waved a hand rapidly in front of her face as she hurried up the sidewalk to the neighbor’s front porch.

Eloise was fanning her face just as furiously as Gil roared off. “The nerve of him,” she seethed. “But that’s okay, because paybacks are?—”

The front door to the farmhouse flew open, interrupting her tirade. A man stepped out with a rifle in hand. He cocked it ominously, though all he did was lower it to his side.

Jillian stopped in mid-step, her mouth falling open as she came face-to-face with her next-door neighbor — a very angry next-door neighbor. He was hatless, coatless, and surprisingly handsome for a man his age. The winter breeze blowing over the lake riffled his dark, silvery hair. However, not so much as a shiver escaped him.

“If you’re from the homeowners’ association, you may as well turn around and crawl right back into whatever hole you slithered out of.”

“Oh, for pity’s sake,” Eloise snapped. “We’re your next-door neighbors. Jillian is, anyway. I live in Naples.” Her tone suggested it was galaxies away from his less than stellar welcome.

His thick eyebrows shot upward. “Lady, I don’t care if they sent you from Narnia. If you think for one second I’m gonna pay some ninny on a brush hog I never hired to give my back field a haircut it didn’t need?—”

“We’re not the ninnies you’re looking for, so save your spleen,” she interrupted with so much energy that Jillian’s heart sank. Her mother-in-law was enjoying the altercation way too much. “We left our white flags at home, but consider them waved. We’re on your side, Mr. Wagner. As a matter of fact, we came to conduct your initial consultation to retain Dave Phillips’ legal representation in the matter. He’s my son,” she explained with a vague flutter of her hand toward their townhome.

Edward Wagner’s glare was replaced by a frown of confusion. “I thought my appointment with him was tomorrow.”

“It was.” Eloise breezed up the front porch steps, beckoning Jillian to follow her.

“With him,” Mr. Wagner added pointedly as she stepped closer, crowding his personal space. To his credit, he stepped aside and allowed her to march past him into his house.

She glared at his rifle as she brushed past him. “I’m beginning to understand why you need a criminal lawyer to settle your dispute with the HOA, Mr. Wagner.”

“Edward,” he called after her with a smirk, “and your name is?”

“Eloise,” she snapped, turning in a full circle to gaze up at the antique chandelier mounted in the entry foyer.

Jillian swallowed nervously as she entered the house. “I’m sorry my husband couldn’t keep his appointment with you. He’s out of town on a difficult case.” She drew a bracing breath. “From what we understand, he’s been ambushed and shot at.” She gave the rifle Mr. Wagner was holding a pointed look. “And otherwise intimidated to scare him off the case. As a result, his return flight has been delayed. In the meantime, my mother-in-law, a highly skilled paralegal, is more than capable of handling your dispute with the HOA.”

Mr. Wagner gave the rifle at his side a guilty glance. “I assure you it’s not loaded, ma’am.” He followed her into the surprisingly clean and well-furnished foyer and set it on a gun rack against the wall. Then he beckoned her and Eloise to follow him into the adjoining den.

Like the entry foyer, it was unexpectedly well kept. Comfortable overstuffed chairs and two gray linen sofas were tastefully arranged on a Navajo area rug. Against the far wall, a stacked stone fireplace rose two full stories, ending in a peak against the vaulted ceiling.

Eloise made no bones about the fact that she was scrutinizing the room up and down, along with its furnishings and eventually its owner. “Why, you old goat,” she accused their reluctant host. “Your home is absolutely lovely. The painting over your fireplace alone is worth a fortune, which means you can well afford to mow your lawn and repair your shutters.” She folded her arms. “So why don’t you?”

Jillian glanced in surprise at the painting. It was a coastal scene in an array of muted colors that made her feel like she was looking through the mist at it. Both the painting and the antique gold frame around it was a tasteful addition to the room.

Their host grunted. “When you said you live in Naples…”

“I was referring to the actual Naples, yes.” Eloise sounded impatient. “Not one of the dusty little towns that likes to borrow fancy-sounding names to make their residents feel more important.” She waved a hand languidly at the painting. “That’s the view right outside my living room window.”

Edward turned his back on them as he strode closer to the painting. “My wife always wanted to visit Italy, but I reckon we waited too long. After she got sick…” He stopped and cleared his throat.

Eloise and Jillian exchanged a sympathetic look behind his back. It went without saying that his wife’s death had likely started him down the path of peeling paint and loosened shutters. They hadn’t merely paid a visit to a cranky neighbor. They’d stormed into the private sanctuary of a grieving one.

“Tell you what,” Eloise offered in a hushed voice. “I’ll write a letter to the HOA that’s guaranteed to send them running for the hills, and I’ll do it for free.”

Edward Wagner swung back in their direction, folding his arms defiantly. “What’s the catch?” Bitterness dripped from his words.

“No catch.” Eloise’s voice was innocent. “However, one neighborly turn deserves another. You’ll owe us dinner. Both of us.” Her gaze landed affectionately on Jillian. “My sweet daughter-in-law has been confined to her home by an overzealous retired sheriff, who fears my son’s current case is putting her in danger. She could use the company.” She shot him such a warm smile that he blinked in astonishment. “Something tells me our overzealous friend will approve of her gun-toting neighbor.”

Edward Wagner let out a heavy breath. “I’m not much of a cook.”

“Fine. Then we’ll eat at her place.” She angled her head toward Jillian and Dave’s townhome. “This evening. Six o’clock. You’re bringing dessert.”

He gave a rusty scrape of laughter and lowered his arms. “Dare I ask what you like, Eloise?”

She wrinkled her nose sourly at him. “I’m not the one who’s pregnant.”

“Right.” Looking abashed, he turned his attention to Jillian.

Before she could utter a word, her mother-in-law added, “Anything but chocolate. She’s carrying my grandchild, and he doesn’t need the caffeine.”

Jillian spread her hands, chuckling helplessly. “Honestly? I’m not too picky.”

“How about cheesecake from the bakery?” He cocked his head questioningly at her. “Topped with fresh strawberries? ”

“This time of year?” Eloise frowned at him.

He loosely dangled his thumbs through the belt loops on his jeans as he swaggered in her direction. “This old goat happens to own a greenhouse.”

“You know what?” She jutted her chin at him, slapping her hands down on her slender hips. “You’re getting harder and harder to dislike.”

He drew close enough to tower over her. “You do realize there’s another option than us being enemies?”

On their ridiculously short drive home, Jillian kept breaking into snickers and glancing over the console at her mother-in-law in the backseat. “You were totally flirting with my husband’s newest client.”

Eloise shrugged nonchalantly. “I get the job done. If you don’t like my methods…” She shook her head, inferring that it was Jillian’s problem.

“I have no problem with your methods,” Jillian assured with another delighted chuckle. “I thoroughly enjoyed watching you wrangle a dinner date out of him.” She dramatically raised a hand to her forehead. “Should I plead a headache and stay in my room so you can have him all to yourself?”

“Whoa! Time out.” Gil parked in their driveway and swiveled around to pin an accusing look on Eloise. “You invited a complete stranger to the house?”

“No, we invited a neighbor,” Eloise reminded with a haughty tilt to her chin. “One that must’ve passed your background check. Otherwise, you would’ve never played chauffeur this morning.”

“A neighbor that you just met,” he reminded .

“What else were we supposed to do?” She waved a hand carelessly. “He owes us dinner, but he claims he’s not much use in the kitchen.”

A wave of redness crept over Gil’s freckled features. “This isn’t a joke, Eloise. I’m doing everything in my power to keep you safe.”

“I am aware.” She leaned forward to pat his arm, employing a tone one might use to soothe an angry cat. “Which is why I did my homework first. There’s not a single pencil mark in his case file you wouldn’t approve of.” She leaned back in her seat. “Army veteran with twenty-four years of service and a Purple Heart, who served another twenty-something years as a railroad conductor. Oh!” She wagged a finger at Gil. “Did I forget to mention his impressive gun collection?”

“You didn’t have to.” Gil looked exasperated. “The local HOA is filing charges against him for brandishing a deadly weapon when they attempted to have a reasonable conversation with him about the condition of his property.”

Eloise squared her shoulders. “We both know their charges are going nowhere. They’ve been harassing the bejeebers out of him over something their snobby little organization has zero jurisdiction over. They’ve also been trespassing on his property, vandalizing his weeds?—”

“Vandalizing his what?” Gil drew back, looking incredulous.

“You heard me, sheriff.” Her lips trembled from the effort of holding back a smile. “His back pasture is a sanctuary for weeds. His choice entirely since the purchase of his property predates the inception of the HOA. Besides, the rifle he was holding when he answered the door today wasn’t loaded, and he never once pointed it at us. For all we know, we interrupted him while he was cleaning it. ”

“Eloise!” Gil sounded like he was striving valiantly to hang on to his temper.

“I get it, Gil,” she groaned. “Believe me, I do. You’re at your wit’s end looking after two pregnant women, and now you think you’ve got a loose screw next door to worry about.”

They engaged in a glaring match over the seat. “I need to speak with you and Jillian inside. Now.”

Eloise’s face seemed to crumple. “Does this mean you heard from Dave?”

He nodded grimly. “I have, and he’s somewhere safe.” He didn’t share any more details until they were seated in the great room.

He pulled off his Stetson and took a knee in front of Jillian. “Let me begin by assuring you he’s unharmed.”

A sobbing breath escaped her. The way he said it told her she wasn’t going to like what he said next.

“He witnessed a bombing the authorities believe was intended for his client,” Gil continued.

“Witnessed?” Eloise’s voice was sharp. “I thought he was working on a case to uncover the Prophet’s identity.”

“Closed.” Gil’s jaw tightened.

Jillian straightened. “He found the Prophet?”

“He did. Turns out there’s more than one.” Gil tapped his Stetson against his knee. “There’s the guy who’s been sending out warnings to the intended victims before the crimes against them played out. And there are the actual criminals, who launched an online comedy campaign in the Prophet’s name to discredit him. Diabolically clever, if you ask me, and it almost worked.”

“If it weren’t for Dave’s lawyerly interference.” Eloise clapped her hands in satisfaction. “That’s my boy!”

“Yep.” Gil’s expression softened. “He jumped in and busted the case wide open. Then he did exactly what he should’ve done next. He took it straight to the Feds.”

“Say it isn’t so,” Eloise groaned softly. Her entire body wilted against the sofa cushions.

Jillian didn’t know why her mother-in-law sounded so worked up about it. Dave had successfully closed his case. It was over, wasn’t it? “How soon can we see him again?” She was more than ready to have her husband back. Her heart fluttered at the thought.

“That’s the tricky part about working with the Feds.” Gil stood and started pacing the room. “Dave’s investigation led to the arrest of two very dangerous criminals who’ve already tried to take him out of the picture once. Unfortunately, they succeeded in taking one of his clients out of the picture.”

Somebody is dead? Jillian’s thoughts swam dizzily. She’d known there were dangers involved in Dave’s career as a criminal lawyer, but…

“Exactly how many clients is Dave representing in Dallas?” Eloise demanded sharply.

“It started off as a family of three,” Gil sighed. “The case now rests on Dave’s testimony and that of his two remaining clients.”

Because one of them was murdered, and my husband could be next. Jillian’s stomach pitched with nausea. I’m going to be sick.

She jolted as her mother-in-law hopped to her feet like an angry hen to face Gil. “Over my dead, lifeless carcass are they going to take my only child into federal witness protection! So help me, if you don’t do something to stop this madness, I will!”

He caught her when she stumbled and gently walked her backwards toward the sofa. “I’m doing something,” he grated out. “If you’ll give me ten seconds to explain…”

Jillian wasn’t sure why her mother-in-law was so livid. “What’s so bad about witness protection?” she asked faintly. From where she was sitting, it sounded like a good idea, considering all the bullets and bombs that had peppered the case so far.

Tears gushed from Eloise’s eyes. “Because accepting protection from the federal government has some very long and lasting strings attached! They’ll change Dave’s name, send him to a new town, and give him a whole new life — a life that doesn’t include me, you, your baby, Gil, or anyone else he’s ever known.” She shook her head vehemently, shaking a tear loose and sending it flying. “We’d never see him again,” she concluded with a sob of hysteria.

“Which is why Dave has already turned them down flat. That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you.” Gil shot a harried look at Jillian. “So if you’re done scaring the living daylights out of Jillian, I’d be glad to fill you in on the actual plan.” His expression grew hard with determination. “The top brass at Lonestar Security has assured me they’re going to spare no resources to ensure his safety and the safety of his clients.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Eloise choked, not looking the least bit mollified.

“It means we’re gonna do our own version of witness protection. It won’t be easy, and you’re not gonna see as much of Dave as you’d like before the court trial, but he’ll still be part of our lives. That’s what matters.”

Part? Jillian heard one thing the loudest — the sticking point that Gil had left unsaid. Her husband still wasn’t coming home.

At least, not yet.

Jillian couldn’t imagine slipping back into her normal routine after what Gil had just finished confiding in them, but Eloise insisted that was exactly what they were going to do.

“If anyone is spying on us, they’re going to see two women having the time of their lives at a dinner party,” she declared grandly. “This is the best way to help Dave. Trust me.”

Jillian wasn’t in a party mood, but didn’t have the energy to contradict her mother-in-law. She forced herself to go through the motions of showering and changing into white knit leggings and an olive shirt with white polka dots. She was too emotionally beat to put much work into her hair and makeup. In the end, she opted to leave her hair tumbling in blonde waves around her shoulders.

Since Gil had continued fussing about their neighbor coming over, Eloise had invited him to join them and play watchdog. It was unclear if he was bringing Bliss with him. While Jillian was putting on her lip gloss, she heard the rumble of Gil’s tank in the driveway outside. Instead of immediately being turned off, she heard one of the garage doors roll open.

He’s parking inside? Why?

Moments later, there was a knock on the master bedroom door.

“Coming!” She stepped out of the bathroom and made her way across the room, but the door was already being pushed open.

It was Dave!

She gasped and nearly fainted.

He shut and locked the door behind him, hurrying her way with a finger against his mouth to buy her silence. His outfit wasn’t one he’d packed and taken with him. It was solid black — from his long-sleeved shirt and utility vest, to his cargo pants, to the combat boots tied over them. She’d seen Gil dressed like that a few times, while coming and going from his job at Lonestar Security.

She fell into his arms. They stood there clinging to each other for a breathless, tension-charged moment.

“I love you, babe.” Dave spoke against the side of her neck, just breathing her in. “I’ve missed you more than you’ll ever know.”

Happy tears streaked down her cheeks. “Did you come home to pick a fight with me?” she choked. “Because it’s not humanly possible for you to have missed me more than I missed you.”

“Wanna bet?” He raised his head and found her lips.

She’d missed him so much that it hurt. Missed being in his arms. Missed hearing his voice. Missed his kisses.

“You look seriously hot,” she whispered shakily when he raised his head.

He snorted out a chuckle. “Quit stealing my lines. You’re the hottest thing in this room.”

The fact that he felt that way about a wife who was going on six months pregnant was a miracle in itself.

“For one thing, you have more hair. I like it when you wear it down like this.” He tangled his fingers in the silky blonde strands. “And I like how you never overdo your makeup.” He dragged his lips over her cheek and back down the line of her jaw and chin. “I prefer to see your beautiful, natural self.”

She melted beneath his touch, not bothering to tell him she’d been too tired to put on any more makeup this evening. Though she always used a light touch on foundation and blush, often skipping it altogether, she rarely went anywhere without a little eye liner and mascara. “All I have on is lip gloss.”

“Not anymore.” He found her lips again, hungrily drinking her in.

For a moment, she felt like she was in the fairytale he’d spun around when they first met. Every time he held her like this, he made her feel like he was never going to let her go.

Which she knew wasn’t possible. The way he’d snuck into their master bedroom wasn’t the same thing as returning to the life they were trying to build together. To their marriage and home. It felt like something else. Something more temporary.

Jillian drew back, scanning his features. “How long do I get you this time?”

“About an hour.” Dave’s brown gaze darkened with regret. “But I’m already working on a plan to fix this. You have my word. I will not be an absent husband and father forever.” He splayed one large hand against her swollen belly. “I promise.”

She forced a smile, trying to be brave. “Gil said the same thing.”

“No, he didn’t.” Dave’s voice grew deathly serious. “He and Lonestar Security are ironing out the details for a shelter-in-place strategy for me and my clients. Just until the trial. Our own version of witness protection, if you will.”

Her heart ached at the realization that it would be months before the trial was concluded and the verdict issued. The baby would be here before then.

“I’m working on what comes next, babe.” His voice grew rough with determination. “A plan that’ll keep this from ever happening to us and our family again. ”

“How?” Short of them all going into a witness protection program together, she didn’t see how he could deliver on a promise like that.

“By giving up my private practice.”

“No!” Jillian drew a sobbing breath of protest. “It’s who you are, Dave.” It’s what he’d spent years of his life going to school for. There had to be another option besides giving up his entire career.

“Nope. It’s what I do for a living,” he corrected. “Who I am is His.” He pointed upward. “And yours.” He leaned closer to tilt his forehead against hers. “I’m your husband. The man who promised to love, cherish, and protect you for the rest of our lives. To be present. To do life together.” He gently nipped at her lips. “And I think I’ve found the perfect way to do that, while still serving the state of Texas as a criminal lawyer. A job that’ll be backed by an entire army of security personnel.”

She snuggled closer, loving the sound of that. “If such a job exists, Dave…” She’d never heard of anything like it.

“It’s about to.” He lifted his head to gaze deeply into her eyes. “I’m already in negotiations with Lonestar Security to come on board full time as their legal counsel. It would be a salaried position. Not quite as much as I’m accustomed to making, but decent. Really decent, with opportunities for raises, bonuses, and other incentives as we grow the investigative leg of the business.”

“Other incentives?” She couldn’t resist teasing him. “Lemme guess. They have another Rezvani Tank with your name on it?”

“Bingo!” He lightly tapped her nose for emphasis.

“I was kidding.” She leaned in for another kiss.

“They’re not.” He kissed her back tenderly. “And neither am I. ”

“It sounds like the perfect solution.” It took her breath away that he was working so hard to make decisions that would put their family first. “So long as you’re sure you don’t mind giving up your private practice.” There was his office building to consider. Would they need to sell it?

“You’re more important to me than any job.” There was no hesitation in his response. “Please assure me you didn’t miss the part about it coming with a pay cut, though.”

She shook her head in amazement at him. “I thought I made it very clear I didn’t marry you for your money.”

“I know, but?—”

“No buts,” she cut in firmly. “I just want to be with you, Dave. That’s it.” She briefly closed her eyes. “No, that’s not true. I also want you to be safe. And present. The last few days have been sheer torture.” She met his gaze squarely, knowing he preferred honesty over faint platitudes. “I was honestly starting to doubt whether I was cut out for this. Whether I have what it takes to be the kind of wife you need me to be.” She wasn’t sure if she was making any sense.

He looked stricken. “Please don’t give up on me, babe. Or us.”

“I won’t. It took a lot of tears and a lot of begging God over the past few days to reach this point.” Her voice shook. “I just need you to understand something before you take off again.” She ran the pads of her fingers gently over the bandage on his upper arm. “When you hurt, I hurt. I can’t change that. Like it or not, we’re in this together.”

“I like it just fine,” he assured huskily. “It’s what I want. You’re what I want.”

She slid her arms around his neck. “I just fell in love with you all over again.”

He cuddled her closer. “Yeah, I know the feeling. ”

“One more thing.” She smiled against his lips. “I think your mom has the hots for the guy next door.”

“Please tell me you’re kidding,” he groaned.

“We don’t have time for kidding around, esquire. We’ve gotta make every second count.” She drew his head down for another kiss that went on and on. She poured her heart into it, not knowing the next time they would be together.

Jillian felt like a whole new person by the time she joined Eloise and Edward at the dinner table.

Her mother-in-law took one look at her sparkling, red-rimmed eyes and started fanning her hands at her own face. “Glad to see you’re feeling better, hon. You’re in luck. You made it just in time for dessert.”

Jillian could hear the nonchalance her mother-in-law was trying so hard to infuse into her voice. She almost succeeded. “No way was I going to laze around in bed and miss the chance to try out Edward’s greenhouse strawberries.” It sounded like Eloise’s cover story for her late arrival to dinner was the most obvious one — pregnancy symptoms. She could run with that.

Their ruggedly handsome neighbor leaped to his feet to pull out a chair for her. “You sit. I’ll serve.”

“Serve away.” Jillian gave a grateful sigh as she took her seat. “Your shabby hostess apologizes for being a shabby hostess this evening.”

“Not at all,” Edward assured quickly. “According to Eloise, I’m the one who owed y’all dinner, not the other way around. The least I can do is the serving.” He moved into the adjoining kitchen and started rattling around plates and forks on the countertop .

Eloise reached for Jillian’s hands and hissed, “How was he?”

Jillian’s eyes welled again. “He looked good,” she whispered back, “and he’s doing everything he can to make sure this never happens to us again. I’ll, um…tell you more later.” She nodded suggestively toward Edward. “After Willie Nelson leaves.”

“Seriously?” Eloise studied Edward with an assessing eye. “I guess I can see where you’re coming from, except for Ed is taller, buffer, and doesn’t wear his hair in braids.”

The object of their gossip glanced across the bar at her, caught her staring at him, and gave her a slow, deliberate wink.

Jillian swallowed a giggle. “I think he heard you.”

“He did not!” Eloise pretended to swat at her hands.

“I told Dave about him,” Jillian confessed.

“Why’d you go and do a thing like that?” Eloise blushed, actually blushed!

“Because Dave doesn’t like surprises.” Jillian smiled dreamily. “He’d rather you just shovel it on to him straight.”

Eloise didn’t answer, since Edward was heading their way with three plates of strawberry cheesecake balanced on one arm.

Jillian accepted the plate he handed her and took her first bite of cheesecake, closing her eyes in ecstasy. She chewed and swallowed before opening her eyes again. “Wow, Edward!” The cheesecake tasted like standard bakery-style cheesecake, but the strawberries were out of this world. “The berries are a home run.”

“As good as anything you might find in Naples?” He raised his eyebrows in a challenge to Eloise, who’d just taken her first bite.

She made a sighing sound. “Fishing for compliments? ”

“Yep.” He waggled his eyebrows playfully at her.

“They’re better than any strawberries I’ve ever tasted,” she admitted, making a face at him. “Something tells me you already knew that, though.”

“Yep.” His smile was gloating.

“Nobody likes a braggart.” She popped another bite into her mouth.

He shrugged. “You do.”

Eloise nearly choked on her cheesecake. She washed it down with a few sips of tea. “That’s a lot of confidence coming from a cranky neighbor with peeling paint and dangling shutters.”

“Two things I can easily have fixed.” He leaned back in his chair, clearly enjoying their spat as much as she was. “Any recommendations on paint colors, Ms. Italy?”

She gave a girlish giggle. “Classic white farmhouse, federal blue shutters, and a whole mess of fiery red rose bushes in the flower gardens.”

He nodded, looking fascinated. “Did you happen to see any flowerbeds at my place? Because I sure wasn’t aware of them.”

She tapped a red lacquer-tipped finger against her temple. “Imagination.”

His gaze glinted with pure male interest. “What does your lovely imagination say about my barn?”

Her expression grew distant, as if already imagining the upgrades. “Barn red, of course, with white trim. You could take it a step further and dazzle the local HOA members with a silver weathervane on top.”

He made a scoffing sound. “They’re not the ones I’m trying to dazzle.” He abruptly turned to Jillian, who was starting to feel like a third wheel. “Before I go, I wouldn’t mind hearing more about your dream of opening an animal rescue center.”

Jillian gave her mother-in-law an admonishing look. “Talking about me behind my back, huh?”

Eloise waved her fork airily. “It was all good. Well…mostly.”

“Mostly?” Jillian chuckled. “What was the bad part?”

Her mother-in-law was all too happy to tell her. “You’re thinking too small, hon. Rescuing and adopting out dogs and cats is fine and all, but what about livestock? Horses, for example? This is Heart Lake, for pity’s sake. Farms and ranches everywhere you look.”

Jillian nodded slowly. “Where would I put them?” Though their home sat on a little over half an acre of prime lakefront property, it wasn’t big enough for grazing horses, much less constructing the kind of outbuildings such an endeavor would require.

Eloise raised and lowered her slender shoulders. “I know someone nearby who owns more land than you can shake a stick at. So much that he can’t even keep up with mowing it.”

Edward grinned. “We could probably work out an agreement for you to use my back pasture. That is,” his voice grew suggestive as he shot a not-so-subtle look at Eloise, “if you make it worth my while.”

Jillian’s head swiveled between the two of them. “As nice as that sounds, the HOA would never allow it.” She wrinkled her nose. “I know for a fact the property our home sits on is zoned residential.”

“Mine isn’t.” Edward shifted in his chair. “My late wife and I used to own and operate a commercial nursery on our land. It was years ago, of course.” He smiled wryly at Jillian. “Probably before your time. ”

Jillian pressed her hands to her heart, feeling like another big ray of sunshine had just burst through the storm clouds she and Dave were muscling their way through. “I, um…yes, please! Let’s talk more about this soon.” Ideas were popping into her head right and left. “I’ll cook next time.”

“It’s a date.” Edward’s voice was matter-of-fact as he stood. However, he wasn’t looking at Jillian. He was gazing unabashedly at her mother-in-law.