14.

R OOSTER

"How did it go last night?" Dianna asked as I ushered Kerrigan through the front door. "You look less murdery, so I've got high hopes everything worked itself out."

"Bye, Daddy! I love you."

"I love you, too, Chickadee. Are you sure you don't want to come down to my place to have lunch with me?"

Kerrigan wrinkled her nose and said, "I like eating lunch with Papa. He cooks better than you." When I gave her a mock glare, she grinned, showing the gap where she'd recently lost her two front teeth, and said, "I love you, but his snacks are better."

I slapped my hands on my chest and said, "Oh, the heartbreak! I'm not sure I can survive."

"You'll get over it," Kerrigan assured me before she skipped toward the dining room where I was sure Clark already had her afterschool snack waiting for her. Over her shoulder, she threw up a peace sign and called out, "See ya! Wouldn't want to be ya!"

"Where does she come up with that shit?"

"I think she got that little nugget of goodness from your friend."

"Which one?"

"Ajax. Someday, when he has children of his own, I want you to teach them horrible and embarrassing things to make up for all the shit he's taught her over the years."

"Ajax isn't ever going to have kids, D. He's too much of a wanderer to ever settle down."

"Well, if that's the case, then do it to Dice and Tank because the last time they came through, one of them taught her how to fart with her armpit."

I burst out laughing and argued, "That's a skill every kid needs to know!"

Dianna just glared at me before she asked, "How did things go with Rosie?"

"How do you know I talked to Rosie last night?"

"Madison just happened to be watering the plants on the deck when Rosie did the walk of shame from your cabin to her own."

"No shame. She just left before Kerrigan woke up because I explained that I didn't want her to be confused or hurt while we figured our shit out."

"And she understood, didn't she?" When I nodded, Dianna said, "If you don't marry her, I'll offer Clark as tribute and make her my sister wife."

I burst out laughing and said, "Nope. She's all mine, but we're not anywhere close to marriage talk."

"That's fine, considering you've only been on one official date . . . which wasn't even really a date."

"True, but I'm going to remedy that tomorrow night after her friends go home."

"And where are you taking her?"

"Robertson's. She's a Texas girl, so I'm sure she'll appreciate a good steak."

"Good call, and even if she doesn't, there are plenty of other things on their menu for her to choose from."

"Well, that's the plan so far," I told her with a shrug. "I'm taking it one day at a time because I'm afraid that she might bolt again at any moment."

"Don't give her a reason to."

"I didn't the first time! She got all in her head and took off."

"Did you tell her how much that upset you?"

"Yes, Dr. Phil, I told her."

"And what did she say?"

"She said that she'd try very hard to communicate better when she needs some space and asked that I give it to her without making a fuss."

"Good. That's a reasonable expectation."

"I thought so."

"I'm so freaking glad I'm already married and don't have to worry about dating," Dianna said with an odd expression.

"It's hell," I heard a woman say from behind me. I turned around and found one of the sisters - I could barely tell them apart even though they had assured me they weren't twins - approaching with a frown. "Hold on to that husband of yours even if you have to make him a hostage. In this day and age, the dating pool needs chlorine. One of the guests proved that in the coffee shop earlier."

"Creepy smile guy?" Dianna asked as if she knew exactly who she was referencing. "What about the other guys with him?"

"Almost as annoying, but not quite."

The other sister walked up and I somehow discerned that she was Fauna, which meant that the other was Flora. "However, one of the friends said something about Madison being the nicest of all of us and implied that she was going to be his target."

"Oh, hell no," I growled before I looked over at Dianna.

"I'll get their information to you and keep an eye on Mads," Dianna promised. "They're here for three nights, but starting tomorrow morning, they'll be gone before Mads even opens the coffee shop."

"Hunters?" I asked. When Dianna nodded, I said, "Stay in the building, and make sure Mads does too."

I knew I didn't need to tell Dianna about the dangers of certain customers. With her history, she was very aware of her surroundings. However, Madison was a very trusting young woman, and I was terrified that would prove to be a problem one day. So far, we'd been able to keep her safe, but with her newfound independence, it was getting harder and harder to make her understand that certain people should be avoided.

Dianna looked at the sisters and said, "Sometimes, Mads doesn't pick up on social clues that would make most people's alarm bells clang like crazy."

"Because she's a kind soul and expects everyone else to be just as kind," Fauna said with a smile.

"They better be kind, or they'll find my foot up their ass," Flora threatened angrily. "Mads is escorting us to the salon today, and I'd hate to ruin my pedicure, but I will if I have to."

I was proud of myself for not asking where Rosie was, but the sisters, like sharks sensing blood, were onto me.

"Go ahead and ask, buddy."

I feigned innocence and asked, "Ask what?"

"You know," Flora teased. "It's killing you, isn't it?"

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Okay then," Fauna said with a grin as she hooked her arm in her sister's and turned them toward the front door. "We'll see y'all later."

The door was almost shut behind them when I couldn't resist any more and called out, "Where's Rosie?"

I watched the women laugh as they walked away, so I knew they heard me, but I wasn't about to give them the satisfaction of chasing them outside to get an answer. Instead, I pulled out my phone and sent her a text.

I heard a phone ding just as Rosie appeared around the corner. She stopped when she spotted me and smiled brightly before she said, "Hi."

"Hi, beautiful," I said as I walked her way. "How are you this afternoon?"

I leaned down and gave her a kiss, and when I pulled back, she smiled and said, "Better now."

"I was heartbroken when Kerrigan ditched me, but suddenly, my afternoon is looking up. Where are you headed?"

"I came in here to talk to Dianna about some guests that . . ."

"Your friends already told us about them."

"So, who is going to pick up the backhoe?" Dianna asked.

"In the mountains? There's no need for a backhoe. I'm sure we could find . . ." Rosie's voice trailed off, and she looked embarrassed for a second before she said, "Um . . . an alternate solution. Yeah! That's what I was going to say."

"Two words, Roo.Sister.Wife."

I burst out laughing, and when Rosie looked confused, I said, "She must be hangry because she's not making any sense at all."

"I feel like I missed something," Rosie said uncomfortably.

"I told him that if he doesn't snatch you up, I'm going to," Dianna said with a shrug. "I don't see a problem with it. I mean, I generally don't lean that way, but Clark and I like to spice things up now and then, so I'm sure . . ."

"La la la la!" I said loudly as I stuck my fingers in my ears, drowning out Dianna's voice as I herded Rosie toward the front door. "We're outta here, crazy lady. Tell my kid I went to cry in my canned soup."

"While she eats crab cakes."

I spun around and looked at Dianna in shock. "Is that what he's feeding her?"

"That's what she requested before you took her to school this morning, so I assume so."

"How am I ever going to compete with that?"

"Luckily, you don't have to because she loves both of you equally."

"I want crab cakes," Rosie said pitifully. "Can I . . ."

Dianna laughed when I took Rosie's hand and pulled her out onto the porch behind me. I could still hear her laughing when the door shut behind us, but I didn't care because I spun Rosie around and pulled her into my arms.

"You leave Clark and his crab cakes alone."

"But between his cooking and Dianna's company, her idea doesn't sound too . . ." I cut Rosie's words off with a kiss, and by the time I came up for air, we were both breathless. In a raspy voice that sounded like sex personified, she asked, "Who is Clark?"

"Now that I know how to get you back on track, I'll probably be kissing you all the time."

"And I'll be kissing you right back."

◆◆◆

ROSIE

I picked up the phone and smiled as I slid my thumb across the screen to answer my dad's FaceTime call. "Hey, Dad!"

"Rosie-girl! How are you doin'?"

"I'm doing great," I said honestly.

"Where are you?"

I laughed as I lifted the camera and showed him my surroundings. "I'm in Rooster's house trying to get some writing done. You know how it is with the girls around, so I escaped to get some peace and quiet."

"Rooster?" Dad asked.

"Yes, Dad, his name is Rooster."

"Is that his real name?"

"No." I thought about it for a second and remembered a conversation with either Madison or Dianna where they mentioned that Rooster sounded like his real name, but I don't think they ever said what that was. "I'm not sure what his legal name is, to be honest."

"And you're in his house?"

"Yes, Dad, I'm in his house," I said with a sigh. "He's not a serial killer. I promise."

"How do you know that?"

"I haven't found a collection of hair in a jar and he doesn't have a basement, so I'm pretty sure I'm safe."

"How did you meet him?"

"Dad . . ."

"I'm just curious, sweetheart."

"I met him at Elizabeth's wedding and then we reconnected after I rented my cabin. He is one of the owners of the resort."

"Is that so?" Dad asked.

"Did you call to grill me on who I'm dating?"

"You're dating him?"

"Why else would I be sitting in his house alone? Yes, Dad, we're dating . . . or we're going to be. No, we're dating."

"How are you not sure about this?"

"Well, there was a hiccup, and I had to go home for a few days. You know how I am."

"I thought you came home to see Zoey."

"I did, but I originally came home because you know how I get when I'm in an uncomfortable situation."

"He made you uncomfortable?"

"No, he didn't; my doubts did, but I'm working my way past them."

"How many times have I told you that you should listen to your instincts, Rosie?"

"At least a million, but my instincts weren't screaming for me to run from him; they were telling me that I want to have his babies. It's a little soon in the relationship to be thinking about that or bringing it up in casual conversation."

"How does he know Elizabeth?" Dad asked, changing the subject and completely ignoring my comment about having children.

"He's friends with her new husband, Dub. Rooster belongs to his MC."

"And he owns the resort?"

"He's a co-owner with his younger sister, Madison, his ex-wife, Dianna, and her husband, Clark. It's so beautiful here, Dad. The leaves are changing, and there's a crispness in the air that says fall has arrived. I think you and Mom would love it."

"Sounds relaxing."

"And the cabins are amazing. Mine is next door to Rooster's and . . ."

"He lives in a cabin?"

"It's not like Little House on the Prairie, Dad. His cabin is a very nice house. Actually, my cabin would make a great house, too, even though it's much more modest. You and Mom should come stay here for a while and reconnect with nature."

Dad rolled his eyes as he said, "Because your mom just loves nature."

I laughed because he was right. Mom was a city girl to the core and had never shown any interest in the great outdoors. "You're right, but she'd enjoy sitting on the porch and watching the trees. It's so different from home that every time you look outside you see something new."

"You sound relaxed, which is an about-face if your initial reaction was to run back home."

"I told you that I ran because I was letting my imagination get ahead of my reasoning, but that's all cleared up now. I've got my mind right, I'm making progress on my book, and I'm excited for the future."

"With this Rooster guy." It wasn't a question, but a statement, and Dad didn't sound very happy about it.

"Actually, yes. I really like him, Dad. He's a decent and kind guy, a great father, and a good friend to his business partners."

"One of which just happens to be his ex-wife?"

"And her husband. They're very good friends which makes it a great situation for them to co-parent. She's adorable, and the first little girl I've ever met who likes the Disney villains more than she likes the princesses."

"The villains are more interesting anyway."

"I know, right?"

"When are you coming home?"

"I'm not sure."

"I know you planned to stay at least a month, but if you stay much longer, you're going to have issues traveling with the snow and all. Maybe you should plan to come home sooner rather than later."

"I might not come back," I said, admitting it out loud for the first time. "I want to stay."

"Because of this guy you barely know?"

"Yes. You said it's important to follow my instincts, and that's what I'm doing. My gut tells me that he's a great guy, my heart tells me he's wonderful, and my head says he's balanced and funny with a great future ahead of him with his family and business. All in all, my instincts say this would be a wonderful thing."

"I guess we'll see."

"Don't get excited for me or anything," I said sarcastically. "I'd hate to think you want me to be happy or something."

"I want you to be safe."

"I'm that too. You know I can take care of myself, and Rooster is a very protective kind of guy, so if anything happens, I know he'll have my back."

"When are Flora and Fauna leaving?"

"Tomorrow. They want to get back early Sunday afternoon so they can get settled before they go back to work on Monday."

"Next time you talk to them, will you have one of them call me? I've got the report that they asked for."

"Sure." Dad had mostly retired, but he still took on some jobs, mostly for family members who needed something or someone investigated - usually prospective employees. "I'm going to let you go, Dad. I want to get a few more words in before I go home and get ready with the girls."

"Do you ladies have plans tonight?"

"Yeah, we're going to get all dolled up and go out for a wild night on the town."

"I thought it was a small town."

"It is. We're not going far since Rooster's bar is actually here on the property, but we'll make it fun. You know it always is when they're involved."

"Y'all be safe."

"Of course. Love you, Dad."

"Love you, too, Rosie-girl."

As I put my phone back on the charger, I shook my head at Dad's worry. He sometimes forgot that I was well into my thirties and went into protective dad mode, which I supposed was perfectly natural, especially considering his profession. He was an FBI agent for years and then became a private investigator once he left the bureau. Over the years, he'd taken on some really wild cases, and I'd grown up hearing about the antics that some people got up to.

I put the call from Dad out of my mind and got back to work, psyching myself up for the upcoming scene I had planned where the hero rescues the damsel from her own clumsiness and they have their first kiss.

I was going to try to put into words how magical it felt every time Rooster touched his lips to mine, but I wasn't sure I could describe it. I might need to run over to the bar and get a few more just for research purposes. As a matter of fact, I thought that sounded like a great idea.

I smiled to myself as I shut my laptop.

Every good writer did her research, right?