Chapter 8

Megan

Feeling a kiss on her cheek, Megan stirred and rolled over to face Dallas the next morning. When she opened her eyes, it was still dark outside. "Dallas?" she breathed against his chest, trying to orient herself. She was getting used to waking up with him every morning, but it still took a bit for her to wake completely.

He softly kissed her lips. "Darling, I'm going to work."

"Today?" Megan sat up straight, suddenly wide awake. "But last night… the party… I thought ye were taking off today. It's Saturday."

Dallas pushed her hair away from her face, obviously enjoying her reaction as he looked into her eyes. "You sleep in and enjoy yourself. I'll be home before you know it."

Megan nodded. "Must ye? I thought we'd spend the day together."

Dallas gave her another kiss. "Tomorrow."

Then Megan had an idea. "Since tomorrow's Sunday, would ye like to go to church? I think it's about time that we join the community."

He planted a sweet kiss on her nose and then slid out of bed. "We'll see."

Megan got up and pulled a work dress out of her closet, preparing to dress for the day.

"What are you doing?"

Megan froze. "What do you mean?"

"That dress." Dallas nodded toward the work dress in her hand. "You don't plan on wearing that today, do you?"

Megan looked down at the dress and then up into his eyes. "Yes, unless ye'd like me to clean the house in a ballgown."

Dallas laughed. "Why on earth would you want to do that? I have staff for that. Mrs. Daly—"

"Can't clean the whole house alone," Megan cut him off. "And I wouldn't feel right leaving it all to her while I lounge around all day."

Dallas sat on the edge of the bed, took her free hand, and pulled her to the edge of the bed. "Megan, darling. We are living a certain lifestyle now. You'll need to get used to it."

Megan pulled her hand away. "I appreciate that, but ye can't expect me to do nothing."

"Well, I wouldn't say running a house is ‘doing nothing.'"

Megan lifted an eyebrow, waiting for him to explain.

"Yes… well… since I'm not going to be here today, you can tell the staff what to do to get the house back in order."

"Tell the staff what to do?"

Dallas nodded. "Yes, of course." He rose from the bed and kissed her forehead. Then he crossed the room to the mirror and adjusted his tie. "You're the lady of the house now. Which means that everyone in the house must do your bidding."

Megan's lips curled into a devilish smile. "Including you?"

Dallas laughed. "Hardly." He gave her a kiss on the forehead and whispered, "Just the staff."

Megan laughed. "Well, ye can't blame me fer tryin'."

"Have fun today." Dallas smiled, giving her one last wave over his shoulder and then headed out the door.

Megan looked down at the dress she was holding as she watched him leave. "I guess I'd better get busy." She carried it behind the dressing screen and changed. Then she crossed the room to the mirror and combed her auburn hair into a neat bun at the top of her head, reminding her of how she used to wear it to go to the factory. But she vowed to bathe and dress properly before Dallas came back home.

When she was ready, she headed downstairs. On the first floor, Mrs. Daly was passing by.

"Good morning, Mrs. King! What are ye doing up so early this fine morn?" Mrs. Daly chirped happily.

"I need yer help getting' the house back in order before Mr. King comes back home." Megan placed her hands on her hips.

"We can take care of that alone." Mrs. Daly was holding some clean clothes. "Why don't ye rest today?"

Megan sighed. "Mrs. Daly, if I don't do something useful, I'm going to scream."

"Well, I was just about to hang these up in Mr. King's closet and then clean yer room—"

"Perfect!" Megan interrupted. "After ye hang the clothes, could ye help me today? Between the two of us, we'll have the place spick and span in no time."

"But, Mrs. King—"

"No buts," Megan cut her off. She looked up and the huge lengths of fabric still hung from the top balcony. "That's as good a place as any to start."

She walked up the stairs as Mrs. Daly followed. Then, Megan headed over to one side of the balcony.

"I'll be right back," Mrs. Daly sighed as she disappeared into the bedroom to put away the clothes.

Megan knew that she was probably disrupting Mrs. Daly's usual routine, but there were more important things to do at present. Megan unfastened one of the large lengths of white fabric and pulled it up easily. She folded it neatly and went on to the next. Megan made a mental note to save the fabric for the next party, sure that Dallas would wanted to do more entertaining now that the party was such a success. And when that day came, she would have the staff wash and press the fabric to hang once more. There was no sense in washing it now. It would need to be done again for the next party.

When she returned, Mrs. Daly went over to the next length of fabric, unfastened it, and pulled it up, as well. Before long, she and Megan had taken down all of the fabric and had it folded in a neat stack.

"I have just the place fer this!" Mrs. Daly smiled as she picked up the stack. "Don' ye worry none."

"Where are ye puttin' it? I want to save it fer the next party."

"Yes, of course." The older woman's eyes gleamed. "Come along and I'll show ye were we keep the linens."

Megan followed as Mrs. Daly led the way to a door, glad that she was being so agreeable. Mrs. Daly opened it, but instead of revealing a linen closet, it was a small room filled with shelves. On the shelves were linens, doilies, table runners, and more. "This is the linen room," Mrs. Daly proudly announced. "When ye'd like to change the linens in the house, ye can come in here and pick out what ye want. Then ye can tell me and I'll take care of it."

"Nonsense! I can take care of it meself." Megan looked through the shelves and found a white tablecloth, and some very pretty doilies. In a way, Megan felt as if she was rummaging through someone else's things, but she reminded herself that she was now the lady of the house and vowed to make more doilies later.

"Here." Mrs. Daly reached for the stack that Megan had assembled. "I'll take that."

"I'll help." Megan divided the stack in half and they each took one. "Come along. We have much to do." Megan headed down the stairs as Mrs. Daly followed. "Let's set these over here fer now." Megan set her stack down on an end table, out of the way. She looked around the huge room, placing her hands on her hips. "Well, first thing's first. We'll clean this room first then we'll have the men move the furniture back in. Then we can divide and conqueror the other rooms in the house."

Mrs. Daly scrunched up her nose. "Mrs. King, I kin take care of this. Why don' ye rest. After all, ye had a big night last night."

"Nonsense! If we work together, we'll have this place spotless in no time."

Mrs. Daly took her in, doubt filling her eyes. "Well, if ye insist."

A broad smile spread across Megan's lips. "I do."

Together, they dusted all the furniture and scrubbed the vast wooden floor, careful not to leave water standing so as not to ruin it. When they were finished, Mrs. Daly went to get some men, and Megan told them to bring the furniture back in and directed them where to set it. When everything was in place, she and Mrs. Daly polished the tables and set the doilies out as Megan instructed. Then they moved on to the next room, working together until the whole house was shining and clean.

"Whew! I'm exhausted!" Mrs. Daly announced at the end of the day. "That was fun. Thank ye fer yer help."

Megan smiled, thankful to be of use. "No, thank ye fer yer help. I think we make a good team."

Mrs. Daly looked around the room. "I think this is the best this place has ever looked, thanks to ye." She smiled at Megan. "I always knew that something was missing. But what it needed all along was a woman's touch."

Megan laughed, feeling accomplished as she looked around the house. "Well, I'd better get ready before Mr. King arrives. He won't like to see me in these work clothes, I'm sure."

Mrs. Daly nodded. "I'll draw ye a hot bath. I'm sure ye could use a good soak."

"Thank ye, but I'll do it. Ye've done enough fer one day."

"Nonsense!" Mrs. Daly replied, smiling as she took charge. "And don' ye be frettin' about me." She lowered her voice conspiratorially. "All I'll be doin' is tellin' the men to carry the buckets to fill the tub once they're heated." She gave her hand a gentle pat. "Now, why don' ye go upstairs and rest while yer waitin'. I'll let ye know when it's ready."

"Actually, I'm getting' a wee bit hungry and I'm sure ye are, too. Let's have a bite to eat while the water's heatin'."

A sly smile spread across Mrs. Daly's lips. "Well, I could be persuaded."

"What can I get for you ladies?" Jacques asked, holding a large butcher knife up when they walked in, bringing them to a halt.

Megan thought for a moment, remembering the food from the party. "Do ye have anything left over from last night? Mrs. Daly and I haven't had any lunch."

He held up his hands. "Say no more, mademoiselle ." He gently turned her around and nudged them both out of the kitchen. "Why don't you rest in the dining room, and I'll bring you something."

"I'll stay and help—" Mrs. Daly interjected.

"No, please," Megan said. "Ye worked hard with me today. Come sit with me."

Jacques smiled. "Yes, yes. Now, get out of my kitchen!"

Megan narrowed her eyes and stared at him, folding her arms across her chest.

"Please," he added.

"Come along, Mrs. Daly," Megan instructed, "let's go to the dining room."

"I'll get us some lemonade—"

"No, no, no!" Jacques's patience was wearing thin. "I'll get it."

Megan bit her lower lip to keep from smiling. But when they were in the dining room, they both burst out laughing.

"Come. Join me." Megan sat at the table and Mrs. Daly took the seat across from her.

"I appreciate yer help today. It was nice to work with another lady again." Mrs. Daly folded her hands and laid them on her lap. It was obvious that she wasn't used to sitting down with the heads of the household. "Ye're not at all how I thought ye'd be."

Jacques brought in two glasses of lemonade and set them on the table. "I'll be right back."

Megan smiled and watched as he walked away. Then she turned her attention back to Mrs. Daly. "Oh? How's that?"

Mrs. Daly took a sip of her lemonade, taking a moment to weigh her words. "Usually, the lady of the house spends her time telling the servants what to do, no offense."

Megan took a sip of her lemonade. "None taken."

"But ye… today… it was not at all what I expected. I'll just leave it at that."

Megan smiled. "I didn't come from money, and I'm used to working for a living. Although running a household is a lot of work, it's different than what I'm used to." Megan didn't tell her the level of poverty that she had come from. How her parents had quite literally starved to death in Ireland. How her brother had died defending her honor while walking her home from working late. How they had to live in a tenement with two other families. That she had promised her brother to make a new life, a better life for herself. No, it was best to keep it to herself… for now. "Let's just say that this…." Megan gestured around her. "… is quite a different lifestyle than I'm used to." She shrugged. "I guess old habits die hard."

"Here we go!" Jacques proudly announced as the dining room door swung open and he set a tray filled with food on the table. "We had a lot of food left over from the party, so I took the liberty of choosing for you. Enjoy!"

"Jacques, why don't you get a plate and join us?" Megan asked as Mrs. Daly smiled.

"Nonsense!" He took her hand and patted it. "Although I appreciate the gesture, I have much to do." Then he disappeared into the kitchen.

Megan knew better than to stand in his way. He was a man on a mission.

Mrs. Daly waited timidly. It was the first time since she had known her to be shy.

"Come on and help me eat this." Megan handed her a plate. "There's way too much for one person."

Mrs. Daly smiled. "Well, if ye insist…."

"I do." Megan took a plate for herself, and then stabbed a slice of roast and slid it onto her plate. Mrs. Daly soon forgot her hesitation and before long, both of their plates were filled. Megan smiled as she made a sandwich and took a bite, moaning with delight. "I think I was hungrier than I thought."

"Well, ye worked up an appetite, Mrs. King."

Megan smiled. "We both did." Megan had a feeling that after today, Mrs. Daly may be a bit softer toward her now.

"So, did ye have fun last night?"

Megan nodded. "I did."

She didn't tell her about Dallas's incident, though. That was the difference between her and Dallas. Although he was generous, he wanted to accumulate his wealth to prove to the world that he was worthy. Megan agreed that having money was important, but she would give it all if it would have saved her parents and her brother. If she could have married Dallas earlier when her parents and Liam were still alive, maybe she could have saved them. Then, she wouldn't have hesitated to marry a man of means, if it meant saving her family.

Mrs. Daly took a bite of her sandwich and swallowed. "Ye should be pleased. It appeared that everyone in the town came."

Megan gave her a weak smile. "Yes, it was nice meeting everyone. And it was fun dressing up."

Mrs. Daly nodded, obviously sensing there was more that Megan couldn't say. "Mr. King is very complex, but a good man."

"Yes, he is." Megan pushed the bowl of fresh fruit toward her. "But I think we need to eat this before it goes to waste."

Although it was November and getting cold out, Dallas had somehow found a way to have fresh fruit. She guessed that you could have just about anything you wanted when you had money.

Soon, Megan sat back and placed her hand on her stomach. "Oh! I couldn't eat another bite if I wanted to!"

"Neither could I." Mrs. Daly sat back and rubbed her stomach. "Why don't ye go to yer room and rest and I'll prepare ye a warm bath. I'll let ye know when it's ready."

"I can do it—"

"No, ye won't," Mrs. Daly cut her off, stacking the dishes onto the tray. "Ye're tired. Go rest! I'll come and get ye when yer bath's ready."

Megan nodded as she stood. Normally, she would say no, but she was just so tired. "Well, if ye insist…."

"I do." Mrs. Daly smiled, obviously pleased. "Now, go and lie down."

Megan's lips curled into a smile. "Thank you, Mrs. Daly." Megan started to leave, but then turned toward the older woman. "Thank you… for everything."

Mrs. Daly shrugged. "It's my job, miss." But Megan knew it was much more than that. Mrs. Daly was the type of woman who liked taking care of people… whether it was her job or not.

Megan headed up the long staircase and flopped onto the bed as soon as she reached the bedroom. Normally, she wouldn't have been so tired. When she was working at the factory, she would work sometimes sixteen hours a day and never felt like this. But she knew it was probably just fatigue from the party the night before.

As she lay on the bed, thoughts of Dallas ran through her mind and her heart fluttered. He was smart, kind, generous… no, she couldn't allow herself to love him. After all, she'd lost everyone she'd ever loved. She turned over and tucked her hands under her head. No, she couldn't allow herself to fall in love with Dallas King. She had to remind herself that he could be jealous and unsure of himself, even though most of the time he exuded confidence. She couldn't allow herself to love him, could she?

"Mrs. King."

Someone gently shook her shoulder.

"Mrs. King, yer bath is ready." Yes, it was Mrs. Daly, Megan realized as she slowly regained consciousness. "Ye want to be ready when Mr. King arrives, don' ye?"

Realizing she heard a voice in the distance, Megan sat up with a start, her eyes wide. She had fallen asleep. "Oh, my goodness! Is Mr. King here yet?"

Mrs. Daly shook her head, a smile fondly lighting her lips. "No, not yet."

Megan nodded. "Well, I think I'll go into town and surprise him. Maybe I'll stop by and say hello to Kenzie Baker, too."

"Are ye sure ye wouldn't rather wait here for him?" Mrs. Daly arched an eyebrow.

Megan shook her head. "No, it'll do me some good to get out, and maybe I can talk Dallas into going to the restaurant tonight." Megan was already excited at the possibility as she jumped out of bed and started gathering her things.

"Very well, then. I'll have Jake drive ye." Mrs. Daly followed as Megan rushed out. At the bottom of the stairs, she hurried to the bathroom.

Megan hurried to bathe and dress, eager to surprise Dallas. She just hoped he didn't mind.

Chapter 9

Dallas

Earlier that morning, Dallas had gone to work at the bank, even though it was Saturday. Charles had tried to get him to take the day off, but Dallas was in a hurry to get back to work. He hadn't been to work in a few days while preparing for the party, and Megan would want to go to church the next day, Sunday.

Although he trusted his staff to run things, he couldn't be away from the bank that long. Dallas needed to check on the safe and the money and go over the ledger to make sure everything was in order. Although he trusted Russell and Alonzo, he just couldn't leave the welfare of the business to chance, especially not after being robbed just a few months before. The last member of the Yates Gang, the man in the black cowboy hat, had gotten away with a bundle and it had cost Dallas dearly. He had no intention of losing any more.

But throughout the day, Dallas found he missed Megan. He missed her smile, her laughter, her humor, her kindness, her strength. Yes, she was beautiful, but what he loved about her the most was her heart. Beauty was only superficial, after all, and would one day fade. No, he'd rather have a woman of substance, a strong woman like Megan. He was glad that she had been his mail-order bride.

That afternoon, the bell on the door rang while he and Charles were going over the ledger and updating his business plan.

"I'm sorry, Mr. King, I know it's Saturday, but I really must speak with you. I've tried over the last few days, but you weren't here."

Dallas looked up and Mr. and Mrs. Tucker stood in the doorway. They were a young couple who had just moved to Whiskey River. "By all means, come in. I'm sorry I missed you before." Dallas waved them in. "What can I do for you?"

Mr. Tucker held his hat in his hands, fiddling with it nervously as his wife looked on with wide eyes. "Well, we found a spread just outside of town and was wanting to know if your bank could hold the note on it."

"I'll go get some coffee and let you discuss business." Charles headed toward the back, out of earshot.

Dallas motioned toward the seats in front of his desk. "Please, sit down and we'll talk."

Suddenly, the sound of horses' hooves—a lot of them—riding into town resonated outside. Then there was men's laughter and a commotion close by.

"I can't afford a big down payment—" Mr. Tucker continued, his young wife nodding in agreement.

"Sir, let me stop you right there." Dallas rose from his seat. Outside, some men were harassing a lady—Megan. "Sorry, but I'll be right back. Please, stay inside."

What was she doing here in town? So many emotions suddenly ran through Dallas's mind. If something were to happen to her, he didn't know what he would do. He couldn't lose her. Not this way. An overwhelming need to protect her filled him as he marched purposefully toward the door.

Dallas laid his hand on the six-gun revolvers strapped to his sides and took off the thumb straps. He didn't want trouble, but if anyone was messing with a lady in his town, especially Megan, they would have to answer to him. He stepped out and Charles was right behind him, but stood back to let Dallas take the lead.

Outside, several men were in the street, blocking the way. A horse reared up and the others were prancing, mean and spirited. And in the middle of them… was Megan standing beside Jake.

"So, what is such a delicate flower doing in such a small town?" The leader took off his cowboy hat and held it to his chest. He slid down off his horse and stepped in front of her.

Jake stepped in front of her and pulled her behind him, drawing his gun. "She's with me, mister. And you'd best be on your way."

"Leave us alone!" Megan yelled, trying to step out from around Jake. "I'm not that kind of girl!"

A sinister smile curled his lips. "Ah! Boys, we have an Irish lassie here!"

Another man jumped off his horse and stood on the other side of Megan, blocking her way.

"Get away from her!" Dallas commanded, walking purposefully toward them.

Relief appeared in her eyes when she saw him. One man tried to block him, but Dallas punched him, sending him to the ground. Another man pulled a gun, but Charles was faster and pressed his revolver to the man's head. The man held up his hands and backed away.

Dallas took Megan's hand and pulled her behind him. Jake and Charles stood at his sides, creating a wall in front of her. "I don't know who you are, but while you're in this town, you need to behave yourselves. And the ladies are off-limits."

The leader held up his hands in surrender. "I meant no harm. We were just having a bit of fun." He drew his gun and pulled back the hammer, but Dallas was quicker. Everyone had their guns drawn, pointing them at each other with the hammers pulled back, ready.

Daxton stepped out from inside the sheriff's office with his gun drawn. "Mister, you'd better get back on your horse and go back to where you came from." The sheriff never wavered.

Colton stepped out from inside the sheriff's office and leaned casually against a post, watching.

The men were unfazed. "Nah, I don't think so. We're just getting started."

"Go inside… now." Dallas ordered Megan in a low, urgent voice. Mrs. Carson, the shop owner, pulled her inside the bank. Dallas glanced over and Mr. Carson had his rifle in hand, cocked and ready. Across the street, Harrison Curry stepped out of the restaurant and hotel with his gun drawn.

The newcomers watched Megan go, but thankfully, they didn't go after her. "Yeah, this town looks like home to me. I think we'll stay for a while."

"You have no business here," Dallas said. "I suggest you leave."

The leader walked over to him and stopped a few feet away. "Sir, if you kill me, then my brothers will tear up this town." He shook his head, smiling. "I really don't think you want to do that."

"Well, then…." Dallas smiled casually, his eyes never wavering. "You'll die first. And no matter what happens next isn't your affair because you'll be dead."

A silent hush came over the men, and then they started laughing and slapping each other on the back as if it was the funniest thing they had ever heard.

The click of a gun hammer was heard above everything. "Mister, I suggest you do as the banker says and get out of here," Sheriff Daxton Clark's voice bellowed from the wooden walkway. "And take your men with you."

The leader smiled, looking around. "No, I rather like it here. Don't you, boys?"

A grumble of agreement came from the men.

The leader nodded. "Oh, yes! I forgot to tell you!" A broad smile spread across his face. "We're not leaving town until we've avenged our brothers. You know. The ones you shot in cold blood." He looked between the two of them. "Now, which one of you killed them?"

Dallas smirked. They were part of the Yates Gang. "I did, of course," Dallas smile lit his lips, tilting his head. "That's what you get when you try to rob my bank."

"Why, you—"

The sound of spurs jingling and the hard sound of boots against the wooden walkway resounded throughout the town as Colton stepped forward. It was known that he had been a gunslinger before, and he was fast. He was wearing his six shooters, bandana, and his cowboy hat, ready to do business. He stopped beside Daxton and struck a casual pose. "I suggest you do as these gentlemen said and leave."

"Frank, he's a sheriff, too!" one of the men told the leader, shifting his weight from side to side.

"No, you idiot! He's just a deputy." Frank smirked.

Before they could say anything more, Colton drew both guns and pointed them toward Frank and the man who spoke to him.

"Whoa! Did you see how fast he was?" another man asked, his eyes wide.

"Shut up!" Frank yelled as he held up his hands, glancing over at the sheriff. "We'll be over at the hotel… if you need us."

"Just see that you don't cause any trouble while you're here," Sheriff Clark warned. "And that includes harassing innocent ladies. Leave all the ladies in this town alone, you hear?"

"Let's go!" Frank growled without answering the sheriff and headed across the street to the hotel. Three of the men stood outside, watching, and the others headed inside with the leader.

Dallas's men sat on the wooden benches in front of the bank, one on each side, watching the men standing outside the hotel.

"Don't worry, boss. We'll keep an eye on them," Jake said.

Anger flooded Dallas's body as he took Jake in. "Why did you bring her here?"

"I asked him to." Megan had stepped out of the bank and hurried over to Dallas. "Are you all right?"

Dallas nodded, wrapping his arm around her. He let out a deep breath, relieved that she was safe. He pulled her into his arms protectively, and she laid her head on his chest. "I'm fine. And you?"

Megan let out a deep breath. "I'm fine." When she pulled back, there were tears in her eyes. "I was so afraid for you! You could have been killed!"

He rubbed her back as he rested his head against hers. "Shh, darling. I'm fine."

Megan looked over at Jake. "Thank you."

Jake nodded as he tipped his hat, and then turned his attention back to the men lingering outside the hotel.

The sheriff clapped his hand on Dallas's back. "I didn't know you had it in you! You showed no fear!"

Colton shook Dallas's hand, one corner of his lips curling into a smile. "The way you faced them down was amazing. I'm impressed."

"Thanks." Dallas wrapped his arms protectively around Megan. "Is there any way we can get them to leave, or arrest them?"

The sheriff shook his head. "Unless they kill someone or do something stupid, I can't touch them."

Colton nodded in agreement. "Well, sheriff, it looks like you're going to need a deputy until they leave. I'll stick around town for a while."

Daxton nodded, a crease between his eyes. "Much obliged."

Colton had been the deputy when he first moved to Whiskey River but had given it up when he and Ella married and bought their ranch. But he always stepped in when needed. As far as Dallas was concerned, he should just remain the deputy, but he guessed it afforded him more freedom to step in only when necessary.

"Thanks, Colton. I could use the help. Dallas, I'll keep an eye on the bank for you until after they leave." Sheriff Clark slid his weapon back into its holster.

Dallas nodded. "Thanks, sheriff. I'll increase my security, too." He looked down at Megan and grabbed her shoulders, forcing her to look into his eyes. "I'm going to assign a guard to you, too. I don't want you to go anywhere without him until after they leave town. Do you understand?"

Megan took a step back. "I hardly think that will be necessary—"

"Well, don't stay out here long," Daxton interrupted. "We don't need to stir those men up again." He nodded toward the men sitting in front of the hotel, appearing to have settled in for the long haul.

Dallas nodded. "We're leaving now."

Daxton smiled as he tipped his hat toward Megan. "Ma'am." Then he and Colton headed toward the sheriff's office next door.

Dallas turned his attention back to Megan when they were gone. "Please, let me do this. I'd feel a lot better, knowing you're safe."

It looked as if she was thinking for a moment, then nodded. "If it'll make ye feel better…."

He let out a deep breath. "It will." Dallas was going to do everything in his power to protect his wife. In fact, if he lost the bank, it would be nothing compared to losing her. "Why don't you go inside? I'll be there in a minute."

Megan glanced over at Colton, standing just outside the door of the sheriff's office, waiting. "I'm glad the two of ye came along when ye did."

"Think nothing of it." Colton leaned against a post, watching.

"Yes, thank you," Dallas agreed, sliding his gun back into its holster. "Megan, why did you come here? When I looked out and saw it was you they had, I nearly had a heart attack."

"I wanted to surprise ye."

"And surprise me, you did."

"Well, all's well that ends well." Colton smiled, casually watching the men across the street. "But I'm afraid it's not over yet. I have a feeling that it's going to get a whole lot worse before it gets better."

Dallas knew he was right. He just hoped Megan didn't get hurt in the crossfire.