Chapter 10

Chapter

Ten

Cassie was a mess as Easton parked behind the Sheriff’s office and they hurried her and Presley into his truck. Easton was her stability right now. It was like when she saw blood and he distracted her and held her up.

He drove her and Presley to his family’s ranch. Clint would have someone drive her car and leave it at Lily’s cabin. In case Baxter found it, Lily would stay with Bennett and Rose until the wedding. Clint said he would bring Cassie and Presley’s things to Easton’s house soon. The two men both promised that Coleville Ranch was the safest spot for her and her daughter.

Cassie could believe it would be safe physically, and she appreciated their diligence and that she wasn’t facing Baxter on her own. She had support from two of the toughest men around. She’d known Easton and his brothers could all fight and shoot guns, but it blew her mind that Jared Coleville had trained all of his boys so diligently and they’d protected the likes of Elizabeth and Jacey Oliver and Eva Chevron. No wonder Eva had fallen in love with Miles Coleville. She’d come to the picturesque Coleville Ranch and he’d protected her.

Presley and Easton chatted while he drove, all relaxed and appealing in his big truck. Presley was in the back seat, buckled but without her car seat, which bothered Cassie but it was safer than Baxter finding them.

What had her most concerned was how she would stay safe emotionally. Easton had teased her that she’d be begging for a kiss within hours. She would be. If she could trust that he would be loyal to her. He’d been as serious as she’d ever seen him when he looked deeply into her eyes and promised to protect her. She’d believed him in that moment, but it was scary to trust a philandering playboy, especially one who had broken her heart before. Presley loved him already, but could Easton ever give her daughter stability?

They pulled up to a massive wrought iron gate with a tall fence stretching into the trees in both directions. She hadn’t been home in ten years, but she only remembered an old gate and thin electric fence surrounding the Coleville’s property, designed to keep their livestock in.

A guard greeted them. “Where did you find this pair of beautiful ladies?”

“They came to me, Brandon my friend,” Easton said, all cocky and like himself. “You know they always do.”

Cassie stiffened. Why did he have to remind her what a player he was? It was for the best, but it still hurt every single time.

“Yes, I do.” Brandon laughed and waved to Presley. Then he walked back into the guard house and the gate swung open.

Easton drove through, saluting his friend. They drove along the thickly wooded lane and pulled past the massive log cabin that was his parents’ home. Cassie hoped they’d get to see Mama Millie soon. She loved that lady.

They passed the massive barn and some corrals and slowly maneuvered a narrow lane shaded by trees. A minute later, they pulled up to a two-story, newer log cabin with huge windows and a wide front porch with massive beams. Cassie studied the house, falling instantly in love. Their house in Syracuse was a split-level in a decent neighborhood. She had felt comfortable there, until Baxter had attacked, but it had never appealed to her like this cabin did.

Easton pushed a button and the garage door lifted. He drove the truck in, shut it off, and hopped out, grabbing his hat. “Stay there,” he said to her.

Why? Was he having to check his house or something?

Easton plunked his hat on, opened the back door, and lifted Presley into his arms. He strutted around the front of the truck, and Cassie admired the easy and comfortable way he held Presley, the beauty of his face and shape. How would she stay strong if she was around him until Baxter was caught? Baxter hadn’t been caught in Syracuse. What could Clint do differently than the officers there?

Pulling open her door, Easton offered his hand. Cassie placed her hand in it, her stomach giving a happy leap as his blue eyes lit up and an irresistible grin curved his lips.

He helped her down from the truck and kept his hand in hers as he escorted her and carried Presley into the house. Cassie had the sensation that they were a family, coming home to the house her husband had built just for her, happy and together forever. How many nights had she dreamed about this with Easton? The nightmare of her marriage was a stark contrast to the warmth and safety she felt now.

She shook that off and focused as Easton led them through a laundry room with an attached half bath. She liked all the woodwork and granite. It was clean and organized, which surprised her. Easton had always been a whirlwind, not really a man she’d expect to keep his house clean.

They shed their coats and boots in the laundry room and then walked into the kitchen and dining area that was also open to the large living room. It was gorgeous. Large windows showcased the forest and mountains around them, and everything was obviously high quality. She loved the deep alternating grains of wood on the cabinets and flooring and framing the windows. The gray swirled granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and leather couches were all very nice.

There was a fresh pine tree in the corner wound with lights and a few red and silver ornaments on it. It was endearing, but she’d love to redecorate it. There was some garland on the banister and a spray on the fireplace mantle but no stockings. What would it look like with stockings for Easton, Cassie, and Presley hung from the mantle? With Cassie’s love of decorating, this home could be a Christmas haven.

“Welcome to mi casa ,” Easton said. “Would you like the official tour?”

“Yes, sir,” Presley called out.

Cassie nodded, feeling a little unsteady. What had she agreed to, being alone with him in his beautiful home? She’d been dangling from a cliff by her fingernails with Presley hanging onto her and slipping every moment, horrified at finding her mother dead, knowing Baxter was close and coming for her. When Sheriff Clint told her he had the perfect solution that would keep them safe until he caught Baxter, and then Easton had appeared as that perfect solution, she’d been swept away. She’d fully trusted that Easton was taking this seriously and would keep them safe. Now she was doubting her good sense.

“Main floor is pretty self-explanatory. Laundry.” He pointed behind them. “Kitchen, dining, and living room. You’re welcome to anything you’d like in the kitchen. Mama will no doubt bring over more food, but I have plenty of options as well. The leftover steak fajitas from last night are delicious if that sounds good for dinner. Made them myself, of course.”

He escorted them through the main floor. Cassie’s gaze darted around. “When did you become all domesticated?” she asked.

“What does that mean?” he asked with a laugh in his voice.

“You have leftover steak fajitas that you made?” Her doubts were obvious on her face. “You clean? You’re not a disorganized mess? A Christmas tree?”

“You know I can handle you not glazing me, but Mama would be righteously indignant. You think Millie Coleville raised any boy who doesn’t know how to cook and scrub a toilet?”

Cassie smiled. “You got me there.”

“And maybe I was hoping you’d visit.” He gestured to the tree and winked.

She drew in a breath and looked away.

They reached the stairs, and he gestured for her to ascend in front of him.

“So Mama didn’t come over and scrub your toilet and drop off those steak fajitas?”

“Now I’m offended.” He was teasing; she knew she couldn’t offend him. Except in regard to the elephant in the room. Him cheating on her and believing she’d cheated on him. “Mama doesn’t spoil her boys, except with love.”

Cassie knew that was also true.

“Who is your mama?” Presley asked, breaking an uncharacteristic silence.

“Mama Millie.”

They paused on the loft, looking down at the living room and the large windows and winter wonderland that was outside. Cassie felt safe and cocooned by Easton’s house and by him.

“I’ll make sure you meet her soon,” Easton promised. “She’ll adore you.”

Presley smiled. “I know.”

They both laughed and exchanged a look that said, ‘Isn’t she the cutest thing on earth?’ Cassie’s breath caught in her chest. She’d longed to have someone to share Presley with like that. Someone who was gone over her little girl just like she was. Could Easton really be that guy? Could they turn back time, resurrect true love, and make those old dreams a reality?

She didn’t dare place her hopes, and Presley’s future, on the ultimate player.

“What’s up here?” she asked brightly, looking around. Her heart stuttered as she thought about this loft. It was something they’d teased about when they were dating. Easton claimed he’d build her a house with huge windows and a loft.

“The master bedroom.” Easton gestured her through the room on the right. It was spacious and beautiful and somehow still manly. It fit him, but she kept imagining she could fit in here too. Fire raced through her and she pushed those thoughts away.

He showed them the master bathroom and attached closet. She loved the huge jetted tub and the tiled walk-in shower.

The closet was massive; Easton’s western wear and boots didn’t come close to filling it. It all smelled like his unique mint, citrus, and pine scent. That smell made her stomach hop happily.

“There’s a lot of space in here,” she commented, trying not to mean anything by it.

“Space that needs to be filled.” He gave her a meaningful look.

“You’d better get shopping then,” she said, then turned away and walked back out, her cheeks burning. He’d seen right through her comment. Despite her misgivings, she wanted to fill that space.

They walked back through the master and out onto the loft again. Easton pointed at the room on the right. “My office.” Then he pushed open the middle door. “The bathroom.” He carried Presley into the room on the left. “And your room, Princess Presley.”

Presley scrambled out of his arms and ran into the bedroom. It was done up with log furniture and a massive log bed. The bedspread was blue gingham and so were the window treatments.

“It’s not a princess room,” Presley said. “But I like it.”

“That’s great.” Easton smiled. “You can enter the bathroom through that door so you don’t have to run onto the loft in your underwear at night.”

“We don’t sleep in our underwears,” Presley said, giving him a disgusted look.

“I do.” Easton grinned at Presley, then turned the power of that grin on Cassie.

“Oh, my,” she managed, putting a hand to her racing heart. She was in deep water here; she didn’t need to be thinking of him in that gorgeous master suite in his underwear.

Please help me, she prayed. I need to stay strong around him and not have these thoughts.

The doorbell rang like her prayers had been answered.

Easton’s brow furrowed. “I wasn’t expecting anyone. Please stay here.” He exited the room, closing the door behind him.

Presley looked up at her, apprehension in her eyes. Thankfully, Presley hadn’t seen her mom’s body, but she couldn’t help but pick up on Cassie’s fear and Clint’s seriousness at the sheriff’s office. “Mama?”

“It’s all right, love. C’mere.” She picked her daughter up and cuddled her close. It was probably just Clint bringing their things, but she doubted he could’ve gone and picked them up and made it here that quick. They’d only been here a short time.

She heard voices in the entryway. Easing closer to the door, she tried to listen but couldn’t distinguish much more than a male and female voice. Had one of Easton’s many girlfriends came to visit? Her gut churned uncomfortably. This was not going to work if he was going to have other women showing up.

Footsteps sounded on the stairs then there was a soft rap on the door. “Cassie?”

She tugged it open.

Easton grinned. “Mama and Papa came by. With dinner.”

“I knew you didn’t cook.” Relief was tangible. It had been Mama Millie. Not some girlfriend.

“That hurts. I do cook,” he protested. “But nobody whips up a meal as good as Mama.”

“I can agree with that one. I still dream about her banana cream pie.”

He winked and took Presley from her arms and escorted her to the steps. She went down first, finding herself choking up when his parents both turned from the kitchen and beamed at her. Jared looked properly protective of her, as only a father could, and Mama was as angelic as ever.

“Ah, sweet Cassie.” Mama Millie rushed across the wood and carpeted flooring. “I’m so sorry about your mama.”

Cassie hugged the older lady, savoring her kindness, softness, and caring. She didn’t tell her that her mother had never been a ‘mama’ to her. Though she felt sad that her mother was gone, had probably suffered because of Baxter, and there wasn’t hope of a better relationship, it wasn’t devastating as they hadn’t been close since Cassie was a child.

Millie pulled back and Jared was there.

“How are you holding up?” he asked, giving her a gentle side hug.

“Okay.” It was a lie. She was a mess. She didn’t have stability, safety, or love. Easton was here offering all those things. She wanted them, and him, but she didn’t dare let down her guard.

“And here’s the little princess,” Millie said, turning to Easton and Presley. “Aren’t you just an angel, beautiful girl?”

“I am,” Presley nodded. “Is this Mama?” she asked Easton.

“Yes, love,” Mama smiled. “I am.”

“You’re a very nice mama.”

“She is,” Easton and Jared said together.

“Ah, thank you, my dears. I’m happy to meet you, beautiful Presley.”

“Thank you.”

“Now, Cassie.” Mama turned to her. “You are welcome to stay at the main house. My boys fret too much about that awful night. I’m doing just fine.”

Cassie glanced at Jared, and she could see what Clint had said. Mama might be fine, but watching his beloved wife be hurt like that, and thinking they’d lost their son, had done a number on Jared. Cassie longed for a devoted relationship like these two had, years of loving, trusting, and sharing everything. Would she and Easton ever get there? She sadly doubted it. No matter how fabulous he was right now, she didn’t know how to trust him not to cheat again. It wasn’t just her heart wrapped up in him now. Her innocent daughter would be wounded.

“We’ll be comfortable here, Mama,” she said. “But thank you very much for asking. I’ll be busy preparing for the weddings and will have to do it mostly on video chats now, but Easton is fabulous with Presley.”

“I can see that,” Mama said, her eyes soft on her son and Cassie’s daughter. “Now don’t you fret about the weddings; everything is arranged, and you’ve done a beautiful job. We can all take it from here.”

“No.” Cassie shook her head. “I’ve never not seen a job through, and especially not one as important as this one. I’ll keep taking care of everything, but I appreciate you.”

Mama looked at Easton. “What does Clint say about that?”

“He’s confident he’ll catch the perp soon, but if not, we’ll have plenty of security with Aiden Porter coming and bringing some of his people and all of us being there. We can ask Aiden for more help if we need.”

“Okay.” Mama drew in a steadying breath. “Well, I’ve brought dinner over with banana cream pie. I had the crusts all ready for chocolate cream but Easton told me banana is your favorite.”

Cassie could not swallow past the lump in her throat. “Thank you.”

“Of course. You all enjoy and we’ll hopefully see you soon.”

“Thank you, Mama. You’re the best,” Easton said, kissing his mother on the cheek .

Cassie’s heart seemed to expand. How could he be everything she’d ever wanted but she wasn’t certain how to trust him?

His parents said their goodbyes and left. They sat down and ate the delicious dinner of roast beef, potatoes, squash, and Brussels sprouts. There were homemade rolls with raspberry jam, and the banana cream pie for dessert.

Easton drew out Cassie about wedding details while they ate and Presley contributed, sharing any tidbit she’d picked up while listening to Cassie’s wedding preparations. After dinner, they ate the pie. Cassie savored every bite. It was thoughtful of Mama and Easton and reminded her of all those happy and innocent days she and Easton used to have.

They settled down on his leather couch and watched The Little Mermaid . Easton claimed it was the only Disney movie he could find. She hid her smile. They’d watched it on their first date. He’d hoped singing the song “Kiss the girl” would get him a kiss, but she’d stayed strong. It wasn’t until four dates later when he had sung, “‘Are you going to kiss me or not?’” that he had won her over.

Presley cuddled into Easton the entire movie. It was incredible to watch them together, and Cassie wished she could cuddle in and be encircled by Easton’s arms.

Presley fell asleep at the end of the movie. Easton grinned as he easily lifted her and stood. “I’d better carry her up to bed.”

“Thank you.”

Cassie walked with them, hurrying in front of Easton to turn down the bed and tuck Presley in. She could sleep in her comfortable outfit. Clint hadn’t come with their things. What would Cassie sleep in?

Easton straightened away from the bed, staring down at her daughter. “She’s incredible,” he murmured.

Of course Cassie agreed. “Thank you.” She walked to the door. Easton was incredible too, but she couldn’t let down her guard fully. He was also still a playboy, and she was a single mom who had to keep herself and her daughter safe.

Easton strutted to the door; the man didn’t know how to simply walk. He looked incredibly appealing in a simple T-shirt and jeans. He still had the gun strapped on his hip, which was reassuring.

Cassie backed into the doorframe and leaned against it for support. Easton came up close, brushing her cheek softly with his hand. She was helpless to move or say anything as he bent down and his warm breath touched her lips. A slight movement and their lips would meet. Cassie had never wanted anything so badly as she longed for his kiss. She’d never forgotten his kisses; no other man’s had ever compared.

“Did you hold that thought for me, love?” he asked, his minty breath washing over her.

“I did,” she admitted, wondering what she was doing or thinking.

“Are you ready to share it with me?” Easton’s lips turned up in a cocky smirk.

Cassie was faint. Almost as weak as when she saw blood.

Yes, she wanted to share her thoughts, her lips, her life with him, but at what cost? What would she do when he cheated on her? Could they talk through the pain of the past and could she trust him if he looked at her with those blue eyes and promised never to cheat on her again?

Easton waited patiently, which was impressive in and of itself. She ran her fingers over the scars on his forehead .

“Do the scars … bother you?” he asked.

She’d never seen him so vulnerable. “Not at all. They make you even more handsome. Dangerously so.”

He grinned, captured her hand, and tilted his head. “Let’s go downstairs. I’m not sure you want to share all your ‘thoughts’ with Presley a few feet away.”

Cassie hadn’t even thought of her daughter sleeping right there as she longed to kiss Easton. “Okay,” she managed.

He escorted her out of the room. The look in his blue eyes made her knees weak.

There was a loud rap on the door.

Easton growled low in his throat. “My family has rotten timing.”

“Are you sure it’s your family?”

He nodded. “Clint with your clothes and toiletries, I’m betting.” He squeezed her hand and released it. “I’ll be right back.”

Cassie eased back toward the bedroom. The interruption was fortuitous. How could she stay strong around Easton? Did she even want to any longer?

She had to. It wasn’t just her that would be broken if he cheated on her again. Presley’s heart was at stake too.

Sadly, Presley’s heart was already entangled, captured by the enticing cowboy Easton Coleville’s blue eyes and pretty words.

Cassie was certain hers was as well.