Chapter 16

Chapter

Sixteen

Easton was teasing with Presley, Walker, and Marci as Walker tried to steal ‘his girl’ from him. The day couldn’t have gone better. Cassie was a wonder. He’d been blown away by the picture-perfect event and her professionalism, attention to detail, and rapport with the decorators and caterers. Would she really want to settle down in Coleville and miss out on what she was born to do? Was he enough of a draw to keep her here now when he hadn’t been ten years ago?

He puffed out his chest. He wouldn’t lose her. Not again. They’d make it work, together. They could expand her business with bragging rights from this wedding alone and travel to events together. He’d relocate to a city if that was what she needed. To have Cassie and Presley in his heart and arms, he’d do anything.

Arms slid around his waist from behind. He smiled and relief filled him. The busy day was over, she’d nailed it, and she’d come straight for him. He pulled her around and into his side, even as he realized the shape was wrong and the smell was wrong.

Stiffening, he looked down at— “Trudy?”

“Hiya, handsome. I’ve been hoping to get in your arms all night.”

Easton disentangled himself from her and stepped away. “Forgive me. I thought you were Cassie.”

“Cassie?” She pouted and looked to Walker, Marci, and Presley.

The little girl was glowering with considerable force. She was far too cute and sassy. Presley was meant to be his daughter. “You was mean to my mama at church. Don’t you touch my Easton again.” Presley held up a little fist.

Easton couldn’t cover his grin.

“Whatever.” Trudy rolled her eyes and flounced away.

“Thank you for protecting me this time, my princess.”

“Of course, my Easton.” She gave him an impish smile.

“Nice work, Presley,” Marci told her. “That woman is el diablo .”

Easton laughed and nodded in agreement. He searched the crowded living area for Cassie. The party was over but few seemed in a hurry to leave. He was bursting with pride at her accomplishment and wanted to tell her that. He also wanted to hold her and reassure himself that she was safe and remind her why she’d never leave her perfect cowboy.

There she was, glowing and beautiful in the flattering silver wrap dress. He searched her gaze. Had she seen Trudy try to hug him? Was she all right?

She gave him a radiant smile and made a heart shape with her hands. Relief flowed through him. She loved him and trusted him. He started toward her.

She held up a finger.

He mouthed, “Only one”.

She grinned and then spun, hurrying for the garage. She’d darted in and out of the garage where the caterers had set up many times tonight. She would finish up some things and then they’d be together.

He turned back to Walker, Marci, and Presley.

Marci was telling Presley about her beach and her Abuelita. Presley’s eyes were wide. She turned to Easton when Marci finished and asked, “Can we go to Marci’s beach and meet Abulla?”

They all laughed. Easton nodded, loving that he felt like he could promise her that. “I’ll talk to your mama, but I definitely think we can plan a trip.”

“Yay!” Presley clapped happily.

He glanced to the kitchen and the mud room that led to the garage. No Cassie. A stirring of unease filled him. It had been longer than a minute. What if Cassie went outside instead of talking to the caterers? He remembered her telling him years ago that after a successful event she liked to get outside, away from the crowds, give thanks to her Savior, and have a moment to savor the event.

That was all great. Unless Baxter knew that she predictably walked outside, and she was in danger.

“I need to find Cassie,” he said to his brother and sister-in-law. “Can you …?”

“Of course. We’ve got Presley as long as you need,” Marci said. “Go kiss on your girl and tell her what a fabulous job she did today.”

Walker nodded seriously. His twin knew that Baxter could be out there somewhere. Walker wouldn’t let Presley out of his sight.

“Thanks. I’ll be back soon, Princess.”

“Otay.” She sighed heavily and leaned into Walker’s shoulder. Their girl was getting tired. He needed to find Cassie so the three of them could go home.

Home. With his girls. No bull conquered or cheering crowd sounded more appealing than that.

Easton hurried through the crowded living area, saying hello to friends and family but not stopping. He rushed out into the garage, glancing around. No Cassie. Several of the caterers looked at him and smiled greetings.

“Have any of you seen Cassie?” he asked. “The wedding coordinator?”

A middle-aged lady in a white coat and hat nodded to him. “She went outside to get a breath of fresh air.”

Easton’s gut clenched. Cassie wouldn’t put herself in danger, but she was exposed if she was outside by herself. Just like he’d feared. He rushed through the garage. “How long ago?” he asked the lady.

“A couple minutes.” She shrugged as if she wasn’t sure.

Cassie hadn’t had her coat on. Right? It was freezing outside. What if …

He rushed out the side garage door and searched around. Nothing. He listened. There was the sound of some people exiting the party up front. He looked for tracks. Many leading up front, a few leading to the trees, and some went around to the back of the house.

He hurried that way. The lights from the house permeated the backyard. His gaze searched everywhere.

There!

In the snow lay a body dressed all in black. No, no, no. He rushed up to the body and saw one of Aiden’s security guards, a bullet wound behind his ear, blood seeping out.

Easton felt sick. He couldn’t stop. He had to find Cassie.

He yanked the man’s radio off his belt, held down the button and said urgently into it, “Guard down. Cassie Johnston is missing. Start searching immediately.”

Then he dropped the radio, yanked his gun out of his suit pocket, and prayed desperately for some direction.

He retraced his steps. If Baxter had killed the guard, then he would’ve waited for Cassie to come out the side door. He looked desperately around. There were all the tracks leading up front, and the few leading to the woods. If Baxter was able to shove Cassie into a vehicle, he’d be long gone. But there were people coming in and out and two guards stationed out front. Somebody would’ve seen them and sounded the alarm. He could have shot the security guard from the cover of the woods and then carried Cassie off.

Easton prayed and felt it. He had to try the woods.

Quietly, he ran along the tracks, praying he could find her. His heart raced out of control. How had this happened? What if Baxter had already killed her? The man had no qualms about killing.

Please help , he begged heaven above.

Then he proceeded forward, listened intently, and kept praying.

He’d lost Cassie for six years and it about destroyed him. He didn’t know how he or Presley would survive if she was permanently gone.