Chapter 6

6

"Ransom really doesn't want to leave everyone," Dillon said over the phone as Cut walked Coy and Kenzie to the elevator. "This isn't a credible threat, I'm sure of it. It's all part of whatever is going on around us. It's to break up the family and separate us. We're stronger in numbers, and this is to weaken the front."

"I agree, and I appreciate that he offered to leave agents," Coy shared, "But I don't think it'll help at this point. It's just putting more people at risk. We can call for help and have them here in no time if needed. We may need to let our guard down a little to get the monsters to show their damn faces."

"I hate to say it because it feels like we're inviting danger, but I agree," Kenzie said. "The agents are holding off the inevitable. We need to be proactive now, and as long as we're ready for them, we can handle whatever comes our way."

"I just hope it's the right decision. Part of me wants to keep everyone on the ranch, but…"

"We're going to be just as safe, if not safer, back in D.C.," Dillon reminded.

"I'll be here with Nora until they pull her out of her coma and she gets back on her feet." Cut said, "So you're a man down, but as soon as we're home…"

"Don't rush it, brother," Coy said. "Just know that there are people here watching over you two and the baby, even if you don't see them. Rip has it all arranged, and we'll have eyes on you at all times. Your family is safe here, and of course, we have the kids taken care of at the ranch."

"What if…" Dillon cut in over the phone, "What if we took the kids with us? Sure, they're safe at the ranch for now, but this is becoming more and more dangerous as time goes by."

"To D.C.?" Cut asked, "You want to take my kids to the White House?"

"Yes. That's where the President lives and works." Dillon teased.

"I-I don't know, Dill. They'd be awfully far away, and Nora––"

"Has a brand-new baby, as well as injuries and trauma to work through." Dillon fired back, seeming to play devil's advocate. "Can you imagine if the kids were with her yesterday?"

"You'll be with them…" Cut began hesitantly, "At all times? They'll never leave your sight?"

"Not even for a second. I'll even camp in their room at night. I already put in for leave at work. I'll be their personal bodyguard at all times."

"Shit, D.C. is just so far. We've never been away from them like that." Cut admitted.

"The further from this shit, the better, big brother." Dillon said, "Let me do this for you. Let me help protect your family so nothing like this can happen to them again. In fact, as soon as Nora is ready to be released, we'll send a plane with a full security detail to get the two of you. You come to D.C. too. No one will have access to any of you."

"With a newborn in tow?"

"If it makes you feel better, we'll make sure the President's doctor is on board for the flight. Whatever it takes." Dillon wasn't reasoning anymore and broke it down for Cut in a way he wouldn't be able to say no, "Do you want her recovering on the ranch –– on edge and in fear –– or relaxing in a fortress with all the help she could possibly want or need and a chef at her disposal?"

"Being with the kids and recovering peacefully would be nice." Cut reasoned. "They need to bond with their new baby sister anyway. It's a girl, by the way."

The group cheered at the unexpected news of the new addition to the family, being a little girl.

"It's a good idea, Cut," Coy said. "They'll all be safe, and you won't have to worry about what's hitting us next."

Cut nodded, "Seems like when it rains, it really pours lately. I know you guys are used to this, and if not for Nora and the kids… I'd be right there by your side, fighting for our family and protecting the ranch."

"It's our turn to take care of you, big brother," Coy said. "Let us protect the ranch. You protect your family by getting on that plane."

Cut nodded in agreement.

"He's in, Dill," Coy said.

"I'll make all the arrangements. Coy, when Cut and Nora get to D.C., they'll be plenty protected. I'll head back to help you."

"Hopefully, this is all over by then." Coy shared.

"Sounds like a plan, guys. I don't know how to thank you…" Cut began.

"We're family. It's what we do for each other," Dillon said over the speakerphone. "You stepped up when Pop passed, and we owe you this. Let us do it."

"Okay. I, uh, better get back to Nora and check on the baby."

"We're headed your way, Dillon. Just going to say goodbye." Coy said and hung up the phone.

"You good, Cut?" Coy asked as he put his phone away and hit the button to call the elevator to their floor.

"Before you leave, Coy…" Cut said with a nervous tone, "I want to ask you something. We, uh, both wanted to ask you, but the baby came before we could…"

"You want to name her Coy, after me?" he snickered.

"Close. Baylor." Cut shared.

Coy shrugged, "After grandad… I'm fine with it. Not exactly making baby name lists."

"Well," Cut continued, "We were thinking, Baylor Emery."

Coy stilled. His face was expressionless as his gaze shifted around the room, as if he was unwilling to make eye contact. "Oh."

"Thought it would be a good way to honor her… and you. But if it's…"

"No." Coy cut him off as the elevator doors opened, "It's a beautiful name, and I'm sure Em would be honored. She loved you all so much. I'm…"

"Are you sure?" Cut asked. "Don't say yes just to…"

"No. I'm sure. I mean it. Thank you for asking and for… remembering her."

Coy embraced his brother tightly, then swiftly made his way to the elevator before his emotions overwhelmed him. He was deeply moved, and the usual pang of sorrow that accompanied thoughts of his late wife felt different this time—warm, even joyful. It felt like a special tribute to her memory, one he could never orchestrate himself if he were to move on with someone else and have children. Such a gesture would be unfair and inappropriate to any new love in his life, as it would force them to live in the shadow of a ghost.

The notion of new love hadn't crossed his mind until now. Was it possible? As Kenzie left Cut's embrace and joined Coy in the elevator, his gaze lingered on her. Did she hold the key to transforming the ache in his chest into something entirely different? Could she be... new love? Sure, he loved her in their own special way, but what he was trying to wrap his mind around was… could this be a new forever?