Page 16 of Blue Norther
Violet’s eyes went wide. “Go where? Do we need to speak to another deputy?”
“No. We’re going home. You’re moving back home.”
“Colt.” She rubbed her temples, not moving to get to her feet. “I’m not moving in with you. I just told you I’m planning on getting a home security system put in. I just…I wanted to know how far away a deputy would normally be. Just in case.”
“In case what, Vi? In case a fucking predator followed you here and breaks into the cabin? In case they escalate things further than creepy fucking messages and taunts? What if they hurt you? Hurt the baby?”
She held out her hand. “I’d like my papers back, please.”
I’d messed up. Pushed too hard.
“Look, I’m sorry for being so…gruff. But I’d really like you to reconsider. If you move back in, you’re on the ranch with my brothers, Jessie, and my parents. You’d have people around you. I’m almost your closest neighbor at your parents’ place. That’s too isolated.”
I handed the folder back to her.
“I appreciate the advice, and the offer. I’m going to head back to Silver Springs and ask to speak with someone about home security. I’ll try not to bother you with this again.”
“Vi, no. This isn’t a bother. Seeing you here still feels like a goddamn dream. But I’m wrapping my mind around it, okay? I’ll get there. And no matter what, I want you to be safe.”
“There’s no reason to think anyone knows I’m here. The security system will be enough.”
She stood, my hand grasping her elbow as she did. I didn’t want to let her go. I couldn’t.
“You should still come to the ranch one day. I know my family would love to see you. They’d love to celebrate the baby, too.”
Her chin quivered, but only for a second. “I’d love that. I figured I might stop into the diner and see your mom. I’ll ask about stopping in when I do.”
Violet
Icried on the way back to Silver Springs. This pregnancy had turned me into a weeping willow, and I honestly didn’t mind anymore. It felt good to let it out.
I passed the diner where I knew I’d find Colt’s mom, but chickened out. The call of Dolly’s key lime pie almost won out, but first, I really did need to get my security situation figured out.
“Hi there.” A beautiful brunette woman stood from behind the receptionist desk of Montgomery Defense. “I’m Mae. How can I help you today?”
“Hi, Mae. I’m Violet. I just moved back to Silver Springs. Still not sure if it’s a permanent thing, or just a ‘for now’ type of thing.” My hand landed protectively over my belly, which I swear was bouncing from the baby’s latest round of hiccups. “In any case, I’ll be here until after this little guy comes, and I’d really love to have a home security system installed. I heard you offered that service here.”
“Awesome. There are two guys here today, but I’ll buzz back to my fiancé.” I must have given her a strange look, because she smiled and laughed. “The other guy is nice enough, but can bea little rough around the edges. You can take a seat if you want, I’m sure it will only be a minute or two.”
I nodded, but instead of sitting down which I’d done enough of in Colt’s office, I walked a little deeper into the building. It very clearly wasn’t just a home security business. There was a fully stocked gym with a boxing ring just beyond Mae’s desk.Interesting.
“God, I just finished talking to Beau. Apparently Beckett is being a terror. I’m so thankful Hawk and I had the night away—” I recognized the frazzled voice the second she started talking.
Jessie Ford. Colt’s youngest sibling, and his only sister. We stayed in touch sporadically over the years. Enough for me to send a gift when she had her baby boy two years ago. But I hadn’t reached out about my own pregnancy…Had Colt told her?
“What are you doing here?! Oh my God, Violet! You’re pregnant!!” Her eyes sparkled with tears as she made her way over towards me.
“I am. Can you believe it?” I let out a watery laugh, my emotions mirroring hers instantly as we hugged. “It feels so surreal.”
“It feels surreal that you’re here. I mean…When did you get in? How long are you staying? Oh my gosh, are you going to raise the baby here?Does my brother know? Shit…I need you to spill everything!”
I looked over at Mae, who was doing a very good job of studying her computer screen as if Jessie wasn’t talking so loud that everyone in the building could hear her.
“Oh, God. I’m such a bad friend. Vi, did you meet Mae? I mean, of course you met her when you walked in, I just mean…” Jessie tugged on my hand and we walked back over to Mae’s desk. “Mae, this is my sister-in-law, Violet. She’s Colt’s wife.”
“Ex-wife,” I say at the same time.
“God, right. It’s only been a freaking decade. You’d think I’d be used to saying it that way. Hisex-wife.”
