Chapter 84

There was a lot of paperwork and waiting while getting approval. Leaving Allyson for a short time, he made a quick run to the mall’s pet store and grabbed dishes, leashes, collars, and two Christmas stockings full of treats hanging at the check-out lane. Plus he picked up a small bag of food—he would get more tomorrow, but he wanted to make sure he had enough for the night.

Then he wondered how he was going to keep two dogs hidden until Christmas.

Allyson grinned when he returned. “They said we can take them.”

“Great! He pulled two collars and leashes from his bag of purchases.

“Overalls Guy” let Lance hook the leashes to their old collars. Lance’s heart was full as he looked at the two newest members of his family. Because that’s what was happening. He was building a family with Wade. Allyson had been right. In his heart, he knew this was the perfect present for Wade. 20

Wade

Something was going on with Lance. He kept sneaking out to “talk to Charlie,” which Wade bought the first time, but by the fifth visit on Christmas Eve, he was starting to get suspicious

As he brushed Stardust in her stall, his worries poured out. She had always helped him talk things through. “What do you think it is? I’m worried Lance is trying to talk Charlie into letting him help with more patrol shifts while he’s home over the holidays.”

Lance and Ash were closing the office for almost two weeks and Wade had been thrilled at the thought of spending more time together. But the idea of Lance putting himself in danger was gnawing at him. Ranch life was still new to him and the added conflict between Dwyer Ranch and Milton Randle was a lot to handle. He knew Lance wanted to help protect his new family, but Wade worried his husband was taking on more than he should.

“How can I get him to stay away from the night patrols without hurting his ego?”

Stardust whinnied and stomped her hoof.

Wade chuckled. “Oh, I’m being dramatic, am I?”

She nodded her head several times.

He laughed. “Fine. I’ll stop worrying—at least until I find out what is actually going on, right? Worrying over what could be is a waste of time.”

She stomped again and nuzzled his hand. He stroked the fur between her eyes—she’d always loved that—and whispered soothing words. Stardust had helped him, so now it was time for him to repay the favor.

She’d been acting a little skittish all day and he wasn’t sure why. There was definitely a band of snow coming in soon and Stardust had never been one for winter weather, so that was one possibility.

When he’d been riding her earlier, rounding up a few cattle that had wandered too far, she’d fought against the reins, trying to direct him back toward the barn.

“It’s okay, girl.” He slid his hand along her flank behind the brush, soothing her. “Tomorrow’s Christmas. Lots of changes this year.” He chuckled. That was an understatement.

“Wade? You in here?” Charlie’s voice rang through the barn.

“Back here. With Stardust.”

Charlie’s boots clicked along the floor as he made his way past the other stalls. “Hey.” He braced his forearms on the rail.

Wade tilted his head toward Stardust. “She’s a little spooked.”

Charlie rubbed his hand across his face. The man looked exhausted. Everyone was exhausted—it had been a long December. “Storm coming in.”

“Looks like it’s gonna be a white Christmas.”

“And if it’s as bad as they’re saying, it’s still going to be around when January arrives.”

“You feeling okay?”

“Can’t sleep. Three nights now. Got this feeling in my gut…can’t explain it. Kind of a…warning…for want of a better word.”

Wade straightened up. “Milton?”

He shrugged. “I don’t know. Probably. I just can’t shake it. I saw him in town the other day and the look he gave me…it just set off alarms in my head. That man is evil.” His mouth curved into a small smile. “I’m just feeling a little off. Nothing a good night’s sleep won’t cure.”

Wade nodded, but he wasn’t so sure. He’d learned to trust Charlie’s gut over the years—the man was usually pretty spot on. If he thought something was going to happen, then something wasgoing to happen. And Milton Randle had proved he was willing to do anything to get his way, no matter who it hurt. So if Charlie was worried, they needed to keep up their guard.

“You still joining us tonight? Lorna’s got her homemade egg nog ready to go.” The Dwyer’s had an old Christmas Eve tradition of sitting around the fire with cocoa or egg nog and opening one present. Their father had put a stop to it years ago when they were young, but Casey had declared they were starting it up again this year, saying he wanted to have traditions for his child.