Chapter 89

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Wade

Dogs. Twodogs. Wade couldn’t get over the fact that Lance had brought them into his life. So many years he’d wanted to get a dog. But bringing a pet into a home filled with hate wasn’t something he could do.

But life was different now. Their home was a place where love could grow and thrive. A place of solidarity, where family could work together to make a better life. Even in the midst of a tragedy, they pulled together. Even as they gathered in the great room on Christmas, their hearts still heavy with the events of the night before, Wade found strength in his family. They would face this together. This was a house full of love.

He watched as Allyson curled up on the love seat next to Casey as he whispered something only she could hear. She smiled and trailed her fingers down his cheek. Wade turned away, feeling a little intrusive.

Lance entered the room, carrying a couple of root beers, with two dogs close on his heels. Wade chuckled. Those dogs already adored Lance—and seeing as he just came from the kitchen, Wade imagined they’d been begging for treats. What dog wouldn’t when the whole house smelled of apples and cinnamon?

When Lance offered him the soda and sat close to him, Wade sighed. Oh, they could definitely face anything together. Any worries he’d had about what was happening between them were gone. Poof. Just disappeared. Last night changed it all for him.

Sammy settled by Wade, laying his head on Wade’s feet, while Jack curled up next to Lance.

He caught Casey’s eye and they shared a moment—something neither thought would ever happen. Love. Love changed everything.

When the rest of the family finally trekked in—along with Charlie, Scooter, and a couple of the ranch hands, Casey rose and stood in front of the fireplace.

“So, I know we’re all riding a wave of emotions today. I’d like to first let you all know how proud I am of each and every one of you. Without everyone working together, last night could have been far worse. The horses survived and they’re safe at Marsh Ranch. The barn can be repaired. Nobody was hurt.” Casey held up his glass of egg nog. “Dwyer Ranch will get through this.”

Those with drinks also held them up. “To Dwyer Ranch!”

“But Casey, what are we going to do about Milton?”

Casey turned to Landon. “We’re going to let the lawhandle him.”

“But he just keeps getting away with it,” Jake insisted. “He says he owns the law in Ruby.”

Casey shook his head. “That’s not true. Maybe in the past things were handled dishonestly, but Sheriff Hunter is a good man. He does things by the book.”

“What can the sheriff do? He hasn’t stopped a crazy man from declaring war on us,” Landon huffed, folding his arms over his chest.

Casey narrowed his eyes at his youngest brother. “First of all, you know Milton is a demented freak and that has nothing to do with the sheriff. And the man has to follow the law. He can’t just lock up Milton if he can’t prove anything. Secondly, as hard as it is to accept, this mess was started by our father. Heput us in this position. Nobody else.”

Wade nodded vigorously. “Exactly. Sheriff Hunter is a good man. It’s not his fault Milton ‘declared war on us,’ as you said. Although, your description isn’t far from the truth.”

Landon blew out a breath. “Guess I’ve been trying to blame someone…someone other than Dad. But yeah, he set it all in motion, didn’t he?”

Casey pressed his lips into a fine line. “Yes, he did.”

Silence blanketed the room. It was so hard to believe there were men as full of hate as their father and Milton.

Casey cleared his throat. “Well, Sheriff Hunter was here last night after most of you had gone to bed.”

Wade raised an eyebrow. “I thought he was out of town.”

“He was, but he came back when his office filled him in on what was going on. He asked me for all the video from the security cameras, which I gave him, and he said he’d let us know if he discovered anything. He also planned on speaking with Milton today.” Casey eyed Landon. “So he’s on the case, okay? He’s dedicated to putting an end to this.”

“On Christmas? Yeah, that’s dedication.”

Wade agreed with Charlie. They were lucky to have the lawman in their corner.

“Well, he called about half an hour ago and he’s on his way over right now,” Casey continued, but held up his hands when the questions started. “I don’t know anything, guys. Seriously. Nothing.” He made his way back to the love seat and settled in next to Allyson.