Chapter Fourteen

Cale trudged along with Lily, walking through the pasture, crunching through long grass nearly done for the season, checking fences and cattle as they went. He lagged just behind her, giving him a nice view of a shapely rear while allowing him to cover her if any danger popped up. He kept a vigil while she fussed over that bull, just in case the beast got his dander up. Like before, he behaved like a big lap dog, eager for any treat or affection she lavished on him. Not that he blamed the old bull. He would rub against her too, begging her to run those hands over his body, not stopping until all his itches had been satisfied.

She had set the homemade bread up earlier, declared that it needed time to rise, tossed on that old threadbare coat, and headed out for her chores.

Although Lily had protested mildly at his unwavering intention to accompany her, Cale insisted on tagging along for a couple of reasons. He enjoyed their time together, her quirky sense of humor, and simply sharing the beautiful autumn days with someone who could appreciate the small gifts in life. She banished the darkness for a while with her bright nature, pushing aside all memories of his cruel past and brutal experiences both before and after war. He found the positive energy addictive and couldn’t resist sampling the salvation she offered.

The other reason was that his gut told him Lansing and his gang had to be closing in while he and Dillon holed up with Lily. Once they got a bead on Cooperstown, it wouldn’t take them long to connect the dots to her. Before then, Dillon and Cale had to be gone and a foolproof plan had to be in place to keep Lily safe from those bastards. So far, he kept running into dead ends. The best scenario he found was to stay with her and fight it out. Yet, he dared not expose her to that danger. Once the realization hit of what he actually did and how he did it, Lily would turn from him in disgust and fear. She was too tender-hearted, too soft for that kind of life, even for a brief flicker in time. He couldn’t repay her generosity with a gun battle, putting her in the line of fire, damaging her home—giving her forever memories of the horrors of battle that would seep into dreams more often than not. He could vouch for that disturbing fact himself.

What am I going to do?

“Look.” Lily stopped and pointed to his right.

A small red fox stood at the edge of wooded brush, partially concealed. He seemed content enough to watch them, but Cale knew if they headed in his direction, he would duck through the debris, disappearing in a split second. “There are a lot of foxes here?” He glanced to the wild canine once more before focusing his attention ahead.

She shook her head. “Not many. I only see one now and again.” Stepping forward, she made the turn for home.

He watched her movements, graceful and sure. Despite her continued insistence that she was only average and clumsy, he simply couldn’t see it. Her body may not have compared with a runway model, but those were way too thin, anyway. He enjoyed women with a bit more meat on their flesh. She didn’t have to be an athlete, but one that could keep up with his energy levels. Lily fit that bill. More than that, her inner strength and kindness added another strong draw. He couldn’t remember the last woman he had been with that had half the compassion as this one. Her giving nature scarcely existed in today’s world, making her a precious and rare gemstone, one that he wanted to polish, shine, and cherish.

I’m turning into a damn marshmallow, he scolded himself, pulling away from such thoughts. “You moved here in February, right?”

“Yep.”

“Why hadn’t you gotten a pet before Hope showed up? It’s obvious how much you love animals.” He noticed each evening she held the big cat, talked tenderly to her, and snuggled away. More than once, she tucked Hope under the covers, keeping the cat toasty on the cool nights. The kittens normally wouldn’t sit still long enough to enjoy such pampering, but they never lacked for attention or affection from their owner. No one could love their child more than Lily loved those cats.

She paused to let him move abreast. “When I first moved here, there was so much to do, getting the house and my life in order. Work kept me busy. Spring arrived before I had a chance to breathe. I begged Carson to allow me to plant a garden, just like my mother and I used to do. He agreed, even got Cody to come over and till for me. That kept me hopping with planting and weeding. Then the vegetables needed picking and canning…”

“That would explain the garden and all those jars of canned vegetables in the pantry.”

Lily nodded. “It was something my mother and I did each year. Worked in the garden together and canned. It was…peaceful.”

He saw the emotions appear on her face. A twinge of pain painted her features before she took a deep breath and lifted her chin. “Anyway, I always had intentions of getting a pet. At first a dog, but I didn’t think I was home enough to be fair to him or her. They can only be expected to cross their legs for so long. Then, I considered a cat, but somehow the time never seemed right, or when it did, I didn’t have the extra money to pay the adoption fee.”

“So fate intervened?” He reached down, brushing her fingers with his. She responded by linking their hands.

“You could say that.” A smile brightened her expression where sadness had resided moments before. “She’s a pricey girl, but more than worth it. I’ll have to get her and the girls spayed next month, before Hope comes into heat again. If I don’t have enough saved up for the kittens, they can wait a bit longer until I have the funds.” She rambled on as if she were simply thinking out loud.

He shortened his steps to compensate for her shorter legs. “Aren’t Faith and Charity too young for spaying? I thought they had to be six months or something like that.”

“Oh, that was the old adage. But, from what I understand, vets do the surgery on much younger animals, particularly kittens and puppies up for adoption, ensuring it gets done and no further homeless babies will be born to those animals.”

Cale nodded, scanning the area once more.

“What will you do after your present job? Have any dreams to follow?” Lily picked at a tall clump of grass as she passed.

Dreams? A man like me? Holding in a snort at such an idea, he flipped through a few possible answers. In all honesty, he didn’t expect to live long enough to worry about dreams and retirement. Not many in his profession did. It was equivalent to asking a kindergartener what they wanted to be when they grew up. Some may have been able to give an answer, but very few thought seriously about it beforehand. Getting a job and following a career were so far off to those kids, they had no real idea what they wanted to do. Same way with guys like him. They didn’t delve too deeply into something that existed only with a bit of luck and would be so far in the future, it seemed trivial in the present. Wishes didn’t get one anywhere. Hard work and sacrifice did.

Lily lived an innocent life. She still believed that dreams and miracles existed. He would do everything in his power to keep it that way, shielding her from his own violent nature and men like Lansing who would cut to the chase, doling out as much cruelty as necessary to get information in the fastest means possible.

“That must be quite the list of dreams you have.”

Her soft amused voice drew him back to her original question. “I really don’t have any dreams. Live in the present. That’s how we…I live. As far as leaving my job, I haven’t thought that far ahead.” Cop out. Drowning in her hazel eyes, he answered more truthfully. “Okay. I have considered the option, but haven’t come up with another occupation that I might fit and not be bored to insanity or fired for attitude.”

“Hmmm.” Lily tapped her chin. “Ever considered porn star?”

He never would have expected that suggestion from her. Her lips twitched until she lost the battle and burst out laughing. He followed suit, chuckling and marveling at her ability to turn his morose moods into merriment. Arching an eyebrow at her, he squeezed her hand. “You’ve been picturing me as a porn star?”

A flush appeared across her face as she lowered her head.

His grin widened. Teasing her proved to be a fun, addictive hobby. Those delightful blushes rewarded him each time, making him wonder just how low that crimson tint went over her body. He surged forward. “So, what am I wearing in those porn star dreams?”

Her color deepened. Like a fish, her mouth opened and closed several times without a sound emerging.

He tugged a strand of long blonde hair with his free hand. “I’m just teasing. You’re so easy. Besides, those blushes are quite pretty.”

She gave him a shove. “Neanderthal.”

That didn’t put a dent into his playfulness.

Instead, it sealed the deal. Words he never expected to hear again rang inside his head.

I want her. By my side. For good.

* * * *

As soon as they returned to the house, Lily excused herself to start preparing more cinnamon rolls. Cale went to check on Dillon.

His brother sat on the edge of the bed, head in his hands. His ever-present pistol rested on top of the comforter.

Concerned, Cale hurried over, kneeling to be eye level, tugging at Dillon’s wrists. “What is it? Are you in pain?”

Dillon met his gaze. His usual twinkling eyes filled with frustration and worry. “Mayberry called while you were outside with Lily,” Dillon whispered making sure Lily couldn’t overhear their conversation.

“And?”

“Seems a trio of tough-looking men pulled into Cooperstown late last night, stopped by the local diner and started asking to see the local doctor. One of the waitresses told him the office was closed, but they ferreted out names, including Lily’s.”

Cale sucked in his breath, understanding all that wasn’t said.

“Mayberry didn’t know anything else, but he was worried. Told me where his stash of weapons is kept in case we need them.”

“Shit.” Cale ran one hand through his hair, fear and fury warring inside. They would have already learned Carson was out of town and focus their attention on Lily. Hell, they could be on the way to the house as they spoke. One hand scrubbed over his face as he scrambled for ideas.

“Dillon, did you remember to take…” Lily’s voice dropped off when she noticed them. “What’s wrong?”

“Tell her,” Dillon commanded. “She has a right to know.”

“No. This doesn’t…”

Dillon cut through his reply. “Tell her, damn, it.”

Cale growled at his brother before turning his attention back to Lily. Regret and rage raced to the fore. “We didn’t kill all of our targets. The survivors are probably hot on our trail and will destroy anyone that stands in their way for revenge.”

“Why didn’t you tell me this before? I’m not some weak chit that would fall into hysterics at the drop of a hat.” Her body tensed, hands cutting through the air in jerky motions as she spoke.

“I didn’t want you to experience the horrors of our reality. You’re so full of cheer and joy, I couldn’t take that away from you, replacing it with fear and loathing.” Damn, it. It’s true.

“You believed that I would turn my back on you, thinking you are some licensed killer?” At his silence, she shook her head. “Soap for brains, I swear.” Hands on hips, she took a deep breath. “I’m not naïve enough to believe bad things don’t happen. People don’t show up in a doctor’s office carrying a bullet on accident. I had a good idea from day one what you did, but didn’t think less of you. Instead, I commended you for having the guts to do such a job, taking out the leeches of the human world to keep the rest of us safe. I still do. You’re brave and have more courage than King Solomon had wives. However, you must think I’m some frail idiot who would faint at the sight of a snake in order to decide never to tell me what was going on. Sure, I believe you guys can protect me, but I deserve to know that not only am I in danger, but my girls are, too. You don’t keep that kind of information from me. I’ll do whatever it takes, including shooting to kill, in order to protect what is mine. Come hell or high water.” Finished with her rant, she pivoted on her heel and stormed out of the room, still muttering under her breath.

Watching her go, Cale checked his own anger, reminding himself he did it for her own good, to protect her from the cruel world he lived in each and every day.

Dillon whistled low. “Whoa. Talk about fiery.”

Cale shrugged, still focused on the trail Lily had taken out of the room.

“Makes a man hard as a rock wondering where else that fire might burn.”

Smacking his brother on the back of the head, Cale snarled, “She’s off limits.”

“Uh-huh. For you, too?”

Not bothering to answer, Cale marched away, seething and well chastised. She had a valid point. He could see that through the haze of anger. But, damn it to hell. She didn’t deserve this, being put in such a position for simply having the decency to take in an injured man and nurse him back to health. It wasn’t fair. Since when is life fair? Lily had a right to her anger, but it didn’t change things. He would’ve done the same thing again. But now that she knew, the least he could do was be more open with her.

He found her in the laundry room, tossing clothes into the washer.

“I was involved the moment you walked through Carson’s door. I knew it just like I know the sun will rise every morning in the east.”

“I know. And, for the record, I’m sorry. I wanted to spare you this. I thought—”

“That if you and Dillon left quickly, those bad guys would lose your trail?” Her calm and rational words clashed with her fury of moments before.

He nodded. “I hoped to be on the road, the sooner the better, leaving you to your life without the worry of being caught in the crossfire.”

She released a sigh. “They would have found me, anyway. It doesn’t take a genius, once they whittle it down to Cooperstown, to find Carson and me.”

Cale moved closer, pulling her into his arms, tucking her head against his chest. His stomach sank at the thoughts of what Lansing and his gang would do to her, if they got their hands on her. “I know. I know we can’t leave now. But, I swear by all that is holy, I will protect you.” I will die before I let them put one finger on her.

She squirmed, earning a bit of breathing room from his tight clutches. “I can take care of myself, soldier boy. Give me my Glock. I can hit center target every time.”

He frowned down at her. “This isn’t target shooting. Killing a man is difficult and there’s always consequences, even for seasoned soldiers.”

With a small nod, she leaned back against his frame. “I can do what I have to. Always have, always will. Promise.”

He dipped his head and pressed a kiss to her crown, reveling in the moment of holding her tight, and praying nothing happened to this small miracle on earth. He would never forgive himself if she paid the price for his stupidity. “I’ll keep you safe. Those cats of yours, too.”

His chest tingled at the small motion of her lips turning up into a smile against his pectoral muscles. If only he could hold her skin to skin, no clothes to interfere with even the slightest sensation. Take care of the present, then, just maybe, he could dream of the future. A future with Lily.

“Bad guys or not, we’re having Thanksgiving.”

Cale’s mouth twitched with her declaration. “So there,” he finished for her. Unable to resist, he tilted up her chin, sought her lips, and covered them with his own. “And, for the record, it’s Navy SEAL, not soldier.”