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“Knock knock,” Hays said softly.
“Who’s there?” she asked, appreciating the distraction as she had no way to change what was happening right now. The elusive freedom she’d felt would be gone soon, and would most likely cost these brave men their lives.
“Alice.”
“Alice who?”
“Alice fair in love and war.”
She peered up at him in the darkened truck interior.
“We will win against your father,” he said.
Elizabeth wished she could believe him. Even more, she wished she could be free to love him.
The truck pulled into a clearing and drove toward a massive wood lodge. It was too dark to see much beyond the lit lodge and some lighted paths beyond it. Another large structure with lights through the trees might have been a horse barn.
The truck eased around a circle drive. A sloping lawn and walkway bordered by flowers led to the wide front porch decorated with thick wood beams, flower boxes, and rocking chairs.
“Oh my. This is lovely.”
She felt like she had walked onto the location of a cowboy movie. Hays smiled at her, opened his door, and helped her out. His hands lingered on her waist and their gazes entangled. It was nice to be distracted.
Distracted? Riveted by him was more like it.
Doors slamming yanked her from staring at him. Hays kept an arm around her and escorted her along the walkway and up the porch. A tall, broad man and an average-size brunette woman opened the door before they reached it.
“Now, now, get inside, my darlings,” the woman exclaimed, ushering them into a brightly lit foyer and off to the left into an open dining and kitchen area. It smelled delicious, like cinnamon and sugar. The walls were white with large windows, and the rustic decorations appealed to Elizabeth. She’d never been in a home that wasn’t modern and professionally decorated. “I’m Mama Millie and this is my love, Jared.”
“Lieutenant Hays West.” Hays shook Jared’s hand and got a hug from Millie. “And this is Elizabeth Oliver.” He introduced her as if she were the most important person in the world.
“Ah, Elizabeth.” Millie hugged her tightly. Very, very tightly. She smelled of clean laundry, cinnamon, and sugar. Elizabeth had never had a ‘mama’ hug, and she found herself leaning into her. The gesture was comforting and full of love, even though this woman didn’t know her.
“I’m so very glad you’ve come to us. We all fell in love with your sister Jacey. Ah, that doll.”
Elizabeth flinched and pulled away. She felt awful for her reaction. Millie couldn’t know that the word ‘doll’ was a trigger for her.
“Thank you for watching over Jacey,” she managed, then shook Jared’s hand. “Thank you, sir.”
“None of this ‘sir’ garbage,” Jared boomed. “We’re here to help.”
“Now, we’ve got plenty of leftovers, treats, and drinks. What would you all like first?” Millie beamed.
Elizabeth hated to refuse the kind woman, but she’d eaten more at the dinner at Jacey’s home than she had in her life. Her stomach was full, and the stress of this very long evening and night made it impossible to eat any more.
“Mama,” Clint said in a soft but firm voice. “It’s one in the morning. They’re exhausted. I’m going to show them to their rooms. Why don’t you bring up some drinks and treats and they can eat them while they get settled in and rest?”
Bless the sheriff who had seemed so stern.
“Of course, of course.” Millie patted Elizabeth’s hand. “We’ll get acquainted tomorrow. I’m so thrilled you’re here, beautiful girl.” She hugged her again.
Elizabeth leaned into the hug. It was comforting and reassuring. These men all wanted to protect her, but Millie wanted to nurture her.
“Thank you.” Elizabeth glanced around. “I only hope I won’t endanger your family or home.”
Easton chuckled at that and exchanged a look with Walker. “The Colevilles are much too tough and experienced to worry about any danger.”
“You should worry,” she exclaimed. “When my father’s men track me to your location, they will destroy you, your home, and everyone else you love.”
