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“When I told Sadie about the stolen baby and the threat to you and your sister,” Hank said, “she insisted on coming.”
Still holding Brittany’s hand, Sadie sank into the seat beside her bed. “I know how I’d feel if one of my babies went missing. I’d be beside myself with worry. Inconsolable.”
Brittany nodded wordlessly.
“I also know it takes time to recover from giving birth, having done it twice now.” Sadie tossed a quick smile over her shoulder at her husband. “You need a place where you can recuperate in peace without worrying that someone might hurt you.”
“I’ll be at my sister’s house,” Brittany said.
“And she’ll be investigating the case of your missing baby,” Cliff said. “Which means she’ll be away from the house most of the day, leaving you alone.”
Brittany nodded. “I can take care of myself.”
“We understand your sister was attacked in front of her house early this morning,” Hank said.
Brittany’s gaze shot to Jenna’s. “The brick?”
Jenna nodded.
Cliff’s gaze met Jenna’s. “Hank asked if we needed additional help protecting you and your sister. Neither of you were available to answer. I told him yes. We could use another person to look out for Brittany while Jenna and I search for the baby.”
Sadie gave Brittany a gentle smile. “When Hank said he was sending someone else to help, I thought how I’d feel if a strange man came to protect me right after birthing a baby.” She shook her head. “I said absolutely not.” Sadie gave Cliff a tight smile. “You had the right intentions, but Brittany needs a woman’s help in a safe environment.” She squeezed Brittany’s hand. “We want you to stay with us at White Oak Ranch until they find your baby and catch the man responsible.”
Cliff met the accusing frowns of the sisters and shrugged. “It wasn’t my idea, but it makes sense.”
CHAPTER 7
Jenna’s instinct was to say, Hell no. But she tamped down that gut reaction and asked in a reasonable tone, “Just where is this ranch?”
Brittany stared at her sister. “You’re not considering this, are you?”
“I want to hear them out before we make a decision,” Jenna reasoned.
“Outside Eagle Rock,” Hank said.
“Nestled in the beautiful Crazy Mountains,” Sadie added. “It’s between forty-five minutes and an hour from here.” She gave Hank a small frown. “We made it in forty-five. Hank’s foot was a little heavy on the accelerator.”
Hank nodded. “Look, I can stay and provide security, or Brittany can come back with us where she’ll be safe on the ranch. It’s our Brotherhood Protectors headquarters with a state-of-the-art security system, monitored twenty-four-seven. She’ll be safe there.”
“And I’ll be there to help her should she need it,” Sadie said. “Not some muscle-bound man who wouldn’t know the first thing about postpartum care.”
“But you’re…you’re,” Brittany shook her head, “Sadie McClain, a huge star who could have as many servants waiting on you as you want. Why would you want to do this?”
Sadie smiled gently. “I wasn’t always a big star. I grew up on a ranch, helped wrangle cattle, delivered my share of breach calves and foals and two children of my own. I never forget my roots, and I’m not a bit squeamish.”
Hank nodded. “True. I’ve seen her stick her arm inside a cow to turn a breech calf when the vet couldn’t get there in time. I’m not sure I could’ve done it.”
Sadie rolled her eyes. “It helps to have smaller arms,” she said. “Not that we’re going to run into anything like that in your recovery. I just know how it feels to be the target of someone bent on destroying my life. It’s terrifying. I promise you’ll be safe on the ranch, and I truly want to help.”
Hank nodded. “I told her I would bring you back, but Sadie insisted on coming along.”
“I love my husband, but you needed to hear this from a woman who cares.” She held Brittany’s hand and reached for Jenna’s with her free hand. “I promise we’ll take good care of your sister. It will free you of worry for her and give you a chance to find the asshole who took her baby.”
Jenna liked this woman. “As much as I’d like to have my sister close where I could keep an eye on her, you make some valid points.”
Brittany shook her head. “I want to be close to my baby. If they take me into the Crazy Mountains, I’ll be so far away.”
“We don’t know where your baby is,” Jenna said. “I need time and the freedom of worry to find her. If you’re with Hank and Sadie, I won’t be worrying about you. I can focus and, hopefully, find the baby faster.”
