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Olivia’s days are numbered.
TWENTY-THREE
The fountain in the lake sprayed water high into the air. The falling droplets shimmered in the golden bask of lighting that came from a bulb underneath the surface. An hour ago, Olivia had felt in control. Any problem that arose—from the DJ's song selection to a rip in the bride’s dress—was manageable. Now she felt like those water droplets tumbling through the air. Completely upended.
She closed her eyes. Her heart ached as guilt plagued her. Although Olivia knew she wasn’t responsible for what happened to Jackson and Felicity, she still felt awful. They’d been injured while protecting her.
Lord, please watch over Jackson and Felicity. Keep them safe as they recover. Guide the doctors and the nurses at the hospital so they can provide the best care. Amen.
“Olivia?”
She opened her eyes and turned to find Cole standing a few paces away. Olivia offered him a weak smile. “I was praying for Jackson and Felicity. Is there any news about their condition?”
“Not yet. Tara is going to the hospital. She’ll text us with an update.” He drew closer, his expression etched with understanding. “If it helps, Tara believes they’ll make a full recovery. They were both conscious and responding well to treatment after the paramedics arrived.”
“She told me as much. Still, extra prayers can’t hurt, right?”
“No, prayers are always welcome.” Cole joined her at the window. He held his cell phone in one hand. “I have something I need to show you.” He tapped on the screen, bringing up a photograph. “Have you ever seen this man before tonight?”
Olivia carefully studied the image. The man’s face wasn’t visible, but she could tell he was wearing glasses. Nothing about him seemed familiar. She shook her head. “I don’t think so. Why?”
“We believe he’s the one who drugged Jackson and Felicity.” Cole frowned. “Take another look. I know it’s hard because his facial features aren’t clear. Keep in mind that his hair color might’ve been different when you saw him. We found a wig, glasses, and a mustache in a nearby dumpster.”
“He used a disguise?” Shock vibrated through Olivia, although it probably shouldn’t have. Her stalker had proven to be industrious and intelligent. A memory wriggled at the edge of her mind. She frowned, willing it forward, but it slipped away. Olivia sighed with frustration. “I’m sorry. Without being able to see more of his face, it’s impossible to say whether I’ve seen him before or not.”
“It’s okay.”
She frowned. “I don’t understand. If this guy drugged Jackson and Felicity, then how does David fit into all of this?”
“We’re still looking into that.” Cole clicked his phone off. He pulled out a chair. “Sit down. I’ll fill you in on everything we know.”
For the next five minutes, Olivia listened without interrupting. She waffled between confusion, horror, and anger. Especially when Cole told her about his visit with Justin. She’d never liked Aaron’s brother and had long suspected he was involved in more than just drugs.
“There’s something I need to tell you.” Olivia licked her lips. “After Aaron died, I asked Chief Sims to investigate the matter. Aaron was violently allergic to bees and was careful to steer clear of them. We’d been in the shed a few days before his death. There was no beehive.”
Cole’s eyes widened. “Are you saying that Justin killed his brother?”
“I had a suspicion. Justin had asked Aaron for money but was refused. He got angry about it. Then a few days later, he showed up at Aaron’s house and apologized. They hung out together for a while. Two days later, Aaron was dead. He had an EpiPen in his house, near the back door. Another in the living room. Aaron was careful because he knew his allergy was serious. The EpiPen next to the back door had been moved to the medicine cabinet.” She balled her hands into fists, mentally berating herself for not pushing Chief Sims to investigate her fiancé’s death more. “Bees can be ordered from beekeepers online. I know. I researched it after Aaron died and took the information to Chief Sims.”
Cole’s mouth twisted. “And he didn’t look into the matter?”
“No. I should’ve pushed harder, fought more, but he assured me Aaron’s death was a tragic accident. I was grief stricken and had been threatened by Justin after the funeral…” Olivia had barely had the strength to get out of bed and face the day. She’d been drowning in memories. It was shameful to admit just how lost she’d been. How weak. “Losing Aaron was painful. I’d loved him deeply. His death also dragged up a lot of buried anguish about my parents. I was a mess, and I can’t blame Chief Sims for dismissing my claims as the ramblings of a distressed woman.”
“I can.” Cole gently placed a hand over hers. “You might’ve been grieving, but I doubt anyone would ever accuse you of illogical ramblings. And it’s Chief Sims's job to thoroughly investigate. He should’ve taken your observations more seriously, especially after Justin’s attack on you after the funeral, when he discovered he wasn’t inheriting Aaron’s money.”
She stared at their joined hands before lifting her gaze to his. His words touched something inside her that she hadn’t realized was hurting. “You give me too much credit. I’m a lot weaker than you realize.”
“Weak?” His tone was incredulous. “You’re one of the strongest people I know.” Cole’s mouth quirked. “And if you want proof, take a look at my shin. I’ve got a bruise the size of an apple on it. Those heels don’t just make your legs look gorgeous, they’re excellent weapons.”
Olivia laughed in spite of the seriousness of their conversation. “I’m sorry. Did I really bruise you?”
He waved away her concern. “I’m fine.” Cole squeezed her hand, and the warmth emanating from his dark brown eyes nearly undid her. “You have been through one tragedy after another, but you’re still standing tall. You’ve built a successful business from the ground up. I’ve seen you wrangle a difficult mother-in-law with a smile, help a couple pick a wedding cake, and take care of your grandparents, all while being stalked by an unknown man. You’re incredibly brave, Olivia. Don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise.”
Her breath hitched. Olivia realized her heart was on the cusp of falling for the handsome Texas Ranger sitting at her side, but like everything else happening at the moment, she felt powerless to stop it. He was her anchor in the storm. Her protector. Cole’s caring nature, his faith, and the unwavering commitment to his job were admirable qualities. Over and over again, he’d proven to be someone she could rely on. Olivia didn’t have the strength or the energy to keep fighting these feelings for him.
She leaned forward and brushed her mouth against his. Cole tensed for half a heartbeat, and then he rose from his chair, pulling her into a standing position. His lips claimed hers.
Molten lava slid through her veins and her knees weakened. Oh mercy, the man could kiss. Olivia lifted her hands to his broad shoulders as he deepened the kiss, gently leading her to a world only they knew. She lost herself in the sensations pouring through her. The feel of his lips against hers, the scent of his aftershave, the reverence of his touch.
