Cameron nodded so fast Dani thought his little head might pop off. “Yes, please.”
“Go put some clothes on,” she said. “We’ll meet you downstairs for breakfast when you’re done.”
“Okay.” With that, the boys tore off.
Cole straightened and shot Dani a quizzical look. “Was that okay? Is there some morning routine I don’t know about?”
She kissed his cheek. “Not today. You did perfectly.”
Cole went off to change and Dani padded downstairs to put on a pot of coffee, doing some prep for pancakes while it brewed. She took a mug into the living room and looked out over the backyard, with the miles of ranch land stretching out beyond it. She wasn’t sure she could feel more fortunate than she did right now.
The front door opened, and in waltzed Cameron and Colin. “The chickens were super hungry.”
“And how about my boys? You two up for pancakes and bacon?” Dani asked.
As with most things, they responded with great enthusiasm.
Dani went to work while Cole sent the boys to wash their hands and poured them some orange juice. When they returned from the bathroom, Cole got them seated at the kitchen island. He walked over as Dani was flipping the pancakes and pulling the bacon from the skillet.
“Can I help?” Cole wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her against his long body and kissing her neck softly.
Dani nearly had to grab the kitchen counter to remain standing. “Your timing is impeccable. We’re ready to eat.”
They got the boys’ plates ready, but Dani stopped Cole before he delivered them. “Do you have a few minutes to talk this morning? After breakfast?”
“Probably. I’m waiting for a call from the FBI agents. They’ve been scouting out a location where they think Rich might have his stash hidden.”
“Okay. Well, there are some things I’d like to discuss about the future.”
Cole’s phone rang right on cue. “I’m sorry. I have to take this.” He wandered off into the living room, leaving her with the boys.
“Are we staying here again tonight?” Cameron asked before putting nearly half a pancake in his mouth.
That was exactly the sort of question she’d wanted to avoid, or at least have an answer for. “I’m not quite sure, honey. I think we might stay at our house tonight. I have to go to work and I think Daddy does, too. There’s no preschool today, so I’ll take you home to spend the day with Elena.”
“What about tomorrow?” Colin loved to dig deeper.
“I’m not sure yet, sweetie. But don’t worry. We’ll get it worked out.”
Cole tucked his phone into his back pocket and walked back into the kitchen. “I’m so sorry. I have to go. They need me for this.”
Dani nodded. She understood the importance of it, and she wanted Rich to be caught just as badly as Cole did. “No problem.”
“We can talk later. I promise.” He took her hand and raised it to his lips, flashing those brilliant blue eyes of his.
Tingles raced over the surface of her skin. She knew they would work every last silly detail out. They’d come too far to accept anything less. “I love you, Cole.”
Cole pulled her into his arms and placed a soft kiss on her lips. “I love you, too.”
Thirteen
Based on intel gathered before and after the sting to catch Sheriff Orson, the team was racing to find Rich’s stash. Or so Cole hoped. There had been so many setbacks in this investigation, it was hard to bank on much, but Cole was hopeful. Having Dani back in his life had helped him turn around his thinking. Hope had been missing for too long.
“You feeling good about this?” Will had met Cole at the TCC and jumped into his car with him. He really wanted to be there for this, and it was hard to blame him.
Special Agents Bird and Stanton were leading the way in an unmarked car, with Sheriff Battle behind them. Everyone was keeping their distance to avoid the appearance of a caravan. They didn’t want to announce their arrival or risk anyone being tipped off, especially as they ventured farther into the rural reaches of the county, where traffic jams did not happen.
Cole sucked in a deep breath. “I am. I don’t want to jinx it or anything, but I know we are closing in on Rich. Today we should find another piece of this puzzle. A big one.”
