He came by last night to switch the car seat into his truck so he’s getting her buckled while I lock up the front door.
I won’t admit it to him, but I’m nervous as hell that someone is going to break in while I’m gone. I’m close to Aggie and Tommy, but not in a way that they can see my cabin or anything going on over here. I also haven’t gotten cameras because until a couple nights ago, I felt safe here.
Something I apparently can’t let myself feel.
Cooper waits at the truck for me with the passenger door open. “Your chariot awaits, my queen.”
“Hmm I think I could get used to that nickname.” I wink.
When I step into his space, he blocks me from getting in the truck, leaning down to whisper in my ear.
“Are you still worried about hearing something the other night? Have you seen anyone or heard anything else?”
“No. No. I just… I really don’t like her opening the door because of what happened with Jack and hisbuddies.” I peck his cheek with a quick, discreet kiss. “Seriously, I’m just being paranoid. There’s nothing.”
He moves to the side, squeezing my pinky with his. “Okay.”
I swallow hard getting in the truck. My belly feels like lead, keeping this from him. But I need to message Sophia first.
And I guess now with a five hour drive ahead of us is as good a time as any.
Me:I got a text last night from an unknown Montana number. Does Ryder know anything about it?
Sophia:What?! Seriously? I thought Ryder had it handled. He put his guys on it. Not Hugh’s.
Me:>
Sophia:Shit. I’m so sorry, Aubs. I’ll get to the bottom of it. I’m going to see Ryder now. I’ll text you as soon as I know anything.
Sophia:Are you safe?
Sophia:I can be there in… twelve hours.
Me:No. I’m fine. Cooper is actually taking us to a resort this weekend for his travel blog. So we’ll be in Vermont. I’ll share my location with you.
Sophia:No! Don’t do that.
Sophia:Hugh has ways. If he wants answers, I don’t want to be the one to give it to him. I’ll trust Cooper for now.
Sophia:Emphasis on the for now. >
Me:You can trust him. He’s the best man I’ve ever met, not a mean bone in his body, I swear.
Sophia:I’m happy for you. I really am. I hope that Hugh is behaving himself. I’d hate for Ryder to have to follow through on his threat.
Me:What threat?
Sophia:Just family shit. You know.
Me:Noted. Let me know what Ryder says. I love you and miss you xo
Sophia:Love you too. And absolutely will. Kiss my baby bestie for me.
I hate being so far away from her. I hate not seeing her everyday like I did. Her fiancé is a grade A douche, and I’m not one hundred percent sold on the fact that he isn’t just like her father, that he isn’t an abusive prick, just like Hugh Chiave.
“Wake up, love.” I shake Lily gently in her car seat.
“We hewe?” she asks, rubbing her eyes.
