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Bull riding for one.
His mother had desperately tried to talk Ryker out of it. Jack had merely stood by. His disapproval was unspoken but obvious. After a nasty fall in which Ryker suffered a concussion and nearly had his leg crushed, it’d been Jack who walked into the medical tent and with one sentence changed Ryker’s entire attitude.
“If you’re gonna risk your life, son, make it count for something.”
Ryker suspected his stepfather was talking about the armed forces, but he’d taken the advice in a new direction. Law enforcement. Following in the footsteps of the brave detective who’d hunted down Alison’s killer and put him in prison where he belonged. Becoming a Texas Ranger was a way to honor his first love. To use his grief for something purposeful.
Ryker exited the vehicle. Zoe came to a stop in front of him. He kissed her cheek before reaching for the passenger-side door. Hannah hopped out of the truck, holding Charlotte. Introductions were made while Ryker hauled the diaper bag over his shoulder.
“Welcome to our little corner of the world.” Zoe grinned broadly at Hannah. “It’s been a while since we had visitors, so I’m glad to have some new faces.”
“A while?” Ryker’s brows shot up. “Cousin Mildred and her crew left three days ago.” He elbowed Hannah gently. “This house is more like a hotel. You’re lucky to find a free bed with all the comings and goings.”
She smothered a laugh before focusing on his parents. “Thank you for opening your home. It’s very kind.”
“Think nothing of it. As my wife said, we love having visitors.” Jack tipped his cowboy hat toward Hannah. “Don’t worry a lick about anything while on this ranch. As I’m sure Ryker has told you, the property is secure. We’re glad to have you here, ADA Lawson. I have a lot of respect for law enforcement and that includes prosecutors.”
“Thank you. And please call me Hannah.”
“Just look at this little cutie.” Zoe tickled Charlotte’s tummy. The baby grinned in response and then tipped toward the older woman. She caught her automatically, holding Charlotte up high, eliciting more giggles, before placing the baby on her hip. Then Zoe hooked her free arm around Hannah’s waist. “Come inside. You must be exhausted after such a long day. I’ve got your room all ready. You and Charlotte can wash up before dinner.”
The two women, along with the baby, went inside.
Oliver ambled over to greet Ryker. The dog was getting up there in years, but he was still good at protecting the property. One more layer of protection. Ryker patted Oliver's soft ears before opening the back seat of the SUV and removing Hannah’s overnight bag. After the courthouse attack, a female officer had gone to Hannah’s house to pack some belongings for her and the baby.
Jack examined the rear of the SUV. “You’ve got some damage to the bumper, but it’s not bad considering how fast y’all were going.” His expression darkened. “What monster would try to run a vehicle off the road with a baby inside?”
“Someone who’s determined.”
Ryker prayed the steps he’d taken would be enough to keep the baby safe. So far, Charlotte hadn't been targeted specifically, but that was always subject to change. The attacks on Hannah were becoming more daring. Rear-ending Ryker’s vehicle had been an act of desperation. Less planned than the courthouse bomb threat. Either they were dealing with two different men or Cash was becoming reckless. Whatever the case, this wouldn’t stop.
What would come next?
TWELVE
The next morning, Hannah entered the kitchen, Charlotte on her hip. Sunshine spilled across the tile, bathing the room in a warm yellow glow. Zoe stood at the island. Her hair was half-up, held in place by a clip, a newspaper spread out in front of her as she sipped from a coffee mug. The scent of blueberries and sugar hung in the air. Hannah breathed it in, glancing at the pastry resting on the counter. She didn’t know what it was, but it smelled divine.
Zoe glanced up. Her expression brightened with a genuine smile that creased the skin around her eyes. “Good morning, girls. How did you sleep?”
“Like logs. Charlotte never stirred, which is unusual these days. She’s growing and teething, which can make for some rough nights.” Hannah noticed a wooden highchair already set up next to the kitchen table. She gestured to it. “Is that for Charlotte?”
“It is. I had Jack pull it out of storage.” Zoe beamed as she held out her hands for the baby. “It’s old, but steady. More than one Montgomery child has used it over the years.”
Considerate. Warmth infused Hannah’s insides as Charlotte immediately went into Zoe’s arms without so much as a whimper. The baby grinned at her newfound friend and reached for her mouth with a plump hand to inspect the older woman’s teeth. Over dinner last night, the two had bonded. Hannah had never seen Charlotte take so easily with a new person. Except for Ryker that is. It seemed the handsome ranger and his mother shared a special ability to win over babies with their gentle nature.
Zoe jutted her chin toward some cloth sacks on the counter. “I hope you don’t mind, but Jack went to the grocery store this morning and picked up some extra things y’all might need. Diapers. Formula. Some more baby food. We took note of the brands on the items you used last night and bought more of the same.”
Hannah’s eyes bulged as she shifted through the sacks on the counter. She couldn’t believe how much they’d purchased. There was enough to keep Charlotte in clothes, diapers, and food for several weeks. Jack had also bought new toys, along with a few things for Hannah. “It’s incredibly generous. Thank you so much. Please let me know how much everything is and I’ll happily pay you back.”
“Don’t you dare try.” Zoe cast a stern look toward Hannah as she settled the baby in the highchair and carefully strapped her in. “We want you and Charlotte to feel comfortable here. If there’s anything you need, please let us know.”
The kindness of Ryker’s family was a godsend. After everything that’d happened in the last two days, it was wonderful to be looked after. Last night’s dinner had been a welcome relief from the tension. The conversation had centered on family and funny stories. Ryker’s cousin, Walker, and his wife, Hayley, were fresh off their honeymoon and shared pictures of their travels to the Grand Canyon.
It’d been the perfect escape. But she couldn’t stay in this joyful bubble forever. Somewhere out there, a killer was figuring out his next move. Hannah needed to do everything she could to stop him.
She poured a cup of coffee and took a sip, hoping it would erase the last traces of sleep from her brain. “Where’s Ryker?”
“He’s in the office.” Zoe selected a jar of baby food from the counter. “He’s been working since the early-morning hours. I’m sure you’ll want to discuss the case with him. Go ahead. I’ll feed Charlotte.”
