Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 80940 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 405(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80940 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 405(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
Shaking my head, I replied, “Nope. Never even been on a snowmobile, either.”
His brows shot up. “Well then, in that case, I can’t wait for the snow. That’s one of Bubba’s favorite things to do in the winter—ride the snowmobiles along the fence line.”
I laughed. “Speaking of Bubba…MaryAnne told me she overheard him in the barn earlier today, on the phone with someone, making plans to go out tomorrow night.”
Liam looked at me with a shocked expression. “You mean, like, on a date?”
“You didn’t know?” I asked, sitting forward in my chair.
He shook his head. “No!” He grinned. “Man, this whole MaryAnne and Mallory gossip line is amazing. I’m getting all the chatter on the guys.”
Another round of laughter slipped free. “We don’t gossip, we simply hear things and share what we feel is worthy of sharing.”
His brows rose. “You gossip. I can’t imagine what those quilting classes you both take are like. Some of Grass Range’s biggest gossipers are teaching the things.”
I took another drink of my tea. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. Though, I will say that in quilting class earlier this week, Mrs. Knox told us that a new mystery cowboy showed up at Mitch Tanner’s place. Rumor has it, it’s a son he never knew about it. Explains why he didn’t want any visitors.”
“Really? How could he not have known about him?”
Raising my brows, I took a sip of my tea.
“An affair?” I gasped, causing Mallory to giggle.
“Yes!”
“Now I know what he’s been so darn grumpy about.”
“I guess so.”
Liam exhaled and said, “I heard from Agent Hollows earlier today.”
“Really? What did he say?”
“He wanted to let me know that they arrested the rest of Jonathon’s group in the sex trafficking, and in the process, saved ten women.”
I nearly dropped the cup I was holding. “Ten women?”
“All kidnapped from the Pacific Northwest over the last two years, and thankfully, back home safe with their families.”
Setting the cup down on the small table, I wrapped my arms around my body. “Those poor women.”
“Yeah, he said some were teenagers.”
I blinked rapidly to hold back my tears.
“Jonathon ended up telling them who was in the rest of the ring. By you having the courage to escape, you saved their lives, Mallory.”
Shaking my head, I said, “No, it wasn’t me. They would have eventually gotten Jonathon.”
“Think that if you want, but even Agent Hollows said you escaping brought them to Jonathon quicker.”
“I think we should change the subject.”
He smiled. “I think that’s a great idea. How about we visit the barn. I have a surprise for you in there.”
“In the barn, huh? That’s a new place.”
Tossing his head back and laughing, he said, “No, not that kind of surprise, but…I’d be down for that if you are.”
“Duly noted, sir.”
He stood and reached for my hand. We walked back into the kitchen, and I rinsed out our mugs.
“Ready?” he asked, a look of excitement all over his face.
“Ready.”
He took my hand in his again and we made our way out the back door, toward the barn. Piper ran ahead, barking like she was just as excited as Liam.
“Is she in on the surprise?” I asked in a teasing voice.
“She is not, but I bet she thinks we’re going riding.”
I pouted. “Poor baby. I hope you at least have a treat for her in the barn.”
Liam didn’t say anything. The closer we got to the barn, the more nervous he seemed.
It felt like butterflies flew into my stomach as my own nerves started up. What in the world could be making him so nervous?
The main sliding barn doors were closed, so Liam walked us around to the side of the barn. He stopped at the door, his hand on the knob. Turning to me, he said, “I never in my life thought I could love someone as much as I love you, Mallory. It happened so fast, and under the craziest of circumstances, but I’m so glad you got away…and ran in the direction you did.”
My heart pounded in my chest. “I am, too.”
Liam opened the door, and we walked into the barn. I gasped at the sight before me. “Liam! When did you do this? It’s beautiful…oh my gosh!”
White lights were strung across the barn’s upper beams, giving it a soft, romantic glow. In the middle of the barn floor, a large blanket was spread out, with pillows and a few more folded blankets stacked on it. Piper had already made herself at home, her head resting on one of the pillows.
“This is so lovely!”
He guided us over to the blanket and motioned me to sit down. There was a bucket filled with ice and a bottle of champagne. Liam poured a glass and handed it to me.
“Thank you,” I said with a wide smile. He poured a glass for himself as well and sat down.