Fanfic For life

Hi! I just wanted to pop in to say hi and give you a little bit of information about my Yellowstone fanfic.

1) It's a Kayce x original character fanfic.

2) There are a few more original characters that appear throughout and I wanted to show you a bit of my inspiration for the non-Yellowstone characters. I'll have them listed further down.

3) I'm trying not to stray too far from the original storyline. Except for Monica's part. She isn't in this one.

4) My story starts roughly a year or so before the series takes place.

4) If you see * between paragraphs it means the paragraph after the symbol takes place during the same day. If you see ***** it means the next paragraphs will have moved on to the next part of the story.

~

Characters:

Violet Hawkins - Kayce's love interest.

Nick Harrington - Violet's ex fiancé

James and Anna Fields - Violet's old neighbours

Jesse Miller - Kayce's high school classmate

•

~ Violet Hawkins: I fell in love with the name Violet while I was watching Chicago Fire. I also loved Chicago Fire's Violet and her love interest, whose last name was Hawkins so voila! Violet Hawkins it had to be.

~ Nick Harrington: Violet's ex

~ James and Anna Fields: kindest, sweetest neighbours you could ever have

~ Jesse Miller:  was most popular guy in school, graduated with Kayce

~

I think that's everything. As the story goes on I might add to/update this page.

Kayce tied the two horses to a low-hanging branch so they wouldn't wander off before the two of you walked into your meadow.

"You've been quiet today. Is everything okay?" You asked after sitting on the lush grass next to him.

"Dad talked to me this morning." His hand wrapped around yours, which was resting on his leg. "He wants me to run for livestock agent."

"Livestock agent?"

"You help ranchers with their cattle and horses, could be inspecting and sorting them for sales. Make sure strays aren't getting shipped, one ranch's cattle don't get in with someone else's. People moving from out of state and fencing off land and now the cattle can't get to their summer pasture. Checking on dead animals, on ones that get shot by mistake or on purpose. Catching thieves. Getting ones back that get out of their fence."

You shifted closer so your sides were touching and ran your fingers up and down his arm. "Thinking about Lee?"

He nodded. "And, you and Tate." His gaze went to your horses. "Everything is going good right now. I'm on the ranch every day. I get to see you during the day, I'm here when Tate gets home from school."

"Your relationship with Tate won't change. He will still see you in the morning before you go to work. When you get home he can tell you all about his day at the dinner table and you can spend the evening together."

"And, us?"

You smiled and cuddled into him, "We will be just as happy as we are now. It might even make us miss each other."

"Then maybe I could get you to move in with us." He chuckled and pulled you onto his lap. "Before you came here, I was thinking about moving off the ranch. Getting as far away from this place as I could. There is always someone who wants the land. They want it bad enough to fight for it; the cattle, us. I got enough of that in the Navy. Then you came."

"Do you still want to get away from here?"

"Yes and no. You're here. And, I know Dad loves having Tate here. Dad always wants me to do something: don't join the Navy so I can raise Tate, be the foreman of the ranch. He wants me to be a livestock agent because it could help the ranch. Taking the job would get me off the ranch for a part of the day. I could help other people." His jaw clenched, "if I'm not here if he finds you…"

"There is always someone close by: your dad, Rip, one of the wranglers. They'll stop him before anything can happen. You've assured me of that more times than I can count." You tucked his hair behind his ear, "If this is something you want to do, you should do it. Whatever it is we will be okay."

He nodded and looked out at the trees. "We wouldn't be able to sneak off for our dates during the day."

"No." You left your spot and straddled his lap. "We would just have to make up for it when you are home." Your lips pressed against his before resting your hands against the sides of his neck. "Whatever you decide, I just want you to be happy doing it."

"Have I ever told you that you are an amazing woman?" His hand slid into your hair. "You always say exactly what I need to hear to calm the chaos in my head."

"Well, it's like you've said from the beginning. We're just made for each other."

His crooked smile formed. "That we are. Whether God thought so or not, Lee would have made it happen."

"He definitely would have." You gave him a long kiss before standing up and giving his hand a tug.

"Where do you think you're going?"

"As much as I want to stay here and prove just how right we are for each other…"

He chuckled, "You want to get back on Storm."

"I just never thought she would be well enough to ride."

"Baby, you don't have to explain it to me. I get it. Besides, we have the rest of our lives to prove how good we are together." He pulled you against his side and placed a kiss on your hairline. "Let's go further up the mountain. There's a lookout I want to show you. Dad brought it to me when I turned thirteen though so I might not be able to find it."

"Good thing it's Saturday and Tate and your dad are spending the afternoon fishing."

After climbing on your horses he brought his alongside yours. "Thank you for everything."

"I'm always here." You smiled and you both leaned over for a kiss. "Now where to?"

*****

Kayce's hand tightened around yours as you walked into the bar. He had taken the livestock agent job and he had just finished his last day as the ranch foreman, putting Rip back in charge. The wranglers said it was time for a little going away party for Kayce and a celebration for Rip. Along with you and Kayce, were Beth and Rip and the wranglers.

"There's a spot in the corner that should fit us all." Beth pointed out so you all made your way over.

Over the next two hours, you heard stories of some of the funnier things the wranglers had experienced and about Kayce and Rip. You laughed and joked around. You couldn't remember the last time you had gone out with a group and had this much fun. The only other times had been with Nick and his friends and those usually never ended well.

"I'm going to get a water. Anyone need anything?" You asked who was sitting around the table. The others were currently playing pool. When everyone told you they were good, you placed a kiss on Kayce's cheek before going up to the bar.

"Let me buy you a drink, gorgeous?" A cowboy who had just walked in with his friends asked.

You shook your head. "I don't drink and I-"

"Then let me show you off on the dance floor." He stepped closer, his fingers trailing down your arm.

Your eyes went over his shoulder to your table where Kayce was sitting on the edge of his chair, his hands balled into fists. "I have a boyfriend." You took your glass of water and pushed past the cowboy, making a beeline for your boyfriend. As soon as you sat down on his lap, you pressed your lips against his. His hands instantly relaxed, one went to your waist while the other slid into your hair, intensifying the kiss.

"Get a room. Geez," Ryan teased and threw a peanut at the two of you.

You and Kayce smiled at each other before he looked over at the bar. When the man who flirted with you realized who your boyfriend was, he gave a quick nod and disappeared into the crowd.

Lloyd chuckled and threw a peanut at Ryan, "You do know you just harassed your boss right?"

"I'm not his boss anymore, "Kayce grinned at them before focusing on you. "Hey, you."

"Hi," you smiled before leaning in and brushing your nose against his.

"Mmm," his hands went to your waist and pulled you closer. You giggled softly. "I love that sound." He said quietly.

Warmth filled your chest, "I think we should go."

"Yeah?" He smirked.

"Yeah," you returned the look. He gently pushed you off his lap and grabbed your hand.

"Off so soon?" Ryan grinned.

Kayce grabbed some peanuts out of the bowl on the table and threw them at him with a playful grin. "Watch it or I'll make you clean the stalls."

"I thought you said you weren't my boss anymore," Ryan laughed.

"Come on, beautiful," Kayce's lips brushed against your temple before he guided you out of the bar and to his truck. "Where to?" He asked after pulling you against his side and starting the vehicle.

"Home, a back alley, some back road, I don't care."

He smiled and pulled out of the parking lot.

Fifteen minutes later he parked next to an empty pasture in the middle of nowhere. You looked around.

"Don't worry, baby. We're on Yellowstone."

An embarrassed smile tugged at the corners of your mouth.

"God, you're adorable," His hand came up and rested on your jaw, his thumb running across your bottom lip. "You have no idea how hard it was to not get up and break that guy's hand for touching you."

You got up and straddled him, "I would much rather kiss you here than through prison bars."

"Here is definitely better." He shifted slightly making it easier for you to unbuckle his belt and unzip his jeans. "Fuck, baby." His head fell back as you started pumping his dick.

You pulled your underwear to the side and sunk onto him. You both moaned.

"Have I ever told you how perfect you are?"

"Mhm," your hand slid into his hair as you slowly rode him. "You are just as perfect."

He laughed huskily. "I don't think I've ever been called perfect."

"You are, without a doubt," you kissed him, "Mr livestock agent."

The smirk you loved formed while his hands slid down your back before gripping your hips. "And, we are without a doubt fucking perfect together." It didn't take long until you both fell apart in each other's arms.

*****

You opened your eyes to find an empty side of the bed. The sheet is cold. After getting dressed in a change of clothes that you had kept at Kayce's, leggings, a tank top and an oversized cardigan, you stepped into the hallway.

The bathroom light was on and the door open so you walked over. Kayce was standing in front of the mirror hanging above the sink fighting back tears.

"Kayc?"

He saw you in the reflection but didn't say anything.

"I'm here. You can talk to me. I love you and you know whatever you say stays with me."

Still nothing.

"Baby, why won't you talk to me?" You stood in the doorway for a few more seconds before walking away with tears in your eyes.

The rising sun cast the sky in a kaleidoscope of colour as you leaned against the fence railing, your chin resting on your folded arms. It wasn't long before footsteps approached behind you, followed by your cowboy leaning on the fence beside you. "Did I do something?"

"You didn't do anything, Violet."

"Don't you trust me?"

"I trust you completely."

"Then why won't you talk to me? I told you everything about me. Every horrible detail. Even though I thought you wouldn't want me anymore and would tell me to leave. I told you because what happened in the past is a part of me, just like every day since then. And, everything that happens in the future." You placed your hand on his which was resting on the fence rail. "There is nothing you could have done that will change how I feel about you. I love you, Kayce."

He shook his head as he looked down at your hand on his. "I've done things that you wouldn't like, things that would change how you see me."

"When I told you what happened to me it was like a weight had been lifted off of my shoulders. Part of it was because you finally knew but most of it- I had been keeping everything inside. I never told anyone when he hurt me. I never told anyone about what he made me do. I never told anyone that he made me watch him kill a man and then clean it up. I buried everything. But, it kept eating away at me until I didn't want to live anymore. Lee knew that Nick would get angry and hurt me but that was it. I didn't tell them that he raped me or about what happened in the basement at first. I didn't tell him because I didn't want to burden him any more than he already was." You lifted Kayce's arm so you could slide in between him and the fence. He moved closer, resting his forearm across the fence board behind your upper back. His other hand went to your waist. "After Lee made me tell him, I wasn't the only one who felt better. He said finally knowing why I would get so lost in my head helped him. When my memories took hold he would worry, he wanted to help me but didn't know what to do. When I told him he would still worry but knowing why I was so upset helped him be there for me. Sometimes he would just sit and have coffee with me or he would take me outside and show me what he was working on to take my mind off it. You can't keep everything in, Kayce. It's going to end up killing you." He looked away. "Baby, look at me." You didn't continue until he did. "I promise that there is nothing you could have done that will make me leave you."

He tucked your hair behind your ear, his fingers lingering in the soft strands. "I'll tell you…"

"It doesn't have to be everything all at once." You rested your hands against the sides of his neck, your thumbs running along his jaw. "Just promise you will. I can't lose you to the past."

"I promise, baby." He moved in closer. "It was a nightmare, a memory from the Navy…" he took a deep breath, "we were in Pakistan, not supposed to be there but we were. We blew the door off the house of high profile target. Inside he was holding his wife as a shield and had his daughter on a leash in front of him. He started shooting rounds off with AK 47. He killed two of my men. I had to make a choice. I-I killed him, his wife and his little girl." His head dropped.

"Hey," you said softly as your hands cupped his face and brought it back up so he would look at you, "Kayce, you did what you had to do to save your life and the lives of the rest of your men."

"I killed a woman, a kid." Tears began filling his eyes.

You wrapped your arms around him, and he immediately buried his face in the crook of your neck, his arms crushing you against him. "And, I know that you and the rest of the men you were in charge of are alive today because of it. You wouldn't have done it if there was any other option." You held him until his shoulders stopped shaking and his breathing returned to normal. When he lifted his head you wiped the remaining tears off his cheeks. "You said that he was high profile which means he would have been one of the people giving orders that resulted in people's deaths. Innocent people. You saved more lives than just your men's."

His hands came up and cupped your face, "You really are my angel."

"And, you're mine."

He gave you a long, slow kiss before resting his forehead against yours. "Promise me you'll never leave."

"I promise." You said but deep down you knew that there might be a time when you would have to break that promise.

*****

Tate came bounding out the front door to where you and Kayce were standing. "I'm ready!"

"I've never seen you this excited to go to school." Kayce chuckled.

"Cause you're bringing me." The little boy beamed up at his dad. "I don't remember the last time you brought me."

He placed his hand on his son's shoulder. "It will probably just be for today."

"That's okay. I like it when Violet brings me too."

"Have a good day at school. I'll see you when I pick you up."

Tate gave you a hug. "I will. Dad, we have to go so we're not late."

"I'll be right there." When Tate headed for the truck, Kayce's hands went to your waist and pulled you against him. "Hi."

Your hands slid over his shoulders, "hi."

"I know that I'm going to see you at dinner tonight but I'm going to miss you."

"I'm going to miss you too but I'm sure you're going to be too busy to even think about that." He didn't look convinced. "The day will go by fast and then you'll be back here."

He sighed. "And, then I'll do it all again the next day. Maybe I shouldn't have taken the job."

"Just focus on one day at a time. Today you're going to get to drop Tate off at school before going to your office. You will do whatever you have to at work then come home."

"Home to you and Tate." He held you tighter. "Promise you'll think about it?"

"I will, I promise. Now you need to go or you and Tate will both be late."

His lips pressed against yours. "I love you."

"I love you too." After giving him another kiss you gave him a gentle push towards the porch steps. "Have a good day, baby."

The smile you loved formed on his handsome face, "knowing I got you waiting for me when I get home will always make it a good day."

"Dad, that was really cheesy," Tate said from inside the truck leaving you giggling.

"Just wait until you find a girl you love," Kayce told him through the open driver's window.

"Eww, girls are gross."

Kayce chuckled as he climbed in. Before he drove away he winked at you leaving butterflies fluttering in your stomach.

Good grief, he makes me feel like I'm in high school. You shook your head and started on your list for the day.

*****

You walked into the building where Kayce's office was half an hour before you had to pick Tate up from school. "Hi, I'm here to see Kayce."

"Right through that door, hun." The older receptionist smiled.

"Thank you." You smiled before going to a closed door and gently knocking on it. When you heard Kayce say come in, you went inside.

"Letty," a grin lit up his face when he saw you. "You're wearing the dress you wore on our first date."

"I am and I thought you could use some coffee."

He got up and came around his desk. "Thanks, baby." He took one of the takeout cups filled with coffee from you but set it on his desk so he could wrap his arms around your waist.

You set your cup next to his and placed your hands on his chest. "It's Friday already."

"Yeah, my first week went by fast. Still missing you just as much during the day though. I don't know if I should've taken this job. I don't like being away from you."

"Would it help if I moved in with you?"

He froze, his eyes widening. "You thought about it?"

"I did. You make me happy and you make me feel safe." Your hands came up and rested against the sides of his neck. "And, I love you, Kayce. More than anything in the world."

His lips crashed into yours. When you parted you were both out of breath. After quickly locking the door, he went to push things back from the front of his desk but you stopped him.

"Not here." You took his hand and walked around, pushing his chair out of the way and moving the calendar aside. "Here so every time you're sitting at your desk you will picture us."

"Turn around." When you did he bent you over the top of the desk. He pushed the skirt of your dress up over your ass. "Don't move." You looked over your shoulder to see him pull his chair up and sit down. "Spread your legs." Once you did, he pulled his chair closer, settling between your legs. "There," he said after ripping your panties off, "the perfect view."

"Kayc," you whined.

His husky chuckle filled the room before his tongue went to work on your clit. It wasn't long until you were close. When his finger took over and his tongue slid inside you it pushed you over the edge. "You are fucking perfect, Letty." He praised.

"You're not so bad yourself." You smiled back at him.

"Yeah?" He smirked as he unzipped his jeans.

"Yes," it turned into a soft moan as he thrust into you. "Mmm, yes."

His hands gripped your hips while he leaned over you. "You gotta be quiet, baby, or I'm gonna get fired," he said next to your ear. All you could do was nod as he pulled out and entered you again.

After a couple minutes, he spun you around, picked you up and set you on the desk. With one of your legs over his shoulder and the other around his waist, he thrust inside you. He knew you had to pick up Tate soon so he started pounding into you.

It took everything you had to keep quiet. Kayce could tell so just before you both came his lips captured yours, swallowing your moans.

"I love you, Violet."

"I love you, Kayce." You placed your hand along his stubble-covered jaw. "More than you know."

"Move in tonight? Me and Tate are back in the lodge since Rip has the foreman's house, it shouldn't take long. You'll just be moving your stuff into my room."

A soft smile pulled at your lips. "How about we do it tomorrow? Tate wanted to play board games tonight with us and your dad."

"Stay with me tonight?" When you nodded the smile you loved spread across his face.

"I have to go pick up Tate."

"Have fun with the kid."

You picked up your underwear off the floor but instead of putting them in your purse, you slipped them into your boyfriend's pocket. "Have fun here."

His arms wrapped around you from behind and walked to the door moulded to your back. "Just wait until Tate's asleep."

"Kayce," you scolded when he sucked on the spot your neck and shoulder met, leaving a hickey.

He chuckled while spinning you around, "god, you're cute. I'll see you at dinner."

After a quick goodbye kiss, you headed for the school. Your mind was on what it would be like living in the same room as Kayce.

The overwhelming fear that consumed you when you first got to Yellowstone had been slowly dissipating. It had almost been ten months since you left Nick. You knew that the second he found you he would drag you back to California. He was the best detective in the city, he was smart, he knew how to talk to people and get them to give them the information he wanted. But, here you were, living a life you used to only dream about. When Kayce asked you to move in before he started his job as a livestock agent he assured you that you were safe here. He told you that more times than you could count since you came here but this time you believed it. Not a hundred percent, a small piece of you would always be ready to go even though you had promised you wouldn't. Staying here meant you loved Kayce, Tate and everyone else at Yellowstone. And, loving them meant that there was always a chance you would have to leave to keep them safe. But, you were done with Nick controlling your life. Living at Yellowstone made you happy and being with Kayce made you even happier. So, fuck Nick!

You downed the last gulp of coffee and smiled at him. "I see you already have my purse so yes, we can go."

"Gator gave me the card and list for shopping."

Kayce took your empty mug from you before the two of you stood up. "You do know that it's grocery shopping, right bud?"

"Yeah. But, Violet said she gets the vegetables from the farmers market and that there are people there that make chocolates and another one that makes ice cream and-"

"I get it." Kayce chuckled as he handed you the keys to his truck. When you took them he slid his arm around your waist. "I gotta get to work. Have fun with the rugrat."

"Now's the part where you kiss. I'll be in the truck." 

You giggled while Tate ran down the steps. "I'll see you later."

"Yes, you will." Your boyfriend leaned in and kissed you long and tenderly. "Stay with me tonight."

"If you're lucky." You teased, knowing full well that you would. Since you two had started having sex, you couldn't get enough of him. And, vice versa. He made you enjoy it again after years of dreading it. He made you feel safe and loved like you were the most beautiful woman in the world. It was the best sex you've ever had. It was like you finally found your other half. He was the missing piece that fits your heart perfectly and he felt it too. He couldn't get enough of just being near you. 

He knew you would be there and grinned. "Have a good day, baby."

"You too." You rose on your toes and kissed him. "Love you."

"Love you more." 

"Violet!" 

You and Kayce laughed at his impatient son. "Gotta go. See you later." He squeezed your waist before you slipped out of his grasp. 

*

"Oh! Look at that one!" Tate tugged on your arm as he pointed to a booth that was selling cakes of all sizes, decorated in every coloured icing under the sun. 

"Wow. Those are fancy."

"I think we should stick with cookies."

You chuckled. "I think you're right. Those look like a lot of work."

"There's the vegetable ones." Tate grabbed your hand before pulling you past the baking stalls towards the fruit and vegetables. "That one has apples! Can we get some and make apple pie? Oh, and muffins? And-"

"Yes, we can get your favourite fruit. We'll have to get a box of them because I don't think one of the bags will be enough for all of the baking you want to do." You laughed and went to wait in line. The large, well-stocked stand was the one you always went to and not because it was run by two good-looking men around your age.  They weren't just one of the sweetest couples you had ever met, they were your only friends who didn't live on the ranch. Not that you went on double dates or anything. It was just nice to have a conversation about something other than cows or horses occasionally.

"Violet!" The blue-eyed one grinned when he saw you. 

"Hi, Chris." You smiled at the dark-haired man. 

"It looks like I didn't beat the rush this time."

"No, you didn't." Mark, the blonde with green eyes, answered after coming over having finished with a customer. "But, we saved a box of the best back here for ya just in case. Aside from a couple of local restaurants, the ranch is one of our biggest customers. We gotta keep ya happy."

You laughed. "You two spoil us. Speaking of us, this is Tate. Tate this is Chris and Mark. They grow the best fruit and vegetables in Montana."

"Hi, do you have any more apples?"

"Sorry, but that was the last of them," Chris said of the case the woman in front of you was carrying away. 

Disappointment filled Tate's face. "Awe, we can't make pie and muffins tomorrow."

"We do have more on the farm though." Mark smiled at the little boy. "I'll make you a deal. I'll drop off some apples for you later today if you promise to bring us some baking next time you're in town."

"Really?!"

Chris chuckled. "Really."

You placed a hand on Tate's shoulder and looked at them. "You don't have to do that. We can get some next week."

"It's no problem at all. We don't have any other plans. A drive will be nice."

"Please, Violet?"

Your eyes went back to them and they nodded. "Okay."

"Yay! Oh, are you going to have pumpkins in the fall that we can carve?"

"We will," Chris said while Mark went to help a customer. "You can come out and pick the perfect one. We're also going to have a corn maze and other games. Plus, apple cider and all kinds of treats in the little shop on the farm." 

"Oh Violet, can we go?" Tate tugged on your arm. "Dad can come and we could do the maze and play all the games and try all the treats. Then we can get pumpkins to make Jack-o'-lanterns!"

A chuckle left your lips. "I think we can arrange that."

"Yay!" The brown-haired boy turned back to the dark-haired farmer. "Violet's dad's girlfriend. He really loves her, like a lot. All he does is stare at her when she's around."

"Tate." You scolded while Chris laughed. 

Tate looked up at you with a grin. "It's true." 

A light shade of red stained your cheeks as you pulled the credit card out of your bag. "Thanks for the vegetables. Tate, we better get moving. We have to stop at the grocery store next."

"Can we stop and get chicken nuggets for lunch after?"

"I think I could go for a burger."

"Yay!" 

"And, thank you for dropping the apples off later. You've made one little boy very happy."

"You are more than welcome. See ya, Violet. It was nice meeting you, Tate." Chris smiled. 

"Bye. I can take your bag for you." Tate offered so you handed it to him. After picking up the box of vegetables, you headed back to the truck. 

*

"You look amazing, like always." Chris grinned after getting out of his truck. "One of the restaurants in town looking for some vegetables." He said of Mark who was still buckled in and talking on his cell phone. 

"What the fuck?!" Kayce, who had been standing by the barn with Rip and Lloyd, pushed passed them and stormed over. 

You blushed while he pulled you into a hug. "Thanks."

"Get your fucking hands off her." Kayce yanked him away from you and punched him. 

"Kayce!"

He ignored you and hit him again. "You're not very bright, are you? Hitting on her when I'm standing right there!" 

"Kayce, stop!" You begged but he ignored you.

"I didn't-"

"Don't fucking lie to me! I heard you. I saw you!" He tackled Chris to the ground. "Stay the fuck away from her!" 

"Kayce. Kayce!" Rip called as he and Lloyd came running over and pulled him off of Chris. 

John came out onto the porch when he heard the commotion. "What the hell is going on out here?"

"This asshole was all over Violet!" Kayce pulled against Rip and Lloyd trying to get free. 

"No, he wasn't." You had tears in your eyes as you and Mark, who had just finished his call, helped Chris up. "I met him at the farmers market a couple of months ago. Tate saw the apples he was selling this morning and wanted some, but the person in front of us got the last of them. They had more at the farm and were nice enough to drop some off."

Kayce's face went white. The two farm hands let him go and his shoulders slumped. "Letty, I-"

"I'm sorry, Chris. I'm so sorry." 

"It's okay." He said with a soft smile. "I'll grab them. They're just in the back."

John came down the steps. "I'm sorry for my son's behaviour. We'll get them." He nodded to Rip and he went over and grabbed the box of apples out of the truck box. 

You handed Chris the money you owed him. "I'm really sorry."

"Don't worry about it."

"The apples look great." John held his hand out and Chris shook it. When they parted, the farmer found a hundred-dollar bill in his hand. He was about to hand the money back but John stopped him. "No, I insist. I'm sorry again and so is my son."

"Y-yeah. I'm sorry." Kayce apologized quietly. 

Chris nodded at him before giving your arm a squeeze. Mark did the same before they got in their truck.

The second they started driving away Kayce started walking up to you. "Letty."

You stepped back when he reached out for you, memories of Nick and his jealousy filling your head. "Gator wanted me to tell you that dinner's ready." A stray tear slid down your cheek as you turned and went inside. 

*

Everyone walked into the dining room while you set the last dish of food on the table. They sat down, joining Tate who had been upstairs washing his hands. 

You picked your plate and cutlery up off the table. "Hey, where are you going? Aren't you eating with us?" Tate asked. When his summer holidays started he insisted you start eating with them. The rest of the family had agreed so Tate picked your spot at the table, between him and Kayce.

"I'm not hungry. I'm going to get a head start on cleaning up so the kitchen will be ready for pie making tomorrow." He let out a cheer and you gave him a small smile before disappearing into the kitchen. 

After setting your clean dishes down, you gripped the edge of the countertop. Your mind was a mess as you stared at your reflection in the window. The darkening evening sky made it easy to see Kayce walk into the room. 

"Letty."

Your eyes went to your hands as he slowly made his way over, stopping behind you. 

"Letty, I'm sorry. I just heard him-then he touched you and-"

"I would never cheat on you." You stated quietly while continuing to stare at your fingers, which turned white from their grip on the countertop. 

"I know you wouldn't. I just...I'm scared." His hand hesitantly reached out, his fingers running down your arm. When you didn't pull away he closed the distance. "I'm scared you're going to find someone better. You're perfect and I'm...me. I have anger issues. I'm trying and failing at raising my kid. I love you so much it scares me. Tate loves you." His other hand went to your other arm and he leaned in, resting his forehead against the top of your head. "I'm sorry, baby. I'll do whatever you want me to. Please, forgive me."

You turned to face him. Your eyes didn't meet his though, they watched your fingers as they came up and fidgeted with one of the buttons on his shirt. 

"Letty?"

"Please...please, don't turn into him."

His hands came up and cupped your face. When he tilted it up he saw the tears pooling in your eyes. "Never, baby. Never." He leaned in and kissed you as a few tears spilled over. "I'll work on it, getting angry, jealous. I promise." You nodded. "And, I'll go into town tomorrow and apologize to him again."

A small smile pulled at your lips as you nodded again. "You should go eat before it gets cold."

"You're not going to?"

"I'm not that hungry. I'll grab something later."

"I'll grab something later too then. Do you want to wash or dry?" He grinned and picked up a dish towel. 

"Well, since you already have the towel, I'll wash." You turned and started filling the sink with water. Kayce's arm slid across your stomach and pulled you back against him. You stayed like that until the sink was full. 

After turning the tap off, he held you tighter. "I really am sorry."

"I know." Your hands slid across his arms before hugging them. "Chris and Mark know too. A few weeks ago when I saw them at the grocery store. We went for coffee while they were waiting to go to an appointment. They're really nice and they've heard about you and your family, the ranch. They know that you were in the Navy and about how much I mean to you." You looked at him in the reflection. "Mark used to be in the army so he knows that PTSD can affect you in different ways."

"Getting angry...I'm trying."

You leaned into him, "I know. You're doing a lot better."

"Except when it comes to you. What you've been through, your ex..." there was a tick in his jaw. "I promised to never let anything happen to you again. I just take it too far sometimes. I'm working on it. I really am trying."

You turned in his arms and wrapped yours around his neck. "I can tell. Everyone here can." Your lips pressed against his. "Now let's get these dishes done."

"Yes, ma'am." He said when you went back to facing the sink. He didn't move though. 

When his lips brushed against the spot where your neck and shoulder meet, you giggled. "Kayce."

He smiled against your skin. "Yes?"

"It's going to be pretty hard for you to dry these pots when you're standing there."

"I suppose you're right." His teeth gently nipped at the delicate spot and a small moan left your lips. He quickly spun you, crashing his lips against yours. When he pulled away the smirk that you loved spread across his face. 

You shoved him away with a giggle before focusing on washing the pots and pans Gator used to make dinner. Kayce settled in next to you, drying the dishes you set in front of him. A comfortable silence filled the room, only broken up by the conversations and laughter going on in the dining room. 

*

Once the dishes were done and dinner had been cleaned up, you went to the foreman's house. Tate had wanted to go to bed, even though there were still forty-five minutes before his usual bedtime. He was beyond excited about making pie for the first time and wanted to go to bed early so tomorrow would be here sooner. While Kayce tucked him into bed and read him a story, you went to wait for him in his bedroom. 

"Baby?"

You could hear the door shut behind him so, after turning the water off for the bathtub, you stepped out of the bathroom wearing nothing but one of his shirts. 

His eyes slowly drank you in. "Damn, you look good." 

A light shade of red crept across your cheeks as he closed the distance between you in two long strides. You unbuttoned his shirt and pushed it off his shoulders to the floor, followed quickly by his jeans. All while your lips stayed glued to his. 

His hands ran up your thighs and when he got to your hips they paused, finding no underwear to pull down. He smirked against your mouth before picking you up and carrying you to bed. 

"Mmm," you hummed as he kissed his way down your neck. Your hands found his waist and started to tug on the waistband of his boxers. 

After what he said to you in the kitchen about not turning into your ex and knowing he meant it, you needed him. And, he needed you just as bad. Once his boxers were down far enough he thrust into you. You gasped at the sudden fullness and when he did it again your eyes closed. "Oh, god."

His teeth bit down on your shoulder as he continued to move in and out of you. It wasn't long before your back started to arch off the bed as he kept hitting just the right spot over and over again. As you started to fall over the edge his lips met yours, swallowing your breathy moan and you melted into each other, falling together. 

Once your racing heartbeat returned normal, you slid out from under him and got off the bed. 

"No," he groaned and grabbed your hand. "I mean, the view is amazing but..." Your cheeks darkened and he grinned, sliding to the edge of the bed and pulling you onto his lap. "God, you're adorable."

"Stop." You turned and buried your face into his shoulder while the shade of red on your cheeks got even brighter. 

"Never," his chest vibrated with a chuckle. 

"Come have a bath with me?"

"I'm not much of a bath person but if you're in there with me I think I can make an exception. Lead the way, beautiful."

You slid your hand into his and made your way into the bathroom. "When I filled it I used scalding water so it should have cooled off enough by now." He got into the still bubbly water and you sunk across from him, closing your eyes. 

"Letty?"

"Hmm?" You opened your eyes when he stayed quiet. "Hey," after seeing his glassy eyes you went over and straddled his lap, taking his face in your hands, "what is it? What's wrong?"

"Why- I keep fucking up but you keep staying. You are goddamn perfect and could easily get any man you wanted. Why do you stay with me? After what happened before dinner-"

Seeing him so down made your heartache. "Because you are an amazing man and an even better father. Kayce, Tate looks up to you more than you know. He always talks about how much fun he has when he gets to help you around the ranch. He wants to be the foreman just like you when he grows up." Your thumbs ran along his jaw. "You went through a lot in the Navy, saw a lot. It changes a person. I didn't know you before you enlisted. I know you now. I fell in love with the man who came back from the war, with who you are today." He looked down, still ashamed. You tilted his head back so he would look at you. "You make me happy. You make me feel safe. There is no one else in the world I would rather be with. We can and we will get through anything. I love you, Kayce." 

"I am not worthy of you." 

A smile formed, "It's a good thing you're wrong and I'm right."

"You think so?" He finally smiled back, a small one but it was still there.

"I know so."

His arms engulfed you and crushed you against him. "I love you, Violet."

"I know. I love you." When he let you go you slid back to your spot. "Do you have a lot of work to do tomorrow? Tate wants to make pie and muffins. Mark and Chris said they would drop the apples off in exchange for some baking." 

"The farmers market is done at 2:00 pm, I'll have my stuff done by then. The three of us could go into town. Maybe go for coffee with them after? Tate keeps talking about the new playground they built by the farmers market."

You smiled, "Tate would love that. Chris and Mark would too." 

He nodded before finally lying back and relaxing, his fingers going back to mindlessly running up and down your knee. "I could get used to this. It's actually pretty nice." 

"I told you it wasn't that bad."

"You're right again." His crooked smile formed.

You watched him as he closed his eyes and rested his head back, admiring not only how handsome he was but how great of a person he was. Most men wouldn't have talked about their feelings like he did let alone go have coffee and talk to the man they just attacked. Whether he believed it or not, he was an amazing man and you were the luckiest woman in the world.

___________________________________________

Tag List: @alisbackalleybbq @a-beaverhausen @chloe-skywalker @wabi-sabi1090 @saintnourah

"There you are, baby." Kayce sat down on the steps next to you. His arm slid around your back while he kissed your temple. "What are you doing out here?"

You looked ahead of you so he followed your gaze to a bald eagle sitting in a tree. Lee. His hold on you tightened. "I was talking."

"About what?"

"You," a smile pulled at your lips. A comfortable silence settled between you while you watched the bird fly off. "Lee knew I left California to get away from Nick. A few weeks before he died he found me sitting back here. The sun had just started coming up and he asked why I was up so early. I tried to hide it but he knew I was crying. He sat down and made me tell him what was wrong." You took a breath. "I get nightmares sometimes about Nick. Sometimes they're just memories of what he did, other times it's him finding me."

"Baby," the hand that wasn't around your waist reached for your hand, "why didn't you tell me?"

"I don't get them when we sleep in the same bed."

"You should move in with me then."

"Kayc."

"I know. Just me and Tate, for a while at least. Did you have a nightmare tonight?"

"No. I just woke up and couldn't get back to sleep. I didn't want to wake you." Your fingers played with the button on the cuff of his sleeve. "Lee always told me I was safe here." You let out a small giggle. "And, that even though you hadn't asked me out yet, you wouldn't let anyone touch me."

Kayce chuckled. "He was right about that. I wouldn't have let your ex or anyone else near you. I still won't." 

You smiled at him before looking out at the trees. 

"Letty?"

"Hmm?"

"Do you feel safe here?"

"Yes." Your eyes met his hazel brown ones. "You make me feel safe." 

He smiled and ran his hand across your jaw, pulling you in for a kiss. "I love you, Letty."

"I know." You smiled. "I love you too."

"I gotta drive around and check some fences. What do you say we grab some coffee and you come keep me company? And, instead of sleeping in your bed again because Tate wanted to spend the weekend having a sleepover with his grandpa, we could spend the night at my place?" 

"Yes and yes." 

"Tate will be here with Dad so we have the whole day and night to ourselves." His perfect grin formed before he kissed you. "Go get changed. I'll get the coffee." 

"Meet you in the kitchen in five minutes." 

After going inside, you both walked through the living room to the hallway. As you went to walk passed the kitchen to your room, he stopped you. "Baby, are you okay?"

You looked up at him and smiled softly. "You worry about me too much."

"I worry about you just as much as I should be. Now answer the question, beautiful." 

Your hands came up and rested against the sides of his neck, your thumbs running across his stubble-covered jaw. "I'm okay. Just missing your brother."

"Me too."

"He would be so proud of you, Kayce." 

"After kicking my ass for waiting so long to ask you out." 

You giggled. "Yeah, that's probably true." 

"Thank you for being there for me through that and every day since then." 

"You're welcome. But, you don't have to thank me. I wanted to and I needed you just as much as you needed me."

His hand ran across your cheek. "I still need you." 

"Right back at you." You rose to your toes and kissed him before going to change. 

*

You leaned against the fence post watching Kayce while he finished securing a section of barbed wire that he had to replace. 

"There," he straightened up, "that- What?" 

"Nothing."

"Nothin'?" He came up behind you and wrapped his arms around your waist. "What are you thinking about?" 

A smile pulled at the corners of your mouth. "You." You leaned back against him while you both looked out over the pasture to the mountains. 

"Yeah?"

"Mhm." 

"Is that all I'm gonna get?" He chuckled and turned you to face him. 

"I just..." your hands rested on his chest, "I can't believe I'm here with you. You are the most hardworking, caring, understanding man I have ever met." Tears pricked the back of your eyes. "I would go through everything in California again if I knew that it led me here." 

In response, he grabbed your face and kissed you. "I love you more than anything on this earth, Letty. Well, you and the kid." 

"I love you too." You giggled and slid your hands over his shoulders, clasping them behind his neck as your lips met his. When the kiss started to grow heated, you stepped back. "You need to work."

"I just finished the last one." 

"Yeah?"

The smirk that drove you crazy, in the best possible way, formed. "Yeah, now get back here." His hand slid into your hair pulling you in. As the kiss intensified, he picked you up and carried you to the tailgate of his truck. It was already down with tools sitting on it so he pushed them to the side before setting you on it. His eyes met yours and you smiled. 

While you unzipped and shimmied out of your jeans, he unbuckled his belt and pushed it down. "Kayc," you moaned when he slowly thrust into you. 

"Fuck, baby." His fiery eyes met yours. "You're fucking perfect."

Your hips rolled to meet his with every thrust. "Yes," you moaned when one of his hands left your hips and went between you to your clit. "Yes. Yes. Kayce." It didn't take long for heat to start pooling. 

When your orgasm had passed, he took your hands which had been gripping his shoulders and lay you on your back. "I want one more, baby." You nodded as you looked up at him, making the smirk you love form. He put your legs over his shoulders and started pounding into you. 

You could feel a rough section of the tailgate scrape your ass cheek but you didn't care. He had you at the perfect angle and you started to clench around him. "Oh, god. Kayce." 

"Yes, baby. Give me one more." His smirk reappeared. "Come for me, Letty." That put you over the edge and you fell apart. He came seconds later, spilling into you. 

"You good, baby?" He asked as you lay there trying to catch your breath. 

"Mhm," you mumbled with a smile. 

He chuckled and zipped his jeans up before putting your underwear and jeans on you as far as he could get them with you still lying down. 

After carefully getting to your feet, you pulled them up the rest of the way. 

"Hi." Kayce smiled down at you, his hands going to your waist. 

"Hi." Your fingers brushed his hair off his forehead. "That was...wow."

His smirk formed before he kissed you. "I'm gonna have to agree with you on that. Now get your sexy ass out of the way so I can clean up." 

You giggled as he squeezed your sides. "What do you have to do now?" You asked as you leaned against the side of his truck. 

"I gotta go to town to pick up a few things." He informed, closing the tailgate. "Where do you think you're goin'?" His hand wrapped around yours, stopping you from going around to the passenger side. 

"Maybe I don't want to sit beside you." You teased. 

He backed you against the truck and pressed himself against you, keeping you in place. "You don't, huh?" The smirk that drove you crazy formed.

"Don't look at me like that we both know because we both know what comes next." 

"You. Once, sometimes more." 

"Kayce!" You gave him a shove so you could slip free. 

His laugh followed you as you climbed into the truck. "You're cute when you blush." 

"Oh my god." You groaned, burying your face in his shoulder while he buckled his seatbelt. 

"Even cuter when you come."

Your jaw dropped as the red on your cheeks darkened. 

He reached across your lap when you tried sliding across the seat. "I'll stop." 

"Says the guy with the mischievous grin on his face." 

"Get back here." 

You gave in with a smile and settled in next to him. "You're lucky I love you."

"The luckiest." His lips pressed against your temple before he started the truck. 

When you got closer to town, you looked in the rearview mirror and started taming your hair. "You should leave it." 

"It's a mess."

"You have that just had sex look."

"I did just have sex."

"Yes," he squeezed your knee, "but everyone else will see it and know you're mine." 

You giggled, "I'm pretty sure everyone will know that without advertising what we just did. You always hold my hand when we go to town, or have your arm around me, your hand on my back." After smoothing the last tangled strand, you leaned back against the seat. "I'm guessing you don't hold Ryan or Colby's hand when you go to town to pick stuff up." 

"Definitely not." His laugh echoed through the cab. 

A comfortable silence settled between you as you rested your head on his shoulder and thought about how much your life had changed in the last seven and a half months. You escaped from Nick and the nightmare he put you through and ended up meeting a man so good you didn't think could even exist. Going through hell had brought you to the most amazing version of heaven on earth. And, you would endure it all over again so you could end up with the cowboy sitting beside you and his son. 

*

"What are you thinking about?" Kayce asked as he joined you on the porch of the foreman's house. You had made his mom's stew and biscuits for dinner so he offered to put the leftovers away. "You've been kind of quiet since I got back from helping Dad in the barn before dinner. I told you it would just be us today, I'm sorry."

"No, it's okay. It's not that." 

"Then what is it?"

Your fingers picked at the cuff of your sleeve. "When you were with your dad and I was inside with Tate making the biscuits, Tate...he told me he loves me. He's said it before but it's always just been love you. When the biscuits were in the oven we were talking about what he and his grandpa did today. I was leaning back against the counter, when he was done telling me he came over and wrapped his arms around my waist. He looked up at me and he said I love you." Tears started to pool in your eyes while you stared down at the ends of your sleeves. "He told me he was happy I came here because I'm kind of like his mom. Then he rested the side of his face against my stomach and hugged me. He laughed and said I make you happy so you're not as grumpy anymore so I can never leave."

Kayce chuckled, "he's right, you do make me happy." When you continued staring at your hands, he took hold of your chin and lifted it, making you look at him. "Hey, talk to me." Concern was evident in his voice when he saw tears start to trickle from your eyes. "Was it because he thinks you're his mom? I'll tell him not to call you that."

"It wasn't that."

"Nick?"

You nodded as you drew in a shaky breath. "If he finds me he said he would kill whoever helped me."

"Baby, it's been almost eight months since you got away from him. He would have found you by now."

"But, what if he's still looking? What if he does eventually find me?"

"If he does, he's not going to get a chance to kill anyone."

"What if you're all gone and just me and Tate are here? What...Tate-" A small sob cut you off. 

Kayce wiped away your tears. "I know what you're thinking and you're not leaving. Tate loves you, I love you. Hell, everyone on this ranch loves you. You belong here." His fingers tucked your hair behind your ear before going back to try and dry your cheeks. "I'll tell you what. Tate's closet in the main house is five times bigger than it needs to be. Since we spend most of the time there anyway, especially you and him when I'm working, we'll close in part of the closet so he can hide in there. I'll make the door look like part of the wall so no one will know any different. Okay?"

You sniffed. "Okay." 

"Come here." You stood up and he guided you onto his lap so you were straddling him. His hand rested against the side of your neck. "Tate's not the only one who thinks you're kind of like his mom. You are beyond amazing with him. I know we've only been together for three months but I know that God sent you to me. We belong together, Letty."

"Kayce." A smile finally formed before you pressed your lips against his. It didn't take long before you both needed more. He stood up taking you with him and carried you to his bed. 

After setting you on your feet, his hands went to work on your jeans. As he pulled them down, his hand ran across the scrape you got from the tailgate making you flinch. "Did I scratch you?" When you both looked you realized what it was from. "Shit. I should've put a blanket or something down."

"It's not that bad... if you kiss it better it will be as good as new."

"I can't have my baby hurt." He smirked, sinking to his knees and doing what you said. But, he didn't stop there. He kissed his way across your hip before taking off your underwear and jeans and gently pushed you onto the bed. 

"Kayc," you moaned as he buried his face between your legs. 

His hands slid under your thighs and gripped your hips, securing you in place. "You taste so damn good." He groaned before going to work again. 

"Oh, god." After a couple of minutes of just using his tongue, one of his hands left your hip. His fingers dipped inside you while his mouth focused on the bundle of sensitive nerves. Your hands dove into his brown wavy hair. It took only minutes for your stomach to begin to tighten and waves of intense pleasure coursed through you. 

When you came down from your high, Kayce's lips crashed against yours. He ushered you backwards, away from the edge, so he could climb between your legs. You could taste yourself on him as his tongue danced with yours. 

He slowly thrust into you. His hand went to the back of your neck and he lifted you. "You're mine." His eyes pierced yours.

Whenever Nick told you that you were his it would make you feel hopeless and scared. Hearing Kayce tell you that you're his drove home the fact that this is where you were meant to be, with him and his son. "I'm yours." You breathed out, your eyes never leaving his. 

*****

You parked one of the Dutton's work trucks in front of the grocery store as a patrol car was making its way down the street. While you got out, the police car parked behind the truck, blocking you in. 

"Ma'am," one of them greeted as they walked up to you.

"Hi."

"Can I ask why you have the Dutton's truck?"

"I'm umm, getting groceries. I work for them." You swallowed nervously as memories of Nick in his police uniform filled your head. 

"We've never seen you around town before."

"I've been here since the middle of February."

"Uh-huh." They exchanged doubtful looks. Sweat covered your palms. "Can I see your license, please?"

Panic set in. "I-I didn't steal it."

He nodded. "Let me just run your license and we'll get this cleared up."

"You can call John. He'll tell you I work there."

"We will after we check your license. Is it in 

there?" He asked as he stepped forward and dumped the contents of your purse onto the driver's seat. You were frozen in fear. After opening your wallet, he pulled out your driver's license. "Well, Violet Smith from Los Angeles, I'll be right back."

Your heart rate was out of control, you were trembling. The officers could tell you were guilty of something so the other officer stood in front of you, corralling you between the open truck door and driver's seat, while the other went to the car. 

Seconds later, the officer returned from the car. "I think it's time you tell us your real name because it isn't Violet Smith."

"I-I-"

"Cuff her."

"No."

"Put your hands behind your back."

"Please. Just call John. Please!" Tears started falling from your eyes. 

Once the handcuffs were secured, the officer took hold of your arm and put you in the back of the car. People were standing around watching as the other officers locked the truck. After they both got in, they drove to the station. 

*

"No! No!" You pulled against the two officers who had uncuffed you and were trying to take your fingerprints. "Please, don't. Please!"

"What the hell is going on here?" Sheriff Haskell came out of his office. 

"We're trying to take her fingerprints but she's resisting."

"Please, don't. Call John Dutton. He'll tell you I work for him. Please!" You begged with tears streaming down your cheeks. 

The sheriff looked at you for a few seconds. "Put her in one of the cells."

"But, we haven't even started with the paperwork or anything yet."

"I'll take care of it." He took your license off the counter. "Just put her in a cell."

"Just call him, please. I'm not lying!"

The officers took you through a door and your pleas died off. They brought you down the hall, putting you in one of the cells that lined the wall. 

The door shut behind you with a clang, making you flinch. You went to the bench lining one wall, buried your face in your hands and cried. John would have to tell the sheriff who you were. Nick would come get you because he would see it on your file after the sheriff put your information into the computer. You mourned for the life you had here, for the friends you made, for the Duttons, for Tate. And, for Kayce. Nick would do whatever he wanted to you once he brought you back. But, the thought of never seeing Kayce again made your heart hurt so much that it was hard to breathe. Death would be better than having to live without him and his son.

*

"Where is she?!" Kayce's voice echoed down the hall. 

When you heard it, a sob left your lips knowing it was only a matter of days before you would never hear it again. 

"Violet!" As soon as the sheriff unlocked your cell, he flung the door open and ran in. You stood up and his arms wrapped around you, crushing you against him. You clung to his shirt as a fresh wave of tears spilled down your face. "I'm here, Letty. It's okay. You're coming home."

"N-Nick- He-he knows- I can't g-go back." 

"He doesn't know, baby."

You pushed on his chest so you could look up at him. "He will! My name-he-"

"He won't know you're here because your name is Violet Smith." John finished from where he and the sheriff were standing outside the cell. 

"But..." your eyes went to the sheriff.

"I've known John a long time." The sheriff informed. "He filled me in on everything. You're safe here, Violet. And, as far as the two who brought you in, and everyone else working here know, you're hiding from an abusive ex who's a cop, hence the fake ID. That's all they need to know." You looked at him unsure. "Nick and everything about your old life is safe with me. I won't be telling anyone." You gave a small nod of your head and a warm smile formed on his face. "I think it's time to get you out of there and back home." 

"Come on, baby." Kayce kissed your hairline before putting his arm around your waist and guiding you out. 

"I'm sorry, Vi," John said as he squeezed your shoulder. "I should've known it would be a matter of time before one of the knuckleheads working here stopped you."

"It's not your fault."

He smiled. "Let's get outta here."

*

The second you climbed into bed Kayce pulled you into his arms. You burrowed into him as close as you could get. "I was scared." He admitted into your hair after a couple of silent minutes. 

You shifted so you could look up at him. "You were scared? Nothing scares you."

"Losing you scares me." His brown eyes were watery. "The sheriff called Dad while we were working in the barn. All Dad said was it's you and to get in the truck. I think he drove faster than I've ever seen him drive before. If they would have booked you in...I would have been sitting in that cell right next to you." He slid his hand into your hair and rested his forehead against yours. "I can't lose you."

"I can't lose you either." You sniffed, fighting back tears. "I thought I would have to go back."

"Baby, you are never going to lose me. No matter what. And, he is never, ever getting you back. I love you with everything I am, Violet."

"Kayc," tears started trickling over, "I love you too." Your lips met but this one felt different than all of the other ones. This one captured the last lingering thoughts you had of having to leave, of not getting too close. He took them all along with the last brick you had guarding your heart and you gave yourself to him, all of you. This was your home and he was the man you were supposed to be with.

…………………………………………………………………………

Kayce was wrapped around you, pulling you back against his chest as you reached to turn your alarm clock off. "Mmm, no."

"Yes. We both have to go to work." You groaned as you rolled onto your side to face him. 

When he stretched, his back cracked. "I love waking up next to you but your bed is too small. My bed's bigger." 

"Your room is right next to your dad's."

"So?" 

"You know what usually happens when we stay in the same bed."

"He won't care."

"I know but it's your dad."

"He knows I've been sleeping down here with you a few times a week and I'm pretty sure he knows we're not just sleeping most nights." He tickled your side and you squirmed.

"Stop." You giggled. His fingers stilled so you stopped wiggling. "I know that he knows we're not just sleeping but...I don't know...it would just be kind of weird having sex in the room next to his while he's in there."

"Yeah, I guess you're right." He pulled your naked body against his. "Plus, I like hearing you moan my name so I'd hate for you to have to be too quiet." 

"Kayce." Heat crept across your cheeks. 

The smirk you loved formed. "Not quite like that."

"No? Well, this might help a bit." You pushed him onto his back and straddled him. 

His hands ran up your thighs while his eyes traveled up your body. "Fuck, you're perfect."

Blush stained your cheeks and you leaned down to kiss him. "So are you." You smiled against his lips as your hand went between you. 

"Fuck, baby." He moaned when you sunk onto him. 

You began to ride him, your eyes never leaving his. His hands gripped your hips before one slid up your stomach and palmed your breast. He pinched your nipple and you clenched around him. "Kayc." You ground against him. 

He let out a ragged breath and his hand quickly left your hip so he could sit up. Your lips crashed together as he effortlessly lifted you so you could wrap your legs around him. He pushed back into you and the two of you began grinding against each other, hitting the right spot over and over again. His arm slid around you and up your back, holding you close, while his other hand dug into your hip. 

"Mmm." You moaned. One of your arms wrapped around his shoulders, your other hand slid into his hair. 

"Baby." He groaned and you knew he was close. You nodded breathlessly, right there with him. "Come for me, Letty." And, you did, moaning his name. He was seconds behind you, watching while you came undone in his arms. 

You both collapsed, a thin layer of sweat covering your bodies. "Wow." You said between gasps. 

"Yeah. You are without a doubt the most amazing woman in the world." He rolled you onto your back and propped himself up on his elbow to look down at you. His perfect smile donned his face. "Seriously, how can every time with you be even better than the last?"

"I guess we were just made for each other."

"You're god damn right we were." He leaned in and kissed you long and slow. When he pulled back you could see a hint of concern in his brown eyes. 

"What?" Your hand came up and brushed his hair off his forehead. 

"Are you still good with...everything?"

You knew he was referring to sex and everything that went along with it. "Yes, I'm good."

"I try to be gentle but sometimes I can't help it because you're well, you. I don't hold you too tight or push you around or-"

"Kayce," you smiled up at the kind, caring man you loved, "everything you do is perfect. He is the furthest thing from my mind when I'm with you. And, to be honest, I kinda like it when you take charge and manhandle me a bit." 

"I don't hurt you or-or scare you?"

"No. I know you would stop if I told you to and I know you wouldn't hurt me. It's just me and you every time we're together. whether it's you grabbing me to give me a kiss while I'm not paying attention or when we're doing more than kissing." A smile finally pulled at his lips and you rose to kiss it. "I love you."

"I love you more." 

You giggled softly. "Come on. We need to shower and get dressed before Tate gets up." 

"Yes, ma'am." But, he didn't. He leaned back against the headboard and watched you stand up. "I am the luckiest man in the whole damn world."

Your hand reached for the sheet that was covering the lower half of his body and pulled it off the bed. "And, I am the luckiest woman in the world." You bit your lower lip before wrapping the sheet around your naked body. "Hurry up or I'll be done before you get in there." A sweet smile pulled at your lips before you opened the door and poked your head out, making sure the coast was clear before you dashed across the hall with the sheet draped around you. 

*****

"Ready, baby?" Kayce asked as the two of you stood inside the fence, next to his horse and a chestnut mare. 

"I'm ready." His eyes surveyed your face and you giggled. Your hands came up to rest on his chest. "Kayc, how many times have I gone riding with you? Lots. I don't even know how many times. And, every time you've shown me how to do it. You've taught me how to sit, how to stop, everything. I'm ready."

"Okay."

You rose to your toes and looked into his worried brown eyes. "You don't have to be nervous. I had the best teacher on the ranch. I'll be fine." Your lips pressed against his. "Let's go."

A smile finally formed on his rugged face. "Get your sexy ass up there then." He chuckled when your cheeks darkened. "God, you're adorable."

"Stop." You gave him a gentle shove before climbing up and settling onto the saddle. "Hurry up and get your sexy ass up there slowpoke."

"Jeez, woman. What am I gonna do with you?" He smirked at you while he untied your horse from the fence railing before working on his. 

"You have until we get to the meadow to figure it out." You smirked back at him before you got your horse walking, quickly turning it into a run. 

"Letty!" He yelled before jumping onto his horse and bolting after you. When he caught up to you, you slowed your mare to a walk. "What do you think you're doing?!" He brought his horse alongside yours and grabbed the reigns so you couldn't run off again.

"I told you I had the best teacher." 

"You could have fallen off." 

You looked over at him. "Kace, I'm not made of glass." 

"I know but you've never gone by yourself before." 

"I have actually." A mischievous smile formed. "When you've all gone out checking fences or moving cows, your dad's been showing me. We thought it would be fun to surprise you." 

"You almost gave me a heart attack."

"Sorry." A giggle escaped and he gave you a playful scowl. "Do you think Storm will be okay to ride soon? It's not that I don't love this one," you pet the mare's neck that you were riding, "but-"

"But, she's not yours."

"Will she be strong enough to ride or, after everything she went through..."

His hand let go of the reigns and squeezed your thigh. "She's stronger because of what she went through." You knew he wasn't just talking about your horse. "Storm's doin' really good. She's a hundred times better than when she first got here, she's strong enough now. Next time you take her out walking in the corral, I'll bring a saddle and we can see how she does with it." You smiled at him and he smiled back. "Wait a second. You said you had the best teacher at the ranch. Did you mean me or Dad?"

"Your dad obviously." 

A smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth. "Uh-huh. Well, since you're such a good rider, let me see what ya got." 

"Race you the rest of the way?" Before he could answer, you and the mare were off. 

*****

"Violet?" Tate's voice drifted outside to where you were sitting on the porch. "Violet?!" The door opened and he stuck his head out. "Vi- Oh, there you are."

"Hi." You smiled as he stepped outside, followed by his dad.

Kayce leaned down and kissed you. "Morning, baby. How did ya sleep?" He sat down in the empty chair next to yours before taking a drink from his coffee mug. 

"Uh, Morning. I slept well. How about you?" You eyed the bruises on his face. 

"It coulda been better." 

Because last night he slept in his bed, not yours. The only time you, did see him yesterday was in the morning and he didn't have the bruises then so he had gotten into a fight with someone between then and now. He could see your wheels turning and he quickly took another drink. 

"What are ya doin'?" Tate looked down at your lap, which was filled with photographs. "Did you take these?" 

"Mhm." You answered shyly. 

"Wow! You're really good."

Your cheeks started to return red from Tate's compliment. "Thanks, bud."

"Shit. Babe, he's right."

"Dad."

Kayce chuckled at his son's serious tone. "Right. Sorry. No swearing." He turned his attention back to you. "You didn't tell me you liked photography."

"I umm, I took pictures for the yearbook in high school and of places around town. The city used some in travel brochures, the newspaper printed a few of them, I even sold some prints but after high school...life happened and I stopped. Being here, it makes we want to again." You looked at Kayce and who had a soft, knowing smile on his and you smiled back. "So, what are you up to today? Tired of summer holidays yet?"

"No! School sucks." Tate scrunched his nose in disgust. "Oh! Guess what?!" 

"What?"

"At breakfast, Grandpa said that since Dad's been working better, that me and Dad can move into the foreman's house."

Your eyes left Tate and went to Kayce, whose cheeks were a light shade of pink from embarrassment. "Really? That's exciting."

"Yeah! Wanna come help me pack up my room? I just need my toys and books, and my clothes. Grandpa said there's empty boxes in the storage room. Oh, wait. Do you have to work today?"

"I finished my work for the week yesterday so I have a three-day weekend. So, yes, I can come help you."

"Yay! I'll go help Grandpa get the boxes." 

"I'll be there soon."

"Okay." 

When the door closed behind him, you set the photos on the small side table nestled between the two chairs. "So."

"So." He reached for your hand and gave it a gentle tug. You went over and sat on his lap. "Uh..."

I won't start with his black and blue face then. "I thought Rip lived in the foreman's house."

"He does-did. Dad said, well, you heard Tate." Embarrassment flashed across his features again. "I've been doing better. I umm, I still get angry sometimes. I would never hurt you though. Never." He added quickly.

"I know you wouldn't." Your hand rested against the side of his neck, your thumb ran across his jaw carefully avoiding his bruised skin.

"I was the foreman but not really. I didn't act like it. I would lose my temper or not pay attention. Then you came. I wanted to be better, someone who was good enough for you because I sure as hell wasn't before."

"Kayc, you don't have to prove anything to me."

"Yes, I did. When I started getting back on track, Dad put me back in charge. Rip was doing it before."

Your eyes searched his face. "It was Rip."

"How..."

"The way you said his name." Your fingers trailed up and down his forearm while he held you.

His eyes went to your hand. "He just...he thinks he's always right. Especially, since he's been Dad's right-hand man since before I graduated. Then with everything that went on after...Tate, the navy." He looked up at you sheepishly but relaxed when he was met with your soft, caring eyes. "There's a rule on the ranch, no fighting and if you want someone to fight, it's the foreman. I admit Rip's been helpin' me work my way back up but yesterday he went off about something I said or didn't do, I can't even remember because it was stupid. I got mad and we fought. At least everyone knows who to fight now."

So he won. "Are you okay? Does it hurt?"

"I'm good, baby."

"So, I can kiss you?" You smiled.

A smile finally formed on his rugged face. "Come here." His hand slid into your hair and gently pulled you in. When you parted, Tate was standing there grinning. Kayce chuckled. "I guess it's time to start packing."

"I guess so."

"I get Violet!" Tate quickly grabbed your hand and you stood up.

"What if I want her to help me?"

"You wouldn't get anything done because you would just be kissin' the whole time." 

A light shade of red stained your cheeks. "Okay. Let's go." You grabbed your pictures before ushering the giggling boy inside, with his dad on your heels. 

"He isn't wrong though," Kayce whispered next to your ear before kissing the side of your head. 

You gave him a playful shove. "Get to work." 

"Yes, ma'am." He winked at you before grabbing the last two boxes that were sitting at the base of the stairs.

*

The second you crawled into bed, Kayce pulled you into his arms and you immediately cuddled against his side. "Mmm." You hummed in contentment as you rested your head on his shoulder. "This is nice."

"Mhm." His lips pressed a kiss on your forehead. "Thanks for your help today, baby." 

"You're welcome. How does it feel to be in your own house?"

"It feels good, except for the fact that you're not in the same house anymore."

You giggled and tilted your head to look up at him. "I'm only what, a one minute walk away?"

"Yeah, but we've been in the same house for the last six months." He held you tighter when you curled in closer to him.

"It's hard to believe I've been here that long."

"Do you still like it here?"

"There's nowhere else on earth I would rather be." You stated after looking up at him. 

He leaned in and your lips met for a long, sweet kiss before you settled back into his arms. "How come you stopped taking pictures? He was a piece of shit but even he couldn't have denied that you were amazing at it."

"After high school, I was going to work for a year to save up some money then go to school for photography. When Nick and I started dating he was okay with it. When I got back acceptance letters from the schools I applied to it was a couple weeks before my Mom died. She really wanted me to go. She was always really supportive." A sad smile graced your lips at the memory of her. "After she died Nick said he didn't want me to go. He said he would miss me too much, and he couldn't go with me because he just started working. And, it was too soon after she died so I wouldn't be able to focus at school. I should stay and move in with him because I couldn't afford a place of my own. I could apply again next year and he could come with me. When it was time to apply again he said he couldn't get transferred yet because it was still too soon."

"He could've though?"

"Yeah. When I found out I got mad but he said he did it for me. He said it was because I wouldn't make it through school let alone do it as a career. I wasn't that good. He told me it was because he couldn't leave yet so he didn't hurt my feelings. Then he went on about how I didn't have to work because his family was rich...I stopped doing it after that."

"Baby."

"It's okay. Being with him brought me here." You placed your hand on his cheek. "And, being here, being with you, it makes me want to again." 

"He knew you were great at it, he just didn't want you to go because he was scared and jealous. If you want to go back to school for it, you should. I'm not going anywhere."

A smile pulled at the corners of your mouth as you tilted your head to look at him. "I'm perfectly happy doing what I am now. And, with Nick...I couldn't if I wanted to." He would find me...

"If you wanted to, I wouldn't let him anywhere near you."

"I know you wouldn't." Your heart swelled. The blanket slid around your waist as you left his side and climbed on top of him. You bent down, keeping your face inches from his. "I love you, Kayce."

"You have no idea how much I love you, Violet. " His hand slid into your hair and pulled you in. Your lips met for a slow kiss. The longer it carried on the steamier it became. After a few minutes, you both couldn't wait any longer. 

Your hand pulled his boxers down just as far as they needed to before pulling your underwear to the side. A breathy moan left your lips when you sunk down onto him. He reached up and pulled you back down to crash his lips into yours. His lips parted so his tongue could explore your mouth. You continued to ride him and it wasn't long until you were close. "Kayc." 

"Almost, baby." He gripped your hips and pounded into you. 

"Mmm." The heat pooling in your core began to build rapidly. "Oh, god." His movements began to get messy and you knew he was on the edge. You ground into him once more before you both came together. 

When you both came down from your highs, you collapsed next to him. His arms wrapped around you and tucked you against his side. "You could move in here. We've been spending more nights than not together lately anyway."

"Kayc," you shifted slightly so you could see his dreamy hazel eyes, "I love you and love spending the night with you but I think it should just be you and Tate here. I can still come and spend the night sometimes but moving in..."

He knew what you were thinking. "I know you're still scared that he's going to find you and you'll have to leave. You don't want to get too close." He moved onto his side to face you. His hand slid across your cheek and into your hair. "Violet, even if he does figure out that you're here, he is never going to get within a hundred feet of you. Everyone here will make sure of that. You're safe."

You nodded. "It's not just that." Your tongue slipped out and licked your dry lips. "You make me happy, happier than I have ever been. I'm scared of getting too close because if it ends, if we break up- I don't know what I would do without you and Tate."

"Baby, you are going to be stuck with me for the rest of your life." He stated firmly, his brown eyes pierced yours. You sniffed as tears welled in your eyes. A smile pulled at his lips while his thumb ran across your cheek. "I love you more than I ever thought was possible." Your lips met for a thorough, heartfelt kiss before he pulled you flush with his body. He swallowed your moan as the kiss became more passionate. 

A sensual giggle left your lips when he climbed between your legs. You hooked your legs around his waist, pulling him closer.

"I can never get enough of you." 

"Right back at you." 

He smirked down at you before attacking your neck. 

*****

Kayce made you wait in the truck while he got out and came around to your side, opening the door for you. 

"Thank you." You smiled. 

His hand immediately wrapped around yours. "I know going to a bar when we both don't drink seems stupid but they have the best burgers around. And, I know they're one of your favorites." 

"You're the best." A giggle left your lips as you wrapped yourself around his arm. When you got to the entrance he let go of your hand and opened the door for you before placing it on the small of your back and guiding you inside. "I thought the ranch was cowboy, country-ish but this place..." 

There were wood beams and posts, the bar was wood and the walls were clad in wood paneling. That's where the similarities between the lodge and the bar ended. Bottles of beer were put in metal pails with ice and served to you, there were neon signs with the names of popular beer brands. A large American flag hung on the wall. The floors were sheets of plywood and had the occasional piece of straw lying around that had been brought in by the cowboy boots that adorned everyone's feet. 

"Yeah, it's nothin' fancy. We couldn't come here before because if we did come to town, Tate's been with us. I should've picked a better place for our first date off the ranch but you don't like fancy and food-"

"Food definitely wins." You finished with a grin. "Speaking of which, you mentioned something about burgers."

Kayce chuckled and slid his arm around your waist. "Let's find a table." As you moved through the crowded building towards a few empty tables, he kept pulling you closer and closer to his side. 

You assumed it was because it was date night but even after you ordered your food, he sat on your left instead of across the small square table you were at. He also kept moving his chair closer and touching your hand or arm. Not uncommon since he was touchy-feely but not while his shoulders were squared. It wasn't until a man with a plaid shirt and brown cowboy hat came up to your table that you realized why. 

"Kayce Dutton, is that you? I haven't seen you in god knows how long." He greeted even though his focus was entirely on you. "And, who is this fine thing? You're not from around here. I would've remembered someone as gorgeous as you."

Your boyfriend tensed up while he glared at the man. You placed your hand on Kayce's arm, silently begging him to calm down. 

"Now I know why we haven't seen you in town lately. You've been shacked up with this sweet little thing at your daddy's house."

Kayce stood up abruptly, his chair falling back in the process. "Watch your fucking mouth."

"Easy tiger." The man chuckled and turned his hungry eyes back to you. "We went to high school together. I'm Jesse Miller. And, you are?"

"Not interested." 

He clutched his shirt above his heart. "Ouch. You really know how to break a guy's heart."

"It's time for you to leave." Kayce fumed.

Jesse rolled his eyes before grinning at you. "I'll see you around, beautiful." 

Your boyfriend's chest heaved, his fists started to come up, but Jesse left, rejoining his friends at the bar. 

"Hey." Your hand wrapped around his fist, which unclenched. His fingers mixed with yours. You gave a gentle tug and he sat down on his chair that a server had picked up on their way by during the confrontation. 

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm good. Are you?"

"I should've hit him for how he talked to you, for ruining our date." He started getting tense again so you ran your thumb across the back of his. 

"He didn't ruin our date." You slid your chair closer to his and leaned in.

He did the same. "No?"

"No." Your lips pressed against his. When you pulled back, your teeth tugged on his lower lip. He let out a low growl and you giggled sensually. "Burgers first."

"And, you for dessert." His hand quickly slid into your hair and pulled you back in. This time you moaned when the brief yet toe-curling kiss ended. "Fuck, you're cute." 

Your cheeks flushed as your server set your burgers and fries in front of you. After you both thanked her and she left, you brushed your foot against your cowboy's denim-covered shin. "I have a feeling you're going to need your energy for dessert so eat up."

"Yes, ma'am." He smirked the smirk that drove you crazy before picking up his burger.

*

"Okay, you were right about the burgers here. They are amazing. I'm so full, I can barely move."

Kayce chuckled and slung his arm around your shoulders, pulling you against him. He was about to say something when a cocky voice cut in. 

"Leaving so soon, sweetheart?" 

Your hold on Kayce's hand tightened as you continued walking past Jesse.

"Awe, come on, baby." Jesse's hand wrapped around your wrist. "I'm a hundred times more of a man than this loser ever will be." 

"Get your fucking hand off her." Kayce spat. His old high school classmate released your arm and Kayce tucked you behind him. 

"Can we go?" You asked your boyfriend, who was rigid with anger and shooting daggers at Jesse with his eyes. 

"Run off and have your fun," Jesse smirked as he looked you up and down. "She'll be in my bed after because you couldn't satisfy her." 

Your boyfriend's fist connected with the smug cowboy's face. "Kayce. Kayce, stop." He hit him a total of three times before his friends, who were at the bar with him, rushed to his side. 

"I'm good. I'm good." Jesse said, stopping them from retaliating. He cracked his jaw and let out a chuckle. "The Navy taught you how to fight. I hear they taught ya how to kill too."

"Stay the fuck away from her," Kayce pronounced each word firmly, harshly. 

"You make it sound like a challenge," Jesse's eyes bore into you, "everyone knows I never back down from a challenge."

The look in his eyes made you cower against Kayce. "Can we go? Please." 

He immediately turned his attention to you. "Yeah, baby. Let's go home." His arm wrapped around your waist and pulled you against him when he saw you shaking. When you got to the truck, instead of going to the passenger door, he guided you to the driver's side. 

You climbed up and stayed in the middle of the bench, wanting to be close to him. He reached across your lap and pulled you flush with his side before starting the truck and driving off. 

"I'm sorry." The fingers on his right hand nervously fiddled with the hem of your dress. "What he said, the way he looked at you, grabbing your wrist; it wasn't right. He deserved it. I'm sorry if I scared you or if it made you think of him."

Memories of Nick had played through your head when Kayce got mad when he hit him, but he didn't need to know that. It would just make him more upset. "You don't have to apologize, Kayc." You wrapped yourself around his arm, reassuring him. "Jesse or whatever his name is creeped me out but that's it."

"You don't have to worry about him, baby. He's not going to touch you. I'll make sure of it." 

After kissing his cheek, you cuddled against him, letting out a content sigh. He kissed your head and the rest of the drive was spent in a comfortable silence.

****************************************************

"Um, one time when we were kissing a few weeks ago it started to go a bit further, I freaked out. A flashback of the last time Nick..."

"And?"

"I told him that Nick r-raped me. He figured it out actually and I just confirmed it. I know I need to tell him everything but I'm scared. I...I really like him. What if he changes his mind about me? What if he tells me to leave because he doesn't want to risk it if Nick does find me? He has Tate to think about so-"

"Violet," she cut you off, "if he's as great of a man as he sounds, everything will be okay. Especially since his father and brother know and they asked you to stay after you told them."

"Yeah..."

"There's only one way to find out and the longer you wait, the harder it will be for you to tell him. It's kind of like a bandaid, just rip it off."

"I know, you're right. John is watching Tate tonight so Kayce and I can have dinner. We're going to have it in an old trapper's cabin on their property. If we tried to in the house, Tate would be there talking a mile a minute... I should, I will tell him tonight."

"It's going to be okay, hun."

"I hope so." You glanced at the clock on your nightstand. "I should go so I can start getting ready."

"Alright. Don't worry about telling him, honey. I love you and I can't wait for you to tell me that he didn't change his mind because of him."

"I love you too. Tell James I said hi. I'll call you tomorrow and let you know how it goes. Have a good night."

"You too. Talk soon, hun."

*

A knock on your bedroom door drew your attention away from your reflection in the mirror. You opened it to see Kayce standing there wearing jeans, a black button-up shirt, his boots, and a cowboy hat. 

His jaw dropped when he saw you. "Letty, you look amazing."

"Thank you." Heat crept across your cheeks as you looked down at the simple flowy, knee-length black dress with straps tied into bows on top of your shoulders that you had on. "You look nice too. I even got clean jeans this time." You teased. The other times the two of you had spent time together, it was usually during work or right after he was done. He was almost always dusty or dirty, not that you were complaining. He always looked good.

"Only the best for you." The red on your cheeks darkened and he smirked, stepping forward. He leaned in and gave you a small, soft kiss. "Ready to go?"

"Mhm." You slipped your hand in his waiting one and headed for the front door. 

*

The two of you walked hand in hand across the yard and through some trees until you got to the cabin. He opened the door for you and the smell of pizza hit you. One of my favorites. "You remembered." 

"Of course I did. It's pretty easy since it's also one of Tate's." He came up behind you and wrapped his arms around you your waist. "I had to go to town to pick up some stuff for the ranch so I picked one up for date night." After placing a kiss on the side of your head, he took your hand and went inside. 

An hour later your plate was still full and you hadn't spoken more than a handful of words. You had only been able to pick at the slice due to the nerves already filling your stomach. 

"Baby?" Kayce's hand wrapped around yours, pulling you away from your thoughts. "Are you feelin' okay?"

"Yeah, I just- I'll be right back." You got up and went into the washroom. Your hands gripped the edge of the vanity. Tears pricked your eyes from the what if's. What if he breaks up with me? What if he wants me to leave? What if he gets mad? No, it doesn't matter. I have to tell him. After taking a deep breath and forcing the tears back, you opened the door. 

He immediately stood up and walked over when he saw the look on your face. "What's wrong?"

"I...I'm ready to tell you everything."

He guided you to the couch and you both sat down. Your eyes immediately went to your lap. "Hey," He gently hooked his finger under your chin and lifted it. "Remember, no matter what."  

A sad half-smile formed before you took a deep breath. "Um, it-it was always just me and my mom. I never knew my dad and she didn't have any other family. She was the best. She was a waitress at this great little restaurant and during high school, I started working there too." Your hands wrung together tightly. "The...the last month of my senior year I met Nick. He just finished training to be a police officer and started at the station a few blocks from the restaurant. He asked me out a week later. My mom didn't like him but she said it was my decision. Ten months later she died in a car accident. She was always trying to get me to break up with him but I loved him. I should have listened to her..." You trailed off as happy memories of your mom played through your head. 

"I'm sorry, baby." His hands reached for yours and you squeezed them gratefully. 

"I couldn't afford our rent by myself so Nick asked me to move in with him. Everything was good for the next year. Then the real Nick started to poke through. When he got mad he would call me names or say things but he always apologized and everything would be okay again. It went on like that for a couple more years. He became a detective and was great at it." You swallowed. "His parents were having a dinner party with their friends and family the night of my twenty-fourth birthday. They invited us and Nick insisted we go so we went. Before dinner, his parents thanked everyone for coming. Then Nick went up. He asked me to marry him, I said yes. The dinner party was actually to celebrate our engagement. Things went downhill from there. He went from just saying things to grabbing and pushing me. He was always jealous but it started getting worse." You took a shaky breath at the memories. "He wanted me to quit waitressing even though I loved it. His family came from money, his dad's the mayor, his mom stayed home. He never had to worry about working if he didn't want to. Whenever we were out and he had to introduce me to family or friends, they would make a disgusted face, like I wasn't good enough. I could tell he was embarrassed I was just a waitress so I quit. It wasn't long after that that he started getting mad about me still hanging out with my friends. I didn't have many, just a few people I worked with. He eventually cut them out of my life. That's when I started baking, I needed something to do. I also had to keep the house spotless or he'd get mad." You took a deep breath while Kayce's hand had a death grip on yours. "One day when I was doing laundry I found a girl's phone number in his pocket. When he got home I confronted him about it. He got mad at me for going through his stuff and admitted he had been cheating on me the entire time we were together. I took off my ring and set it on the table. He...he hit me."

Kayce let out a gruff breath.

"He apologized right away and swore he would stop. I knew I shouldn't but he has a way of getting into people's heads and I believed him." 

"He didn't change." Kayce gritted out and you shook your head. 

"A couple of months later I smelled perfume on his shirt. He kept picking up girls at the bar or getting together with old ones. I tried to break up with him and he got mad. He said the other girls didn't matter. I was the one he wanted to marry and be seen with. I laughed and he hit me, hard. He picked me up off the floor and pushed me against the wall, he said I couldn't leave because he needed me and couldn't live without me. He said he'd stop. He begged, got on his knees. I knew...I knew I should have left but I was scared, he was all I had. The things he said, I wanted to believe him. The next few months we moved into a new house and his mom and sister said we should finally start planning the wedding because I kept putting it off. I tried on dresses worth more than a years worth of rent for my old apartment, tried countless flavors of cake. We set the date for ten months later but there was something deep inside, a feeling. I couldn't marry him. When I told him, he lost it. He threw pictures on the floor, swore, and said terrible things. I told him I would stay so he would stop. After he fell asleep, I threw a few things in a bag, took the money he had in his wallet, and snuck out. He found me a few hours later at a motel on the edge of town. He dragged me home, hit me, choked me. I ran into our bedroom but couldn't lock the door in time. He threw me onto the bed and...and said he needed to remind me that I was his."

"Fuck." Kayce's fist hit the arm of the couch. "Letty, baby." His hand came back to yours.

You gave him a small smile and squeezed his hand. "The next few weeks, I acted like nothing was wrong. I made dinner, went to his family or friends when he wanted. When he got mad he would hit me, choke me. I was outside having coffee one afternoon when the neighbors came out. They saw me and invited me over. I talked to them a few times in passing but it was always just a hi. I invited them over instead so if Nick came home early he would know where I was and wouldn't freak out. They told me all about their lives. He used to be a lawyer before he retired. They didn't have any kids, they loved traveling. I lost track of time and Nick came home. He was mad because dinner wasn't ready until he saw I wasn't alone. He changed back into the fake we're the perfect couple Nick as they got up and left. The second the door closed he hit me. He thought I told them about what he was like and since they didn't know him they would believe me. He didn't want me to talk to them anymore. I knew I had to get out but I didn't have my own money. I wasn't working and my name wasn't on his bank account or any of his credit cards. I started hiding the money I found in his pockets when I did laundry or what he left lying around on the dresser. I would take money out of his wallet whenever there was a lot in there so he wouldn't miss it. After a month and a half, I had almost two thousand dollars. When he went to work that day I packed a couple of bags and left. He found me two weeks later in Mississippi. He grabbed me and threw me in the car but on the drive back to California, he was quiet. He was the Nick from the very beginning of our relationship. He said he didn't know what he was thinking the past few years, cheating on me, hitting me. He said he would go to a therapist, we could go. I wanted to believe that he actually changed this time but the closer we got to Southaven, where we lived, the more scared I got. Our neighbors were outside when he pulled into the driveway. Nick told me to stay in the car and he would open the door for me. The little sliver of hope I still had disappeared because I knew why he wanted to open the door. He didn't want me to talk to them. After he grabbed the bags, he opened my door and said he would do the talking. They asked where I went because they hadn't seen me around, Nick said I went to visit my mom. They knew my mom was dead because I still went over to visit them after he told me not to. Before they could say anything else he grabbed my wrist and took me inside." You took a deep breath as your hands started to tremble. 

Kayce moved closer to you and slid his arm around your waist. His other hand came back to yours. 

You held onto it tightly and stared at your entwined fingers as memories of that night played through your head. "I've never seen him that angry. He did everything like he would before; yelling, hitting, choking. But, harder, longer. I was lying on the kitchen floor trying to catch my breath after he choked me and he...he grabbed a knife." Kayce inhaled harshly. "He made the cut on my face so if I ran away again it would be easy for him to find me. I could change my hair, wear hats, different clothes but everyone would remember the girl with a scar down her face." You could feel the rage emanating off of your boyfriend. "He made me clean up before he dragged me into the bedroom and...he..."

"He's dead. He's fucking dead." Kayce swore, knowing what happened next. 

"After he said he would kill me if I ran away again, I didn't know what to do. If he found me after two weeks, I thought he would be able to find me anywhere. I did whatever he wanted because I was scared of him. I was miserable. I started thinking about e-ending it...me." Your voice was whisper quiet. Kayce gently pulled you onto his lap and leaned in, kissing your shoulder. You looked over and smiled at the sweet, caring man who was the opposite of your good-for-nothing ex. 

"I was on the porch checking our mailbox one day when our neighbors came out to do the same thing. They saw me and invited me over for a glass of iced tea. I knew Nick wouldn't like it but they insisted so I did. While they were telling me about one of their recent trips my sweater slipped off my shoulder and they saw a bruise on my arm in the shape of a handprint. I told them Nick stopped me from falling down the stairs but I knew they didn't believe me. I tried to leave but they stopped me and begged me to leave him. I told them he wasn't as bad as they thought. By then they knew he was a cop and who his family was. They let me go, if I promised to visit them whenever Nick was at work. They were the only thing that put a real smile on my face. I loved spending time with them. Nine days before I was supposed to marry Nick I was at their house and they handed me an envelope. Inside was five thousand dollars and a fake ID and birth certificate. When James was a lawyer, there was a guy in his firm that had a case involving fake documents, he tracked him down and got him to make me some. They told me they had a bus ticket with my fake name on it that was leaving in forty-five minutes, and a suitcase full of clothes for me. I didn't want to go, I was scared Nick would find out they helped me. After he cut me he said if I ever run away again, he would kill anyone who helped me. But, they wouldn't take no for an answer. They had a wig for me to put on before I left so when he looked at the traffic cameras by the bus station he wouldn't know it was me. When they dropped me off they gave me the phone so he couldn't track my number. Before I got on the bus they gave me a hug and told me I was like the daughter they never had..." you swallowed before looking at him with tear-filled eyes. "If-if you don't want me to spend time with Tate anymore because of Nick, or you-"

"Stop." He cupped your face. "Nothing that that piece of shit did to you changes my mind." His perfect eyes pierced yours. "I love you, Letty."

"You-you don't have to say that because of what I told you."

"Baby, I fell in love with you the first time I saw you. Your hair was blowing in the wind as you stood in front of the house with your suitcase. I knew then that you were it for me. You are the kindest, strongest, bravest, most beautiful woman I've ever met. I am the luckiest man in the world because you let me call you mine." His voice was filled with emotion. "I love you, Violet."

"Kayc," tears started to fall from your eyes. 

"I'm not expecting you to say it back. We can move as slow as you want, as you need. I'm not going anywhere." His thumbs brush the tears off your cheeks. "Can I kiss you?"

You leaned in and pressed your lips against his, giving him your answer. Your hands slid over his shoulders and pulled him closer as the kiss intensified. Nick disappeared from your mind and For the first time in you didn't how long, you wanted more. 

When you finally parted you were both out of breath. "Letty?" He could feel this kiss was different.

"I...I want to..."

"But?" He knew you were holding something back. 

"What if we start and I can't?"

"If you want to try and you need to stop then we stop." 

You chewed on your lower lip nervously. 

"Baby, I'm not going to be mad. I told you that I'm not going anywhere. You are the only woman I want to be with. I'll do whatever you need me to and wait however long you need."

You nodded slowly. "Can we try?" Your voice was quiet.

"Yeah, baby." His hand slid across your cheek. "Can I go outside and grab more firewood first? It's starting to cool off in here, you're starting to get cold." His thumb ran across your cheek. 

"Mhm." You stood up and he followed suit. 

"I'll be right back." He gave your forehead a soft kiss before going outside. 

In the meantime, you grabbed the blankets off the couch and made a cozy spot on the floor in front of the wood stove. 

He came back in with an arm full of already chopped logs that were piled up against the side of the cabin. A smile pulled at his lips when he saw the makeshift bed on the floor. 

"I'm pretty sure that's the most uncomfortable couch in the world." You giggled shyly. 

He put a couple of logs on the fire and set the rest on the floor before walking over. One of his hands went to your waist while the other came up and rested along your jaw. "Are you sure you want to do this? If you're not ready, it's okay. I'm perfectly happy just holdin' you."

"I want to." You swallowed. "I want you, Kayce."

"I'm yours, Violet." He leaned in and kissed you. 

After a few seconds, the need you felt for the kiss to develop into something more returned and your fingers started unbuttoning his shirt. His hands left you so you could slide his shirt down his arms. As it fell to the floor, you pulled his T-shirt off. He unzipped his jeans and added them to the pile while you untied the straps of your dress. It pooled around your feet and his eyes took you in. 

"You are perfect."

Red crept across your cheeks while he closed the distance, one hand went to your cheek while the other went back to your waist. You shivered from the sudden cool touch. 

"Sorry."

"It's okay," you giggled. 

"Come here." He sank down onto the blanket and you sat down on the floor next to him. "Better?"

You nodded as you immediately start to warm up from the fire and the blanket that he pulled over the two of you. Your hand came up and slid across his jaw before pulling him in. 

His hands went to your waist and held you close while he kissed you. Your mouth parted, your tongue slid across his as the kiss quickly became heated. He unhooked your bra before slowly lying you down. Your lips finally parted and he hovered above you. "Do you want to keep going?"

"Yes."

"We can stop anytime you want to, just say the word. Okay?"

"Okay."

He sat back so he could take his boxers off and grab a condom from his wallet while you pulled your underwear off. His eyes traveled up your naked body before he crawled back between your legs. You nodded as he looked down at you so he reached between you and positioned himself before slowly entering you. Your eyes automatically closed and you tensed up. 

He immediately pulled out. "Letty, open your eyes. Look at me." You did and the second you saw his warm brown eyes, you relaxed. His hand slid into your hair. "Do you want me to stop? We can and-"

"No, don't stop. Please."

"Stay with me, baby." His eyes pierced yours as he entered you for the second time. "Right here."

You nodded, keeping your eyes on his. "Mmm." A small moan escaped as he filled you. He slowly pulled out and gently thrust into you again, all while keeping your eyes glued to each others. Your ex and all of the terrible things he did vanished from your mind. It was just you and your cowboy. Your hands slid into his wavy hair and pulled him down, your lips met his fiercely. He kissed you back while continuing to move inside you. One of his hands stayed embedded in your hair, the other slid around your lower back and held you close. That small shift had him hitting just the right spot over and over again. 

"Kayce," your fingers dug into the back of his shoulders. 

His hold on you tightened, molding you to his body as he continued thrusting.

"Mmm," you moaned as heat began growing rapidly in your core. Your breathing picked up and within seconds he took you over the edge. "Kayc!"

"Letty." He was right behind you groaning your name. His eyes held yours until you both came down from your highs. When your breathing started to return to normal, he leaned in and gave you a long kiss before lying down next to you, propping himself up on his elbow. "Are you okay?"

You looked up at him and smiled. "I'm okay. More than okay." He chuckled huskily as he tucked your hair behind your ear. "Really though, I am."

"Are you sure, baby?"

"Yes. It was just you and me. Everything else, the memories, they disappeared." Your hand came up and rested on his cheek. "You are an amazing man, Kayce Dutton. You're kind and sweet. You were beyond patient with me and when you found out about my past you didn't run away. You make me feel normal again. You make me feel safe." Your thumb ran across his skin. "I love you."

He leaned down and pressed his lips against yours. When you parted there were tears in your eyes. "Hey, talk to me."

"I just...I'm happy. After the past couple of years, I never thought I would be again. Then I came here and found you and Tate. Your family and everyone here have been amazing."

He wiped away a tear that slipped from your eye. "This is your home now, Letty. He is never going to hurt you again. I won't let him get anywhere near you."

"Promise?" You asked while memories of the horrible things he did played through your head.

Kayce could tell what you were thinking and pulled you closer. "I promise."

"Thank you."

"I know I've said it before but I would do anything for you. I love you." His lips met yours and you melted in his arms. 

When you parted, you both lay there nestled together under the blanket, listening to the crackle of the fire. All of the cows on the ranch were marked with the Yellowstone brand, a Y, but this was the first time you had seen the same brand on Kayce's chest. Your fingers traced over the raised, scarred letter that covered most of his left pec. "Did it hurt?"

"Yeah." 

"Why did you do it?"

"I didn't, Dad did."

You quickly tilted your head back and looked at him with wide, watery eyes. The tone of his voice, you knew it wasn't because he asked his dad to do it. "Why?"

"Hey, shh." He smiled softly when he saw the tears in your eyes. "Come here." His arms tightened around you and pulled you close. After kissing you, he eased back onto the pillow. "I graduated a couple years before Tate's mom got pregnant. We met at a party and it was just a one-night stand. When she got pregnant, she came to the ranch because she heard about my family, the money. We found out that she got arrested regularly because of drinking. She didn't work and a lot of the money she did get from the tribe she spent on alcohol. She didn't want a kid and came out to say if I didn't either then she was going to get an abortion. But, if I did, she would keep it as long as we paid her. Dad said yes, as long as she didn't drink while she was pregnant. Dad even paid for an apartment for her to live in while she was pregnant because she couch surfed from place to place before. She didn't drink during the first four months but one day when Dad went to check in with her, he saw a couple of empty beer bottles. After that she did off and on until Tate was born. Thankfully, he was in perfect health. She didn't want anything to do with him and signed him over as soon as she could. That was the last we saw of her. She died a couple of months later. Her and the guy she was with were drinking and driving. They hit a tree." He took a deep breath before continuing. "It didn't really sink in that I was going to be a dad until the nurse came out to where Dad and I were waiting and handed him to me. He was so small. The first two weeks after we brought him home were rough. I was scared. I was still a kid, how was I supposed to take care of one? I didn't think I could, I didn't want to try...I panicked and joined the Navy. I could leave for training in a few days. Dad freaked out. He told me I wasn't going and had to stay and take care of my son. We argued, and when he realized I wasn't going to change my mind he did this. He thought that it would make me needing to stay here sink in. It didn't. I was angry at him, scared of my son...I left. That's when Dad hired Mrs. Sanders. While I was gone Jamie and Lee kept in touch; calling, letters. They sent pictures. I finally came to my senses when Tate turned six. I quit the Navy and came home. I-I know Im a horrible dad-"

"What? Kayce, no." You propped yourself up and turned his face towards yours. "You are an amazing dad. Tate loves you."

"I shouldn't have left. I was selfish and stupid and-"

"And, I know that you would take it back if you could."

"In a heartbeat. I would have stayed, I should have stayed."

"But, you've made up for it. You and Tate have an amazing relationship. He looks up to you. You're the foreman of the largest ranch in Montana, he wants to be just like you when he grows up." He nodded slowly. You knew what was going through his head. "What you told me doesn't change how I feel about you. You are a great dad, a hard worker, and the most amazing man I could have ever hoped for. I love you."

"I love you too, Letty." Your lips met for a searing kiss. "I don't know how I got lucky enough to find you."

"Technically, I think I found you."

A playful smirk pulled at the corners of his mouth and he chuckled. "I think you're right."

"I'm right? Wanna say that again?" You laughed when he squeezed your sides. 

"You're right, this time. Don't get used to hearing it though." You giggled before starting to sit up. 

"No." He whined.

"I'll be right back." You reached for his shirt that was lying close by and slipped it on, doing up a few buttons, before getting up and going to the kitchen. When you turned around with what you went to get, Kayce was watching you with a smile on his face. "What?"

"You look good in my shirt."

"Yeah?" You straddled his lap, after setting two bottles of water and the pizza box on the floor close by. 

"Yeah." His hands went to your waist and pulled you close. "Stay here with me tonight? We don't have to do anything. I just want to fall asleep with you in my arms." 

"What if I want to do that again?"

"We can do whatever you wanna do, baby." He smirked and it made you bite your lower lip. That smirk is going to drive me crazy...in a good way.

**************

"Hi, honey." Anna's warm voice greeted. "You're on speaker. James is here too."

"Hi, hun."

"Hey, I got your text. Is...is everything okay?"

"Well..." 

James picked up when his wife trailed off. "If anything happened with Nick, you made us promise to tell you. You know he talked to us a couple of times if we were outside at the same time, telling us you weren't around because you found out you were sick and had to go away for treatment." He took a breath. "He came to see us this afternoon."

"And?" You asked nervously.

"He asked where you were."

Your stomach dropped. "He knows you helped me."

"No, he doesn't know for sure. He saw the video of us dropping someone off at the bus station but there is no proof that it's you. There aren't any surveillance cameras on our street and we sure as hell aren't going to tell him anything."

"Honey?" Anna said when you stayed quiet.

"But, you know what he's like." Your voice wavered. 

"Violet, you don't have to worry about us," James assured. "He's not going to hurt us or do anything like that because he knows he will get in trouble. You know I still have friends in the police department from my lawyer days."

"But-"

"But, nothing, hun. We will be okay and so will you." Anna reassured. "He has no idea where you are." 

You took a deep breath. "Okay."

"Violet!" Tate grinned as he and Kayce walked over after being in the barn. 

"Hi, bud."

"Oh, is that Tate?!" Anna asked.

"Yes, it's Tate." 

He sat in the empty chair next to you. "Who are you talkin' to?"

"I'm talking to James and Anna."

"Your neighbors when you were in California? Can I talk to them?!"

You smiled. "Tate wants to say hi."

"Yes. Yes. Put him on." Anna urged while James chuckled. 

"They have it on speaker so you can hear both of them."

He eagerly took your phone and began telling them all about the ranch, school, and everything in between.

"Hey, baby." Kayce kissed you before sitting down on the arm of your chair. 

"Hi." You gave him a small smile before resting your head on the side of his thigh. His hand started playing with your hair while you both listened to Tate talk to your adopted grandparents like they had known each other their whole life. 

Ten minutes later John walked out onto the porch. He looked at Tate with questioning eyes. 

"I'm talking to Violet's grandparents. Wait. I need to talk to you." Tate told him before focusing back on the phone. "I have to go. It was nice talking to you. Oh, and you don't have to worry about Violet cause my dad really likes her. He even lets her drive his truck. I'll take care of her too." He gave the phone back to you with a grin. 

"Hi." 

"Honey, he is the sweetest thing. And, it makes me so happy to hear that you and Kayce are doing so well."

James chuckled. "He's quite the kid. We can't wait to meet him, and everyone else there, someday."

"Me too."

"We don't want to keep you. We'll talk again soon. Love you, hun."

"So much," James added.

You smiled. "Love you too. Bye." 

"Grandpa, what are you doin'?" Tate asked John.

"I gotta go to town to pick up a few things." 

"You know, if I come, you could take me for ice cream. Remember when I helped you bath your horse, you said you would take me for ice cream."

"That I did."

"So?!"

John laughed, "Let's go then." 

"Come for a ride with me?" Kayce asked after you watched them drive off. 

"Okay." 

He took your hand and the two of you walked to the barn. While he saddled up his horse, you checked on Storm.

"Hey, pretty girl." She immediately walked up to the stall door so you could pet her. "Here." You pulled a peppermint out of your pocket and gave it to her, smiling when her soft nose brushed against your palm. "She looks so much better and it's only been two and a half months."

"Well, she had a good owner." Kayce grinned as he walked up and pet her. "Ready to go?"

"Mhm." You gave her another peppermint before walking out of the barn and into the fence behind it. After climbing up, Kayce joined you. 

"Do you want to do it?" He offered you the reigns. 

"You can." 

"Yes ma'am." He rested his hand on your thigh while the other wrapped around you. 

You leaned against him. As you rode up into the mountains you were quiet, thoughts of your neighbors and your ex filled your head. 

When you got to the meadow, he pulled back on the reigns and the horse stopped. Kayce swung his leg over and stepped down. Before you could do the same he stopped you. "I got ya."

A smile pulled at your lips and you swung your leg in front of you so you were sitting on the saddle with your legs hanging over the same side. He reached up and you slid down into his arms. After his lips pressed against yours, he let you go so he could tie his horse up. You walked into the meadow and sat down on the soft grass. 

Kayce joined you, sinking next to you. "Baby, what's wrong?"

"Nothing, I'm good."

"Letty," his hand gently took your chin and turned your face towards him, "I've known you long enough to know when you're lying." 

"I was just thinking about James and Anna."

"You miss them." He said softly and you nodded. "Dad would give you time off so you could go visit them."

"No. I'm never going back there." It tumbled out fast, too fast, and your breath caught in your throat. "I mean, how could you after being somewhere as beautiful as it is here." Please, believe me. 

He knew that wasn't the reason but he didn't push. "They can come visit you here then. There's lots of room if they wanted to stay at the ranch. I would love to meet them and by the amount of time that Tate spent talking to them on the phone, he would too."

"Yeah, that would be nice. Someday they'll have to." You looked at him and gave him a hopeful smile. 

He smiled back before kissing you. "So, you've been here for four months and I don't know very much about you." Your breath caught in your throat. "Like what's your favourite colour or favourite food?"

You relaxed and leaned into him. "Well, my favorite color is blue, and my favorite food...burgers. Oh, and pizza. What's yours?"  

*

"Okay, I have another one. Favorite flower?" He asked after going back and forth through all of the basics. "Let me guess..." his eyes studied you. "Roses 'cause you're the kind of girl who deserves the best."

You shook your head. "It's not roses."

"Maybe it's because no guys have been smart enough to get them for you." 

"Uh, my umm, last boyfriend got me roses all the time." You noticed him stiffen slightly at the mention of a boyfriend. "I hate them, I always have. I like daisies." 

"The white ones?" 

"Mhm. Plain, simple, pretty. Roses are pretty too but there's no thought behind them. Everyone just goes to the store, grabs a dozen roses and that's it."

"Daisies it is." He smirked. "And you're right, roses are boring. What do you say we head back? It's getting close to supper time." You nodded and he got up before offering his hand to you. Once he helped you to your feet, he pulled you close and pressed his lips against yours. 

You leaned into him, kissing him back. "Come on. We have to go. Oh, and your horse still needs a name." Your giggle filled the meadow as you headed toward his horse.

*****

"Ready to go, baby?" Kayce asked as you walked into the living room. 

"Ready."

"Yay!" Tate cheered and ran to the front door. "Let's go!"

You and Kayce chuckled, making your way to the now-open front door that Tate flung open and ran through. Before you stepped outside, Kayce's arm slid around your waist and pulled you against him. "You look really good." His eyes took you and the new dress you had bought a few days ago in. The white sundress with embroidered lacy hem that you paired it with white canvas sneakers and a denim jacket. 

"Yeah?" 

"Yeah." He smirked, backing you against the door. Your hands slid over his shoulders and pulled him even closer with a grin on your face. A chuckle left his lips before they pressed against yours for a quick yet thorough kiss. When he pulled away, you let out a small whine leaving him chuckling for a second time. "God, you're cute."

"Stop." You giggled, giving him a playful shove. 

"Violet. Dad. Come on!"

"We're coming." Your hand slipped into the cowboy's standing in front of you. "Your son is ready for pizza. Let's go."

"Yes, ma'am." Kayce kissed your temple before following you down the porch steps. 

*

Kayce's arm was draped across your lap, his hand resting on your thigh. "I think he had fun." He chuckled as he glanced at Tate, who was sound asleep and curled up against the passenger door. 

"I think you're right." You smiled as you watched him sleep for a few seconds before resting your head on your boyfriend's shoulder. "So did I."

"Me too." His lips pressed against your hair. "Letty?" He said after a couple of silent minutes.

"Hmm?"

"I talked to my old commander. I...I'm thinking about re-enlisting."

You sat up abruptly, your hold on his arm tightening. "What? Why? Is it because of me? I thought-I thought we were okay."

"Because I...I've been keeping things from you. I didn't just kill the guy who shot Lee."

"I know."

"It wasn't just the ones in the Navy either. When I told you I wasn't a good man when it comes to most things, I wasn't lying. I've killed people here. The ranch-"

"Kayce, I know."

His worried eyes left the road and came to you. "You know? Dad?"

A soft smile pulled at your lips. "Lee." One of your hands left his arm and wrapped around his after he stopped the truck in the middle of the desolate road. "He wanted me to know that you go above and beyond for the ranch and the people you love."

"You deserve someone better than me."

"And, you deserve someone better than me. Kayce, you are an amazing man and I want to be with you. What you've done in the past doesn't change that. Neither will what you do in the future. I know how valuable the ranch is and what people will do to get it. And, I know how much the ranch means to you and your family. It's your life. Your family didn't go through everything they did to come to this place, to keep this place back then, to lose it to someone who wants to turn it into an airport, and whatever else they want to do with it. There's enough for the transplants here to do." A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as you placed your hand over his heart. "I want you, Kayce, all of you. The good and what you think is the bad. Please, don't go."

"Letty," his hands cupped your face as his eyes became glassy. "I don't know what I did to be lucky enough to call you mine."

"Right back at you." He leaned in and kissed you firmly before resting his forehead against yours. "You should probably start driving again so we're not parked in the middle of the road when someone comes around the corner." 

He chuckled. "Yeah because there is nonstop traffic on this road." 

You giggled and a smile formed on his handsome face. "Don't leave." Your hold on him tightened again. 

"I'm not going anywhere, Letty." His lips pressed against yours. "You're stuck with me and the kid who could sleep through anything." 

You went back to cuddling against his side while Tate snored softly next to you. 

Suddenly, flashing red and blue lights lit up the darkness, and not just from one police car. Kayce pulled over. "Kayce Dutton. Get out of the truck with your hands up." Came over the megaphone speaker. 

"Kayc." You clutched Kayce's arm as he pulled over. 

"It's okay, baby. I'll be okay."

"But-"

"Come out with your hands up!"

"Letty, Jamie's the best lawyer around. I'll be home before you know it." He gave you a quick kiss before opening his door and getting out.

You watched him back up with his hands above his head. When they told him to stop and get on his knees, he did. He didn't resist when they put his hands behind his back and put handcuffs on him. His brown eyes pierced your watery ones before they put him in the back of one of the police cars. 

"My name is Ben Waters, the police chief in Broken Rock." A Native American man informed after walking up to the truck. "Kayce said your name is Violet."

"Y-yes." You wiped away the tears that were trickling down. 

"We arrested Kayce for the murder of Robert Long. Do you have a license or do you need to call someone to come get you?"

Your hands started fumbling in your purse. "I-I have a license." 

He placed his hand on the top of the open door. "It's okay. I don't need to see it. I've seen you driving the Dutton's work truck and I know John wouldn't let you run errands without one. Drive safe."

"I will." The police chief nodded before shutting the door for you. You slid over into the driver's seat and started the truck. As you headed back to the ranch it took everything you had to keep from bursting out in tears. I can't or I'll wake up Tate. Kayce will be fine. He's going to be fine.

*

John and Jamie were in the living room sitting in front of the fireplace when you got home. "Ah, they've returned. Did you have fun?" John asked as he looked over his shoulder at you. 

"It was great! We had pizza and then walked around. Then we stopped for ice cream!" 

"Sounds like a good time." Jamie smiled at his nephew.

"Where's your dad?"

"He stopped to help someone on the way home," Tate answered his grandpa before looking up at you. "I know you're going to tell me it's time for bed. Can you read me a story since Dad's not here?"

"Go put your pajamas on and brush your teeth. I'll be right up."

John waited until Tate disappeared upstairs before asking again. "Where's Kayce?"

"They-they arrested him." A few tears slipped free. "The reservation arrested him for killing the man who shot Lee." You drew in a shaky breath as Kayce's dad and brother came over to you. "Tate was asleep the whole time. He didn't see."

"It's going to be okay," John assured and wrapped you in his arms.

"You've got me, remember?" Jamie squeezed your shoulder. "I'm going to make a few calls." He said before going to John's office.

John guided you to the couch and you both sat down. "Did they ask to see your license? Did they run it?"

"The police chief asked if I had one so I could drive back. He didn't ask to see it though. He said he knew you and you wouldn't let someone drive your work trucks if they didn't have one."

Some of the tension left his shoulders. "Good. And, Kayce will be home before you know it." When you nodded, he squeezed your knee. "We've got Jamie and I know the police chief."

You nodded again. "I should go tuck Tate into bed."

John stood up and walked you to the stairs. "How great you are with Tate, knowing the things Kayce's done and still being with him...you're an amazing woman, Violet. We're all lucky to have you here."

"Being with Kayce, spending time with Tate, living here with all of you; I'm the lucky one. Umm, if you hear from Kayce or hear anything, wake me up?"

"Of course."

"Violet! I'm in bed!"

Hearing Tate yelling for you made you both let out a chuckle. "Goodnight, Violet."

"Goodnight." 

*

"Violet?" Tate asked before you started reading.

"Yeah, bud?"

"When's dad gonna be home?"

You drew in a shaky breath as you buried your emotions. "I'm not sure."

He nodded. "The person he's helping must have a lot to do." His face lit up and he looked at you with excitement. "Can you have a sleepover with me tonight?"

"Okay." He scooted over giving you more room. You smiled at the sweet little boy before getting comfy. "Alright, ready for the story?"

"Ready." He said after cuddling up to you. 

By the time you finished reading, Tate was hugging your arm and fast asleep. You placed a kiss on the top of his head before laying back on the pillow. Tears leaked from your eyes at the thought of Kayce sitting in a jail cell. It's only for tonight hopefully. Jamie and John will get him out. It's going to be okay. He's going to be okay. Your eyes went to the window where a full moon was shining bright. You smiled as an image of your boyfriend looking at the same moon came to your head. Goodnight, Kayc. 

*****

You were sitting outside with John and Tate when the helicopter flew over the mountains and landed on the lawn. Relief washed over you when Kayce got out behind Jamie. 

"Dad!" Tate went running over. 

"Hey, buddy." Kayce picked him up and carried him back over to you and his dad. "Did you have fun with Violet and your grandpa?"

"Yeah. Guess what?! Since you were busy helping people, Violet read me a bedtime story AND she had a sleepover with me!"

Kayce smiled enthusiastically. "She did?"

"Yep, and Grandpa said when you got home he would take me to town for ice cream!"

"Ice cream two days in a row. I never got ice cream two days in a row."

"Because you never did all your chores." John let out a chuckle. "Why don't you go to the truck? I'll be right behind you."

"Okay." Tate ran to the truck as soon as Kayce set him down. 

When he was far enough away, John focused on his two sons. "It's taken care of?"

Jamie nodded, "it's done."

"He owed me a favor," John informed when he saw the confusion in your eyes. "Come on, Jamie. Tate wants you to come for ice cream too because all you do is work."

The three of you let out a laugh and Jamie even joined in. "I don't remember the last time I went for ice cream."

"You're with us then. We'll see you two later." 

While they headed towards a waiting Tate, Kayce pulled you into a crushing hug. Your hands clung to the back of his shirt. "I told you everything would be okay."

"Mhm." 

"Come for a walk with me?" You nodded so he let you go only to take your hand. He gave you a long, deep kiss before you made your way to the treehouse. 

After sinking into the grass, you sat across his lap. "Are you okay?" You asked, your hands resting against the sides of his neck. 

"I'm good. Better now that I'm home with you and Tate." 

Your heart fluttered hearing him include you when talking about home and his son. "Is it really over? They're dropping the charges?"

"Yeah. Dad saved the police chief's life a while back."

"So, he saved yours, in a way."

"If they didn't agree to it, I would've been locked up for life. Not seeing you all day makes me crazy." His hand slid across your cheek. "Last night I could see the moon out of the window in the cell they put me in. It's dumb but I felt closer to you."

A smile pulled at your lips. "Really?! After I finished reading to Tate I lay there looking at the moon. I pictured you doing the same thing." 

"I guess we were made for each other or something."

"I guess so." The smirk you loved formed before he leaned in and kissed you. As you rested your foreheads against each others, the sound of wings flapping drew your attention to a nearby tree. 

Kayce held you tighter when he saw the eagle. "I think Lee is pretty damn proud of himself for practically forcing us together." The familiar bird called out before taking off and gliding over the valley. 

"I think you're right." 

"You have no idea how happy I am that you showed up here."

"I'm even happier." An image of your ex flashed through your mind but you buried it. He doesn't know where I am. I'm safe here. Kayce's hand gently took hold of your chin and pulled you in for a long, sweet kiss. When you parted you nestled against him, resting your head on his shoulder. For the next half an hour you sat there holding each other, thankful that you could look out over the mountains together instead of looking at each other through prison bars. 

*****

Kayce's hand was wrapped around yours as the two of you walked to the corral where his horse was already saddled up. Before you climbed on, you noticed a blanket rolled up and tied onto the saddle and a basket sitting on the ground close by. "Are we having a picnic?!"

"Maybe." He smirked. "Hop up." Once you were seated he handed you the basket and climbed on with you.

"Okay, what's the occasion?" You asked when you got to the meadow. 

"I know you love coming out here for our dates instead of going out for dinner or whatever normal couples do so," he spread out the blanket and you both sat down, "I thought I would bring dinner to us."

You watched as he pulled out fancy sandwiches, fruit, cheese, and a bottle of sparkling grape juice since you both didn't drink alcohol.

"You made this?" You asked skeptically.

A laugh left his lips "I never said I made it, I said I brought it." 

"Gator?"

"Mhm. He also made this." His hand went back into the basket and pulled out a pie, which was the perfect size for two. "He was going to make a cake but I remembered you saying you like pie better than cake." He set it down on the blanket. "I also remembered it's our two-month anniversary."

On top of the pie, there was a number two made out of dough. Your eyes shot back to the man who was rapidly breaking down the walls you had built around your heart. How did I get so lucky? 

"I know it's only two months and nothing big. It's kinda stupid and cheesy." He rambled when you didn't say anything. 

"No, it's..." 

"Hey, shh." His hands came up and cupped your face when he saw your watery eyes. "What's wrong? Was it too dumb of an idea? In my defense, Tate and Gator both urged me to do it. In hindsight, it's probably not the best idea to take dating advice from a seven-year-old and a guy who I've never seen with a girl."

You giggled. "No, it's...it's perfect."

He let out a sigh of relief before leaning in and kissing you. 

*

"Hi," Kayce said softly and leaned in. You had finished eating and put everything back into the basket, setting it on the edge of the blanket.

"Hi." Your hand came up and rested on his toned, work-shirt-covered chest. You leaned in, pressing your lips against his. He wrapped his arm around your waist, pulling you in, and his other hand slid into your hair. The kiss carried on but as it started getting heated, you pulled away. "I...I'm sorry. I-"

"Baby, you don't have to apologize. I didn't do this to get you to sleep with me." He tucked your hair behind your ear and smiled. "I did it because you are the most amazing woman I've ever met and I l- I like you, a lot. There's no rush. I'll wait for however long you need for you to be ready."

"Thank you." You wanted to tell him the real reason you left California, about Nick, but you were scared. So, you put it off and kept putting it off. After him getting arrested two days ago and everything he planned today; I don't want to ruin this. I'll tell him...tomorrow maybe...

He laid down on the blanket before gently pulling you down next to him. His arms around you as he looked up at the blue sky. 

Your head rested on his chest and did the same. "That one looks like a bird." You pointed up at a fluffy white cloud floating by.

"That one looks like a dog chasing a...a fish?" You both laughed. "I don't remember the last time I did this. I could get used to it." He stated as he held you tighter.

"Me too." You cuddled up against his side before looking up at him. "At least once a month we have to lie back and look at the clouds."

"Deal." 

"I think Tate would like it too."

"I think you're right." He smiled and a look you couldn't place flashed through his eyes. His lips found yours for a heartwarming kiss. 

More of the wall crumbled away and you rested your head back on his chest, looking back up at the sky and silently thanking God for ending up here. 

*

"It's starting to get dark. We better go, baby." He kissed your forehead before the two of you stood up and gathered the basket and blanket. 

"Hi, still nameless horse." Kayce reached over and squeezed your waist, leaving you giggling. "I saved this for you." You held out a slice of apple and the horse gobbled it up. After scratching his nose, you climbed onto his back. Kayce handed you the blanket and basket before doing the same. 

The darkness slowly settled in on the ride back and when you got back to the yard, the stars were starting to come to life. "Can I walk you to your door?"

"Yes," you smiled, taking the picnic basket and blanket from him so he could put his horse back in his stall for the night. When he finished his hand entwined with yours and you went inside. 

"Thank you." 

"You don't have to thank me, baby." He leaned his back against your doorframe and pulled you against him. 

"Yes, I do," your hands slid over his shoulders and started playing with his hair, "the picnic, you being so amazing, all of it. It was the best date I've ever had."

"Anything for you, Letty."

You blushed. "And umm, thank you for being so patient with me."

His hand slid across your cheek. "I told you I'd wait no matter how long. You are one million percent worth it." Your cheeks darkened. He leaned down and kissed you long and softly. 

"Goodnight, Kayce."

"Goodnight, Letty."

*****

You froze when your eyes landed on the blanket and the bouquet of daisies lying on it. "Kayc."

"Come on." He smiled and took your hand, leading you the rest of the way. "I had to go to town this morning and got them for you. That and this." Under the flowers was a chocolate bar that he handed you after you both sat down.

"Chocolate?"

"Before we went to the reserve to get the cows back, I asked you to watch Tate and I said I owed you. You said you like chocolate."

A soft smile formed. "You remembered."

"I remember everything when it comes to you."

"Thank you for the chocolate and flowers...for everything."

He leaned in. "You don't have to thank me. I would do anything for you." His hand slid across your cheek and into your hair, pulling you in for a kiss.

As the kiss carried on, it grew more heated. A memory of your ex suddenly slammed into you, taking over. "No! Stop! Stop!" You pushed him away and scrambled to your feet.

"Violet!" Kayce jumped up, slowly making his way over to your trembling frame. "Baby?"

You frantically looked around. He's not here. It's not him. It's Kayce. Tears started streaming from your eyes. "I-I'm sorry. I-"

"Hey, shh. Shh." He hesitantly reached for you and you burrowed into his arms. "It's okay. I got you." When your crying stopped, he ran a hand over your hair. "Letty, talk to me."

"It-it's nothing."

"That wasn't nothing." While he dried your cheeks, his eyes suddenly widened. "Someone...did someone r...r..." He couldn't make himself say rape but you knew what he meant. Your hands wrung together as you gave a small nod. "Just tell me one thing. Was it someone here, in Montana?"

"No. California."

"Your ex?"

"Y-yes."

He nodded slowly before his hands came up and cupped your face. "I will wait as long as you need, Letty."

"Thank you." You said quietly.

"Did you want to sit here for a bit or go back to the house?"

"Can we go back?"

"Of course. Whatever you want."

A small smile pulled at the corners of your mouth but it slowly faded. While you rode back, flowers and chocolate in hand, your thoughts were on Nick. The hell he had put you through and hell he would put you through if he found you.

"Want to have dinner with us?" Kayce asked after one of the ranch hands took his horse from him and you walked up onto the porch. "I would love it. So would Tate and everyone else."

"Umm, I'm not hungry. And, I have my laundry to put away. Don't tell Tate my clothes are still sitting in the basket because he always gets in trouble for not putting away his laundry right away." You smiled.

He smiled back. "My lips are sealed." The hand that was holding yours gently stopped you, turning you to face him. "Are you okay?"

"Mhm."

"Okay..."

"I'm fine, really." The hand that wasn't holding the gifts he got you came up and rested on his chest. You smiled softly when you heard Tate yell for him from the dining room. "Go eat."

"Want to play a board game or watch a movie with Tate and I later?"

Your small smile returned. "I think I'm just going to lie in bed and eat my chocolate."

The concern was still evident in his eyes but he didn't push. "Alright. I'll see you in the morning, baby. Sleep well." After giving you a kiss, he went to the dining room while you went to the hallway closet next to your room and got a vase.

When you set the daisies on your nightstand, the tears that you had been holding back started trickling down. By the time you leaned the chocolate bar against the sparkling glass vase and curled up on your bed, the trickle of tears had turned to a river. You buried your face in the pillow to muffle your sobs while memories of being with Nick filled your head.

*

"He raped her. He..." a harsh breath left Kayce's lips. "He raped her, dad."

"Shit."

Kayce looked over at John. "You said she told you a bit about her past. Did you know?"

"No. She never told me he raped her." Your boyfriend looked at him waiting for more. "She will tell you everything when she's ready."

"I want to kill him."

John took a sip of whiskey from his glass. "You and me both, son."

"I...I love her."

"I know you do." John smiled.

Meanwhile, you had been lying in bed trying to fall asleep for the last three hours. It was 1:30 in the morning but your mind was a jumbled mess of thoughts and memories.

After a few more minutes you threw the covers off and made your way down the hall. A light from the living room grabbed your attention as you made your way into the kitchen to make a cup of tea.

With peppermint tea in hand you went to the living room to turn the light off. "Oh." You froze when you saw Kayce and John sitting by the fireplace. "I thought everyone went to bed and forgot to turn the light off."

"What are you still doing up, baby?"

"I umm, I couldn't sleep so I got up to make some tea. Since there is someone in here I'll leave the light on. Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Violet." John said with a soft smile.

"Goodnight, Letty."

Five minutes later you were sitting in bed holding your half empty mug when there was a knock on your door. "Come in."

Kayce stepped into your room. "Hi." He walked up to the bed. "Can I lie with you for a while? If you don't want me to it's okay?"

"You can." You set you mug on the nightstand and moved over. Once he lay down, you curled up next to him.

“Is it okay if I stay until you fall asleep?"

"Can you stay all night?"

"Yeah, of course." He held you closer and kissed your forehead." Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Kayc." You nestled into him. A few minutes later you were sleeping peacefully.

"Hi!"

"Just a sec. I'll put you on speaker... Okay, can you hear us?"

"Hi, Vi."

"I can hear you. Hi!"

"How are you doing? I know you said that you're good over texts but you haven't been able to update us on where you are. You’ve been busy the past two months. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad we've been texting back and forth lots but I miss the sound of your voice."

"But, it is best you don't text where you are. No trail." James added.

"Yeah, I'm sorry I haven't called sooner. I can’t believe it’s been two months. Time has gone by so fast here. I'm in Montana and the place I'm staying at is incredible. It's a huge ranch with mountains surrounding it. They keep me pretty busy. I clean the main house and do school runs for the owner's grandson, Tate."

"Oh, it sounds like a great place. The owner's grandson lives with him. Do the boy's parents also stay there?" Anna asked.

"His mom is dead but she was never in the picture, it's just him and his dad. He lives here too. The owner's other kids also live here. They are all upstairs, I'm on the main floor. Their cook has a room next to mine. All of the other wranglers and cowboys live in a bunkhouse."

"By the sound of it, you really like it there and finally found a place to settle down."

"I do really like it here." You agreed with Anna. "And, yeah, I think I am going to stay. The owner even gave me a horse. Well, technically it's still his but I got to name her. The guy who had her before was horrible to her and someone rescued her, they brought her here. She's so skinny and has scars all over. She's too weak to ride and even when she gains weight she might not be strong enough but she's beautiful. She's different shades of gray and has spots in some areas and solid gray in others. I named her Storm."

"She does sound beautiful...and you two have a bit in common."

"I um, I told the owner and two of his sons about Nick. His son's a lawyer and said I was hiding something, he was going to call the cops if I didn't tell them. The owner believes me and said I can stay here as long as I want. He said I'm safe here."

"Oh, honey, that makes me so happy." You could hear the relief in her voice.

"If he ever wants to talk to us just call," James said. "So, you can't ride your horse but have you seen the other ones or gotten on a different horse yet?" 

"I go out and see them a lot with Tate, he likes bringing them sugar cubes. You would love him. He's the sweetest kid. I help him with his homework and he helps me make cookies."

"What about his dad? What's he like?" Anna's voice was soft. 

"His dad...he's nice."

"Just nice? What's his name?"

"His name is Kayce and...and he's more than nice." You admitted as heat started to creep across your cheeks. "He's easy to talk to and kind."

"Is he cute?"

You giggled before answering James. "Yes, he's cute. He was going to teach me how to ride a horse but I chickened out."

"He's kind, good-looking, takes care of his son. He sounds like a good man."

"I think he is a good man..."

They knew by the sound of your voice that you thought you did something wrong. "Violet, honey, it's okay to like someone. You might have lived with Nick for the last six years but you haven't been in a relationship with him for almost two years. You were a prisoner." James informed softly. 

 "Nick...I'm scared..."

"I know, honey. Oh, I wish I was there to give you a hug."

His wife's voice broke so James took over. "I know you went through hell with the last one but they aren't all like that. This one could be good."

"Yeah..."

"Does he know?" James asked.

"No, I haven't told him."

"Violet!"

"Tate's calling me. I should go."

"Alright, sweetie." Anna sniffed. "We're here whenever you need to talk, anytime. I love you."

"Love you too, kid."

"Love you guys. Now that I'm settled I'll call again soon." You smiled as you hung up on the two people you loved the most in the world. 

There was a knock on your door as Kayce stepped through the open doorway. "I'm not interrupting am I?"

"No, I'm done." You set your phone on the nightstand and got up. "I'm guessing Tate's done his homework and is ready for s'mores."

"You heard him hollering from outside." He laughed.

"I did." The two of you headed for the kitchen. "Everything is ready to go. I have a travel mug with hot chocolate for him on here but would you be able to carry the mugs and thermos?"

"No problem." He got the five mugs and thermos full of coffee you had set out while you picked up the tray that held Tate's drink and everything you needed to make s'mores. You were supposed to all sit around the fire and roast marshmallows just over a week ago, Lee included. Now that his funeral was over, everyone was trying to get back to normal so it was time for Tate's s'mores night. 

After handing out coffee to John, Beth, and Rip, John's right-hand man on the ranch who Beth had a thing for, you went and sat on the bench next to Kayce. 

"Hey."

"Hi." You handed him one of the two mugs in your hands. 

"Were you on the phone with your family?" 

While you were helping Tate you got a text from your neighbors asking how you were. Since it was math homework and you hated math, you asked Kayce, who was sitting across the living room chatting with John, if he could help. You excused yourself and went to your room before calling your neighbors, instead of texting. "Yeah, kind of." A giggle left your lips when he cocked an eyebrow at kind of. "They were my neighbors. They're an older couple and kind of like adopted grandparents."

"Ah, got it. Everything's good?"

"Yeah, it is."

"I uh," he swallowed. "I gotta ride up to the ridge to check one of the pastures out. I was wondering if you'd like to come with me. Tate's spending the day with my dad so..."

"So, it would just be us." You finished when he died off. He looked at you while nervously running his thumb up and down the handle of his cup. You remembered your conversation with James and Anna and buried your fears. "Y-Yes." 

A shy grin tugged at his lips. "Good. Great." 

Tate came over holding two s'mores. "Here. I made you one." He handed one to you and the other to his dad. 

"Thank you."

"Thanks, bud." Kayce took a bite of his. "Just the right amount of burnt marshmallow." Tate laughed and went to John, who had another two marshmallows waiting on sticks. 

You took a bite of the gooey marshmallow, chocolate, and graham cracker sandwich as you watched Tate roasting the ones his grandpa gave him. Rip, Beth, John, and Kayce were laughing about something Beth said and you smiled. Maybe I can finally stop running. 

*****

Kayce's horse was the only one saddled and waiting in the corral when you walked over the next afternoon. "Does he have a name yet?" 

"Not yet." The cowboy turned to you with a smirk. 

"Some cowboy you are." You giggled as his horse nuzzled his head into your arms while you scratched his face. 

His smirk grew when you teased him, and it caused your stomach to flip flop. "I know we haven't had a chance to get out here so I can teach you how to ride yet so..." he jumped onto the horse's back. His hand reached out to you. "Do you trust me?"

You swallowed nervously. "Yes." His perfect crooked grin formed and you couldn't help but smile back. He glanced down at his hand and you placed yours in it.

"Alright, put your foot in the stirrup and I'll pull you up in front of me." You did what he said and he effortlessly helped you up. Once you swung your other leg over so you were properly seated, he reached around you with the reigns in one hand. "To get him to stop, sink on the saddle, lean back a little, and firm up your legs. Say woah and pull back gently on the reigns and he'll stop." 

"Okay."

"To get him moving, sit relaxed in the saddle and keep the reigns fairly loose. Give him a gentle squeeze with your lower legs. If he's feeling lazy and doesn't move, give him a couple of soft bumps with your heels." Kayce did and the horse started walking. He could feel you tense up and he automatically put his free arm around you. You immediately grabbed onto it. "I'm not gonna let you fall, Letty." 

"Uh, are you sure you wanna take him?" John asked as he and Lloyd leaned against the fence. "Blue Jeans might be better. A bit calmer."

"Yours' got a wild streak in him." Lloyd agreed. 

"With everyone on this ranch but her. He loves Violet."

John nodded in agreement. "True, but she's not the only one up there." 

You reached out and pet the horse's neck. "I trust him. And, you can't be a real cowboy without getting bucked off a horse at least once, right? If that happens, Kayce can break my fall."

John and Lloyd laughed as Tate came running over. 

"Grandpa, come on. I got the fishing rods like you asked."

"I'm coming grandson."

Tate looked at you and Kayce and grinned before John and Lloyd headed back with him. 

"Okay, let's get this show on the road." You relaxed slightly so he went to move his arm but you continued to hold on, keeping it in place. "I trust you and him but..." I'm still nervous as heck you finished silently. 

"No worries. I got ya." 

*

The farther the horse walked the more at ease you felt. Part of it might have had something to do with the cowboy sitting behind you though. Kayce pulled back on the reigns after fifteen minutes and slid off. After helping you down, he tied his horse to a low-hanging branch so it could graze. 

You walked past a few trees, reaching the edge of a small meadow. Kayce appeared next to you but quickly squatted down, grabbing your arm and pulling you down with him. Before you could ask what was wrong, he held his index finger up to his lips for you to be quiet and pointed past the rock you were hiding behind. In the middle of the tree-lined clearing were a doe and her fawn. Your hand went to the cowboy's arm in excitement. Being in the city your whole life, this was the first time you had ever seen a deer in person. 

Kayce smiled as he watched you. The amazement in your eyes, the grin on your face, it drew him to you even more. After a few minutes, he shifted, accidentally breaking a stick beneath his foot in the process, and the deer ran off. 

You watched them run off before turning to him and finding him looking at you. His gaze made the butterflies in your stomach dance while making you equally as nervous. His eyes went to your lips and he slowly started leaning in. You quickly stood up and hurried back to his horse "Aren't we uh, supposed to be checking a pasture or fence or something? We umm, we should-" 

Kayce came up behind you and placed his hand on yours, which was on the saddle horn about to pull yourself up. "Letty, wait. Please."

After taking a shaky breath you turned to face him. 

"I'm not imagining things, am I? There's something here, you and me." 

You swallowed and gave your head a quick nod. Your eyes left his and, since he was standing so close and couldn't go to the ground, went to the buttons on his shirt. 

"Yesterday when you were helping Tate with his homework and got a text, I stayed to help him but...but only for a minute. You left so fast, I was worried."

Your eyes widened. "H-how much did you hear?"

"Everything." He admitted sheepishly.

"I...I..."

"I've done things..." he trailed off before clearing his throat. "I might not be a good man when it comes to some things, most things. But, when it comes to you, I will be the best man I can be. I don't know who Nick is and how he hurt you so badly. But, I want you to know that I never would. I've never met someone who's made me feel like this before. You're kind, beautiful, you're amazing with Tate. I love spending time with you. You make me happy." He hooked a finger under your chin and tilted it up, revealing tears welling in your eyes. "You don't have to be scared, Letty. When you're ready, you can talk to me. No matter how long you need before you're ready and no matter what you say, I'm not going anywhere." 

The fierceness in his hazel eyes told you that he was telling the truth and a few tears started to slip from your eyes. His hands came up and cupped your face, his thumbs gently brushing the tears away.

"Can I kiss you?" He asked cautiously. 

You couldn't get out any words so you nodded. When his lips softly pressed against yours, every thought, every horrible memory of your ex disappeared. It was only the kind, caring cowboy and you. And, you kissed him back. 

When you parted, his eyes searched your face and found a shy smile. He let out a silent sigh of relief as he tucked your hair behind your ear. "We better get going and actually check the pasture I'm supposed to. Hop on." When his hand left your jaw, you instantly missed his touch but you climbed up and took your foot out of the stirrup so he could get on. His left hand held the reigns. His right arm wrapped around your waist, holding you close. The fingers on your right hand mixed with his while the other held onto the saddle horn. 

As you continued to your destination, you thought of how right it felt; living at the ranch, being with him, kissing him. Fear crept along the edges bringing the what if's but you knew Nick, he'd come to get you the second he knew where you were. The longest it took him to find you was two weeks. It's been four months since you left so instead of the fear seeping further inside, it was replaced by a calmness and you leaned into the cowboy and relaxed for the first time in years.

*****

"Violet, can I talk to you for a second?" John called from inside his office. 

You walked in holding the laundry basket you just emptied and sat down across from him. "Did you need something else washed?"

"No. No. You are always on top of that. I know I've said it before but you are the best damn housekeeper we've had. It's amazing what you get done in a day, even when you spend time with those two." His eyes went to the window where Tate was trying to tackle Kayce to the grass. 

You followed his gaze and smiled as you watched the two of them laughing on the ground. Your eyes lingered on them before returning to your boss, who was watching you intently. 

"They're pretty fond of you. Kayce told me he finally asked you out last week."

"Yeah." Heat crept across your cheeks but it quickly vanished. "I should have asked you if it was okay first, I'm sorry. I don't want to cross a line or umm, with Nick...I don't know..."

"Violet, it's okay. I'm not mad." He smiled softly. "You said if he knew where you were he would come get you right away. You left almost four and a half months ago. You don't have to worry about him. Even if he did come here, he wouldn't touch you." 

You searched his eyes and saw nothing but the truth so you nodded. 

"I've seen you with Tate. You're definitely his favorite person here." He chuckled. "And, my son, I haven't seen him this happy and engaged since I don't know when." His eyes went to the folded American flag nestled in a case on the shelf under the window. "The Navy took a lot out of him, and raising Tate on his own, it's been hard. Then Lee..." He focused back on you. "I honestly don't know how he would've gotten through it without you." After taking a deep breath he went on. "Nick hurt you in more ways than one and I know you are still dealing with that. I don't want you to feel pressured in any way to spend time with Kayce or Tate beyond your job."

"I don't feel pressured. I love spending time with them." You swallowed. "No one else knows about Nick, what he was like. They just think I left California because of a bad breakup."

"And, it can stay that way until you are ready to say otherwise. Kayce included. When you do say something you don't have to worry about anybody here telling anyone. You're safe here." 

A grateful smile pulled at your lips. "Thank you."

"I hear it's movie night tonight."

"It is. Once I put this basket away, Tate wants to go into town to pick up some snacks because all that's left in the pantry are healthy ones apparently." You chuckled. 

"Well, in that case, I could go for some potato chips."

"I'll add them to the list."

He smiled. "I'll let you go now. Don't want to keep the kid waiting or he'll come track you down." 

"Yes, he will. See you later." You smiled back before picking up the basket and heading to the laundry room.

*

You walked down the porch steps and out onto the lawn where Kayce had just picked up Tate and hung him over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. Tate laughed the whole time. 

"Hey, beautiful." The hand that wasn't holding Tate upside down went to your waist, and he leaned in to kiss you.

You smiled shyly and a smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "Hi." Jeez, he makes me feel like a schoolgirl with a crush.

"Violet! Dad put me down." Tate struggled so Kayce set him on his feet.

"Hi, bud. Ready to go?"

"Yup! Did you grab the list?"

"I did." Tate cheered and ran towards the driveway. "Do you have any requests for the movie tonight?"

Kayce's arms slid around your waist. "As long as you sit with me, that's all I need." You blushed again and he chuckled. "God, you're cute."

"Stop!" You pressed your forehead against his chest to hide your bright red cheeks. 

He chuckled again before kissing your hair. You lifted your head and gave him a wary look. "I'm done...for now." His hands went to your waist and tugged you close when you groaned. He dug in his pocket and pulled out his keys. "Here, you can take my truck."

"Really?"

"Really. I know the ranch ones are pretty big plus, you've been bugging me to let you drive it."

"Yeah, but I figured if there was ever a chance that you did let me drive you would have to be there."

"I trust you." He grinned and handed you the keys. 

"I promise I won't hurt your baby." You giggled when he squeezed your waist. 

"Violet!"

"I gotta go and you should probably get back to work and get done what you need to so you can actually watch the movie with us after supper."

"Yes, ma'am." He leaned in and pressed his lips against yours for a long slow kiss, leaving you with a smile when he pulled away. "Have I ever told you that you're fucking adorable?"

Red stained your cheeks. "Ugh, stop! I'm leaving now." You gave him a playful shove before turning and heading towards a waiting Tate. You could hear Kayce chuckling behind you and you smiled.

"Not that one." You told Tate who was about to open the work truck door. He looked at you and you held up Kayce's keys and shook them. 

"Dad's truck?!" 

"Mhm. We better hurry before he changes his mind."

He grabbed your hand. "Run!" His infectious laugh filled the air as he pulled you toward Kayce's truck. 

*

You glanced over at Tate and found him looking at you for the fourth time since you left the ranch. "What? Why are you looking at me like that?"

"My dad really likes you."

"Oh, really. Why do you think that?"

"Because he let you drive his truck. He never lets anyone drive it, not even grandpa. Aaannd, because he stares at you all the time. Like, all the time." He giggled. 

Your cheeks darkened as you looked back at him and saw a huge grin on his face. "Well, umm..." You had nothing.

"You like him too, don't you?" 

"I uh, I...yeah. Yes. Your dad is...he's really nice."

Tate's smile grew and he went back to looking out his window. 

Your gaze lingered on the little boy who had quickly earned a place in your heart. As you focused back on the road, your thoughts went to his dad. The handsome cowboy with shoulder-length wavy brown hair and brown eyes that you could lose yourself in. His charm and kindness were rapidly earning him a place right next to his son. 

*

"I got these." Tate took the stack of four bowls off the counter.

"Thanks, bud. I'll be right there." He hurried out of the kitchen and headed for the living room while you poured the bag of potato chips into a bowl. You carried it out and placed it on the coffee table which was already overflowing with treats. "Tate and I may have gone a bit overboard." 

"We couldn't decide so we got it all." Tate looked at the spread with excited eyes. 

John, who was sitting with Tate, handed him an empty bowl before taking one for himself. "What will it be grandson?" Tate and John started filling their bowls with snacks. 

Kayce reached for you and tugged you down next to him, leaving you giggling. His arms wrapped around you. "I got what I want," Kayce whispered next to your ear. Heat crept across your cheeks as he pulled you onto his lap and kissed your temple. You smiled at him before leaning forward and filling a bowl with a bit of everything for the two of you. Once you settled back into his arms, John looked over. 

"Ready?" He smiled at the two of you across the coffee table as he held the remote control. 

"Ready," Kayce answered while a light shade of pink colored your cheeks. 

"Good morning, Violet." Lee grinned as he walked up the steps, carrying his mug from his house. 

"Good morning."

"Do you mind?"

"No, sit."

He sunk onto the empty chair next to yours. "Everything's still going good? Here and back there?"

"Yeah. Things here are going great. I was texting with my neighbors yesterday and they said Nick told them I hadn't been around the past couple of months because I had cancer and needed to go away for treatments."

"He doesn't want people to know you left him."

You nodded and looked out over the expansive yard. "Appearance is everything to their family. Can't have everyone knowing his fiancé ran away a week before their wedding."

"Well, he can let everyone think you're sick. Meanwhile, you will be here living your best life." You giggled as Rip walked around the corner. "Especially when my lovesick little brother musters up enough courage to finally ask you out." Pink stained your cheeks causing him to grin before focusing on the rugged cowboy who just walked up. "Morning, Rip."

"Morning. Morning, Violet."

"Good morning. The coffee pot inside is full and there are muffins on the counter that Tate and I made yesterday."

A crooked smile formed on his face. "I might just take you up on that."

You smiled back as the door next to Lee opened and Kayce and John walked out.  "Good morning, Violet. It doesn't look like you are having much luck reading with these two hanging around." John chuckled, glancing down at the closed book on your lap that you had yet to start. 

"Good morning. I have all day so I'm not worried." 

"Well, we have some things to discuss. We'll be in my office." He informed before going back inside with Rip and Lee, leaving just you and Kayce. 

Something feels off. Your brow furrowed. "Is everything okay? Everyone seems a little tense this morning."

"There's just an issue with some of our cattle and we have to figure out how to handle it. Everything's gonna be okay though."

"Good. Well, not good that there's a problem but good that it will all work out in the end." 

A warm smile pulled at his lips at your ramble. "I know you don't have to work today and I feel like shit for asking but would you be able to watch Tate. I don't know how long this is going to take."

"Of course, I will. I was actually thinking of going for a walk behind the house so he can make sure I don't get lost." 

He chuckled. "He would love to take you out there. My brothers and I built a treehouse when we were kids on top of a hill that overlooks a valley."

"Maybe I'll pack us a picnic." You smiled as you stood up. 

"He would love that. So would I."

"Next time you can come too."

"I'm gonna hold you to that." His perfect, crooked smile donned his face and you couldn't help but smile back. "I should go. Tate's still upstairs asleep. Gator's busy in the kitchen and said he would let Tate know you're out here."

"Okay."

"Thank you. I owe you."

"No, you don't."

"Yes, I do."

"Well, if you insist, I like chocolate." You teased. 

He smirked but before he could say anything Lee stuck his head out the door. "You can talk to your girlfriend all you want after we get this figured out." Kayce's cheeks went red and Lee chuckled before placing his hands on Kayce's shoulders and guiding him inside. "See you later, Vi."

You giggled. After settling back in your chair, you sent your neighbour's a text letting them know you might not be able to call today because you were watching Tate. It was too early to call them or you would have so instead, you opened your book. 

*

Gator was busy pouring stew into a serving bowl while you and Tate put biscuits in a basket for dinner when they finally emerged from the office. 

"Grandpa, guess what me and Violet did today?!"

"Why don't you go sit at the table so you can tell your dad and uncles too?" 

"Good idea." He answered you before jumping down and running into the dining room. 

"Thanks for watching him." 

"How many times do I have to tell you and Kayce that you don't have to thank me." 

John smiled as Tate yelled for him. "I'm comin', grandson." He heeded the call and went to the dining room. 

"Dish up. I can carry these in there." Gator said, not waiting for a reply and taking both bowls. 

You put some in a bowl and grabbed a biscuit, carrying them onto the porch. 

*

"Hey," Kayce said after stepping outside an hour later wearing dark clothes, his cowboy hat nowhere in sight. 

"Hi."

He leaned against the railing in front of your chair. "Thanks for watching Tate today."

"Kayce."

"I know but babysitting isn't part of your job description, especially when everyone is home." His eyes went to his hands which were holding a black baseball cap. 

"Is everything okay? You don't have to answer, I know It's none of my business. I just-"

He smiled seeing the concern on your face. "I know, we're all okay."

The worry that had been building throughout the day lessened. You stood up and leaned against the railing next to him.

"Broken Rock has some of our cattle."

"The reservation?"

"Yeah, some of our property borders theirs, and our cows ended up on their land. They won't give 'em back."

"You're going to get them back?" You had a feeling you already knew the answer. When he confirmed it the worry started trickling back in. 

"Would you be able to watch Tate tonight? I don't know when we'll be back. He's not in the best mood cause I told him roasting marshmallows will have to wait until tomorrow. He's been looking forward to it since you guys went shopping and he picked out those different flavored chocolate bars to use for s'mores."

"Of course, I'll watch him." The trickle of fear turned into a full-blown rushing river when Lee came out of the house and handed Kayce a bulletproof vest. 

Lee gave your shoulder a squeeze when he saw the fear in your eyes. "Don't worry, Vi. I'll get him back in one piece so he can finally ask you out. I'll even babysit little man so he can take you somewhere nice." He chuckled when you both blushed. "Well, my work here is done." His eyes sparkled mischievously as gave you a quick peck on the cheek before heading for the barn. "Five minutes, lover boy."

The red hue on Kayce's cheeks darkened. "Sorry about him."

"It's okay." You said as you picked at the wood railing, your mind still stuck on the bulletproof vest. 

"Hey," his hand covered yours, drawing you back, "we're gonna be okay. It's just a precaution." The sound of a helicopter approaching made you both look out over the lawn and watched it land. 

"Ready son?" John asked as he rounded the corner. 

"Yeah," he put the vest on while John looked up at you from the bottom of the steps. 

"Thanks for watching him. He's inside picking out a movie for you two to watch."

You smiled at him before he turned and ran towards the helicopter. Your eyes went back to the man who was starting to mean more to you than you thought...or hoped, in some ways. 

"I'll be fine."

"I'm not worried about you." You lied. "From what I've heard you did great in the navy. Take care of the rest of them."

"I will." He smiled, squeezing your hand. 

"Kayce, let's go!" Lee called out from the driver's seat of a truck with a horse trailer hooked up to the back of it. 

"And, don't worry about us. I'm just gonna pump your kid full of sugar while we have a Jurassic Park marathon."

He chuckled. "I'll let you two sleep when we get back and you're both passed out on the couch."

You smiled up at him but worry tinged your eyes. "Be safe."

"Always." After giving your hand another squeeze, he jumped off the porch and ran to the truck. Lee blew you a kiss before they sped off. The helicopter followed. 

You watched the taillights disappear behind a hill before going inside. Tate held up the three Jurassic Park movies you had predicted he would pick. After gathering snacks, he cuddled up with you under a blanket. While the first movie played, your mind kept drifting to Kayce. Keep them safe. Please, keep them all safe. You prayed for the family who was quickly filling up your once-broken heart.

*****

A creak of the floorboards drew your attention away from the mountain view out the window. The suns first rays were filtering through the windows, illuminating the cause of the creak. "John?" You gently lifted Tate's head off your lap so you could stand up. John motioned towards the kitchen. "How did it go? Is everyone okay?" You asked after following him. 

"Not good. Are Kayce and Lee here?"

The color drained from your face. "N-no." Gator froze, the egg he was about to crack hovering over the pan.  

"Damn it. They don't have their phones on them. They probably couldn't get back to the truck so they're just riding back." He said, trying to convince himself in the process. "They're fine."

You gave him the best fake smile you could muster and nodded. 

"You don't need to make me anything, not hungry. If they aren't back in fifteen minutes, I'm gonna go look for them."

"Yes, sir. Violet?"

"I...I'm not hungry either."

Gator nodded as Tate came bounding into the room. "Grandpa!"

"Good morning, grandson." John hid his worry and grinned down at him. 

"Violet and I had a sleepover in the living room last night. We made ice cream sundaes with a bunch of toppings and chocolate sauce. And, we watched all three Jurassic Park movies! I fell asleep during the third one though so we have to watch it again. Can we watch it today?"

"Uh, yeah. But, you have something to do first."

"Clean my room. And, we were going to make cookies today. We should do that before the movie so we can eat them while we're watching."

John suddenly left, running outside. Your eyes shot to the window and your breath caught in your throat. 

Gator noticed and turned to Tate. "I think that I should be the one who makes cookies with you. You're an expert now. I'll tell you what, I'll help you clean your room and you can help me make cookies."

"Yeah!"

"Do you want to know something? I've never seen Jurassic Park."

"What?! Violet, he's never watched it!"

You kept your tears at bay as you tore your eyes away from Kayce sitting on his horse with Lee's body draped across. "What? That's crazy!"

"I know! After we make cookies we could watch them. Oh wait, you probably will be busy cooking."

"I think sandwiches for lunch today and for dinner, ordering pizza. What do you think?"

"Yes!"

"And, cereal for breakfast."

"Yay! We should spend the day together more often. I'll get the cereal!" He disappeared into the pantry.

"Don't worry about him, I got 'em."

"I'm not family. I should stay here."

"I don't know what happened but Kayce will need someone to help him get through this. And, I know without a doubt that Lee would want you to be that person." He gave you a gentle push towards the door. "Go."

You walked out onto the porch just as Rip started coming up the steps. "I was just coming to get you."

"How?" Was all you could get out while you watched John sitting on the ground holding his dead son. 

"Kayce said Lee wanted to get a few cows that strayed off. He told him not to go but Lee's stubborn. He raced off and didn't realize one of their guys was watching them. He shot Lee. Kayce got there just as it was happening. He made him pay, killed him." Rip surveyed your face after the last piece of information but it didn't phase you. 

"Where is he?"

"He's blaming himself. He won't listen to anyone so John sent me to get you. He took off into the trees." Rip motioned to the woods passed the hill behind the house. "Are you going to be good?"

"Mhm, I know where he went." Rip nodded and you started making your way toward the trees. 

*

After ten minutes of walking, you found him right where you thought he would be, by the treehouse. You went over to where he was sitting in the grass with his knees up and face buried in his arms. 

He heard you coming and knew it was you by your soft footsteps so he wasn't startled when you knelt next to him. 

All of the nervousness that you would normally feel being this close to him didn't show up. The only thing going through your head was how much he must be hurting. Your hand came up and gently pulled on his arm, making him sit up and flatten his legs. You didn't say anything, just climbed onto his lap. The second you did his arms wrapped around you and pulled you against him, crushing your body against his. You hugged him back. Your hand slid into his hair so you could hold him closer as he sobbed into your neck. Tears streamed from your own eyes from seeing him like this, from knowing what he went through. And, for Lee.

When his shoulders stopped shaking his grip eased and he lifted his head from the crook of your neck. One of your hands left his shoulders and rested on his damp cheek, he leaned into your touch and closed his eyes. "I'm so sorry, Kayce."

"I should have gone with him right away." He opened his eyes, anger flashed through them. "Instead of calling after him to come back, I should have gone with him. He would still be alive."

"You don't know that. There's a good chance that you wouldn't be here either. It's not your fault."

He lowered his gaze. "Yes-yes it is. I-"

"No." Your hands rested against his jaw, forcing him to look at you. "Kayce, I know you did everything you could. It's not your fault." His eyes left yours. "Look at me." You ordered softly and he did. "You tried to stop him but Lee is-was the most stubborn person I knew. Once he made his mind up about something, that was it. You did everything you could. Please," Your voice cracked as tears threatened to fall, "please, don't blame yourself."

He nodded. His hand slid across your cheek and into your hair, pulling you into a hug. "I'll try."

"Promise me." You wrapped your arms around his neck and hugged him back.

"I promise, Letty. I'd promise you anything." He added, his voice barely audible and not meant for you to hear. But, you did and hugged him a little tighter. 

*

"Tate?" He asked after the hug ended ten minutes later. 

"Gator's watching him. Tate was so excited. They were going to clean his room and make cookies before watching Jurassic Park."

A small smile pulled at his lips. "Thank you...for taking such good care of him, for everything you do for my family, and me."

"You don't have to thank me for any of that, Kayce. I want to do it. Your family has been nothing but welcoming and Tate is an amazing kid. Whatever you need, I'm here." His watery eyes held yours while the breeze made waves in the grass around you. "Lee was beyond proud of you. He always talked about how great of a dad you are, how loyal you are to your family...he loved you so much." A few tears started sliding down your cheeks.

"He was the one I went to when I needed to talk, he could calm me down when my anger got the best of me. He's gone. What am I supposed to do without him?"

"He will always be with you. He will still be watching from the sidelines when you're spending time with Tate. His hand will be on your shoulder when you want to deck someone."

A chuckle left his lips. "Deck someone?"

"I don't know what cowboys call it. Slug? Clock? Punch seems too formal." You giggled and he smiled, you shyly smiled back. "When Tate and I came out here yesterday he was making a list of things that needed to be fixed on the treehouse. And, what he wants to add." You went on since you could tell he didn't want to go back to the house yet. 

"I knew there'd be a few things that need to be fixed from the times I brought him out here. A couple of floorboards. The ladder." He cocked an eyebrow. "He wants to add what exactly?"

You grinned. "Well, he wants a roof because he wants to sleep out here with you but you need a roof in case it starts raining."

"Okay." Kayce nodded. 

"A fireman's pole so you can get down in 1.5 seconds." He laughed and you couldn't help but smile whenever you heard it. "Oh, and a barn so you can both ride out here when you spend the night. On separate horses. His own horse which you have yet to buy him." 

His laugh filled your ears. "Ah, yes. The horse. He's a bit young yet for taking care of his own."

"Maybe you should just give him yours since he still doesn't have a name yet." 

"You think so?" He teased back.

"Yes." 

After a few seconds of quiet, he spoke up. "Stay here with me for a while?" You nodded. He shifted so you were sitting between his legs both looking out at the view, his arms wrapped around you. A bald eagle flew overhead before slowly gliding around the valley. Kayce's arms held you tightly while you watched the giant bird floating gracefully on the air currents. 

Knowing he was thinking about Lee, you leaned back against him and rested your arms along his, hugging him as much as you could while being in front of him. 

*

The eagle had long since flown off, leaving you watching the clouds drifting along, your fingers mindlessly trailing up and down his arm. Little did you know, a spider was making its way up the back of your leg. His little legs were undetectable through the denim of the jeans you were wearing. It started climbing around, coming up onto your knee. "Ah!" You screamed, frantically brushing it away while scrambling backward. 

The sound of Kayce's laugh filled your ears as you climbed onto his lap, getting as much of your body as you could off the ground. 

"It's not funny." You said, your chest heaving. He didn't stop. "Stop." It came out with a laugh from hearing his but you gave his shoulder a gentle push. 

"It's just a little bug." He let out another laugh. 

"Bumble bees and caterpillars are bugs. Spiders are the work of the devil."

"Satan made the spiders?" A chuckle left his lips when you glared at him. His arms wrapped around you, keeping you in place so you wouldn't get up. "Okay. I'm sorry."

You let out a small huff. "No, you're not." 

"You're right. I'm not." Your jaw dropped causing him to laugh again. "I'm just buggin' you. Come here." He hugged you and you put your arms around him, hugging him back. "Are you okay or do you need an exorcism? Should I call a priest?" 

"You're hilarious." 

"Okay, I'm done. I promise." He chuckled. His arms squeezed you while you giggled. 

Silence settled between you and you knew his thoughts were back on his oldest brother. You hugged him a little tighter. 

*

"I guess we should probably head back," Kayce said quietly after fifteen minutes went by of holding each other. "It's been a few hours."

"Yeah, we can if you want." 

"Not really. I just want to hug Tate."

You smiled softly and stood up. "Let's go find Tate." 

He got up and you both started walking back. When you came over the hill and the house came into view, his hand wrapped around yours. As you walked onto the porch, his grip tightened. 

"Hey." Before he could open the door, you gave his hand a gentle tug, turning him to face you. "Remember what you promised me." Tears pricked the back of your eyes. 

"I remember: it's not my fault. I know you'll kick my ass if I break it." He chuckled as his eyes became watery. 

"If you ever start to break it, come find me. You don't have to talk about it. We can just sit and-and stare at the sky or go for a walk. Whatever." 

"I will." A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth and you gave him a small one back before you both walked inside. 

*

There was a knock on your bedroom door so you put your bookmark in your book. Not that you had read a single line because your thoughts were on John's oldest and youngest sons. "Come in."

Kayce stood in the doorway wearing sweatpants and a T-shirt. "Hi." He said softly. 

"Hi," you set your book on the bedside table and slide over. 

He walked over and sat down on the edge of your bed. "I uh, I couldn't sleep and saw the light coming under the door. You...you told me this morning to come find you if..."

"We can't look at the stars but you can lie down with me." 

He pulled the extra blanket that was lying on the end of the bed over him before he lay down. His arms wrapped around your waist, his head rested on your chest. The sound of your steady heartbeat quickly lulled him to sleep. 

You reached down and pulled the blanket up over his shoulders. He cuddled up closer causing a small, content smile to pull at your lips. Soon you were sleeping soundly, just like the cowboy lying in your arms.

*****

Five days later you walked into the living room wearing a simple black sundress and black cardigan. 

"Hi, hun." Beth gave you a small smile before she hugged you. 

"Hi."

John came over, holding his cowboy hat in his hands. "Hello, Violet. How is my son doing?" 

"I think once today is over it will help a bit."

"I think it will help all of us." Beth agreed as Kayce followed Tate downstairs, coming over to your little group. 

You hugged Tate, who had wrapped his arms around your waist. "Hey, bud."

"Why do we all have to wear black?"

"Because that's what people do at funerals," John told his grandson. "Speaking of which, we should head out." Beth linked her dad's arm before they made their way to the front door. Tate followed along behind with Jamie, who reached over and squeezed your forearm as he walked passed. 

"Hey." Your voice was quiet as you looked up at the cowboy who had spent every night in your room since Lee's death. He had fallen asleep in your arms but always slept on top of your blanket like a gentleman. 

He just nodded, keeping his head down. 

You closed the distance and rested your hands on the sides of his neck. "Kayce?" Your voice cracked. 

His watery blue eyes finally met yours. "I don't think I can do this." 

"Nobody blames you for what happened. It's not your fault."

"I know. You keep reminding me." A small smile graced his lips for a few seconds until it faded. "I just...I need to do this on my own...to say...say goodbye on my own."

"Okay."

"I'm okay." He assured when he saw concern in your eyes. "I'll be okay."

You nodded as Tate stuck his head inside. "Are you coming?"

"Yeah." Your hands left Kayce's face and slid down his arms to his hands. After holding them for a few seconds, you gave him a small smile and went outside. "Let's go." 

Tate's hand slipped into yours as you headed towards the spot of the ranch were they holding the service. "What about dad?" 

"He wants to say goodbye to your Uncle Lee by himself." Kayce's son just squeezed your hand and you continued. 

When you walked up, John looked down the road behind you. You shook your head. "He said he needs to do this alone."

John nodded and told the preacher to start.

*

The setting sun cast the most amazing sunset you had ever witnessed over the mountainous horizon. You pulled your phone out of the pocket of your cardigan and took a photo. While you were putting it away, the door opened behind you.

"Can I join you?" You looked up to see Kayce standing there and you nodded so he sat down next to you. "Thank you for helping with Tate today. And, thank you for helping me this past week."

A soft smile formed as your eyes met his. "You're welcome, even though you don't have to thank me. Whatever you need I'm here." 

"Sit with me for a bit." When you nodded, he slid closer before leaning over and resting his elbows on his knees. Not long after an eagle slowly drifted into view. 

After pouring coffee into a mug, you went out onto the porch and sat down on the stairs. Tears started streaming from your eyes as the dream played through your mind. 

"Violet?" Your hands frantically dried your face while John's oldest son sat down next to you. "What's wrong? And, don't even think about saying nothing because I saw you crying." 

You chewed on your lower lip. 

"Is it your neighbors? Your good-for-nothing piece of shit ex?"

"My...my ex...I just had a bad dream, that's all. It's fine. I'm fine."

"You sitting out here before the suns even up, crying because of a nightmare you had about your ex, isn't fine. He put you through what I'm guessing was hell because you had to run away to get away from him. you've been living in motels, moving to a new one every few days scared that any minute he could burst through the door." You nodded and he reached for your hand. "I'm a pretty good listener and pretty good at keeping secrets. It might help if you unpack some of that baggage, whether it's everything or just about the nightmare."

You chewed on your lower lip before finally nodding. "The nightmare was a memory." After taking a shaky breath you continued. "A few days after we moved into our new house, we met a couple of his friends for drinks, two guys that he grew up with and work with, Tom and Sam. Halfway through the night, they were waiting for the waitress to come around to get them drink number six or whatever it was. It was really busy so I just went up to the bar to get them. When I was up there a guy come over and started flirting with me. I told him I was engaged. He said he was a lucky guy and smiled, I smiled back to be polite, got the drinks, and went back to the table. The rest of the time there was good and we went home." Your fingers started playing with the blanket as your eyes glazed over, taking you back to the past.

"Come here," Nick demanded after appearing in the closet doorway.

You finally got home and all you wanted to do was go to bed. "I want to change first then-"

“No. Now," he grabbed your arm and roughly yanked you down to the basement. "Did you think I wouldn't find out?"

“Find out what?" You asked as you tried to pry his hand off of you. 

"About you flirting with him!"

Fear filled you when you saw the man who had flirted with you at the bar, on his knees and being held in place by your fiancé's friends. "N-Nick, what-"

“You made plans to see him next time I'm off work, didn't you?!"

“No, I didn't." You whimpered when he grabbed your arms, towering over you with a psychotic stare. "I told him I was engaged and came back to the table."

“Don't fucking lie to me! I saw you smile at him before you left."

“She was being polite, that's all." The man who flirted with you insisted. 

“She shouldn't have fucking talked to you in the first place." Nick spat at the man before his fiery gaze came back to you. "I thought you would know that by now."

“Nick, I-I'm sorry. I-"

The back of his hand connected with your cheek before he spun you around. One of his arms wrapped around you, securing your arms against your sides while he crushed you against him. His chest confirmed to your back, his breath hot on your neck. "You should be sorry because now you're going to watch him die."

“What the fuck?!" The innocent man on his knees tried to get free. "All I did was ask if I could buy her a drink?"

“You should have looked at her finger first. The ring that cost a fortune and takes up practically her whole ring finger." Nick nodded to his friends. After they put the scared man's hands behind his head, Tom held them there while Sam went to stand in front of him. His fist connected with the man's face. 

“No!"

“Sam." Your fiancé pushed you into his friend, who took over holding you prisoner. When Sam secured you in his arms Nick went and stood in front of the man who had blood trickling from a cut on his lip. "It's time for me to make you pay for trying to take what's mine." His fists took over for his friend. He kept hitting the man who did nothing wrong, again and again.

“Nick, stop! You're going to kill him. Stop! Stop!"

Nick turned around and stalked towards you, gripping your chin firmly in his blood-spattered hand. "Keep your fucking voice down. We don't want the neighbors to get suspicious." He let out a chuckle. "Not that it would matter because there are three cops here already."

“Just let him go. Nick, please." You begged as tears flowed from your eyes.

“He should have paid attention so he knew you already belonged to someone." His fingers dug into your jaw, "now keep your pretty little mouth shut." After letting your chin go he resumed his attack on the man who was now lying on the floor. 

“No. No. No. No." Sobs cut off your pleas while Nick went from using his fists to his feet. 

Fifteen minutes later, Nick stood over the man he had just killed with a triumphant grin while you crumpled to the floor. Your sobs had stopped, giving way to silent tears. You sat there staring at the growing pool of blood in shock. You didn't notice when Sam and Tom wrapped the body in a tarp and carried it upstairs or when Nick left, returning with a bucket of water and a rag. 

“Now," Nick's hand fisted your hair and pulled your head back, forcing you to look at him, "clean up this mess."

“W-what?" 

“Clean his blood off of the floor. I'm not going to tell you again." 

With trembling hands, you did what he said. By the time you were done, your hands were stained red. You pushed yourself up off your knees and went to walk towards the stairs but your fiancé stepped in front of you. 

“What are you doing?"

The shock had worn off leaving you angry and disgusted. "You killed him! All he did was ask to buy me a drink and I said I was engaged, that was it. And, you killed him for it! You're insane! I can't-I can't do this-be with you."

He grabbed your upper arms and slammed you against the wall. "I killed him because he tried to take what's mine."

Let me go." You tried to hit him, kick him, you pushed against him, trying to get free. When none of that worked, you tried to go for his face but couldn't reach it. Your fingers clawed at whatever they could and you managed to scratch his neck. 

“Bitch." He seethed before backhanding you, the hard blow sending you to the floor. Before you could get away, he crouched over you and his hands went for your neck. Your foot connected with his shin and you scrambled away. "Where do you think you're going?" He grabbed your ankle and yanked you back. 

“No! Let me go." You begged as he pinned your arms above your head in the same spot he had just murdered someone. Fresh tears started pouring from your eyes. "I hate you. Please let me go. I don't want to be here. Please!"

“You are mine." His knee pried your legs apart and settled between them. "Only mine. And, you will be until the day you die." He reached between you and unzipped his pants. "It looks like I need to remind you of that."

"Fuck." Lee sat there looking at you in shock. 

"I...I shouldn't be here. I need to leave."

"No." Lee grabbed your hand. "Violet, look at me."

"If he finds me here, he'll kill you, all of you."

"No, he won't. We can handle him."

"He's crazy and the best at what he does. He knows how to make it look like an accident or like someone else did it. He-he-" Lee wrapped his arms around you and hugged you tightly as you cried. "I'm scared. I-I can't go back. I would rather die than be with him again."

"We're the best at what we do. If by some miracle he does find out you're here, he's going to be dead before he knew what happened. I...I don't want to scare you or push you away but Kayce's not the only one who's killed people. When we do, it's to protect the family, the ranch and we don't get caught. I figured you should know what you're gonna be marrying into someday." His eyes suddenly widened. "Shit. I didn't think- with your ex and me bugging you and Kayce all the time-"

"It's okay."

"I knew you liked my mop-haired little brother."

"I umm...I-" you started shaking your head. 

"Violet, look at me." He didn't continue until you met his brown eyes. "From what you've told me about your ex, I can only imagine how scared you are about liking someone again. But, if you do like Kayce, you don't need to be scared. He would never hurt you or force you to do anything you didn't want to do. I'm not saying to rush into anything you aren't ready for. I know it's only been...I don't know when you left him but you've only been here for a month."

"I left December seventeenth. We were supposed to get married a week later, on Christmas Eve."

"Christmas Eve?"

"He and his family picked the date."

He let out an unimpressed huff. "Well, when you and Kayce get married you can pick everything." Blush stained your cheeks and he squeezed your knee. "So, you left the piece of shit three and a half months before you came here. If he's as good as you say he is at being a detective, he would've found you by now." When you didn't respond, he squeezed your knee again causing you to look at him. "You're safe here, Vi. You can relax now because this is your home and you have a ranch full of overprotective people who love you and will stop at nothing to keep you safe."

You finally nodded in agreement and he put his arm around you. "Thank you." 

"No need to thank me. I'm your future big brother, it's my job to be here for you." He chuckled when red crept across your cheeks again. "You know I love you, right?"

"I know. Love you too." Your head rested on his shoulder and sat there in comfortable silence, watching the sun slowly make its way above the mountains. 

*****

"Here you go." You smiled as you handed Tate a plate of cookies that the two of you just finished making. 

His eyes widened with excitement as he looked at the still-warm cookies. "Grandpa, look!" He hurried to the living room as fast as he could while balancing the cookies. "We even made some raisin ones for you!"

"These taste just like the ones my mom used to make," Kayce said after taking a bite of one of the raisin ones from the container sitting on the island. 

"It's her recipe. I was dusting the shelf with all of the cookbooks this morning and found a notebook hiding in the back. It has a bunch of recipes that she wrote down." You swallowed as you placed your hand on the blue notebook sitting by the container full of cookies. "I...I hope it's okay I used it."

Kayce reached across the kitchen island and squeezed your hand. "Of course it's okay. I remember this notebook. Most of the recipes in it have been passed down through the years. The original ones my great, great, great grandma wrote were so tattered mom wrote them in here." He opened the notebook to the back page. "She taped the original ones back here. It's crazy to think of my great, great, great grandma making them here for the first time after they settled here."

"Your great, great, great grandma knew what she was doing." You picked up a raisin cookie and took a bite. 

"That she did." He finished his cookie. "You...you're more than welcome to watch the movie with us. Tate would love it."

The look in his eyes, you knew that he wasn't asking for Tate. I...I can't. "We made a triple batch of cookies so I was actually going to take these out to the bunkhouse."

Disappointed flashed across his face before he put on a smile. "They're going to love them."

"Yeah." You smiled softly before Tate's voice traveled down the hall. 

"Dad! Hurry up!"

A giggle left your lips. His eyes dropped to your mouth when he heard it and you unconsciously licked your lips. "Tate-they're waiting and I should bring these out there. Enjoy your movie."

"I will." He smiled before joining his family in the living room. 

I can't get too close. It's for the best. You pushed away thoughts of how nice it felt when his hand held yours, picked up the container of cookies, and went outside. 

*

You knocked on the door to the bunkhouse and a few seconds later, Rip opened it. "Violet, hi."

"Hi. I made cookies."

He smiled and held the door for you. "Listen up. Violet's here so watch the language."

"It's okay." You giggled before everyone said hi in unison. "Hi, Tate and I made a triple batch of cookies. I thought you might like some."

"Hell yeah." Teeter, a spunky, faded pink-haired Texan and only woman wrangler in the bunch, cheered as you set the container in the middle of the table they were all gathered around. 

Lloyd picked out a raisin one and took a bite. His eyes widened before he took another one and threw it to Rip. "Try it and tell me what ya think."

"Shit." Rip chuckled. "These taste just like the ones Evelyn used to make." Lloyd nodded in agreement. 

"I found her old recipe book. It's her recipe. The chocolate chip ones are the same, Tate and I just switched out the raisins." 

"You normally don't come out here." Lloyd laughed as Ryan and Colby fought over a cookie they both picked up at the same time. "By the looks of it, we're gonna want you to spend every evening with us."

You giggled as Teeter swooped in and took a bite out of the cookie in the two wrangler's hands, who handed it over to her. "Yeah, they're all watching a movie inside and I didn't feel like reading." 

"Sit down, kiddo." The old cowboy ordered with a smile after pulling out an empty chair, the only empty chair around the table. 

"Want me to deal ya in?" Jake, asked as he shuffled a deck of cards. "Poker." 

"I don't know how to play."

"I can teach ya if ya want?" You nodded enthusiastically at Lloyd making him chuckle. 

"Wait. I didn't bring any money out here with me."

"You brought something better." Rip picked up the half-empty container of cookies and set it in front of you. "They're off limits unless she loses 'em."

"I have a feeling they aren't going to have to wait very long to get them back."

Rip looked at Lloyd with a smirk. "I don't know. This old guy's been around for a while so he's played his fair share of poker."

"He's never had to deal with me though." You teased. 

Lloyd chuckled as he squeezed your shoulder. "Deal her in, Jake." 

*

"Have you seen Violet?" Lee asked as he burst through the bunkhouse door. "She's not inside-" the concern left his face when he saw you seated at the table. 

"Sorry. I didn't think I would be out here this long."

"It's okay." The cowboy smiled. "I see you've been busy."

"Violet's a natural." Lloyd grinned proudly as he glanced at the stack of bills in front of you. "She should hit up the casinos in Vegas." 

Lee's smile grew into a smirk. "My lovesick little brother could go with her and they can get hitched after."

You rolled your eyes and stood up. When you tried giving the wranglers back the money you won, they refused. "But, all I had were cookies. It's not fair."

"I would gladly play for those cookies any day of the week," Jake said. "I'm pretty sure that doesn't just go for me." 

The other wranglers nodded. "Feel free to come out here anytime, especially if you got them cookies."

"I will." You smiled at Teeter. 

"Warn us though 'cause I'm gonna need to take out some cash. You cleaned me out." Ryan laughed. You went to hand him his money back but he pointed at you. "Don't even think about it."

You picked up the empty cookie container and your winnings before kissing Lloyd's cheek. "Thank you for showing me how to play."

"You're welcome kiddo."

"Don't be a stranger," Rip added while Lee held the door open for you. 

Lee fell in step with you and took the money from your hand. "Two hundred and thirty bucks. Damn, you did good." After handing your winnings back to you his smile faded. "I have a feeling your ex is responsible for you having such a good poker face."

You nodded. "No one knew what he was really like. I covered up the bruises with makeup. If I didn't do a good enough job and people could still see them or my sweater slipped off my shoulder and people saw a bruise in the shape of his hand on my arm, I had to lie. According to his family and his friends, I'm the clumsiest girl on the planet. If the bruise was on my arm, he grabbed me after I tripped and saved me from falling down the stairs or whatever. I...I'm not going to play poker with them anymore. It's not fair."

"Violet, you can't keep letting him control your life. You didn't win every game, there was a lot of money in front of the others too. Plus, you had fun." When you nodded slowly, the oldest Dutton son put his arm around you. "I know it's going to take a while to get used to but you're free. It's probably going to take longer to go back to how you were before you met him; apologizing all the time, being scared, all of it. But, I promise you that you will be you again."

You sniffed back tears and his hold on you tightened. 

"I'll always be here for ya, no matter what. Love ya...future sister-in-law." He added with a grin. 

You giggled and gave him a playful shove. "Wait. When you came into the bunkhouse looking for me you sounded worried."

"You weren't back inside yet after the movie and with the talk we had last week about your nightmare, I just wanted to make sure you were okay."

"You thought he might have found me? I shouldn't have said anything. I don't want you to worry all the time."

"Him finding you crossed my mind even though in the back of my head I know that you're safe here. This was a one-time thing. That dinosaur movie Tate loves kind of creeps me out." 

You laughed. "You do know dinosaurs are long gone, right? Besides, you deal with grizzly bears who want to eat you." 

"Dinosaurs are a hell of a lot meaner than any old bear. If I need to, one shot and the bears down. Have you seen the size of a T-Rex? It would take more bullets than I could carry to bring one of those down. And, where we are, the mountains, they could easily be hiding out here." 

"I'm pretty sure we would know if a dinosaur was hiding out in the mountains. Remember when they put the cow in with the raptors? I think you'd be missing quite a few of your cows. Unless they just go for people now." You continued teasing. "Maybe you should be worried about me. I would hate to be eaten by a dinosaur."

He laughed and draped his arm around your shoulders. "I'm not worried about ya 'cause my idiot brother watches you every chance he can, especially when he's supposed to be working." He chuckled when your cheeks turned red. "I win." A mischievous smile pulled at his lips while you walked into the main house. 

"It looks like you made out pretty well." John smiled from in front of the fireplace. 

"Yeah. Lloyd's a great teacher." You smiled back. "I'm going to head to bed. Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Violet."

Lee winked at you. "Goodnight. Make sure you buy something nice with your winnings."

You knew what you wanted to do with the money and after putting the empty container in the kitchen, you went to your room. Just in case. An image of Nick finding you flitted through your head as you put the lid back on the tin where you had been keeping your change. You also took out most of your first paycheque and had it in there in case you had to leave and couldn't risk stopping at a bank to withdraw any money. At least you would have some to last you for a while. You did feel safe here though...safer than you had anywhere else that you've been. But, you couldn't get too comfortable because you knew Nick and you would never be able to truly settle somewhere as long as he was alive. 

"It sounds like you had fun out there." Kayce's voice from the doorway made you jump. "Sorry, I thought you heard me."

"It's okay. And, yeah I did. All of the cookies are gone though. How was your movie?" 

"Jurassic Park for god knows how many times was good. Finally got the kid settled after reading him five stories."

"Let me guess. They were all about dinosaurs." You smiled as you walked over to the door and mindlessly started playing with the doorknob. 

He smiled his perfect smile and it made the butterflies in your stomach flutter their wings. "You would be correct. Well, I should get to bed. I'm glad you had a good evening."

"I'm glad you enjoyed your movie. Goodnight, Kayce."

"Goodnight, Letty." When he continued standing there, you took a small step back. 

His smile faded slightly and it made your heart ache. I work here, that's it. Nothing more. You gave him a soft smile. 

The smile that had awakened the butterflies returned though. "Oh, I'm taking Tate with us when we check fences in the morning so you'll at least have half a Saturday to yourself."

"How many times do I have to tell you I don't mind when he's hanging around?"

"I know but still."

You giggled. "Sleep well."

"You too." 

"Violet!" Tate grinned as you walked up to him. He was with Kayce, John, and Lloyd, an older, grey-haired cowboy who worked on the ranch that you had quickly become friends with, watching as they saddled up their horses. 

"Violet." John greeted with a smile. "Since you have your bag, I'm guessing Gator's sending you grocery shopping." 

"Yes, he is." 

"You can use the truck parked by the house. The keys are in it." He pulled his wallet out and pulled out a credit card. "Remember the PIN?"

"Mhm."

"Can I come with you?" Tate asked as he hopped off the fence. 

John chuckled. "I thought you wanted to come for a ride while we check fences." 

"I'd rather go with Violet."

"She probably doesn't want to have to keep an eye on some kid when she can finally get some peace and quiet from the ranch," Kayce said with a crooked grin. 

"I don't mind."

"We'll be out there most of the afternoon though."

"It's okay." You assured the handsome cowboy. "I finished everything on my list for today so I was thinking of doing some baking when I got back."

"Ooo, I'll help."

Kayce leaned against the fence across from you. The sudden closeness caused your heart rate to increase. "You don't have to say yes."

You swallowed as your hands started to sweat. "He can come." 

"So, can I, dad? Please."

"As long as you behave and listen to Violet."

"Yay!" Tate's small hand grabbed yours. "Let's go before he changes his mind."

You laughed as he pulled you towards the black truck with the ranch logo on its doors. While you let Tate climb up and crawl across to the passenger seat, you glanced behind you. Kayce was watching you with a smile on his face. John noticed and nudged Lloyd, who looked from the boss's son to you, and grinned. You gave your head a quick shake and got behind the steering wheel. No, I can't. No...

*****

"So, what do you think?" Kayce asked.

"He's beautiful." You gushed while you pet his dark brown and khaki-colored horse. A small giggle escaped when it nuzzled its nose into your hand. "What's his name?"

He watched you with a smile on his face. "He uh, he doesn't have a name."

"He doesn't have a name?! I thought all cowboys named their horses."

"I guess I haven't found the right one yet." While you brushed the horse's velvety black nose, Kayce walked up beside you. "He likes you. Usually, he's not this calm." One hand reached for its halter while the other scratched its long face. His hand brushed against yours, you quickly dropped yours to your side. 

"Maybe he's just tired."

"Maybe he just likes you." He smirked playfully and you couldn't help but grin. 

"Well, I have to go pick up Tate. Have fun with your lazy horse." You teased but he quipped right back.

"Have fun with my crazy kid."

"Like father, like son." 

He started laughing. "Alright, you win this one."

"Name your horse!" You called out as you walked away with a smile on your face. The smile started to fade as memories of your past started seeping in. They took hold and filled your head with questions, doubt. So, you pushed aside the feelings that started bubbling up whenever Kayce was within sight and got in the truck, and drove off the yard.

*****

You walked past the barn to the corral where Lloyd, Rip, and John were leaning against the fence. John had agreed to take in a horse that had been severely mistreated and the vet dropped her off an hour ago. "Hey."

"Hey, kiddo." Lloyd, the sweet cowboy who reminded you of your neighbors, greeted. 

"How is she doing?"

The three men exchanged glances. "Well, seeing as the horse whisperer hasn't been able to get within ten feet of her, I'm gonna say not very good," Rip informed.

Your eyes went to Kayce, who was standing inside the corral. He had heard you talking and looked over, giving you a small smile before focusing back on the thin dapple gray horse. You watched him talk softly and slowly step closer but she would run to a different part of the fenced-in pen. When he tried again, she reared up. 

"That's all she's been doing. She's the frailest looking horse I've seen but she won't go eat." John looked over at the bucket of oats sitting in the middle of the corral.

Your eyes went to the horse again as she let out a scared cry when Kayce tried to step closer and your heart broke for her. You stepped through the fencing and started making your way toward her. 

"Violet," Lloyd called from the other side of the fence but you kept going. 

Kayce turned to see what was going on. His eyes widened when he saw you in the middle of the pen. "Violet." He hurried over while keeping an eye on the horse to make sure she didn't charge. "Violet, it's not safe for you in here." He reached for you and tried to turn you around and lead you back to where you crawled through but your feet stayed firmly planted in place. "It's dangerous for you in here. Please. I don't want you to get hurt."

"She's not dangerous. She's terrified." You placed your hands on his arms and gently pushed them off of your waist. The horse stayed frozen in place as you took a few steps toward her. "The person who had her was a man wasn't it?"

"Yes," John answered.

You exchanged looks with John before taking another slow step forward. "Hi, pretty girl." Your voice was soft as you continued to move closer. "You're okay." She neighed and took a step back so you stopped walking and sunk onto the sandy dirt.

"What are you doing?" Kayce asked from a few feet behind you. 

"We don't know what she went through with the guy who had her. You're expecting her to just get over it and trust you after an hour. Plus, you're a guy, so I'm guessing that's going to automatically be a point against you. I'm done everything inside so I can hang out with her. You probably have a bunch of other stuff to do anyway."

Kayce looked at three men standing on the other side of the fence, his dad nodded. "Okay, but I'm staying here." He looked back at John who nodded again.

You glanced over your shoulder to the worried cowboy in the pen with you. "I'm pretty sure if she wanted to trample me she would have done it by now." He didn't move so you sighed. "Could you at least go stand closer to the fence? I promise if she does decide to try and kill me I won't sue you." 

He gave you an amused smirk before walking over to where his dad and the other two cowboys standing and grinning. "That girl sure is something, isn't she?" Rip chuckled.

"She sure is." Kayce agreed quietly as he watched you sitting there drawing designs in the dirt with a piece of straw and softly mumbling to the horse.

After almost an hour, she took a cautious step toward you. "Whenever you decide to come all the way over, I have a treat for you in my pocket." You looked across the ten feet that still separated you. "I've never seen a horse like you before, grey and spotted. Once you get settled and gain back some weight you'll be the prettiest one on the ranch. Well, you already are but you know what I mean. All of the other horses are going to be jealous. Scratch that, all the other horses in Montana are going to be jealous." She took another small step closer. You looked at the pail of oats a couple of feet behind you then back to her. "If I get a handful and throw them over there it will probably scare you. Plus, I doubt you'd want to get a mouthful of dirt when you eat them off the ground. You're not a bird. They'll be waiting for you when you're ready." You smiled when she moved closer, stopping five feet in front of you this time. "Hi, there." You slowly reached into your pocket and pulled out five sugar cubes. "I brought these for you." You held your hand out. 

The mare looked at your hand then back to you for a few seconds before she came over and ate the sugar cubes. After she stuck her neck out so she could sniff your hair. "Hi, pretty girl." The hand that she ate from came up and rested on the side of her face when she smelled your leg. "Can I get up so I can properly pet you?" You asked as you ever so slowly stood up. She took a step back but when you held your hand out she came back. Now that she was close enough you could see scars scattered across her body and neck. Tears pricked your eyes. "He's not going to hurt you anymore." You continued to pet her face and neck while fighting back tears.

"I'm going to see if I can bring the pail over," Kayce said after a few minutes. 

"It's alright." You soothed when she whinnied after Kayce picked up the pail and inched closer. "He's not going to hurt you. Remember what we talked about, you getting better? He's going to help with it." 

When Kayce was within arms reach, he held the oats out to her. She warily sniffed at the pail and his hands and when he passed the test, she started to eat. "There you go, girl."

You shifted so she could eat easier, your hand sliding to the right side of her face. A lump rose in your throat when you found another scar between her mouth and eye.

"Violet?"

"Hmm?" You tore your eyes away from it and looked up.

"Are you okay?"

You looked past him and saw that John had come in and was a few feet away with a bucket of water. "Mhm, I'm fine."

Kayce stepped aside so his dad could take his place now that the oats were gone. "Hey there, girl." John's voice was soft and after cautiously smelling him, she took a drink. "I know you've been through a lot and it's hard to trust us but you're safe here. He's never going to hurt you again."

You looked at John who was standing on the other side of the horse. His eyes pierced yours and you knew he wasn't just talking to the battered mare. Kayce looked from his dad to you before your eyes quickly dropped. "I should go pick up Tate." 

"I already sent Rip to get him so you can be with her." He set the pail down and pet her neck. 

"What's her name?" 

"She doesn't have one," Kayce informed as he pet the mare's neck next to your hand. 

"I think you should name her," John said. "She likes you so I think she outta be yours." He added with a small smirk.

You looked up at him with wide eyes. "What?"

"You can't live on a ranch and not have a horse. You're the best damn housekeeper we've had so we sure as hell aren't going to get rid of you. Plus, I'm pretty sure Tate would kill us if we did."

"That he would," Kayce added chuckling. 

"The only reason you'd leave is if you decide you want to." 

You thought back to the conversation you had with him, Jamie, and Lee and to what he told the frightened mare. There's no paper trail, it's in the middle of nowhere...he could be right. I could be safe here... "Storm. She's weathered her storm and the color and patterns of her coat make her look like one."

"It's perfect." John nodded. "I'll leave you two to it." 

Kayce studied you while you were lost in thought, mindlessly running your fingers over the scar on her face. His eyes went to the scar on the right side of your face that ran from just above your jaw up to your cheekbone. He brushed his fingers against yours as he pet her and it brought you back to the present. "What's going on in that pretty head?" 

You glanced over at him and saw his gaze on the horse but you couldn't help but think the question was meant for you. Pink tinged your cheeks. "So, umm, now that she's not quite as scared anymore, what's next?"

"I'd like to try and get a halter on her." You nodded so he went to grab the one he brought out earlier that was hanging on the gate. When he came back, Storm squealed. 

"Shh," you soothed as you gently stroked her neck, "it's okay." 

Kayce reached out to pet her but she stepped back. "Easy girl." He stepped towards her again but this time instead of retreating she reared up. Kayce immediately wrapped his arms around you and pulled you out of the way. As he backed up, you stumbled over your feet and you both fell to the ground. He quickly covered you with his body, protecting you from Storm in case she decided to rear again. You both lay there trying to catch your breath from the sudden commotion. "Are you okay?" He looked down at you with worried eyes. 

"I-I'm good." Nervousness filled you as the cowboy hovered over you. Storm wandered over and sniffed at his shoulder and you couldn't contain yourself, a giggle left your lips and his concern was replaced with a warm smile. You swallowed when his eyes flicked to your mouth. The sound of your pounding heart filled your ears. 

"Dad! Violet!" Tate called out causing you both to quickly separate and sit up. 

Kayce cleared his throat. "Hey, buddy."

Your cheeks were on fire as Kayce held out his hand to you after he stood up. You placed your hand in his and he helped you to your feet. A shy smile graced your lips before your hand left his and you looked at his son. "Hi."

"Rip picked me up from school. He doesn't talk very much but he's pretty nice. Is that horse sick? It's so skinny you can see its ribs. What's its name? Can I come pet it?"

"Did you thank him for picking you up?"

"Yes." Tate groaned while rolling his eyes. 

You bit your lip to keep from laughing, Kayce gave you an amused grin before answering the rest of his questions. "She's not sick. The man who had her didn't take care of her and he hurt her. She's still pretty scared so you can't pet her yet."

"Is the man going to get her back?" 

"No, he's never going to get her back. She's going to stay here."

"And, she's going to be Violet's horse. She named her Storm." Lee added as he came up behind Tate. 

Kayce's son looked back at the horse. "She kind of looks like one."

"So, I picked the right one?"

"Yep." He grinned. "Are you done out here? Can you help me with my math homework?"

"Violet and your dad are still working with Storm so I can help you."

"It's probably a good idea your uncle helps you because I suck at math." 

"Alright." Tate sighed.

Lee chuckled and placed his hands on Tate's shoulders. "Come on little man. There are a couple of chocolate chip muffins left that you and Violet made yesterday with our names on them." He gave you both a cheeky grin before guiding Tate towards the house.

You took a deep breath before looking back to Kayce. "Well umm, that didn't go quite as planned."

"No, it didn't." His brown eyes sparkled as his hand came up. You stayed stone still. He smiled down at you while he pulled a piece of straw out of your hair. "Ready to try this again?"

"Mhm." His perfect smile formed and he picked up the halter lying on the ground. You walked over to the malnourished horse, talking softly. "You have a name now and from what just happened, it suits you even more." She took a step towards you and your hands caressed her face. "Storm. If you're feeling feisty, Stormy."

Kayce came up beside you and she backed up. Your shoulders slumped. "Try petting her again, I have an idea. Stay in front of her."

"I'll make you a deal," your voice was quiet as she let you come over and pet her face, "if you let him put the halter on you, I'll get you some more treats." You felt someone standing behind you and you stiffened. 

"Just keep doin' what you're doin'." 

The images of Nick that invaded your head scattered when you heard Kayce's voice and you relaxed. "I could get you a carrot or an apple this time." You offered as Kayce reached around you and started slowly sliding the halter on her. Storm whinnied but stayed in place while you stroked her long face. "Those are the only things I know you can eat but I think you'll like them." 

"Peppermints," Kayce said next to your ear as he buckled the halter. The butterflies in your stomach started flapping their wings. "Raisins are another good one." He scratched Storm's face before dropping his arms. 

Your eyes watched him as he went to get a lead rope he had draped over the gate but quickly looked away and focused on the horse in front of you. It wasn't a good idea, no matter how you felt when you were near him. 

After coming back and clipping the rope onto Storm's halter, he handed it to you. "Just take it slow. If she pulls back or rears up, drop the rope. I'll be right here." 

You nodded. "Come on, Storm. When you're done with this, we will get you settled in your new stall." After walking until the rope was stretched out you stopped. Storm stood there looking at you. "It's okay, girl. We're just going to go for a little walk." You held your hand out and she walked up to you. "Now you just have to walk with me. It'll be a lot easier for me to tell you about your new home if you do." You took a couple of steps while continuing to scratch her neck, and she stayed by your side. After a few more feet, your hand left her but she continued walking next to you. A smile lit up your face and your eyes shot to Kayce. He was grinning right back at you.

*****

"Are you ready?" Kayce asked as he pet the palomino horse he saddled up and brought out to the corral.

"Umm," you looked up at the saddle and then at the cowboy, "I don't really need to know how to ride a horse. I know I live on a ranch but I'm not a cowboy. I clean and bake."

"You don't have to be scared."

"Oh, I'm sorry, but have you seen the size of him?!"

He chuckled. "Blue Jeans is the oldest horse here. He's been around since I was a kid."

"I've heard stories of you and him from Rip and Lloyd."

"Yeah, and now he's old and lazy. You're going to be fine." 

You took a deep breath before putting your foot in the stirrup. As you went to pull yourself up, a fly buzzed around Blue Jeans' face before it bit him, startling the poor horse. He reared up slightly. It was enough for your hand to slip off the saddle horn and you fell backward. 

"Letty!" Kayce reached out and caught you, pulling you tightly against him. "Are you okay? Are you hurt?" 

"I-I'm okay." After catching your breath your turned to face him with a furrowed brow. "Did you just call me Letty?"

"I uh...yeah, I did. I'm sorry, it just slipped out."

"No, it's okay. No one calls me that. I...I like it."

He smiled down at you. "Well, Letty, are you ready to try again?"

"You're joking, right? You saw what just happened."

"It wasn't his fault. Really, he's harmless."

"I don't think today is the right day for me to learn. I don't..."

His eyes went to your trembling hands. "We can call it a day and try another time."

"You're probably busy anyway and I have to go pick up Tate soon. He said he wanted to roast marshmallows this weekend. We'll be home a bit later than usual so we can pick up what we need. Plus, I need to get a few things for Gator."

"Yeah, no worries." He fell into step with you and headed back towards the barn. 

"You probably think I'm some dumb city girl who's scared of a horse."

"No, you're great with Storm. I have faith you'll get it."

"That makes one of us." You laughed as you stopped in front of the barn. "Thanks for not making fun of me," your attention went to the lazy horse and scratched his neck, "and thank you for not squishing me. See you later."

"Miss?"

You spun around to see the driver waiting with your bag. "Oh, sorry." After taking your suitcase from him, you paid him a hefty sum. Since you didn't have a car and the ranch was quite a ways from the city, you were expecting it. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." The older man smiled before climbing back in the car and driving off.

Okay. Do I go to the house or... Your eyes left the front door when you heard talking behind you, three cowboys saddling up horses. One of the men was already watching you and when your eyes meet, you froze. Your heart stirred from the slumber that had plagued it for the past two years.

The other cowboys, a man who looked similar to the one who caught your eye and an older one with a grey mustache who had both been trying to get his attention, followed his gaze to you. The man who looked like he could be his brother grinned and swatted the guy who was staring at you. The tall, good-looking rancher smiled. You swallowed before quickly looking away.

"You must be Violet." A strong voice sounded from the porch.

"Yes, I am."

"John." He informed. "I can get that."

"No, it's okay. I can do it." You picked up your suitcase and started up the steps but he took the bag from you when it was within reach.

"So, Rick from the motel tells me you've had cleaning jobs in the past."

"Yes, at a few different motels."

He set your bag down as you walked into the large living room which was partially open to the second floor above. "How long were you at each one?"

"Umm, I've kind of been on the road the past two months so I've worked at each one for a week or two. Before I started traveling I lived in a big house and did all of the cleaning."

"So, are you looking for a new place to settle down or would we only have you for a week or two before you move on to the next town? Unless we're your last stop before going home. Rick said you're originally from California?"

"Yes, California. I'm not going back." Your hands wrung together tightly before you took a quick, calming breath. "I've been looking for somewhere new to stay and this is without a doubt the most beautiful place I've been."

John smiled as you both looked at the view through the glass patio door. "I've lived here my whole life and I'm still not tired of it." His eyes lingered on the mountains for a few seconds before turning back to you. "Sit." He motioned to the couch while he sat on a chair across from it. "Our original housekeeper, Mrs. Sanders, was with us for seven years before she got sick and had to leave. She did the normal housekeeping tasks: the floors, dusting, laundry, beds. She was also the one who took care of my grandson, Tate, when he was younger. His mom's never been in the picture and my son was in the Navy when he was a baby. I've raised my kids but I'm not as young as I used to be and that kid can be a handful sometimes." He chuckled. "His dad's name is Kayce, he works on the ranch and lives upstairs, and so does Tate. He's seven years old so he'll be in school most of the time. The only time we will really need your help is driving him to and from school. Is that something you are okay with? And, the cleaning?"

"Yes, the cleaning is good and I'm okay with school runs and whatever else you need."

"Good. Good. Well, from what you've told me and what Rick said, the job is yours, if you want it?"

"Yes, it sounds great."

He smiled. "We can get to the paperwork later this week but I can show you to your room. Rick told you it was a live-in position, correct?"

"He did." You stood up and reached for your suitcase but he beat you to it.

He grinned and lead you through the expansive main floor, showing you the dining room and kitchen on the way. "We have a cook so you don't have to worry about that. He lives in the bunkhouse with the wranglers. Help yourself to whatever you want in the fridge and pantry. If there is something that you want food-wise, you can add it to the running grocery list hanging on the fridge. Oh, that's another job you might get. Gator, our cook, hates grocery shopping."

"No problem." You smiled as he rounded a corner and opened the first door in the hallway.

"This will be your room." He set your bag next to the bed. "My other son and daughter also live here. Their rooms are upstairs. I should probably warn you that my daughter, Beth, is pretty particular. You will be the fourth housekeeper since our original one had to leave two months ago. Beth's made a list of tasks and what days to do them, hopefully, making it a bit easier on you. I hope you like it here because I'm tired of hiring a new one every other week." He chuckled. "My oldest son, Lee, lives on the property. You might have noticed the other two houses over the hill?" You nodded. "Lee is in the one closest to the main house. The other one is the ranch foreman's house. You don't have to worry about cleaning either of those. Did you need some time to get settled or...?"

"No, I'm good. I can start now."

"Alright. I'll give you a quick tour upstairs before I head out. I'll pick up Tate from school today and do the school run tomorrow so you can get used to the house then you can take over on Monday. I'll come with you in the morning and let ya know where you're going."

*****

"Violet, this is my son, Kayce, and my grandson, Tate."

You looked up from the clean pile of laundry you just finished folding to see John standing in the doorway of the laundry room with a cute little brown-haired boy. And, the tall, good-looking cowboy you had locked eyes with two days ago. He's even cuter up close but he's technically my boss. Plus, after everything... "Hi."

"Hi," Kayce said as his piercing brown eyes gazed into yours.

"I like your name."

"Thank you." You smiled at Kayce's son. "I like yours too."

"How did you get that scar on your face?"

Kayce gave his son a swat. "Tate."

"No, it's okay. I uh, fell off my bike when I was little."

"Ouch. I bet it hurt."

"It did." Your mind went to the night you got the scar that ran from your jaw up to your cheekbone...and how you actually got it.

"Grandpa said you're from California. Are you a transplant?"

"A transplant?"

Kayce's cheeks darkened and John stifled a grin, knowing what Tate was about to say. "Dad said a transplant is someone who moves here and tries to make it like the place they left. Rich people from California move here all the time. Are you rich? Do you want it to be like where you're from?"

"The last thing I want is for it to be like where I left." You replied quickly and Kayce's eyes searched your face. Your chest tightened. Why did I say that? And, I answered too fast. "And, umm, I'm definitely not rich." You smiled down at Kayce's son.

"So, she's one of us." Tate looked up at his dad.

Kayce's eyes surveyed your face as he smiled. "Yeah, I think she is."

Tate grinned before looking around curiously. "What are you doing?"

"Oh, I just finished folding some laundry."

"So, now what are you going to do?"

"Now I'm going to go put it away."

"Can I help?"

John and Kayce looked down at the boy with wide eyes. "You want to help put laundry away?" His grandpa asked in shock.

You smiled down at the seven-year-old. "I'm sure there are a bunch of other things you would rather do on a Saturday than put towels away."

"I wanna help. You're just going to check fences and I don't want to."

"I don't know if Violet's going to want to have to keep an eye on you, buddy. We're going to be gone for a couple hours."

"But dad, I'll be good."

John looked at you. "Feel free to say no. I know that when you were done with this you were done for the day."

"He can stay and hang out. I was actually thinking of making some cookies when I was done with this."

"Yay! I can help!"

You giggled at how excited he was, and your eyes left him and went to his dad. Heat crept across your cheeks when you found his eyes already on you.

"Alright then, I guess it's just you and me son." John clapped a hand on his son's shoulder.

"Are you sure you're okay with him getting in your way?"

You smiled. "Yes, I'm sure."

Kayce nodded. "I guess it is just us then. Do whatever she says, okay buddy?"

"I will." He left the doorway and came to your side. "Let's hurry and put this away so we can get to the cookies. Gator's a good cook but he sucks at making cookies. Do you make cake? He sucks at those too."

While Tate continued on, John left grinning. Kayce gave you a smile that made the butterflies in your stomach which had gone dormant long ago, begin to flap their wings. No. You gave your head a quick shake before picking up the laundry basket full of clean towels. "To the linen closet down the hall." Tate nodded and you followed him out of the room, answering his nonstop questions.

*****

"So, how were your first two weeks?" Kayce asked after pouring himself a cup of coffee.

You had just finished making chocolate chip cookies and set a plate of them on the kitchen island in front of him, Lee and Beth, had both filled a mug before him and sat down. "They were really good."

He picked up a cookie as John walked in with his other son, Jamie. "And, Tate, bringing him to school and back is going okay? I'm sorry he's been hanging around you so much."

"Bringing him there and back is good." You stepped out of the way when Jamie crowded in next to his dad to get a coffee. "You don't have to apologize. I like spending time with him, he's a great kid."

"I think you might be his favorite person on this ranch." John chuckled and grabbed a cookie. "And, if this is the outcome, he can spend all his free time with you. You're a great baker."

"Thanks but Tate's the one who should get most of the praise though. He likes to do most of it. I'm just in charge of the oven."

"Great, the heir of the ranch would rather bake than ride a horse." Jamie huffed.

Kayce's smile disappeared and was replaced with a scowl. "What the hell's your problem today? If Tate wants to spend time with Violet and make cookies instead of going for a ride, he can."

Beth rolled her eyes. "He's just a kid, Jamie. Besides, Violet is the perfect little cleaning fairy, she's always done everything before she goes to pick up Tate from school. It's a good thing too because she's been helping him with his homework when he needs it. Lord knows we're all busy enough during the day. By the time we can help him, he should be in bed and sleeping already."

"We barely know anything about her and you let your son spend more time with her than he does with you."

You swallowed while your hands started wringing together.

"Seriously, what the fuck is your problem?" Kayce snapped.

John placed a hand on his youngest son's shoulder. "Kayce, why don't you go find Tate? He's out by the corrals watching the guys work with some cattle."

He took a deep breath and nodded. Before he left he walked over and placed his cup in the sink. His hand wrapped around your wrist and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

Jamie scoffed. "She's not only got her claws in your son but she's also hooked you too."

You hung your head, staring down at your hands.

"You really need to shut your fucking mouth." Kayce spun around to face his older brother. When his fingers left your skin, you immediately missed his calloused touch, but you pushed it to the back of your mind.

"Kayce." John stepped in front of him.

"Come on little brother." Beth got up and went to Kayce's side. "I have a meeting I need to get to. You can walk me to my car." She gave you a soft smile. Every morning this past week, you had taken your cup of coffee out onto the porch while you enjoyed the sun beginning to peak over the mountain tops. Beth had joined you, whether you were visiting back and forth or just relishing in the quiet before your days started. You liked her and her tell-it-like-it-is, take-no-shit attitude.

Kayce gave a small nod. As he followed his sister out, a sympathetic smile pulled at his lips, and his eyes bore into yours. You looked from him to Jamie, who was glaring at you.

"So, Violet, where are you from? And, don't say a small city in California we've never heard of. We are also still waiting for your social security number."

Lee set his mug down with a scowl on his face. "Calm down, brother."

"I umm," your hands clenched together while your heart started to race.

"Well?!" Jamie snapped and you flinched.

"Jamie, that's enough," John said firmly. "Violet, why don't we go to my office?"

Unfortunately, Jamie was hot on your heels and the second you sat down in one of the chairs across from John's desk, he attacked again. "So, you won't tell us where you're from, you won't give us your social security number so we can add you to the payroll. What about why have you only stayed at your previous positions a week or two before leaving? Are you a thief? Did you steal from them?"

"Jamie," John warned.

"She's hiding something!" His voice rose while you sat staring at your shaking hands clenched together on your lap. "Where are you from in California? Did you get into trouble there? Why are you running?"

"Jesus, Jamie." Lee sat down in the chair next to yours.

"I looked you up. There's no one named Violet Smith matching your description from California."

Your heart began to pound out of your chest. "I-I-" tears started to prick your eyes, "I've never stolen anything or done anything illegal."

"She's obviously lying! She wouldn't have given you a fake name if she wasn't hiding."

"I...I am hiding but not from the cops, not really."

"Not really?" Jamie mocked.

"Violet, who are you hiding from? Maybe we can help."

"We can help ourselves and let the cops know she's here."

"No! Please, don't. He'll kill me!"

John's brow furrowed. "Who will kill you?"

"M-my fiancé, ex fiancé." You said quietly.

"Why would your ex want to kill you?" Lee asked, his voice full of concern.

"Probably because she stole from him."

"Jamie." John's voice was harsh before taking a deep breath. "Violet?" He urged.

"He...he hurt me. He had been for two years. I couldn't go to the cops because he is one, he's a detective. His uncle is the chief of police, he has cousins who are cops. His dad is the mayor. His family's everywhere."

"Tell us their names and we'll look them up and see if you're telling the truth."

You looked at John's oldest son with scared eyes.

John observed your trembling hands, the tears streaking down your cheeks. He noticed every time you flinched when Jamie yelled. "We won't tell him you're here."

You searched your boss's face and saw nothing but the truth. "His...his name is Nick Harrington. S-Southaven." Lee held a box of tissues out and you took one.

Jamie began his search on the laptop sitting on the desk. "Southaven. Okay...the chief of police is Mike Harrington. There is a Nick Harrington." He confirmed after a couple of minutes. "The mayor is Carl Harrington. There's a Larry Harrington who's a doctor and the head of the hospital and Eric Harrington who's an attorney. Jesus. A company, Harrington Incorporated, owns practically half the town. Apartment buildings, condos, houses, business property rentals."

"No wonder you couldn't go for help." John leaned back in his chair. "They own the city."

Jamie turned the laptop towards his dad. "An engagement announcement, Nick Harrington and Violet Hawkins."

Your heart started racing even faster than it already was. "I-I've tried running away before but he found me and brought me back. I can't-I can't go back again. You don't know what he's like. He-He'll kill me. I'll leave just please, don't tell him. You don't have to pay me. I shouldn't have come here. I'm sorry. Just please, please don't tell him." You begged.

"What? No, you can't leave. You'll be safe here." Lee said.

"We won't tell him." Jamie closed the laptop. "But, I have a meeting in town in an hour so I can bring you to the bus station."

"There's no need for that, she's staying," John looked across the desk with warm eyes. "I want you to stay. Everyone here loves you, even Beth and she doesn't like anyone." He chuckled. You glanced at Jamie who gave in and sighed. "Nobody is going to tell him where you are. And, we will let you tell everyone else here when you're ready."

"Umm, okay."

"Does your family know you're here? I know you have a cell phone..."

"I don't have any family left. Nick and I moved into a new house about a year and a half ago and one of our neighbors, an older couple, knew what he was like. They helped me run away a month and a half ago. The cell phone is one of those burner ones. They have one too that we use to keep in touch with."

"So, you do have family." John smiled. Your heart warmed at the thought of your sweet neighbors. "Like Lee said, you'll be safe here, Violet. We'll add an account to ours at the bank and put it under your new name, we'll get you a debit card, and you can stay as long as you want. But, if you and Tate keep making us cookies, we're all going to gain fifty pounds." A small giggle escaped your lips.

"Maybe throw in a few healthy ones or some granola bars, muffins," Jamie said with a faint hint of a grin.

"Violet? Violet?!" Tate's voice traveled down the hall, followed quickly by him. "There you are. Can you help me with my English homework? Dad said he could but you're smarter than he is."

Kayce came in and tousled Tate's hair. "Hey, that hurt you know?"

Tate laughed and pushed his dad's hand away. "Can you help me? Please?"

You nodded. "I'll go get us some cookies."

"Can I have some milk to go with mine?"

"Get." Kayce chuckled and gave him a gentle push down the hall. "Is everything okay?" He asked when Tate was out of sight.

"Everything's good. Just finished getting payroll stuff out of the way." John pushed his chair back and stood up. "Come on Jamie. Lee and I should get back outside and you said you had some stuff you needed to get done at your office. Have fun with the homework." He smiled at you before he left with Jamie. Lee followed them, giving Kayce a playful nudge with his elbow as he passed him.

"Are you okay?" Kayce asked as he stepped closer. "I'm sorry for before. Jamie can be an asshole sometimes."

"I'm good. Jamie was just making sure I wasn't a serial killer who was going to murder everyone here."

"And, are you one?" He teased.

"No, you're safe."

"Good. Are you sure you're okay with helping Tate? It's not really in the job description. You don't have to."

"I'm sure. Like I said before, he's a great kid. I like spending time with him."

His perfect smile formed. "He likes spending time with you too."

"Violet!"

You both laughed as Tate called you. "You're being summoned."

"It appears so."

"I might tag along since I have the rest of the day off. Maybe you can teach me a few things too." He gave you a crooked grin before stepping aside so you could walk past him.

"Would you like milk with your cookie or coffee?"

A chuckle left his lips as you walked into the kitchen. "Coffee. I can grab the milk."