Keep the Wolves Close

Movin’ Mountains

Rating: M

Pairing: Kayce Dutton x Stella Daniels OFC

In Progress

In the wake of a new horizon, with the aftermath of Malcolm’s attack behind them, the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch tries to get back to some sense of normalcy. Stella works on recovering from her injuries, and how to navigate the new foundation of her relationship with Kayce. The gang does their best to keep her grounded. With the newest players introducing themselves quickly will they be able to keep the newest evil at bay? Stella knew that Malcolm would certainly not be the last. The ranch will have to work hard to keep the wolves close but at bay simultaneously because people always say, “keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.” Right? Right.

Triple Frontier

The Hound’s Pursuit

Then he met Monica and was enamored and then the rest was history in that aspect.

And I don’t think it was from a place of pity or guilt, maybe a little guilt. He did have feelings for her, he had just tamped them down for 10+ years. So getting them to resurface took a lil more elbow grease.

And Beth hadn’t ever really seen Kayce showing interest in Stella like that. Because when Kayce knew people were around, he would just act like the goofball best friend. It’s when they went off by themselves (example: them almost getting eaten by a bear when they were 15 and 17) that the magic happened. At least for Kayce.

But Beth sure picked up on Stella having a torch for her little brother. It’s what big sisters do. They can smell it in the water like sharks can smell blood.

And I don’t think her almost dying was the motivator. I think it was just the catalyst that made him realize just how important to him Stella had become.

And not I don’t believe it was just to save their friendship because even though shit might have gotten weird for a while, they always find their way back to each other like magnets.

And when he went to Monica, it really was to make sure that door was closed before he made his final decision.

As far as how Kayce and Stella feel? I honestly believe Stella is still in shock, to be fair. Why is she in shock when she and Kayce were not careful one single bit? 🤷🏻‍♀️🤣💀 who knows? Because like, and this is me speaking to Stella, miss ma’am… you knew what the risks were. You just never took them into account because you’re a hussie for Kayce. 🤣

And because of her history with parents, she had thought about, but as she grew older and more wild, it was less of a thought process in her mind. Because yes, she’s always been maternal. Yes, she always took care of everyone else, even to her own detriment. But getting more, I guess we can call it “reckless” or “fuck it we ball”, she didn’t think about being pregnant at 27 or a parent at 28 (her age after the baby would be born).

And realistically, the house was bought with not only herself in mind, but the wranglers. If they ever needed a place to come cool off, or to escape the wrath of Rip Wheeler, she always wanted them to have a place nearby to land. That’s why she had a multi bedroom house.

But I really do think she’s in shock. I don’t think she’s overtime to sit down and actually truly think about it. Ever since the attack, she’s been going going going. I think during the slow down of Beth and Stella’s recon, she’s gonna think about it more.

Kayce? He’s kinda panicking. He’s not showing it, but when does he ever? It wasn’t a part of the plan, and he was just getting over the weird awkward pressure from both Stella and Monica being in his life in the same way instead of the different categories they used to be in. I mean it would have been the plan after a little while, but it wasn’t his direct plan of action. But he also didn’t think about the consequences of their actions. It was like a dam broke for both Stella and Kayce.

As for the time that Stella spent with Monica and Kayce during Tate’s birth and such? Yes, you’re very correct. Monica opened their home because she knew that Stella was a good friend to Kayce, and knew that she needed to get away from John (because let’s be real, I’m sure Monica had a read on John from the beginning). And you’re very correct, she’s the cooker lol. Ain’t nobody ever left her house hungry. It’s the Tennessean in her. Kayce is already being surprised by her change of attitude, he hasn’t said much, but he’s clocked it. Because when she’d normally argue, she’s not now. Those kinds of things.

And come hell or high water, this baby Dutton will be born. And if it works out the way I want it to, I really hope y’all like the little peanut. Because whooo boy… the lil peanut would be one hell of a handful.

Stella, Ryan, and Bonnie Jo came skidding to a halt in front of the barn. Ryan jumped off of BJ and went to find Lloyd. Stella stayed on Abigail. “Bonnie Jo,” Stella called out. Bonnie Jo glanced over at her, visibly shaken.

Colby came running out from the barn. “Stell, what’s wrong?” He locked eyes with Stella, looking for direction.

“Take Copper from Bonnie Jo, I gotta go find Kayce and Rip. My brother will explain the rest. We might have a problem.” She looked back to her rattled mother. “I think it’s time you head home. I’ll talk to you later on.”

Bonnie Jo gave Stella a trembling nod. “Okay, okay,” she breathed out harshly. “Yeah. I’ll talk to you soon.” She stood there for a few moments, almost like she was collecting her thoughts.

Stella raced up to the big house with Abigail, not waiting to see Bonnie Jo leave. Her eyes scanned every direction, not sure if they’d been followed back or not. She urged the mare forward, pushing her to a full gallop up the hill. Reaching the front yard, Stella left Abigail by the water trough and raced into the house.

Stella’s hands fumbled for the door and the knob. One turned while the other pushed. The door burst open, slamming against the wall. “Kayce! Rip!” She searched wildly through the living room for any sign of them. Their trucks were out front, so they couldn’t have been far.

Tearing through the bottom floor of the house, Stella checked John’s office, the kitchen, and the few other rooms back through the hall. She yelled again, “Kayce, Rip!”

Spinning on her heel, she rushed her way to the stairs. Just as her feet hit the bottom step, both men she was looking for appeared on the landing at the top.

“Stella, what’s wrong?” Kayce’s sharp eyes took in her panicked presence, and the gun on her hip. His voice split the quiet air of the house.

She held onto the railing of the stairs, panting to catch her breath. “Someone was out there. I don’t know who, but I know what kind of cigarettes they smoke.” She dug in her jeans pocket for the butt, holding it out. “Ryan’s rounding everyone up as we speak.”

Rip’s mouth set in a grim line. “Where’s your,” Rip second guessed his words, “where’s Bonnie Jo?”

“I sent her away.” Stella backed up off the stairs, as she slid the butt into her pocket. A pang of disappointment hit her. So much for making Bonnie Jo comfortable. She shook her head with resolve. Just because the first plan failed, didn’t mean she didn’t have other options.

Kayce and Rip descended, meeting her at the bottom. Kayce could see Stella was on edge. He wrapped his arms around her, tucking her into his chest. “Where were you?”

“Just outside of pasture 3, that grove of trees that’s infested with coyotes,” came her muffled reply.

The symbolism of coyotes and Stella’s estranged mother wasn’t lost on either of the men as they shared a troubled glance. Kayce rubbed Stella’s arm, giving her bicep a squeeze. “You stay here, we’ll head out and check things out.”

Stella stepped back from Kayce’s hold. She opened her mouth to argue, but when her hand fell to her stomach, she hesitated.

“Beth’s somewhere around,” Rip shifted on his feet. He knew the women didn’t always see eye to eye, but he was hoping things would turn around. “She’s set up and comfortable, but keep an eye on her… just in case. She’s still healing,” he trailed off, gazing at Stella.

A spark ignited in Stella’s mind. She grinned softly at Rip. “I gotcha, Wheelie.” Her plan was already forming. She would talk to Beth and see if she could get her to help. It would give Beth something to focus on, but also potentially give Stella the answers she needed.

Both men stopped short, expecting more argument from her. Kayce knew why she was hesitant, the newest generation she was harboring. Rip’s brows pinched together, but he knew they didn’t have time to waste. He would cross that bridge later.

“Y’all go. Beth and I will be fine here.” She gently tapped the holster on her hip. Kayce kissed her cheek, a silent promise that he’d be careful, but also telling her to do so as well. She squeezed his forearm and nodded.

She spun back around, heading up the stairs. She glanced down the hallway at Beth’s door that was cracked. Stella weighed her options while staring at the door. Did she really want to poke the dragon? She chewed on her bottom lip. The clearest answer and the most direct path to the truth was Beth.

Making her way to Beth’s room, her hand was poised to knock as she held her breath. Poking the dragon usually didn’t end well, but this time, the dragon might have the answers. She let her hand fall, tapping her knuckles twice in quick succession.

“Come in?” The confusion was clear in Beth’s voice.

Stella pushed the door open, but remained in the hallway. In case Beth decided to throw something at her, she wanted ample room to flee. She locked eyes with the blonde force of nature, and watched her face settle.

“Hey, homewrecker.”

Stella’s shoulders dropped as she rolled her eyes. “Can we come up with a different nickname, please?”

Beth took a moment to look Stella over, partially ignoring her request. She thought back to the attack, and looked closer for any sign she was healing. “Where were you when they hit us?”

When Stella was sure Beth wasn’t going to launch anything at her head, she crossed the threshold. “I was with Kayce at his office.” She gestured to the chair by the vanity. “May I?” Beth nodded, watching Stella closely as she turned the chair sideways and leaned back against the vanity for a moment. “Why?”

“I just wondered. I know they hit all of us.” The unspoken meaning of checking in on her hung in the air. The women locked eyes in silent understanding. “What happened?”

Stella rubbed her hands on top of her thighs, sitting up straight. “They tried to gun us down.” She blinked hard, shaking off the echoes of the gunfire and screams. “Kayce, the sheriff and I took them down though.” Stella propped her elbow on the backrest of the chair. “I heard they tried to blow you up.”

“And they failed.” Beth’s mouth set in a grim line. “I’m gonna be their worst fuckin’ nightmare.”

“Which is exactly why I wanted to talk to you, if you were up to it.”

Beth surveyed Stella’s body language. What was she up to? “That doesn’t sound good, but I’ll humor you.” If Stella was asking her for help… it must be serious.

Stella rutched around in the chair, not sure where to start. “Well,” she started slowly.

“Let me guess, you’re wondering why Jamie wasn’t touched at all?”

“I mean the thought crossed my mind, I won’t lie.”

“I’m not sure why he wasn’t attacked. I’ve been tossing that around, doing some research.”

Stella nodded, her mind slipping to Bonnie Jo. “Two days after the attack, me and Ryan’s mom showed up. After being a ghost for 25 years.”

Beth sat up straighter in bed. “Do what?” Stella could practically hear the wheels in her mind turning at hyper speed.

Stella huffed a short, awkward laugh. “Yeah.”

“So she just waltzed back into your lives right after someone tried to kill all of us? Hell of a coincidence, Stella.”

“I agree. My problem is, she wouldn’t have been able to figure out where we were without someone giving her a starting point.”

“Have you spoken to her in depth?”

Stella shook her head, “I was gonna try today, but someone was out there watching us.” She motioned in the general direction of the bunkhouse. “The guys are out looking into it now.”

“Wait, you brought her here?”

“I figured it’s our backyard. We’d have the home advantage.” Stella cleared her throat, “don’t fuck with a pitbull in its own yard, right?”

“So you’re playing nice, trying to get information out of her?” Beth asked and Stella nodded. Beth sat back, trying to hold off the almost proud grin for Stella. She was smarter than she gave her credit for. “Where’s she staying?”

“Just outside of Helena with Jamie and his,” Stella stopped. She didn’t know if Beth knew about Jamie.

“His?”

“His biological father.”

Beth’s eyes narrowed, something deadly flickered across her eyes.

“Did you know he was adopted by your parents?” Stella had a feeling she had just blown Beth out of the water.

Beth didn’t move. Her jaw clenched. “No,” she muttered, “but things make a whole lot more sense now.” Stella could swear she heard Beth’s teeth grinding together. “And your mother is staying with them?”

“Apparently they know each other. I have more digging to do.” Stella pulled out the cigarette butt again, showing Beth. “I know what the person who was watching us smokes, though. That’s what I was gonna look for when I go visit Bonnie Jo next.” The thought of being alone with Garrett made a chill tingle down her spine. “Because I don’t believe she came back here to “be with her babies again,” as she said she was.”

“I’d say that’s a good place to start. You tell me what you find, and what the guys find.” She gave Stella a conspiratory look. “You know Rip’ll beat around the bush to tell me.”

Stella nodded with a smirk. “That he would.” She stood slowly, “I’ll probably go see her tomorrow to “check on her” and see what I can dig up.” She headed toward the door, “you need anything before I go lay down?”

“No, I should be okay.” The thank you was visible in her eyes. She watched as Stella stepped out into the hallway. “Stella,” she called out to her.

“Yeah?” She turned to face Beth.

“Why didn’t you go with the guys?”

“Kayce asked me to stay put.” She grinned at her, “and your lovebird asked me to keep an eye on you.”

Beth frowned, never knowing Stella to listen to anyone at the first try.

“It also gave me a chance to talk to you.” She leaned against the door jamb. “I figured the quickest method of travel to the truth would be to get your help.”

A faint smile tugged at the corner of Beth’s mouth, a flicker of something softer. Respect, maybe even a hint of affection. “You thought right, cowgirl.”

Stella practically floated out of the obstetrician’s office with Kayce trailing behind her. The internal ultrasound had been less than pleasant, but hearing the little thump thump of her baby’s heartbeat come through the speakers strongly made the discomfort worth it. Dutton babies were apparently stubborn, and meant to survive just about anything.

She twirled around, light as air, pulling Kayce with her. “Kayce! We're having a baby!” She giggled.

Kayce chuckled, pulling her close. Dipping his head, he planted a firm kiss on Stella’s lips. “We are.” Warmth flooded his chest at the thought of a tiny bundle in Stella’s arms. He was still coming to grips with his best friend being pregnant with his baby.

She rested her head against his chest, grateful he’d stopped the spinning. “I know they said they wanted to do another scan in about a week, just to be completely sure, but I want to scream from the rooftops.”

When Stella raised her head, Kayce dropped his hand to the small of her back, guiding her over to the truck. “You know there’s a lot of things we gotta start planning, right?”

Stella’s heart fluttered in her chest, thinking of all the things they had to get ready for. “Yeah, I know.” Her joy dimmed at the thought of her mother’s visit later. “First step is to get through this visit with Bonnie Jo though.” Kayce opened her door for her and she climbed into the truck. “Then we look for a house. Can’t really plan much without room for the little wrangler.”

Kayce made his way around the truck and hopped in with a sigh, Bonnie Jo already weighing on his mind. “You sure you should be stressin’ yourself out with her?”

She watched him start the engine and felt it rumble to life. “Don’t worry, I’m gonna do my best to not let her get to me.” She clicked her seatbelt into place. “I’m trying to figure out her game. Gotta play nice before I can get her to talk.”

“And Ryan’s okay with this?”

“Not really, but he understands just how astronomically unlikely this coincidence is. So we’re in it together. Two heads better than one and all.”

If Kayce would want anyone by her side during this, it would be her brother. He drummed his fingers on the steering wheel in thought. “Does your brother know?”

Stella frowned, glancing over at him. “Know what?”

“That you’re pregnant with our kid.”

Heat crept up her neck. “Oh, that.” She tucked some hair that had fallen out of her bun behind her ear. “He found out later that day before I came back from getting your go-bag.”

Kayce placed his hand against Stella’s headrest, checking his blind spots to back out of the parking space. Heat blossomed up her face as he leaned in, close enough that she could feel the warmth of his presence. Kayce glanced at her before putting the truck in drive. He was glad Ryan had been there for her when she needed it. “I’m shocked he hadn’t tried to beat my ass yet.”

Stella watched Kayce. The subtle changes in emotion on his face gave away his inner monologue. She reached for his hand. A smile tugged at Stella’s lips as he intertwined their fingers. His thumb rubbed along the side of her hand instinctively. The memory of how scared she was when Ryan found out flashed through her mind. “I think he saw how scared I was and decided to wait until later.” She grinned sheepishly at Kayce. “I don’t think he’ll actually do it, though.”

“We’ll see.” Kayce brought her hand up to his lips, placing a gentle kiss on her knuckles. He hoped she was right, but was still apprehensive about seeing Ryan next.

“If he ribs you too hard, let me know and I’ll beat him up for you.” Stella giggled.

Kayce pulled up at the barn, seeing the red Geo Metro parked off to the side. He put the truck in park, panning his gaze over to Stella. “Hey,” he waited for her to look at him. “You gonna be okay?”

Stella took a deep breath, unbuckling her seatbelt. “Yeah,” she grumbled. “Her presence pisses me off, but I’ll be fine. I’ve got Ry with me.” Stella’s attention snapped to Ryan as he came out of the barn, leading BJ and Abigail with a scowl on his face. He glared at the truck, and Stella chuckled. “I should probably go save him.” She leaned over and dropped a kiss on Kayce’s waiting lips.

“Be careful.” They locked eyes and Stella smiled.

“Never, cowboy,” she winked at him as she shut the door.

“Come get your mare,” Ryan’s harsh voice broke through her lovestruck haze. Stella turned on her heel, heading to her brother. Ryan leaned toward her and mumbled under his breath, “she’s already tried to bite Bonnie Jo. Twice.”

Stella snorted in amusement, “atta girl,” and patted Abigail’s large shoulder. “Speaking of her, where is she?”

“In the barn. I’m putting her on Copper.”

She nodded her head to the side. “Decent choice.” A sly smile spread across her face. “I’d have put her on Sage.”

“Oh you mean your giant dragon?”

“Ha! Yeah.”

“Sage would kill her and not in a ‘cool’ way.”

Stella glanced at Ryan, letting the silence speak for her. Abigail nuzzled into her stomach. In the chaos of everything, Stella realized she’d forgotten to tell her mare about the baby. “You know, don’t you?” She petted her horse’s smooth neck. Abigail huffed softly at her.

“How’d your appointment go, by the way? Everything okay with peanut?”

Stella searched the area, making sure no one was around. She smiled softly at the nickname Ryan gave the baby. “Yeah, everything looks good. They wanna do one more check just to be absolutely sure, but I should be in the clear.” She faced her brother. “We heard the heartbeat, Ry.”

His eyes lit up and he attacked her with a hug, lifting her feet off the ground. “You’re kidding!” He spun Stella around and she giggled like she was little again.

“I’m as serious as a heart attack!” Stella went pale, slapping Ryan’s shoulder, her stomach churning. She let out a deep breath, trying to push down the nausea. “If you don’t want me to throw up on you, put me down!”

He skidded to a halt, holding Stella steady until he felt her stop swaying. “Sorry, sorry,” he squeezed her upper arms.

“It’s okay,” Stella waved it off, swallowing thickly. “Just somethin’ I gotta get used to.” She grabbed Ryan’s arms to stop the world from spinning.

Bonnie observed her children from the barn entrance carefully. They were tight-knit, and it showed. How they spoke to one another, how close they stood to each other. Ryan had been coarse and cold when she arrived.

Seeing him switch gears with Stella made Bonnie Jo’s heart clench. They really were each other’s rock. Regret coursed through her. She’d missed so much. She had nobody to blame but herself, but it still left a bitter taste in her mouth. Her kids were grown and making one hell of a life for themselves. One of them seemed to be starting a family of her own now. The thought of missing Ryan’s graduation, or that time she should’ve been there for Stella’s first heartbreak, sent an ache through her chest.

Bonnie Jo cleared her throat, interrupting the tender moment. “I don’t mean to bother, but can I bring Copper out and join you two?”

The siblings shared a glance. Stella waved Bonnie Jo forward. “Yeah, c’mon.”

Bonnie Jo walked out from the barn with Copper in tow. His sharp penny-colored coat gleamed in the sun. He wasn’t the mightiest of geldings they had, but he sure was bomb proof. And patient. They’d need a lot of that today.

“He just shines like the purttiest penny on this side of the Rockies, don’t he?” Bonnie patted his shoulder. Before she went off the rails, she had plenty of experience with horses. Her dad and grand-daddy had used them for their cows.

“He sure does.” Ryan offered lamely. He didn’t quite know what angle Stella was taking yet, and he didn’t want to overstep.

Bonnie Jo and Copper stepped up to the siblings. Abigail dropped her ears back at her presence. Stella nudged her gently in the side. Bonnie Jo turned to her daughter. “So that boy that dropped you off? Who’s he?”

Stella turned, grabbing a fistful of Abigail’s mane, hoisting herself up into her saddle. “That man? He’s my boyfriend.”

Bonnie Jo mirrored Stella, clambering up into her saddle. Copper chuffed at her in annoyance, but stood still. She glanced over at her son. “You got anyone?”

“The cowboy life has my heart for now.” He hiked his leg up and over his saddle, looking away as he spoke.

Stella blew out a breath, knowing she needed to lighten the mood. “Hey, Ry?” He hummed in response, nudging BJ to start walking. “Where we headed?”

“I was thinking maybe the overlook.”

Stella nodded even though Ryan wasn’t looking at her. The overlook was where John would go to think. She knew it was safer this way because it wasn’t a safe spot of theirs. She knew Ryan was keeping Bonnie Jo at a distance. “You got a rifle?”

“Sure do.” His answer came out clipped.

Stella’s lips pursed at his attitude. Bonnie Jo’s eyebrows shot up to her hairline, her palms suddenly slick with sweat. “What do we need a shotgun for?”

Stella smirked. “Bears, coyotes, wolves, mountain lions, bobcats,” she shrugged casually. “General wildlife. You should be used to that from Tennessee.” Stella remembered all the times she and Ryan walked through the woods, her brother carrying a rifle over his shoulder. “Why? You scared of somethin’?”

Bonnie Jo shifted in her saddle, swallowing the frog in her throat. She realized that even though these were her children, she truly didn’t know them. She didn’t know how much suspicion they had for her, and she had no idea what they were capable of — or what they would do if they got her alone. Which is exactly what it felt like.

Bonnie Jo rubbed the prickling at the base of her neck away with an uncomfortable chuckle. Her eyes darted around, almost like she was searching for something. “No, just ain’t been in the woods in a while.”

Stella’s brows pinched together hearing the discomfort in Bonnie Jo’s voice, and seeing it on her face. Almost like she was searching for something in the distance. Ryan had told Stella that Bonnie Jo had grown up in the back of a holler on a farm. From Stella’s own experience, growing up like that, the woods should have felt like second nature. What was she so afraid of?

Ryan squinted over his shoulder at Stella. They locked eyes in a silent conversation. The distrust was clear between both of them. Stella could understand Bonnie Jo being skittish, alone with two near-strangers who happened to be her kids. But it didn’t explain the way she flinched at the woods, as if they held a threat of their own. On the other hand, Stella struggled to understand. Bonnie Jo had seemed hopeful at the chance to spend time with them. Bonnie Jo gripped her reins tighter, her gaze flickering to the tree line like she expected something, or someone, to jump out.

‘What is she looking for,’ Stella asked herself. She chewed the inside of her bottom lip in observation.

The conversation quieted as they trotted along — Stella and Ryan watching every move, twitch, and jerk Bonnie Jo made. There was a grove of evergreens and spruces up ahead that they had to go through before they got to the overlook on the other side. This particular thicket was notorious for having coyote dens. It was dense and dark through the trees. If you weren’t careful, the silent shadows would slip in between the trees, playing tricks on your mind.

Stella remembered coming through here one night when she was 19, dragging behind the other wranglers after moving the herd. She knew the group had most likely gone around, but she wanted to cut some time off and meet back up with them. It had been the wrong decision. The coyotes were few in number, but the beau geste effect made their cackles and yips echo through the dark, multiplying their presence until it sounded like a pack of 50 hyenas closing in.

Stella shivered, thinking of how loud it had been. The sound ricocheted through the trees and a few brave coyotes nipped at Abigail’s hooves. The mare spooked, something she rarely did, shot off like a bullet. Stella held on for dear life as Abigail charged through the thicket that night. She’d thought she and Abigail were goners for sure.

Stella knew Ryan was aware of the coyote problem through here. Copper had the patience of a saint, but even he would spook at a coyote. She nudged Abigail forward to catch up with her brother. When she was shoulder to shoulder with him, she studied his stoic face. His jaw was clenched so hard, Stella swore she could hear his teeth grinding.

She could practically hear the gears turning in his head. Being back in the presence of Bonnie Jo was really eating at him. She wondered if he was bringing Bonnie Jo through here to be petty. “Hey,” she whispered. Ryan’s cold blue eyes shot over to her. “What’re you doin’?” Stella’s gaze flickered to the trees and back to her brother.

He set his shoulders high in defiance. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Stella’s face fell flat, unamused. “You know exactly what I’m talking about, Ryan,” she hissed back at him. “Why the hell aren’t we going around?”

Ryan glanced behind them to see how far away Bonnie Jo was. “Why is she so nervous?”

Stella huffed loudly. She couldn’t believe she was about to play devil’s advocate. “It could be because she doesn’t know us, and we’re taking her out into the middle of nowhere.”

Ryan’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Tell me you don’t actually believe your own bullshit right now.”

“I’m giving her the benefit of the doubt, until she slips on that slippery slope she’s treading.” Her leg bumped against his as she moved Abigail as close to BJ as she could. “We’ll get to the bottom of this coincidence, but it’s gonna be long game. I need you to be patient, okay?” Stella fixed her gaze on him. “Let me handle it, you just play along.”

A gunshot rang out across the field, interrupting their discussion. Copper, BJ and Abigail pulled back, and threw their heads up with a snort. They stopped in their tracks, ears straight forward, listening for whatever caused the gunshot. Abigail scanned the area, her ears pinned at something in the grass ahead. BJ danced on his hooves, ready to bolt at the first chance. Copper hung back, wary-eyed and watchful.

The siblings snapped to attention, looking ahead to where the sound echoed from. The patch of trees was unnaturally still. The branches wound together like skeletal hands, waiting for them to make a move.

The eerie silence made goosebumps blossom along Stella’s body. The quiet of the forest pressed in from all sides, like it was listening. She gripped her reins tighter, reminded of when she and Rip went looking for that bear. “Bonnie Jo, stay back.” Stella ordered.

“What’s that up ahead?” Bonnie Jo’s edgy voice cracked. Her knuckles turned white from her grip on Copper’s reins.

Stella and Ryan nudged their horses closer to the trees. At first, they didn’t see anything out of place. Abigail whinnied with a snort at the end. To Stella, that was a warning to get the hell out of there. The sharp, metallic scent of blood and pine filled their noses. Stella pushed Abigail further, cresting the small hill before the grove of trees. A few yards ahead lay a coyote carcass on the ground. It was fresh.

A chill shot down her spine, seeing it had been shot. Stella shifted her gaze back to Ryan. If the coyote had been shot, someone could still be out here. “Was this us?”

Ryan’s head gave a sharp, nervous shake. His hand rested on the butt of his rifle, ready to pull and fire. “No one but us is supposed to be out this way today.” The siblings started scanning the area, looking for the possible intruder. The lingering sour smell of gunpowder hung in the air. A branch snapped somewhere off to the side.

Ryan and Stella’s eyes flickered to the trees, searching for any sign of movement. A shadow that looked too human-like sent a rush of adrenaline through them. Ryan fixed Stella with a stare. “Stay put.” He pulled out his rifle and pushed BJ closer to the trees.

Stella’s teeth ground together. She knew she should stay back, but the 9mm on her hip, courtesy of John, made her press forward in the opposite direction from her brother. She removed the gun from her holster, and began scanning the area. She squinted through the dense tree coverage, but stopped when she spotted a small plume of blue-grey smoke billowing up toward the sky.

She slid out of her saddle, keeping a hold of Abigail’s reins, and stepped over to investigate. A Main Street Red cigarette was smoldering in the grass. The strong smell made her stomach turn. Stepping on it, she made sure the embers fell off, before picking it up. She whistled sharply and her brother jogged over to her, keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings.

He glanced at her making sure she was alright, and then down at her outstretched hand. The cigarette butt was partially crumpled, but a sure sign someone had been out here. Ryan gave Stella a rising look of alarm. “This was a mistake.” He turned BJ around, climbing up into his saddle. “We shouldn’t have come here.”

“Hey you two,” Kayce leaned down and kissed Stella’s head. Seated at the kitchen island, Stella worked on the laptop John had given her for the broodmare side of the business. He wanted to check in with her before he left because of the stress of her mother showing up at the end of last week.

Stella turned her head upward with a soft smile. “You know it’s the size of a sesame seed right now, right?” She asked with humor.

Kayce shrugged with a grin of his own. “Doesn’t hurt to start early.”

Giggling, Stella shook her head. She was interested to see how the next few months went. Especially with how protective Kayce was of her before she was pregnant. She shut the laptop, setting aside research on her mother, their future home, and stud options. “Where you off to this mornin’?” She knew he wasn’t heading into work. He’d been given a gracious amount of time off. Mostly because John was still in the hospital. Only part of the time off was for his own injuries.

Kayce reached for his travel mug for coffee when she asked. His shoulders dropped and he leaned against the counter in front of him. Stella’s face pulled together at his body language. Something was weighing on him. Kayce lifted his head and stared out into the yard through the large window, searching for answers to questions he never thought he’d have. “I was gonna go talk to Jamie,” he whispered.

Stella let out a soft sigh, now understanding the weight on her boyfriend’s shoulders. She stood quietly and made her way over to him. Wrapping her arms around his middle, she smiled when she felt his warm hands land on her forearms. Placing a soft kiss on his back as high as she could reach, she squeezed him softly, laying her head between his shoulders. “Everything is gonna be okay, love. You want me to come with you?”

Kayce turned in her arms, wrapping her securely in his. “It’s just before Helena, or something like that — at least that’s what Jamie said. I don’t wanna drag you all that way just for my own drama.”

She rubbed her hands along his sides, his words that were the same as Bonnie Jo’s echoing inside her mind. “Well your drama is my drama, babe. Especially now that baby Dutton is hitchhiking.”

“Yeah, but I think,” Kayce sighed, “I think this is somethin’ I gotta do on my own.”

“And that’s okay too. You know where I’ll be if you need me.”

Kayce released her from the hug and finished getting his coffee ready. Stella moved back over to the island and opened the laptop. He nodded toward the computer. “What’re you up to today?” He followed her back to the center of the kitchen.

Hopping back up on the chair, she opened the computer, and logged in. “Researching some studs,” she shrugged. “The usual.” Her cheeks warmed with the thought of them having their own place. She looked down at the keyboard. “I might also be looking at houses nearby.”

He grinned at her nerves from across the island. “Don’t pull a move my sister would and do it all, I wanna help too.” Stella fixed her glass and looked at him over the screen.

“Okay, I promise. I’ll show you some options I’ve seen when you get home.”

“You better,” he smirked at her. Walking around the counter, he leaned in and Stella instinctively rose in her seat a little higher to meet his lips. With his eyes still closed he whispered to Stella, “I love you.”

“I love you too, cowboy.” She leaned back to look up at him. “You be safe and I’ll see you when you get home.”

Kayce nodded, grabbing his coat and coffee, and headed out to his truck. Stella watched him go, a plan already forming in her mind. Bonnie Jo’s and Kayce’s words screeched in her mind like nails on a chalkboard. “A little place up just before Helena.”

Bonnie Jo’s words continued to assault her brain. “With a few good people who know what it’s like that life ain’t fair.” Some of what Stella found about ranches near Helena made her wonder if Kayce could be going to the same place. She didn’t want to believe it, or blame Jamie, but she had to see for herself.

Standing while shutting the laptop, she threw on her boots and coat. She paused, thinking about if there was a chance for violence. She didn’t plan on it, and she couldn’t be certain Bonnie Jo wouldn’t. Her gun was currently with the police department, but John had plenty of extras hiding around the house.

She moved into John’s office, and opened the small gun safe he had in the corner. “There has to be a handgun in here,” she thought out loud. “Now what was that code?” Her fingers tapped her thigh, trying to drum up the code John had given her. “Ah!” She exclaimed as the memory hit her.

She pressed the buttons in the correct order, reaching in and grabbing the first 9mm she saw, and some extra ammo. Her hand rested on the ammo box. Did she really want to do this? She shook her head and closed the safe behind her. The plan was to follow Kayce as close as she could without him noticing. It wasn’t going to be easy, especially in his old truck, but she had to try. “If we’re wrong, that’s fine,” she patted her stomach, “but if we’re right…,” she trailed off not wanting to imagine the violence she’d resort to.

Kayce pulled up to a small ranch just outside of Townsend. It looked to be a few good acres, not far from town, but far enough. He spotted Jamie’s car up by the ranch house. His face twisted at the sight of a woman on the porch, cigarette in hand. A woman who looked just like Stella. ‘No way. That’s too much of a coincidence.’ The woman perked up at the truck coming up the driveway, standing and coming to lean on the railing.

He put the truck in park and took a moment to settle his mind, trying to push down the growing dread gnawing at him. His heart sank lower in his chest as he approached the house. He came for answers, but now he felt like he was in for more than he bargained for. ‘I should have brought Stella.’ The closer he looked at the woman, the more he saw Stella, minus the cigarette. Her brunette wavy hair, her stature, the distrusting look. It shook him. Thankfully his brother came out the door as he arrived at the porch steps.

“Kayce!” Jamie greeted, nervously clenching his hands.

“Hey, Jamie.” Kayce’s eyes flitted over to the woman then back to his brother. “Who’s this?”

Jamie glanced between the brunette and his brother, sweat beading along his brow. “Oh, this is one of Garrett’s friends. She’s just staying here for a while.”

“Garrett?”

Jamie looked down at the ground and back up at Kayce quickly. “Yeah… about that. Why don’t you come inside?”

Gravel flying and skidding tires cut through the silence. Kayce saw Jamie’s eyes widen and before he could turn around, he heard Stella’s voice thundering across the yard.

“What the actual fuck is going on here?” The truck door slammed and she stomped toward the house. Her heart pounded in her chest. “Jamie, why the fuck is my vile mother staying in the same place as you?”

Kayce barely had time to register that Stella was storming past him. He reached for her. From the aggressive way she explained about her mother showing up at the Yellowstone yesterday, he knew she’d go in ready to throw knuckles. “Stella, Stella,” he grappled with her arms as she pulled free.

“No!” Her venomous eyes locked in on Jamie and Bonnie Jo. Jamie flinched as she stopped at the bottom of the porch stairs, Bonnie Jo’s eyes wide at her daughter’s righteous anger. “I’m not asking, Jamie. Start talking. Now.”

“I had no idea she was your mother, Stella! I swear!”

Kayce quickly stepped between his brother and the rabid hellhound he called his girlfriend. Stella wrestled to be seen over his shoulder. “Oh bullshit, Jamie! You expect me to believe you didn’t know when she's an older, walking copy of me?!”

“Stella Lee,” Bonnie Jo started.

Stella interrupted her. “You shut the fuck up!” She jutted her finger at the woman on the porch. “You don’t get to call me anything!” Stella snarled, teeth gnashing together with a deadly gleam.

Kayce turned on her, pulling her close as he tried to make her look at him. “Baby, look at me.” He grabbed her face firmly and forced her to meet his gaze. “Stella.” When her eyes met his, he whispered to her. “We’ll find out together, but screaming is gonna get us nowhere.”

Stella’s breath puffed violently in Kayce’s face, blowing his hair out of the way. He rubbed his thumbs on her cheeks. “C’mon, Stell.” He watched as she physically slowed down, but the fire in her eyes didn’t die out.

“One wrong fuckin’ word, and I’ll kill every single one of them.”

“I wouldn’t expect any less, baby.” Kayce slowly dropped his hands from her cheeks. “You good if I let go?”

Stella nodded, her glare locked on Jamie. He grimaced and nodded toward the door. He’d seen this side of Stella directed at other people, but it was terrifying having that kind of rage pointed at him. “Come in.”

He held the door open as the others filed in. Bonnie scurried in through the door first. Kayce walked behind Stella, but she paused, stopping them both. She glowered hard at Jamie. “You first.” No way she was letting anyone behind her or Kayce.

Kayce stared at his brother, silently urging him to follow Stella’s instructions. Jamie caught the look, and made his way through the entrance. Kayce breathed a sigh of relief and followed behind Stella, letting the door snap shut behind them.

Bonnie Jo stood off by a doorway, ready to bolt. She felt like this didn’t involve her, and she was good at running. 25 years ago proved that. Jamie glanced at Stella and Kayce and invited them to the table. “Have a seat.”

“I don’t think y’all —,” Bonnie Jo couldn’t finish her sentence. Stella’s voice, dripping with venom, sliced through the room, cutting Bonnie Jo off.

“— you will sit the fuck down. You ain’t gettin’ outta this one.” She ordered. She hadn’t followed Kayce here for nothing. She and her mother were going to have this conversation once Kayce and Jamie were done. Bonnie Jo glared at the younger — just as hot headed — but more controlled version of herself. Stella scoffed. “Mean mug me all you want. You wanted to see me again. Well, you got me.”

The four of them stood frozen. The gravity of reality settled in, weighing them down like the sky before a heavy snowfall. They each took a seat around the table.

Jamie leaned forward on his elbows, focusing on Kayce. “You said you wanted to talk to me about something?”

Kayce glanced briefly at Stella, relief washing over him. She’d shown up—even if she had to play him to do it. With an unsettled look at Bonnie Jo, he shifted his gaze back to Jamie. “Yeah,” he cleared his throat, not sure how to delicately proceed. “When you asked if you could still call me brother was it because you’re,” his heart raced in his chest, “adopted?”

Jamie’s mouth went dry. He hadn’t known that John didn’t tell him. By now, he thought everyone knew. “Uh,” he fumbled.

Stella watched him carefully, waiting for him to lie. To give her an excuse to jump across the table at him. She was prepared to do whatever it took to protect Kayce. Even from his own brother.

Jamie noticed Stella watching him like a hawk, eyes sharp, practically daring him to fuck up. “Well, yeah. I figured John would have told you.”

“So it’s not “dad” now?” Kayce’s brows inched up his forehead.

“Well the way our last conversation went, I don’t know what to call him.”

“Jamie, he’s your dad. The man that raised you.”

“Yeah, the man that molded me into who I am for his own benefit.” Jamie declared resentfully.

“You should’ve told him to fuck off more,” Stella joked. Seeing the opposite side of the coin, brought some clarity to her. “It worked pretty well for me.”

Jamie’s body sagged forward. “You both know I couldn’t have done that.”

Stella leaned forward. “Why not?”

“There was always a sense that I was a stranger inside someone else’s home.” Jamie grumbled. “I never knew if I was coming or going.”

“If there’s one thing Dad is good at, it’s making sure people know where they stand with him.” Kayce rubbed the stubble along his jaw. “If you weren’t sure, you should’ve asked me.”

“Well you’d broken out of the ranch. You were busy doing your own thing.”

“Why didn’t you ask me? I could have told you.”

Jamie’s mouth dropped open. He never thought to ask Stella. It seemed silly now that he hadn’t. She was around his dad just as much as Kayce had been. Ever hypervigilant, she certainly would have been able to clue him in. “I always thought you wanted to hit me.”

Stella chuckled low in her chest. “Jame, I wanted to hit most of the men there when I was 16. Shit,” she laughed, “I still do.” Her face softened forgetting her mother was there. “But I never hated you. You just piss me off sometimes.”

Bonnie Jo watched the interaction carefully, taking in every word, every glance, storing it all away. Seeing her daughter navigate the layered relationships with these two men hit her hard. She wished she had been that level-headed at Stella’s age. Instead, she’d been running wild, a loose cannon.

“Who’s Garrett, by the way?” Kayce’s question cut through the fog of Stella’s admission, snapping Jamie back to the moment.

“I’m his father. You’d do well to remember that, son.” Garrett Randall sauntered into the kitchen, bow-legged and full of himself.

Stella bristled at Garrett’s smugness, her temper flaring. “Yeah, well, this is his brother, so you’d be wise to treat him with some respect.”

“And this is my house, little lady. So I don’t know who the fuck you think you’re disrespecting, but it ain’t me.”

Kayce’s hand drifted across Stella’s legs, pressing her down gently into the chair. He could feel her tension, knowing she was about to launch herself at Garrett.

Stella held back just enough, knowing that attacking Garrett would put herself, and the baby, in danger. The aggression he carried from the second he walked in told her all she needed to know. She understood now why Bonnie Jo was in his circle. She shifted a hard stare at her mother, watching as the woman curled into herself. “So why are you here?”

Bonnie Jo finally looked across the table at Stella. Her heart thrummed in her chest. Garrett being behind her in the room, watching her closely, made her feel like the walls were closing in. She shifted uncomfortably and cleared her throat. “I already told you. I wanted to see you and your brother again.”

Stella squinted at her in suspicion. Bonnie Jo was almost cowering and Stella couldn’t understand why. Was it how many people were in the room for this delicate and volatile conversation, or was it something else? “Explain it to me. You didn’t want to see us when I was three. When Dad died, you never came. And when Ryan finally found you? You were in jail. Again.” Stella dropped one of her hands on Kayce’s in her lap with a sigh. “So what changed? Why now?”

Kayce and Jamie glanced at each other, mouths parted in shock. Before now, they’d only known the bare minimum when it came to Stella and Ryan’s past.

Bonnie Jo softened and faced Stella fully. She reached across the table to grab Stella’s hand, but Stella pulled back. Bonnie Jo’s face saddened. “I got myself outta trouble, and off the drugs. It’s been a few years.” She toyed with her fingers, looking down. “My friend Garrett here,” Bonnie Jo motioned to the cocky man behind her in the doorway. “Helped me out. Gave me a second chance.”

Stella looked up from her mother to Jamie’s biological father. The similarities between the two of them starting to peek out the longer she stared. “You did, huh?”

Garrett nodded, “she’s made great progress. It was hard in the beginning, but we made it through to the other side.” Garrett patted Bonnie Jo’s shoulder and she flinched.

Stella’s brows knit together at the sight. She met Kayce’s eyes, reading the silent agreement between them. Neither of them bought a damn word of it. Her decision still stood, and she did not want to let Bonnie Jo in. But to figure out what her mother’s angle truly was, she had to give her the space to slip up. If Bonnie Jo was anything like her, she’d bolt the second Stella pushed too hard. Better to let her talk — let her dig her own grave first.

If she had to put up with Bonnie Jo until she cracked, then fine. But it’d be on her terms. In her own yard, giving her the home advantage. She locked in on Bonnie Jo across the table. “Come to the ranch tomorrow at 2 o’clock to see Ryan and I. Maybe we’ll take some horses out.” Her obstetrician appointment was tomorrow, so she opted for after the check-up. She didn’t need to be stressed going into it. More than she already was.

Stella sighed in relief as she stepped out of the examination room. Dr. Martinez had just told her that the hCG levels in her system had doubled in the last 48 hours. If her levels were anything to go by, her pregnancy was still viable and strong. She silently thanked every god she could think of, happy she could report good news back to Kayce. 

The thought of Kayce brought a smile to her face. Her heart warmed and her hand fell to her stomach. The little life they’d created appeared to already be as bullheaded as its father. If she was honest with herself, she didn’t want it any other way. By the time she went to get her panel done, his doctor had just arrived to check him over. Stella hoped that because the surgery was relatively simple and Kayce seemed to be healing well, that they could go home today. She was tired of being here.

She made her way back down to room 516. When she knocked on the door, she heard Kayce’s muffled, “come in.” She stepped over the threshold and closed the door behind her. When she turned to face the room, she saw Kayce was in the process of getting dressed.

Her eyes lit up with excitement like the night sky during a lightning storm. “Does this mean we’re allowed to get the fuck outta here?”

He grinned at her, big and bright, noticing she had his favorite t-shirt on. “You’re damn right, baby.” He finished closing the last button on his shirt. “Speaking of little outlaws,” he glanced at her, taking in her buzzing excitement. “What’d the doctor say?”

Stella bit her lip, trying to hold in the grin breaking across her face. She stepped over to him, placing her hands on his chest while carefully avoiding his injured shoulder. His arms instinctively wound around her waist. “Well, the chances of this Dutton being just as stubborn as you are high.”

His hold on her tightened. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”

She nodded and let out a little huff of a laugh, as Kayce drew her into his embrace. “My levels almost doubled like they’re supposed to, and my symptoms haven’t been terrible.” She stepped back to gaze up at him. “I still have to watch for symptoms until my appointment, but Dr. Martinez thinks we’re safe.”

“God, I love you,” he breathed as he planted a world spinning kiss on her lips.

Stella’s eyes fluttered closed and she let herself be consumed by the moment. They pulled away from the kiss, foreheads touching. It felt odd to be celebrating after nearly dying two days ago — especially with John still in a coma. But this was one wave Stella could roll with. “Let’s get the hell outta here, yeah,” she whispered.

“Let’s go home.”

Once Kayce was settled at home, Stella parted ways to go hang out with Ryan. Kayce wanted some time to be with Tate, and she wanted some time with her brother. She wanted to give him the good news from her second test just as she’d promised.

As Stella made her way down the hill, she spotted her brother by the barn entrance talking to a woman. Alone. Odd considering everyone should be finishing up the evening chores. Her brows knitted together as she tried to figure out who this woman was. Her hands slipped into her back pockets as she made it to the bottom of the hill. Ryan’s head snapped in Stella’s direction, his eyes wide, almost wild.

Ryan nodded at her, a silent order to go back up the hill. Stella didn’t feel like listening and she pushed forward. Ryan’s shoulders fell and his jaw clenched. The brunette woman turned and Stella felt like she was sucker punched. The woman in front of her was an older carbon copy of herself with her brother’s eyes.

Stella locked in on her brother. “What’s going on? Who’s this?”

Ryan’s stomach dropped. “Stella,” he paused, choking on words he never thought he’d have to say. “This is our mother, Bonnie Jo.”

Stella scowled immediately. “Who?” Her eyes flared at her brother with an unfiltered rage. “I’m looking at my mother right now, and it ain’t her.” Her fiery gaze fell upon the woman that abandoned her and her brother 25 years ago. Everything Ryan told her about Bonnie Jo when she was little came rushing back to her at full speed. The drinking, drugs, in and out of prison, leaving one night and never returning. Stella’s mind spiraled.

“Stella, baby, it’s me. Your mama. I've been doin’ good, stayin’ outta trouble. I wanted to find you kids and see the lives you’d made for yourselves. I promise.” Bonnie Jo’s Tennessee twang lilted at her.

Stella shook her head with disgust. “You after money? We ain’t got it.” Her hands flailed around and her accent got thicker the angrier she became. “You lookin’ for a place to stay cause you’re in trouble? We ain’t got one.” Stella’s breaths came in heavy huffs as she fought with herself to keep from jumping the woman right there.

Bonnie Jo’s voice was filled with disappointment. “Baby I just wanna be with my kids again.”

“Ha!” Stella laughed harshly. “Tell that to the 25 years where you couldn’t give a single shit less about us when you left. Didn’t bother to find us after dad died. You can fuck right off.” Stella pointed toward the front of the property. “The way you saw yourself in, is the way you can see yourself out.”

“Stella, you can’t speak to me like that!” Bonnie Jo sputtered in frustration. “Ryan, you wouldn’t let her speak to your mama that way, would you?” She hoped she could plea to her son, since he remembered more of her.

“Bold of you to assume any of you have a say in how I talk. I’ll speak to you however I see fit.”

“Bonnie Jo, you should leave.” Ryan’s voice dropped to a dangerous low. He stepped up right behind Stella. She was putting her foot down, and he’d be damned if he undermined her. He knew Stella was doing it for a reason. He used to dream about this day. But not anymore. Not after all these years. That hope died the day they left Tennessee.

Rip heard Stella’s raised voice as he passed the bunkhouse. He peeked inside, finding the wranglers looking uneasy. That was enough to make him round the corner and investigate. He spotted a woman that looked like Stella, standing in front of Stella and Ryan. Uncertainty settled in his stomach. “What’s the problem here?”

“She was just leaving, weren’t you?” Stella spat venomously. She glanced at the small, junky Geo Metro, most certainly belonging to Bonnie Jo.

“Who’s this? Who the fuck are you?” He could easily see that both the siblings were bothered.

Bonnie Jo glared at Rip. “I’m their mama. I got to doin’ better and came to see ‘em.”

Lloyd stepped out of the evening shadows, his arms crossed, settling beside Rip. Bonnie Jo’s eyes widened, her world suddenly feeling a lot smaller. “You got a lotta nerve comin’ round here, lookin’ for kids that you didn’t give a shit about and we raised, lady.” Lloyd chuckled cruelly, a sound Stella had never heard him utter.

“You got a lotta balls telling me I don’t deserve to see my kids.”

Stella stepped forward, ready to pounce. Ryan reached out to grip the back of her shirt. “Well you saw us, now you can fuckin’ leave and stay the hell away.” Stella snapped.

“I see where she picked up the foul mouth from.” Bonnie Jo sneered at Stella.

Opening the car door, she turned back to her children, voice shifting to something almost saccharine. “Y’all wanna act like y’all don’t know me? That’s fine. I’ll be around.” She lingered, letting the moment stretch. “I’m stayin’ at a little rental place, just before Helena, with some people who understand how life ain’t always fair. I just want to be with my babies again.” Bonnie Jo let her gaze drag over them, memorizing. Without another word, she climbed inside and drove off, gravel kicking up from her tires peeling out.

Rip turned slowly, staring at the siblings. His expression teetered between shock and something far deadlier. They knew they had to explain themselves quickly.

Stella held her hands up in defense. “Hey listen, her showing up after 25 years wasn’t on my bingo card.” She spun to look at Ryan. “I don’t even know how she found us.”

Ryan shrugged, gnawing at his bottom lip. He’d made damn sure they were ghosts when they left Tennessee. Bonnie Jo had been in prison at the time. She shouldn’t have even known they were gone. “I don’t know. I left no trace of us between here and Tennessee.”

“So I’m guessing you're not planning a heart-to-heart?” Rip asked carefully.

“Once I learned about her, I never wanted to see her.”

“After I found out she was in prison again when our dad died, I knew I never wanted to either.” Ryan’s hands slipped into his pockets as he glanced at the ground. “That’s why I packed Stella up and got us the hell out — wasn’t about to leave a trail for her to follow.”

Stella’s body sagged forward. “We’ve gotta tell the wranglers.” Her eyes flickered between Rip and Ryan. “If she shows up again, which I’m sure she will like the cockroach she is, they need to know who she is so they can throw her ass out.” Without waiting for the men to agree, Stella marched to the bunkhouse. She crossed the threshold, taking in everyone’s nervous energy, and moved to the table in the kitchen.

They all stared at her with wide eyes, looking for direction. She blew out a breath, shoving the shame of her “mother” aside. The people in front of her knew her outside of Bonnie Jo. They wouldn’t judge — hell, they all came from colorful pasts. She shook her head. “I’m guessing y’all have questions, which I’ll be glad to answer.” She cleared her throat, feeling comfort when she heard Ryan, come up behind her. “But first, y’all need to know who that was.” Rip and Lloyd moved to stand by the sink.

“It was our mother, Bonnie Jo,” Ryan joined in walking up to the dining table. “If she shows up here again, you kick her out. By any means necessary.” He cringed at his words and corrected himself. “I mean don’t kill her, but get her off the property.”

Stella made a face at her brother. Of course she didn’t want the wranglers to kill Bonnie Jo, but her mind was divided. The anger she felt rolling through her was a very different kind of hurt. She’d only felt this way once before. It was when she first started asking about Bonnie Jo, and Ryan finally told her the truth.

“Are you guys okay?” Colby spoke up, breaking the silence.

Ryan observed the tension in Stella’s shoulders, and half shrugged. “I think so, but there’s some things to work through.”

“She dangerous? Or just a pain in the ass?” Jake asked with suspicion.

“I mean she’s been in and out of prison, had a drug problem, but I don’t think I’d consider that dangerous.” Stella couldn’t give them much information, but she at least wanted to help.

“No, she ain’t dangerous. Just... not all there.”

“How’re you so sure? How’d she find you?” Rip asked, arms crossed while his brain worked overtime.

“‘Cause people don’t go ghost for twenty-five years then pop up for no damn reason,” Walker added, solidifying everyone’s suspicion.

Stella looked at Ryan. “I mean, they have a point, Ry.” She fixed her glasses, turning to face him fully. “There’s no way that woman would have been able to bridge the gap between here and Tennessee without someone giving her a starting point.” Her eye flickered over to Rip, who nodded silently to her, letting her know she was on the same wave as he and Walker. “And turning up two days after all of us were attacked? Somethin’ about that don’t sit right with me.”

Ryan stared at his little sister, torn. The seven-year-old in him wanted to believe she’d changed. The fifteen-year-old wanted to believe she meant it this time. But the man he was at 32? He knew better. “Fuck.” He breathed out. He was lost. He needed Stella’s steady head.

Stella saw the storm of fear behind her brother’s eyes. There were very few times she’d seen him truly shaken. She allowed herself to relax. “Look, I’ll go diggin’ and figure out how the hell she found us.” Since she had the least amount of attachment to Bonnie Jo, it made the most sense to her that she would go looking. She turned her gaze to the wranglers. “If she shows up again, you find me, Lloyd, or Rip. Got it?”

The group silently agreed, heading out to go finish the chores they’d been interrupted from. Rip, Lloyd and the siblings remained in the kitchen. They all passed a look between each other. Suspicion and tension thickened the air, heavy like a storm ready to break. The pit in Stella’s stomach was getting heavier as the seconds ticked by.