Chapter Thirteen
Kian lingered in the doorway of the interrogation room, watching the two men sitting at the table. They refused to meet his gaze.
“So, explain to me why you felt it was necessary to try and kill a livestock agent,” Sam asked, sitting back in a chair with his arms folded across his chest.
“We didn’t,” one man named Jerry replied.
Sam shook his head in disbelief. “So, the agent is lying?”
“Yep,” Barney, the other man, chimed in.
Kian couldn’t contain his grin as Sam laughed and stood up. He placed his hands on the table as he leaned forward.
“Do you honestly expect me to believe the word of two poachers over that of a dedicated law enforcement officer? Why would he lie?”
“He saw us with some pelts. What does that prove?” Jerry shrugged.
“I believe it proves that you were hunting out of season.”
“We’ve had those—”
“Holy hell, just shut the fuck up. Those pelts were fresh and there were wolf carcasses nearby. Do you expect me to believe that the wolves just shed their own pelts?” Sam’s sarcasm was intense.
When both men remained silent, Sam slammed his hand down on the table. “I may not have jurisdiction to arrest you for poaching; that will be up to FWP; Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, but I can charge you with attempted murder of a law enforcement officer. You’ll be facing a long prison sentence for that alone, and if FWP decides to press charges as well, you’ll never see the light of day again.”
“What if we cooperate and give up who we were getting these pelts for?” The men looked between Kian and Sam, hoping for leniency.
“That’s not my call. You can speak with them about it. But as far as I’m concerned, I am charging you both with attempted murder. And since the agent sustained bodily injury, you could be facing twenty to forty years in prison. It all depends on whether the bodily injuries are considered serious or not.”
“Forty years?” Jerry turned pale at the thought.
Kian bit back a smile as he stepped out of the way for Dave to enter the room. He watched as Dave placed two bags containing the spent shells on the table.
“We ran these, and guess whose fingerprints are on them?” Dave asked, addressing Barney. “Yours. We’re still searching for the other one, but I’m willing to bet when we find it, it will lead back to you, Jones.” He turned to look at Jerry.
“How do you even know if I fired a shot?”
“If I go down for this, so do you, Jerry,” Barney threatened.
Shaking his head, Kian watched as Sam grinned and stood up. “I’m finished here,” he announced to the FWP game wardens in the room. “You can take them for now.”
“Get up,” one of the wardens commanded. He then shook both Sam’s and Kian’s hands before leading the men out of the room.
“I have a feeling they’ll be locked up for a while,” Dave commented as he shook Sam’s hand.
“I’ll make sure of it, after FWP gets done with them,” Sam replied, turning to leave and shaking Kian’s hand in farewell. “I’m glad you were able to make that call this time. If you need anything, you know how to reach me.” With a nod, Sam walked out of the room.
Kian let out a sigh of relief. “Damn, I’m glad that’s over.”
“You’ll probably have to go to court, but I wouldn’t worry about it. The evidence is stacked against those two.”
“That’s what I think too.”
“Go home and get some rest, Kian. You haven’t had a good night’s sleep since all of this started.”
“Dave, I’m not going to argue with you. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Alright.” Dave left the room, Kian following behind him. He stopped beside his brother.
“Dave is sending me home.”
“Good idea. You need some rest.”
“Thanks for being there for me.”
“Hell, Kian, you knew I would be.” Killian grinned.
“Yeah, I did.” Kian shook Killian’s hand. “You’re the best brother.”
Killian chuckled. “I’m your only brother.”
“Well yeah, there is that. We’ll catch up later. I’m heading home to get some sleep.”
“Alright, take care,” Killian said as Kian nodded before walking out of the office.
He took the elevator down to the lobby and exited the building, making his way to his truck where he started the engine and drove home eagerly anticipating seeing Gretchen again.
****
Gretchen lay sprawled on the plush sofa, eyes fixed on the TV screen as she lazily flipped through channels. Suddenly, she heard the distant rumble of a vehicle and Lobo’s deep bark echoed through the house. She sat up, her heart beating faster as she strained to see out the window for Kian’s truck. Disappointed when it didn’t appear, she made her way toward the foyer with cautious steps.
Peering out into the yard, Gretchen scanned the quiet area but saw no sign of his truck. Just as she turned to walk back to the living room, she heard the back door opening. In an instant, she was practically running toward the kitchen.
Stopping in the doorway, Gretchen couldn’t help but smile at the sight of Kian hanging up his hat on a peg before settling down on the wooden bench to remove his scuffed boots.
He looked up and caught her gaze, his smile widening at her presence.
“Hi,” he greeted warmly.
She walked over and took a seat beside him on the bench.
“Hi. I didn’t think about you coming in the back door. I’ll remember that from now on.”
“It’s fine, darlin’,” he reassured her with a gentle hand on her knee.
“What are you doing home so soon?” Gretchen asked curiously.
“The interrogation didn’t take long at all and FWP took the men with them to question them at their offices,” Kian explained, running a hand through his tousled hair. “Dave sent me home to rest. He said he could tell I haven’t had a good night’s sleep since this whole thing started.”
Gretchen brushed his hair back tenderly. “You do look tired.”
“I’m going to grab a shower, get something to eat, then I am going to bed. And you can join me in all three of those,” he said with a wink.
She laughed, a warm feeling spreading through her chest. “I’d love to.”
Standing up, Kian offered her his hand and helped her to her feet before leading her toward their bedroom.
They entered the bathroom from the bedroom, already shedding their clothes as they went. The air was thick with anticipation and lust, their bodies filling with need. Kian saw that Gretchen’s nipples were already hard and aching for his attention. His cock was rock hard, straining against his boxer briefs as he quickly shoved them off, then turned the water on.
Their bodies came together in the shower, the hot water cascading down on them as they groped and pawed at each other. Gretchen dropped to her knees and wrapped her lips around the head of his cock, her tongue swirling around the tip as she took him deeper into her mouth. As she continued to suck on him, he knew he wouldn’t last.
He couldn’t take it much longer. He pulled her up, her body wet and slippery against his. He lifted her up, and her legs wrapped around his waist as he pinned her against the shower wall. The water pounded down on them, but nothing could drown out the sound of their moans and gasps.
Kian thrusted into Gretchen, his cock filling her up completely. She threw her head back, as Kian pounded into her harder and harder. He whispered into her ear, telling her exactly what he was doing to her and how much he loved being inside her.
He slipped a finger between her legs, finding her clitoris and rubbing it. She bucked against him, and he knew she was close. Kian kept going, as his finger worked its magic as he continued to fuck her hard.
Gretchen moaned when she came, her inner muscles clenching around his cock as she cried out in pleasure. Kian followed her over, and they both were panting and gasping for breath.
He stared into her eyes. “I love you so much.”
“I love you too.”
“Damn it. I hope you’re on birth control. I forgot a condom,” Kian whispered in her ear.
“I am.”
“Good.” Kian let her legs down but held onto her, so she didn’t slip, then they bathed each other, dried off and stepped from the shower.
After dressing in comfortable clothes, they got some food in them, then headed to bed.
Kian wanted her with him always and he wanted to tell her that, but he could barely keep his eyes open. Before drifting off to sleep, he promised himself he’d tell her tomorrow.
The following morning, he stood in the kitchen drinking a cup of coffee when Gretchen entered the kitchen. She walked to him, wrapped her arms around his waist and kissed his neck.
“You smell so good. I wish you could stay home today.”
“I do too, but I have a new case to work on, but the good thing is, tomorrow is Saturday, and we’ll have the entire weekend together.”
“What do you want to do?”
“I need to go to my parents’ place and pick up my horses. I want you to come with me.”
“I’d love to. Where do they live?”
“In Clifton now. They were in Helena, but when they visited Killian and Celine one Thanksgiving, they loved it and decided to move here. Like I did.”
“I’m so glad you did.”
“Me too. I’ll let them know we’ll be there tomorrow. I’m sure they’re anxious to meet you.”
“I want to meet them too. Maybe Sunday we could go see my parents.”
“I’d love to meet them. I’m sorry, but I have to get going.” He kissed her forehead, then removed his hat from the hook, and walked out the door. Before closing it, he looked at her. “Make yourself at home. I’ll see you when I get home. I’ll call or text when I get a chance.”
“Okay. Have a good day.” She smiled at him.
“Yes, ma’am.” He placed his hat on his head and closed the door. Walking toward his truck, he grinned as he thought of coming back home to her.
****
Gretchen stood by the door, watching as Kian walked to his truck and drove away. She couldn’t help but smile, knowing how deeply in love they were with each other. He didn’t love Sheila; Gretchen was the one he loved. She called her mother to share the news about her and Kian’s relationship. They were going to meet his parents tomorrow when he picked up his horses.
“Can we stop by on Sunday? Will you be home?” Gretchen asked her mother.
“Yes, we’ll be here. We can’t wait to meet him,” her mother replied excitedly.
“He’s just as eager to meet you. I can’t wait to meet his parents too. I know how difficult it was for them when he was missing.”
“I can imagine. I’m so grateful that you saved him, Gretchen.”
“Me too, Mom. Okay, I’ll let you go for now.”
“Take care, honey. We’ll see you on Sunday. I’ll make dinner.”
“That sounds perfect. Love you. And tell Dad I love him too.”
“I will. We love you too.”
Gretchen gazed out the window and smiled at the sight of the swimming pool. She couldn’t wait to take a dip once summer arrived. As she walked through the house, she stopped by a window and looked out at the barn across the yard.
“Lobo, come on! Let’s go check out the barn,” she called to her dog, amused when he ran to the door and barked excitedly. “You’re such a smart boy.”
She opened the back door and stepped onto the porch before making her way across the yard toward the barn. Upon entering, she was greeted by the sweet smell of hay. As she walked down the aisle, she peeked into each of the five stalls and thought about how this would be more than enough space for Kian’s horses. She chuckled as Lobo stood on his hind legs, peering into one of the stalls.
“Do you want me to put you in there?” she joked before walking to the other side of the barn. There, she saw a door with a paned window and opened it to reveal a room filled with natural light.
“This would be a great place to paint,” she murmured to herself, then caught herself getting ahead of things. Kian hadn’t asked her to move in with him, but when she stayed over, she could always use this room to paint. It was rare for her to take time off from painting; whenever inspiration struck, she had to put it on canvas.
Taking out her phone from her pocket, she sent a text to Kian and hoped he wouldn’t mind.
Are you busy?
Never too busy for you. What’s up? came Kian’s reply.
I’m in the barn and I found this amazing room here with rows of windows. It would be perfect for painting when I’m here with you.
I hope you’re there with me all the time, sweetheart.
What do you mean?
We’ll talk about it later.
Okay, but can I bring my painting supplies here and use this room? If you’re not around and I am, I’d love to paint in here.
Of course, you can. Do you want me to pick up some burgers for dinner?
Yes please. My mom said she’ll cook for us on Sunday.
My mom said she’ll cook tomorrow.
Sounds good! Burgers tonight it is. And please get my usual.
You got it. I’ll be home later. Love you.
Love you too. Bye!
Gretchen pocketed her phone, walked out of the barn with Lobo following closely behind, and got into her SUV to drive back to her cabin.
****
Kian placed his phone on his desk and glanced through his open cases. Killian interrupted him.
“Celine wants to know if you can join us for dinner this weekend?”
“Sorry, I already have plans with Gretchen. We’re picking up my horses tomorrow and having dinner with Mom and Dad, then on Sunday, we’re going to her parents’ house.”
“Oh, okay. Maybe another time then.”
“That sounds good.”
“What’s on your mind?” Killian sat in the chair across from Kian’s desk.
Kian took a deep breath and looked at his brother. “I want to ask Gretchen to move in with me, but I’m afraid she won’t because she loves the solitude of her cabin.”
“I don’t understand how she can stand living out there alone.” Killian shook his head.
“She likes it because she can focus on her paintings. She just texted me asking about using a room in my barn for painting.”
“Well, that sounds promising.”
“Yeah, I’m hoping so. I told her I wanted her to stay over all the time. She asked what I meant.” Kian shrugged. “I didn’t want to bring it up over text, so I said we’ll talk about it later.”
“I hope it works out for you. I love seeing Celine waiting for me when I get back home. And Gretchen is great for you.”
“I know she is. We had a tough patch for a little while, but we worked through it.”
“Yeah, been there too.” Killian got up from his seat. “I have to go to Spring City now. See you later.”
Kian nodded and returned to sorting through his cases. He was eager for the upcoming weekend and meeting Gretchen’s parents. He just hoped they would like him.
The next day, Kian and Gretchen got into his truck and drove to his parents’ house.
“Wow, what a beautiful place,” Gretchen said.
Kian nodded, admiring the small house surrounded by fifteen acres of land. Across from the house was a large barn where he parked his truck.
“The trailer is in there, so we’ll park here.”
“Sounds good.” Gretchen opened her door and stepped out. Kian followed suit.
He took her hand and led her across the yard to the house. His parents appeared on the porch as the door opened.
Kian noticed tears in his mother’s eyes as she walked down the steps and embraced Gretchen in a hug. Both women cried while holding onto each other. Then his mother pulled back to look at Gretchen.
“Thank you for saving our son.”
Gretchen wiped away her tears. “You’re very welcome.”
“Gretchen, this is my mother, Aileen Doyle. Mom, this is Gretchen Casteel.”
Kian turned to see his father stepping out onto the porch again.
“Bring her inside, son.”
“Yes, sir.”
Kian put his arms around both women and led them into the house. His father greeted them with a hug as well.
“We can’t express how grateful we are that you saved our boy.”
Gretchen hugged him back. “It was my pleasure.”
“Gretchen, this is my father Connor Doyle. Dad, this is Gretchen Casteel.”
“What a lovely young lass,” Connor said.
“Thank you, Mr. Doyle.”
“Oh, none of that now. Call us Connor and Aileen.”
“Okay, I will.” Gretchen smiled and then blushed when Kian winked at her.
“I smell something delicious, Mom.”
“Fried chicken. I hope that’s alright with you, Gretchen?”
“I absolutely love fried chicken, and it smells amazing.”
****
As they sat at the dinner table, conversation and laughter filled the room. Gretchen adored Kian’s parents and was pleasantly surprised to learn that they appreciated her talents as an artist. She promised to paint a picture for them as a gift.
After dinner, Aileen and Gretchen cleaned up while Kian and his father retreated to the living room. As they dried dishes together, Aileen thanked Gretchen for helping save Kian’s life.
“It was my dog Lobo who found him. He’s a Malamute and loves playing in the snow, so he was out running around. He’s such a smart dog. I knew something was wrong when he kept trying to lead me somewhere,” Gretchen shared with a grin. “My first thought was ‘he better not be taking me to see a dead animal’.”
Aileen laughed in response. “I can’t imagine what you thought when you saw Kian.”
“I hoped he wasn’t dead,” Gretchen admitted, shaking her head. “He was lucky that he hadn’t been out there too long or else he could have gotten hypothermia and frostbite. But my next thought was how handsome he was.”
Aileen joined in on the laughter before saying, “I felt so bad for him not being able to remember anything. It must be tough not knowing anything about yourself.”
“That would definitely be hard,” Gretchen agreed. “I’m just glad he got his memory back and that I could help take care of his wounds.”
“When I think about how close he came to dying...” Aileen trailed off with a sigh.
“But he didn’t,” Gretchen reassured her. “He was fortunate to be in good shape and rescued quickly. I couldn’t believe it when he told me that it was his third day of vacation, and he got bored.”
“Kian is just like Killian. They have a hard time letting go of work and relaxing. But now that Killian is with Celine, he’s learned to balance it out. Kian used to be the same way when he was dating... oh, I’m sorry,” Aileen apologized.
“It’s okay,” Gretchen replied calmly. “I know about Sheila and how she came to Clifton too. I may have jumped to conclusions when I saw her hugging him after he got back from being with me.”
“He doesn’t love her though,” Aileen clarified.
“I know. He told me that and that she didn’t love him either,” Gretchen acknowledged.
“She might love him in her own way, but she’s not in love with him like you are. Sheila is a nice woman, and we liked her, but even I knew their relationship wasn’t going to last.”
“But Kian did love her,” Gretchen interjected.
Aileen smiled knowingly. “He thought he did, but he never looked at her the way he looks at you. He’s very much in love with you.”
Gretchen couldn’t help but grin. “And I feel the same way about him.”
“I can see it,” Aileen agreed happily. “As long as our sons are happy, Connor and I are happy.”
“You raised both of them well. They both have such great manners,” Gretchen complimented sincerely.
“They’d better,” Aileen joked playfully.
Gretchen chuckled. “I’m excited for my parents to meet him.”
“Kian mentioned that you were divorced. I hope you don’t mind me mentioning it.”
“It’s okay. We got married right out of high school and it didn’t work out. But we’re still good friends, he’s a great guy.”
“That’s how Sheila and Kian feel about each other too. They know their breakup was for the best. I know Kian was upset at first, but Sheila knew it wasn’t going to work out. I hope Sheila finds someone just as amazing one day.”
“I really hope she does too.”
Aileen smiled. “She will.”
“Kian loves you and his father. He was so emotional the day I called you. He tried to speak, but he couldn’t. I knew he wanted to, but his emotions just took over,” Gretchen said. “I wasn’t sure what to say to you. I was hoping he’d pull himself together because I knew in my heart, that you wanted to hear his voice.”
“Oh, I did. Thank you so much for doing that for him. When he did get on the phone, I just broke down. I had proof he was alive.” Aileen shook her head.
“After he hung up from you, he just cried, and I did too.”
“I can never thank you enough for saving him.” Aileen smiled. “Now, let’s go join the guys and watch some TV. I know Kian probably wants to get home before dark so he can take care of his horses. I can’t wait to see his new house.”
“Oh, it’s beautiful. You’ll love it.”
They made their way into the living room where Aileen settled into the recliner next to her husband and Gretchen sat on the sofa next to Kian, smiling as he took her hand in his.
After watching a movie, Kian stood up and helped Gretchen to her feet.
“Mom, Dad, we should probably get going. I want to make sure we’re back before it gets too late. I don’t like driving with the trailer in the dark.”
“Of course, son. Do you need any help?”
“I think we should be fine, but thanks Dad. I’ll load up the horses and then we can head out. The feed has already been delivered.”
“Okay.” Aileen stood up and hugged first Kian, then Gretchen. “Promise you’ll come back to visit us again, Gretchen.”
“I promise. I had a wonderful time.”
“We loved having you,” Connor added with a pointed look at his son. “Don’t mess this up.”
Kian grinned. “Yes, sir.”
He took Gretchen’s hand, and they walked toward the barn.
****
Once Kian had loaded the horses onto the trailer, he drove back to his house and expertly backed the trailer into the barn. As he stepped out of the truck and headed toward the back, Gretchen was there waiting for him.
“How did you manage to back that trailer in here?” she asked, amazed.
Kian furrowed his brow. “What do you mean? You saw me do it.”
“I meant; I would have it going every which way.” Gretchen chuckled.
Kian grinned. “It takes practice.”
She shook her head. “I don’t think I could practice enough to ever be able to do it.”
“Well, let’s hope you never have to,” Kian replied.
She walked over and wrapped her arms around his waist, planting a kiss on his lips.
“I really like your parents,” she said.
“They like you too,” Kian replied with a smile.
“I can’t wait for you to meet mine.”
“I hope they like me,” Kian said with a frown.
“What’s not to like?”
“For one, you’re their only child and I’m sure your dad will make it clear that if I ever hurt you, he’ll kick my ass.”
“I told you I’m a daddy’s girl,” Gretchen confirmed.
“Great,” Kian muttered sarcastically.
Gretchen laughed. “They’ll love you just as much as I do.”
“I hope so,” Kian said.
He entered the barn, opened three gates, then went back to the trailer. He opened the back and calmly walked inside alongside the horses, gently rubbing their flanks as he murmured soothing words to them. One by one, he led them out of the trailer and into their stalls where he fed and watered them.
“I’m going to back the trailer out the back of the barn. Stand back,” Kian warned.
“Okay,” Gretchen replied, stepping to a safe distance.
Kian climbed back into the truck and carefully backed the trailer out of the barn through the back doors. He parked it outside, then drove the truck back inside and signaled for Gretchen to hop in. They drove around to the back of the house and parked.
As they both got out of the truck, they heard Lobo barking excitedly.
“He’s a good watchdog,” Kian commented.
“Yes, he is,” Gretchen agreed.
“That dog saved my life by leading you to me,” Kian said gratefully.
“I knew he wanted me to see something. I told your mom that I thought it better not be a dead animal.”
“It was almost a dead man,” Kian admitted.
“Don’t say that. We got to you just in time,” Gretchen reminded him.
“And I will be forever grateful for that,” Kian said sincerely.
“Me too. Now let’s go inside and relax for the evening.”
“Relax? Darlin’, I had something else in mind,” Kian teased.
“Of course, you did. Come on, cowboy.” She grinned cheekily at him. “I keep forgetting to mention how hot I think you look in your… Stetson .”
“Smartass,” he said, then she squealed with delight as he scooped her up in his arms and carried her into the house.
The next day, Kian drove them over to Gretchen’s parents’ house. He couldn’t help but feel a little nervous, but he hoped everything would go smoothly.
After parking, they walked into Gretchen’s childhood home. Kian couldn’t help but smile when he met her mother, who was a beautiful older version of Gretchen.
“Kian, these are my parents, Clara and Hugh Casteel.” Gretchen introduced them. “Mom, Dad, this is Kian Doyle.”
Her father was a robust man and shook Kian’s hand with such force that he thought his arm might come out of its socket.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you both, Mr. and Mrs. Casteel,” Kian said politely.
“Please, call us Clara and Hugh, Kian. It’s wonderful to finally meet you. You’ve made our little girl so happy,” Hugh said, smiling.
“I’m hardly a girl, Dad.”
“You’ll always be our little girl,” he said.
“Why don’t you take Kian to the living room while Gretchen and I prepare dinner?” Clara suggested.
“Sure thing, hon. Come on, Kian,” Hugh said eagerly, motioning for him to follow.
“Yes, sir,” Kian replied respectfully, glancing at Gretchen before joining her father.
“Have a seat, son,” Hugh said once they were in the living room.
“Yes, sir,” Kian repeated out of habit.
“You don’t have to call me sir. I have a feeling we’ll be seeing a lot more of each other,” Hugh teased with a raised eyebrow.
Kian couldn’t help but grin. “I hope so.”
“Me too.” Hugh chuckled.
“Mr. Casteel… I mean, Hugh, I just want you to know that I love your daughter. I want her to move in with me and then eventually marry me. I haven’t asked her yet, but I wanted to talk to you first,” Kian admitted nervously.
“I would never do anything to make my daughter unhappy, so if she wants to do that, then you have my blessing. Her mother would give hers too,” Hugh reassured him.
“Thank you. I plan on asking her soon, I just need to gather the courage first,” Kian said with a sigh.
“I’ve been there before. Most men reach that point eventually.” Hugh laughed understandingly.
Kian nodded in agreement. “I’m sure about that too.”
“How about we watch some TV and then eat? Clara made pot roast tonight,” Hugh suggested.
“That sounds great. I’m starving and I love pot roast,” Kian said gratefully.
“You tell Clara that and you’ll win her over for sure,” Hugh joked.
Kian chuckled, feeling more at ease with Gretchen’s parents. They were both wonderful people who loved their daughter just as much as he did. Now he just needed to gather the courage to ask Gretchen to take the next step in their relationship. He knew that if she said yes to moving in with him, then he would soon be asking her to marry him.