Chapter 14 Twists And Turns #2
Charlie put on a huge cheesy grin. “See, Dad. Ella likes the beagle doggy. Wouldn’t it be neat to show her one in real life?”
Nash laughed. “Subtle as a tank, buddy.”
Charlie nodded. “Is it working?”
Nash chuckled and squeezed Charlie into a hug, and then tickled his ribs making them both laugh.
The boy didn’t pester again, but Olivia was sure he didn’t have to. Nash would do absolutely anything for his son.
She figured it wouldn’t be long before there was another oggie at the farm.
When Charlie took Ella Mae down from her booster chair and led her to the side of the Saloon’s room to play with Boomer, Nash leaned forward and caught Olivia’s eye. “Okay to share?”
She caught her breath and worry filled her eyes. It took a couple of heartbeats, but finally, she nodded.
Good. She trusted him to relay the information without giving away her secrets.
Gray and Garrett, aka Scooby to his army team, went on instant alert. Kimi and Amber frowned and leaned in. “What’s wrong?”
Olivia gave Nash another nod and looked down at her hands. Nash shifted the booster seat and moved into the seat vacated by Ella to set his hand over Olivia’s. “We’re worried about a man from Olivia’s past. He’s a jerk with a potential obsessive interest in either Ella or Olivia or both.”
Olivia sighed. “I thought I saw him when we were in New York. It wasn’t him, but my reaction alerted Charlie. Now, it seems smart to let in everyone in case he somehow finds me here. I don’t want him to hurt anyone.”
Garrett frowned. “He doesn’t know where you are?”
Nash shook his head. “No. At least we don’t think so, but we all know it’s possible to find almost anything on the internet if you’re determined enough, and you have enough money to pay for that information.”
Olivia checked on the kids, eyes full of worry. “Nash stopped at the DMV and updated his license plates to Vermont ones.”
Gray grinned. “So, if the guy saw you in the truck, he saw Florida plates. That’ll help. Is there any reason he might think you’re in Vermont?”
Nash shook his head. “I don’t think so.”
Garrett’s frown deepened. “I don’t know enough about the cyber end of things. Troy would be your man there. And some of the Midnight Lake people. Some of the men are former FBI, and a couple of the ladies know more about computers than anyone I’ve ever met. Have you been out there yet?”
He shook his head. “No, but it sounds like we should go out to meet them.”
Kimi nodded. “You’d have a great time out there. And so would the kids, although it’s a two-mile hike in from the road. Tansy has the place completely off-grid and there’s a ton of security there. They also run Midnight Security and are very willing to help friends.”
Olivia frowned. “But, we’re not friends.”
Garrett laughed. “You’re our friends which means you’re their friends as well. How about we set something up for tomorrow or the next day? Might as well get ahead of things. It sounds like this creep doesn’t have an easy way to find you. I’m guessing the farm is listed under the Malssum name?”
Nash nodded. “Neither of us has any paperwork linking us to Vermont or the farm.”
“Good. We’ve got resources in the area to help. Does anyone else know about all this?”
Under his hand, Olivia trembled, and he squeezed. “Not yet.”
She sighed heavily. “I was hoping to fly under the radar. I don’t want to bring danger to anyone here. Maybe I should just take Ella and leave.”
Despair shot through him, and he couldn’t stop his protest. “No. Absolutely not. We’ll figure this out and ensure the two of you are safe. You don’t need to leave.”
Her big, brown eyes filled with tears as she studied him, then she finally nodded. “Okay. But if Adam arrives here, I’ll go.”
Nash pulled her in for a hug. “We’ll figure it out.” And there was no way in hell she was leaving on her own. But he didn’t say that part out loud.
Always intuitive, Charlie appeared at the table, Ella’s hand in his. “Is everything okay? Did that guy find out where Olivia is?”
Nash pulled him into a side-armed hug. “Everything’s fine. We were just letting these four in on what’s going on.”
Charlie nodded. “Good. You should tell everyone else at the farm, too, Olivia. They’ll want to help.”
Her eyes widened and he watched her swallow hard. “Thanks, Charlie. I guess I probably should.”
Nash knew she didn’t want to, but he also knew she’d do anything for Ella. If letting their friends in on the past would help, she’d do it.
He also hoped she wanted to stay for him and Charlie. Which wasn’t entirely true. He wanted her to stay for him. He wanted her feelings to be as strong and as powerful as his own.
When they pulled onto the farm’s property, the sun had set, and evening made the place magical. Home. It had become home to him in a short time.
As if echoing his thoughts, Charlie grinned. “We’re home, Ella. Isn’t it good to be home?”
His son was right, and Nash was going to fight like hell to ensure this home stayed safe and was the perfect place for him and Olivia to explore what was between them.
Amber and Gray popped out of their own vehicle and helped carry all the bags inside. Gray gestured at the truck bed. “What’s under the tarps?”
Charlie laughed. “Christmas presents. No peeking.”
Gray laughed and poked Charlie’s shoulder. “Does that go for you as well?”
Charlie made a face. “Yep. It’s going to drive me nuts not knowing what’s in there.”
After they’d brought their bags inside, Ford and Gray helped Nash offload the covered presents into the barn. Ford studied Nash. “Something’s wrong. Care to share?”
Nash nodded. “Yeah. Someone from Olivia’s past is a potential problem. I’m hoping to talk with everyone tonight. I’m not sure how much she’s willing to share, but I want to make sure she’s safe.”
Ford’s eyes and body hardened. “You know we all have your back. And hers. And that sweet little peanut. After the kids are in bed?”
Nash nodded.
Ford slugged his shoulder. “I’ll take care of letting everyone know.”
And that was the power of friendship.
Since Olivia had lost Mary Mae and Liam, she hadn’t had that. But she did now. Even if she didn’t know it.