Chapter Two
CHAPTER TWO
D inner at the Boudreau family table was a definite eye opener. The large table in the formal dining room could seat twelve easily, more when the need arose. Tonight, Rafe and Tessa were there, along with Dean and Destiny, Ms. Patti, and Douglas. Jack was glad he somehow rated an invite to the family dinner.
Dinner had been excellent, but then he hadn’t expected anything less from Ms. Patti and the other ladies. They’d been gathered in the kitchen when he’d arrived, and he had the feeling they were waiting for him, because as soon as he got there, they’d started loading the table with a huge array of food. There’d been pan-seared pork chops with stuffing, homemade applesauce, a corn pudding that he couldn’t get enough of, asparagus, homemade biscuits, and gravy. The kind of cooking he’d grown up with at home before his mom had gotten sick.
“Great meal, as usual, love.” Douglas smiled at the blush that spread across Ms. Patti’s cheeks. It was a sight Jack hadn’t expected, the indomitable Patricia Boudreau blushing at a compliment from her husband. When he caught Douglas’ gaze, the other man nodded his head, as if he understood his confusion. Pretty much everyone he knew looked at Ms. Patti as the strength and backbone of the Boudreau clan. Somehow, they occasionally forgot that she was a woman who adored her husband.
“I concur, ma’am. Wonderful meal and I appreciate the invite.”
“You’re quite welcome,” she said, standing and beginning to gather the dirty dishes. “Why don’t y’all head into the living room and we’ll get the dessert ready. We’re having banana pudding with homemade whipped cream.”
Though he’d eaten until he was stuffed, Jack felt his mouth watering. How had she known banana pudding was his favorite? He usually refrained because he needed to keep in shape for his job. Tonight, he wasn’t about to bypass the sweet treat. Not if Ms. Patti had made it.
In the living room, the conversation was mostly casual, as it had been throughout dinner. Small talk about things happening around Shiloh Springs, just general gossip. While he’d grown fond of the small town, he wasn’t a part of it. Then again, he wasn’t a part of anywhere really. A lonely one-bedroom apartment in Austin, where he laid his head when he was in the city. Since he was single, he mostly traveled for jobs where a ranger’s expertise was needed. He didn’t mind; it kept him busy and his mind occupied. Otherwise, he found himself thinking about a pretty redhead he had no business thinking about.
When a bowl of banana pudding landed in his hands, he looked up into the gaze of Ms. Patti. A secretive smile on her lips made him cautious, almost suspicious. She looked like she had a secret, one she wanted to share with him, and yet he had the feeling she held back for her own reasons. Maybe she’d share later.
Digging into the pudding, he nearly moaned at the sweet goodness, and he practically inhaled the thing, barely refraining from asking for seconds. He wondered if anybody would notice if he licked the bowl. Instead, he leaned against the sofa’s back, listening to the banal conversations, until he heard Salem’s name.
“Salem called me this afternoon.” Ms. Patti moved across the living room to perch on the arm of her husband’s chair.
“How’s she doing?” Douglas reached over and grabbed his wife’s hand. Jack heard the affection in his words.
“She’s on her way here.” Was it his imagination or did Ms. Patti look straight at him when she answered Douglas’ question? “Looks like Tarik’s family is giving her grief. They’re threatening to take Chloe away from her.”
Douglas sat a little straighter, asking, “Can they do that? She’s Chloe’s mother.”
“I don’t know all the ins and outs of international law. Here in the U.S., she’d have no problem keeping custody of her daughter, especially with all the witnesses who heard him threatened her before Chloe’s birth. But how the law works in Dubai? I don’t know, which worries me. Anyway, she’s going to talk with Chance when she gets here.” Ms. Patti touched her husband’s hand, the sign of comfort making Jack’s chest ache at the love between the two older Boudreaus.
All the warm feelings Jack had felt throughout the intimate family dinner disappeared, replaced by anger. How dare that monster’s family think they could take Salem’s child away? She’d been through hell at the hands of the baby’s father, until she’d managed to escape his clutches, running halfway across the globe to get away from his narcissistic abuse, both emotional and physical.
“Chance will get her answers.” Douglas’ deep voice resonated with conviction. “If he can’t help her himself, he’ll point her in the direction of someone who can.”
“Momma, you told her to come here, didn’t you?” Rafe’s voice held an indulgent yet teasing note, the corners of his lips turning upward. “Can’t resist helping the helpless, can you?”
“Be quiet, you rapscallion. You’d have done the exact same thing.”
“Yep,” he replied, chuckling.
“Ms. Patti, is there anything I can do to help? Unofficially, I’ve got connections through the Texas Rangers. Might be able to rattle a few trees in Waco,” Jack offered.
“Such a good boy.” Ms. Patti’s sweet smile helped quell the raging inferno inside his chest. The thought of anybody hurting Salem made him want to crush anyone who tried. “Let’s see what Chance can figure out first. Maybe you can coordinate with him, see what he needs.”
“Be happy to.”
Before he could say anything else, the sound of a car pulling up onto the gravel drive in front of the Big House could be heard. She was here. Salem had arrived, and he sprang to his feet, ready to race outside and sweep her up into his arms, protect her from all adversity.
Rafe grabbed his arm, shaking his head. Drawing in a deep breath, he nodded to his friend. He watched Ms. Patti head toward the front door and allowed the anticipation of seeing Salem again flood through him.
He’d keep her safe, no matter what it took. Starting tonight, he swore to be her savior. Her white knight. The one who’d protect her from everything and everyone. Hopefully, she’d let him.
Salem released a soft sigh as she put the car into park in front of the sprawling Boudreau homestead. Glancing over her shoulder, she paused at the sight of Chloe sleeping peacefully in her carrier, secure in the back seat. Because she had a new tooth coming in, she’d been fussy, finally settling down as the quiet purr of the engine and the vibration of the car silenced her tears and lulled her to sleep.
It felt like she’d been driving for hours, ever since she’d talked to Ms. Patti. For the most part, the drive had been uneventful, only running into a traffic snarl in a suburb of Houston, right outside a place called Sugar Land. How could a place with such a sweet name have some of the messiest traffic disasters she’d seen in years?
None of that mattered though, because she was finally here. Chloe was safe. Tarik’s family wasn’t in the United States. She knew that because Samuel Carpenter had alerts in place, ones which notified him the minute any member of the Amir family left their conclave in the U.A.E. He had the resources, money, and the connections to make it happen, as the owner of Carpenter Security Services.
Gator Boudreau, Gabi’s dad, hadn’t been home when she called, so she’d left a message asking him to get in touch when he could. She’d known him almost as long as she’d known Gabi. Even so, it felt weird to call him about her problem, though she knew he wouldn’t hesitate to help. The larger-than-life man was a mystery, even though he was her best friend’s father. Gator was an enigma, appearing and disappearing for days, sometimes weeks at a time, throughout their childhood. When they’d been younger, she and Gabi made up all kinds of stories about him and the adventures their imaginations sent him on. Always popping in and out of New Orleans, they’d spent hours picturing him in exotic locales, surrounded by beautiful women, starring in exciting adventures like their very own real-life version of Indiana Jones. One of her favorite stories had been turning Gator into James Bond, where she and Gabi had been his faithful partners in espionage. How ironic she’d found out recently that Gator had actually worked undercover for the government, though it had never been officially confirmed. The man was an honest-to-God CIA spook. Guess that might explain his nickname around New Orleans—Mr. Fix It.
Climbing from the car, she walked around and opened the back door, reaching in to unbuckle Chloe. Behind her, she heard the front door opening, and footsteps coming down the front porch. Turning her head, she smiled when she spotted Ms. Patti hurrying toward her.
“Good, you’re here. How’s my little angel?”
Salem grinned. While she always said Chloe was a perfect little angel, right now she was going through a phase with her teething and crying where she seemed anything but. Yet looking at her sleeping after their long drive, all tuckered out, she looked peaceful and content. Exactly the opposite of how Salem felt. Her nerves were a jumbled mess, anxiety through the roof, ever since she’d gotten the papers from Tarik’s family.
“She’s wonderful, of course. But I’ll warn you now, she’s teething, so expect bouts of screaming and crying at the drop of a hat. Poor little sprite is miserable.”
Ms. Patti reached forward and took the baby carrier out of Salem’s arms, making delightful cooing noises. It was so sweet to see her favorite person so enamored of Chloe. “You come inside; I’ll send Douglas out to get your stuff. We’re just finishing up supper. Can I fix you a plate?”
“Thanks, but no. I grabbed a sandwich about an hour ago when I stopped to feed Chloe.”
“If you change your mind, there’s plenty left. And banana pudding if you’re wanting something sweet.”
If she wasn’t wracked with anxiety, she might have taken Ms. Patti up on her offer. She loved the woman’s banana pudding. But right now, keeping anything on her stomach was iffy. The burger earlier—yeah, she’d managed about three bites before tossing it into the trash.
“Maybe later. Right now, I just want to talk with Chance, see what we can do to make sure Tarik’s family can’t take Chloe away from me.”
“Go on through into the living room. Douglas is there. Rafe and Jack too. Chance wanted me to call as soon as you got here.”
“I can’t tell you how much—”
“Stop that nonsense right now. You’re Gabi’s best friend and you’re family. In case you’ve forgotten, we take care of family around here.”
Salem took a deep breath, probably the first one she’d taken since leaving Louisiana. Truth was, she’d almost forgotten how fiercely loyal Ms. Patti was to her family, almost none of which were blood relations. All of her boys were former foster kids, taken in by her and Douglas. Troubled, angry, and miserable, the boys who came to live with the Boudreaus were some of the finest men she’d ever met.
“After everything that happened last year, all the horrible things Tarik put me through, the one good thing was meeting you and Douglas. And I’m happy to be considered part of your family. Chloe’s got my mom and dad, but she’ll always need her extra grandparents.”
A huge smile lit Ms. Patti’s face at her words, letting Salem know she’d said the right thing. It was true, she thought of the Boudreaus as surrogate grandparents for little Chloe. Heaven forbid anything happened, but she felt secure in knowing Chloe would have people in her corner, fighting for her.
“Get on inside, honey. We’ll get everything straightened out in no time. Nobody is taking my honorary granddaughter anywhere. You’re both safe here, I promise.”
Shooting a final look at Ms. Patti, Salem climbed the steps and walked into the Big House. The Boudreau homestead was exactly how she remembered—big, warm, and inviting. It didn’t take her but a second to notice the three men who stood the moment she walked into view.
Douglas was by her side in an instant, his arms wrapped around her, and she immediately laid her head against his shoulder. The man was built like a mountain, tall and broad-shouldered, yet for all his girth, he was gentle.
“How are you doing, little bit?”
“Better now that I’m here. I tried getting hold of Gator, but he wasn’t answering his phone when I left New Orleans.”
“I talked to him about an hour ago. He’s going to keep an eye on your place and let us know if anybody comes snooping around.”
“That’s good.”
“He’s gonna have his boys do a little checking around too. They know everybody in New Orleans. I swear they’re just like their daddy, gotta have their noses all up in people’s business. But in this instance, that’s a good thing, because they’ll know right away if any strangers show up in your neighborhood.”
Salem smiled softly and stared into Douglas’ eyes. “You Boudreaus are definitely something else. I’ve never met a family who cares so much about helping others. You helped me when I needed it most, and here I am, asking you to do it again.”
“There’s no question we’re going to help you, Salem.” Rafe’s deep voice came from beside her, and he placed a warm hand on her shoulder. “Nobody’s going to take Chloe away from you. You’re her mother. That’s what matters.”
She drew in a shuddering breath, before pulling out of Douglas’ arms. “I wish Tarik’s family understood that. How can they want to take her away from me? Take her away from everything and everyone that she knows?”
“I don’t know. Maybe they’re grieving and have finally realized that Chloe is all they have left of their son. Could be they want to be part of her life, and it’s not as bad as we’re thinking. Let’s give Chance a little time to figure out why the Amir family wants to gain sole custody of Chloe.”
She nodded, hearing Rafe’s words and knowing he meant well, but deep in her gut she knew Tarik’s family didn’t desire Chloe simply because she was his daughter. There was more to it. If they wanted to be a part of Chloe’s life, why had they waited almost a year before even contacting her? They’d never asked for any kind of visitation. Never tried to come and see her. There had to be more to them suddenly coming around, with legal demands to take away her child.
“Sweetheart, can you grab Salem’s bag out of the trunk? I’ve got things set up in the blue bedroom, the same one she had last time she was here.” Ms. Patti held Chloe against her chest, rocking her gently. Salem noted the gentle swaying motion seemed to agree with her previously cranky daughter, because she was sleeping like a proverbial angel. Between the teething pain and somehow feeling her mother’s anger and confusion, Chloe hadn’t been her normal, peaceful self for most of the trip from New Orleans to Shiloh Springs. Watching Ms. Patti holding her baby, the sense of relief flooding Salem almost buckled her knees, and she grabbed onto the stair’s bannister. What a topsy-turvy day it had been, and it wasn’t over yet.
“I called Chance and let him know that you’d gotten here safe. If it’s not too late, and you’re not tired, he’d like to come over and talk with you for a bit. He’s got some questions.”
“Of course, Ms. Patti. I’m too wound up to sleep right now anyway.”
“Good, because he’s on his way,” Salem that neither the Boudreau matriarch nor her son would have taken no for an answer anyway. Still, she was glad Chance was coming because she was a nervous wreck. Not knowing what was happening, what the chances were of Tarik’s family taking Chloe away ate away at her insecurities, and she had a lot of those. Tarik had managed through bullying and intimidation to steal all her self-confidence, all her pride, leaving her an introverted mess who didn’t know where to turn for help.
Except now she had someone to turn to. The Boudreaus. She already knew she was going to get an earful when she finally connected with Gabi. Her best friend who’d helped her hide from Tarik when she’d finally managed to escape from the monster. Gabi hadn’t once said I told you so , though she had every right to, because her instincts had been spot on when it came to Tarik. When she’d first started dating him, Gabi’s radar had picked up something off about the charming man, and she’d warned Salem to go slow, not to put too much stock in the romantic overtures Tarik made. But Salem had stars in her eyes, and between the romantic fantasy of being in Italy and being swept off her feet by a rich, handsome stranger, she refused to see the ugliness filling Tarik’s soul—not until it was too late.
“If Chance is coming, I should probably get Chloe changed and settled.”
Ms. Patti shook her head, and made a shooing motion with one hand, keeping Chloe snuggled against her chest. “Nonsense. I’ll get her diaper changed and if she wakes up, I’ll give her a bottle. You head on to your room and freshen up. I’m sure you’d like to splash some cool water on your cheeks and take a deep breath.” She walked over and gave Salem a one-armed hug. “Everything is going to be alright, I promise.”
Salem couldn’t stop the tears snaking down her cheeks as reality set in. She’d thought her life nearly ruined before, but if Tarik’s family succeeded in taking away the one good thing in her life? The thought drew a shroud of darkness around her, like a cloak of evil. It almost felt like Tarik was standing behind her, smiling that horrific smile he did before he started beating her. She shuddered, the memory sweeping over her until she felt nausea rise to the back of her throat.
“I think you’re right, Ms. Patti. If you don’t mind watching Chloe for a few minutes, I’ll just do a quick refresh. Be right back.”
Turning, she quickly took the stairs up to the second floor, heading for the blue bedroom. Douglas was coming out of the door, and she guessed he’d left her suitcase and Chloe’s diaper bag inside. She drew up short at the scowl on his face. It was almost savage in its fierceness, a look she’d never seen on him the entire time she’d known him. Douglas Boudreau was the sweetest, kindest man she’d ever met, always gentle and soft-spoken whenever she’d been around him. The man before her resembled a Viking set on destroying his enemies with one swing of his broad axe, a berserker bent on pillaging and chaos.
He gently gripped her upper arms between his large, callused hands, the expression on his grizzled face morphing to one of compassion and concern. There was the man she’d come to know in the past year, the one who’d given her shelter, a place to hide away from Tarik and his family. Until he’d managed to hunt her down prior to Chloe’s birth, determined to take her and their unborn baby back to Dubai at any cost. The thought that he might have gotten away with it, with spiriting them halfway around the world, always stole her breath away.
“You okay, honey?”
“I will be. Honestly, I’m more scared for Chloe than for me. She’s an innocent in all this. I have to do everything in my power to keep her safe.”
“Well, that’s something you don’t need to worry about here. This ranch has state-of-the-art, twenty-four-hour security, including camera feeds. Dane and Destiny made sure nobody could come onto this property without an alert going off. With you and Chloe here, any infringement will bring everybody running.”
“Douglas, I know I’ve thanked your wife, but I need you to know—”
“Don’t need to say another word, Salem. You and Chloe are part of this family now. We don’t cotton much to DNA and blood lines around here, as you know. We are pretty much a mixed bag when it comes to being a part of our ever-growing clan, and you and Chloe, well, you belong here.”
Salem felt the tears burning behind her lids, and she fought them back. Sure, she had her own biological family, and she loved them, but after her involvement with Tarik, a gulf had grown between them. They spoke once or twice a month, but her parents had disapproved of her relationship with a foreign man, one who’d refused to even travel to the States to meet them. When Salem had finally come home after Tarik’s death, they’d been happy to see her, but things had never gone back to the way they were before, even after Chloe’s birth. She was still close to her brother; unfortunately, he wasn’t around much, being in the military. Yet somehow, in the midst of all the madness and potential violence, she’d found another family who’d accepted her into their clan without question, simply opening their arms and their hearts to a stranger in need, simply because one of their own asked.
“Thank you. Have I mentioned yet how happy I am to see you?”
A tender smile touched Douglas’ lips, making him look years younger, and Salem could see why Ms. Patti had fallen in love with the man. “I’m happy you’re here too. I put your things at the foot of the bed. I’d better get downstairs before my wife forgets there’s anybody else in the house except for that sweet baby of yours.” He patted her back gently. “Everything’s going to be alright, Salem. We’ll figure out what the Amirs are up to and make things right. Don’t you worry.”
Turning, she watched him walk down the hall and downstairs. With a soft sigh, she walked into the blue bedroom, its familiar scent making her smile. Ms. Patti kept a bowl of sweet potpourri in a little bowl on the nightstand beside the bed, the scents of lavender and vanilla filling the room. Walking over, she perched on the edge of the bed, letting her head drop forward.
Numb. Right now, all she felt was numb. Everything from the day had bombarded her with emotion upon emotion, until it felt like she’d been on a roller-coaster for hours, alternating highs and lows, excitement, and dread. Now that she was here, on a stable playing field, she felt—nothing. And feeling nothing was better than the fear that had eaten away at her for the past year. Because deep down, she’d known she was living on borrowed time, known that Tarik’s family would rise up like a phoenix, ready to devour her entire world in flames.
And Chloe was her whole world, her reason for getting up in the morning, and she’d be damned if she’d allow that monster’s family to steal away her child. Not without a fight—even if it meant she had to fight dirty.