37. Chapter 37
Chapter 37
Sutton
I ’ve never been more prepared to end someone’s life than I was tonight.
The dentist’s office is visible at the turn onto Main Street from the county road. Even in the dark, Maci’s yellow ballooned costume caught my attention.
The night Sammi was admitted to the hospital was the hardest night of my life. My baby sister was in danger and there wasn’t a single thing I could do to help her or my sweet niece. I had to standby and trust the doctors and team assembled to help them. I had to lie to Mama, telling her everything was going to be okay, even though I had no idea if that was true. I saw Dad cry for the first time in my life. It gutted me.
Following that, I assumed I could handle anything. Losing a parent is expected. It’s going to hurt like hell when it happens. But the fear of losing my baby sister unlocked a different set of emotions in me, and once all was well, I was convinced they were locked right back up again.
Pulling up on Maci fighting with Colt tonight exposed an entirely different set of emotions.
After seeing her at lunch, helping with the Jeep, everything that could have gone wrong this afternoon did. The culmination of which was two springing heifers calving today. Unfortunately, this resulted in having to help deliver one after the heifer became stressed. So heading into town, I was already on edge with the events of the afternoon coupled with running late.
I’m pissed I let Maci down. In multiple ways. I’m livid Colt had his hands on her. And I’m worried.
Colt approached Maci with a group around. He’s clearly off his rocker. That fucker is lucky he got away before I got my hands on him.
Despite the short time we’ve known each other, Maci is incredibly important to me. I can’t imagine life without her in it. The idea of some scumbag doing something to jeopardize that causes too many things to swirl around inside me.
So I don’t loosen my grip on her as her body shakes with laughter pressed against my chest. The balloons of her costume squeak in protest between us, but her grip on me is snug and I’m not budging.
Two days without her was unbearable. Even worse than previous weeks. The possibility of more is killing me bit by bit.
I tell Maci none of what’s going on in my head. I wait for her to calm and release me willingly.
“I called dispatch. County’s on the way.” Nick returns from moving the truck.
“County?” Maci leans back to look up at him.
“Sheriff’s office. City limit’s there.” He points to a parking lot up the road.
“You need to file a restraining order, Maci.” Izzy squeezes closer.
I agree with the sentiment, keeping the idea that it may do nothing to deter him to myself. Tonight, she’s coming home with me, and I’m going to keep her at the ranch as long and often as possible. Still, I know she’ll have to be away and out of my sight at some point. For starters, when she heads back to Austin .
Any time away from her is too long at this point. Having her out of my sight if Colt is on the loose sets me on edge.