Finally Found (Doms of Destiny, Colorado 10)

“Good idea,” she said. “I can’t wait to tell her about having Ethel in my crosshairs. Next time, I won’t hesitate to pull the trigger.”

“That’s a Dixon for you,” Sean said.

“She’s my sister.” Matt smiled. “What else would you expect?”

* * * *

Carrie walked into the lobby of the Dream Hotel. It was filled with players and volunteers. The information desk was to the left of the front door. Jena and two other women were fielding questions by the participants. One of the women held a baby and the other looked like she was going to deliver one very soon.

Jena waved her over when she finished with the two young women gamers. She got up and came around the desk. “I’d hug you, but I don’t want to get paint on my clothes.”

“I don’t blame you.”

“I heard your name on the loudspeaker. You’re doing great, Carrie.”

“I’m having so much fun. I just wish I’d taken Ethel out when I had the chance.”

“You had a chance?” an attractive woman behind her asked. Wearing paintball gear, her long dark hair was pulled back in a ponytail.

“Carrie, this is Phoebe Wolfe,” Jena said. “She’s quite the player herself.”

“But I’ve never had Ethel in my sights.” Phoebe shook her hand. “Are you sure you’ve never played paintball before, Carrie?”

The two women who had been helping Jena at the information desk came up and joined them.

“Yes. I’m sure this is my first time,” she said. “I’m a total newbie.”

“And you took fourth place in that last round,” the woman with the baby said. “I’m Amber Stone.”

“I’m Carrie. Pleased to meet you.” She gazed at the little boy in Amber’s arms. “What’s his name?”

“Richard Trevor, but his dads and I call him Ricky.”

“He’s beautiful.”

Amber smiled. “Carrie, this is my sister, Belle. She’s going to have her own bundle of joy any day now.”

“This excitement may bring it on,” Belle said, smiling. “I’m ready to meet my little girl.”

“So are her brothers, I bet,” Phoebe said. “Where are Juan and Jake?”

“With all the other boys and girls over at Lover’s Beach. Juan can’t wait for the big free-for-all where all players ten and older finally get to play the real thing.”

“They have to be ten to play?” she asked.

Jena nodded. “Children under ten are only allowed to play with water pistols in their own area.”

“Amber, where do you want all the ribbons?” Another woman walked up to them, carrying a box.

“On the table,” Amber said. “Everyone, this is Grace Summers. She’s our new psychologist at the Boys Ranch.”

Grace had long, auburn hair and a warm smile. “Nice to meet you.”

The five-minute warning sounded, alerting everyone that the next round was about to start.

“It was nice meeting everyone,” she said. “Time to go find Ethel O’Leary.”

They all laughed.