“But not to his bedroom, right,” Remy said firmly, “because that’s a terrible idea.”
“Totally terrible,” Kinsley stated, though she wasn’t sure if she was fooling herself.
A frown tugged on Remy’s mouth. “You don’t sound convincing.”
Kinsley kept quiet and strode forward. She couldn’t make that promise about not going back to Rhett’s bed, because she knew she couldn’t keep it. All she had to do was not expect things he couldn’t give. Easy.
“Kinsley,” Remy called after her. “Might I remind you that sex with Rhett is what got you pregnant?”
“You’re pregnant with Rhett’s child?”
Shit. Remy cringed and gave a look full of apology. Kinsley slowly glanced over her shoulder at the other thing Stoney Creek did well. Gossip. And Mary Jane Abbott, who was all purple curls, warmth, and a mother to everyone in town, was a top-notch gossiper. “I am, and yup, Rhett’s the daddy,” Kinsley said. The news had to get out sooner or later.
“Oh, what fabulous news. I had no idea you were dating,” Mary Jane said, eyes twinkling. She had a full basket of food in her hands. “Is there a wedding in the future?”
“No wedding. We aren’t dating.” Kinsley leaned in and nudged Mary Jane’s arm. “Those bad boys are trouble, aren’t they?”
Mary Jane’s eyes went huge. Big enough that Kinsley laughed.
Remy laughed nervously, glancing between them.
Still smiling, Kinsley moved away, overhearing Remy mutter a goodbye and quickly following behind.
“You do realize what you just did, right?” Remy asked when she caught up to Kinsley.
“I know exactly what I did,” Kinsley replied, reaching for the bag of croutons on the shelf. “You’re right—I can’t do things the way I used to do them. I can’t love all over Rhett and hope he sees me standing there wanting him. I can’t be blind to just how risky this is with him. I can’t keep this all quiet and somehow hope it works out. I’ve got to handle this all differently. I’ve got to step up myself and take control of this. Now everyone will know the truth. Now we can all move forward.” And with that came a plan. One that put her back in control of her life with her chin held high.
Remy blinked. “I don’t even know who you are anymore. Look at you being all sensible and honest with your feelings.”
Yeah, Rhett wasn’t the only one who was emotionally closed off. That was Mom’s going-away present that had stayed with Kinsley ever since she’d left. “I’ve got seven months and some change to get my life stable for this baby, which includes figuring all this out with Rhett. And I get one shot at being a good mom. I’m not going to mess that up on some guy with major commitment issues.”
“Good. There’s my girl. Just had to make sure she was in there,” Remy said, giving her a beaming smile and sliding her arm through Kinsley’s. “Luckily for you, I’ve got some of the best herbs and salves to make sure that happens.”
Kinsley’s stomach churned. It was going to be a long seven months.
* * *
At eleven minutes after seven, Rhett finally pulled into his driveway and the large spotlight on the side of the house turned on as he drove by. Large snowflakes danced in the beams of his headlights. He’d dropped Asher off at home, and Remy caught him at their place and sprayed him a couple more times with whatever flowery-scented shit she thought he needed. He stank even worse than this afternoon. Then he made another quick stop before finally calling it a day. When he pulled into his driveway, he spotted Hank’s silver Ford truck. He parked next to it then got out, unsurprised when Hank exited his house. Hank had been a second father to Rhett growing up. And after his parents moved away, he’d become the only family Rhett had. Rhett knew this talk had been coming since last night.
Heaviness sank into Rhett’s chest when Hank met him halfway, stopping beneath the spotlight. “How did the meeting with King go?” Hank asked, his tone not the commanding chief of police voice he used in the station. This one was warmer, more personal. The one Rhett had heard many times over the years when he, Boone, Asher, and Kinsley got into trouble.
Rhett snorted, crossing his arms and leaning against Hank’s truck. “Did Asher tell you we were going?”
“It didn’t take much to know you’d go there.” Hank’s eyebrow winged up. “And?”
“I doubt King’s involved. I got very little off him, but a mild amusement that we thought it was him.”
“I’d say it’s good it’s not King, but I’d almost rather it was so at least we’d know who we’re dealing with.” Hank rubbed the back of his neck, glancing down to
his worn black boots. “It’s such an odd situation,” he finally said, looking up. “To trash her place, and not rob her. It just doesn’t add up.”
Rhett nodded, feeling the same frustrations burn through his blood. “We’ll start with fresh eyes in the morning. We’ve got calls into Whitby Falls. Hopefully, we’ll also have some evidence by then to go on. There’s a reason she was targeted. I’ll find out what it is and who’s behind it.”
“I’ve got no doubt that’s very much true,” Hank said, then he hesitated, his intense eyes boring deeply into Rhett’s. “Listen, it isn’t my place to stick my nose into your and Kinsley’s business, but for my own peace of mind, do I have anything to worry about here?”
Rhett remained quiet for a long moment. The answer wasn’t so easy, and he wouldn’t make false promises. He respected Hank, as much as he did his own father. “I’ll protect her,” he finally said. “I’ll keep them both safe.” That he knew how to do. “As for the rest…”
Hank chuckled. “I’m sure Kinsley will tell you how she wants the rest to go.” His smile faded and he gave Rhett a long regard. “She’s been through a lot,” he said with heavy regret. “With her mother, as you know.” He paused and then gave him a firm nod. “Protecting her, keeping them both safe, that’s all I can ask from you.” He took a step forward and cupped Rhett’s shoulder. “You do that, Rhett, and we’ll be just fine. Got it?”