Colton Cowboy Jeopardy (Coltons of Mustang Valley)

The roof sprang another leak and water dripped down, plinking on the floor close to the door. As much as she didn’t want to move from this rustic little pocket of safety, the storm had made Jarvis’s point. She didn’t yet have a viable plan that would protect her father while she exposed Regina’s infidelity. Until she had that plan, she needed a better place to hide.

“Momma will figure it out,” she soothed as Silas’s cries finally abated on a shuddering breath. “We’ll go home. We’ll be a family, just you and me.” She’d figure out a career, with or without her father’s support if necessary.

She just had to keep her son and father safe long enough to see that dream fulfilled.

* * *

Jarvis was up with the sun, grateful the rain had blown over. Less grateful for the stuffy cab of the truck and the kink in his neck. Other than the storm, there hadn’t been any trouble through the night, which gave him confidence that Mia would be all right out here today. From this vantage point, he had to work to separate her car from the rolling hills and scrubby grasses and he knew exactly where to look. He should go on to work, trusting her to stay put and stay hidden. Instead, he started the engine and drove back to the hut to check on her and Silas.

Before he was out of the truck, the cabin door opened just a smidgen as Mia confirmed it was him. Her caution only slammed home exactly how nervous she was about her situation. Then she stepped out into the morning sunshine, the baby in her arms, and he thought she was prettier than a sunrise.

“Good morning,” he said. He noticed the circles under her eyes and the tension pinching the corners of her mouth. He was almost afraid to ask, “How did it go last night?”

“The rain made your point about the accommodations,” she replied. “There are a few leaks in the roof here.”

“A few?” He stepped back and eyed the shed-style slope. “We really should just knock this thing down.” He knew he should’ve insisted on moving her yesterday. “We don’t keep up with the huts,” he said. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault I can be too stubborn for my own good,” she said, smothering a yawn. “Does the offer of moving still stand?”

The guilt in her voice, in her tired eyes, punched him in the heart. Just when he thought life had drummed out all the soft spots. “I can move you right now,” he said.

“Oh?” Her eyebrows flexed into a frown. “Don’t you need to get to work?”

“Not as much as you need reliable shelter. Come on. I’ll help you load up.”

“Jarvis, I can wait until...” Her voice trailed off, exhaustion clearly interfering with whatever she’d meant to say.

“Now is just fine, Mia. Let me help.” He closed the distance, guiding her gently back into the little hut to help her pack. She didn’t resist or give him any attitude and somehow that lack of fight worried him more.

Inside, he cringed. Signs of roof leaks were everywhere, her supplies clustered in the dry spots. The roof had apparently let in more rain than it kept out last night.

“What if you’re late to work?” she asked.

“Don’t worry about me. It’s not like I’d pin the blame on you,” he teased, rolling up the sleeping bag. “Did you get any rest last night?”

“A little.” She tucked the baby into his seat, rolling her eyes when he started to fuss.

“Is he okay?”

“Just grumpy. I think the storm was unsettling.”

“Makes sense,” Jarvis said, though he had no idea if it did or not. “There’s a shower at the bunkhouse I mentioned.” He’d make sure it was operational before he drove in. “And hot water.”

“Really?”

He smothered a laugh at the eagerness in her voice. “Really.”

“You’ll have to tell me who I owe for the utility expenses. When I’m gone, I can send money back.”

Not this again. He stood, the sleeping bag under his arm. “Let’s wait and sort it out once you’ve had some sleep.”

“Right.” She buckled the baby into his car seat and wrestled to zip the diaper bag closed. “I should only need a few more days. A couple of people owe me favors. It’s possible one of them will let my dad know what’s going on without hurting him too much.”

“There’s no rush this time of year, I promise.”

She started for her car, but he loaded up his truck instead. “If you can deal with being isolated until the end of the day, I’d rather you didn’t move your car.”

“Why? I’m not sure I’m comfortable with that,” she said. “If something happens to the baby.”