* * * *
Jackson went home to pack a bag and explain to Louis and the other men what chores needed to be done for the next few days and to be on the alert for James. Of course Hannah had been in an uproar after Ben’s phone call.
“How dare he forbid me to go into work!” Hannah yelled. Her cheeks were red from aggravation. Jackson chuckled and she glared at him. “It’s not funny, Jackson. The shelter is important to me, you know that.”
Ida patted her shoulder in sympathy. “Everyone knows that, dear, but if the sheriff thinks it’s too dangerous, then listen to him. He cares about you whether you like it or not.”
“Hmmm,” Hannah huffed but calmed down some. “Fine. I’ll make sure Amy and Richard go by and feed and water the animals. Take care of Grace and be careful, Jack,” she said, hugging her brother and kissing his cheek. “I don’t want to lose you or my future sister-in-law.”
“It will all be okay, sis. We got Grace’s cousin Billy and Ben and me,” he promised, hugging her and Ida and promising to check in regularly with updates. “Louis and the men are all on guard, just in case. And you both know how to handle a rifle. Keep the dogs inside at night, okay?”
He drove back to town, anxious to see Grace even though Billy was there with her. He wanted to catch this bastard so they could start their life without the fear of this guy harming the woman he loved. He knew Grace cared for him and with time he’d knock all those walls down and she would love him back. He felt confident in Grace returning his feelings. In such a short time she had come to mean the world to him. He now realized he had never felt love for Kelly, lust yes, affection maybe, but not love. Grace was with him in his heart and mind even if they were physically apart. He trusted her to be honorable even if she wasn’t with him, and that in itself said a lot to him.
Grace and Billy were still inside the restaurant talking when he got back. Flo was trying to get Grace to eat some soup but Grace was pacing up and down nervously and biting her nails.
Flo looked at Jackson, shaking her head in frustration. “Maybe you can convince her to put something in that stomach of hers.” She stomped off into the kitchen where Bill was making dinner for all of them. It was getting dark outside and it had been a long, emotional day for everyone. Tension and fear was high.
Jackson smiled when Grace glanced his way with relief and ran to him. He hugged her tightly, kissing her head. “Five minutes without me and you’re already causing trouble darlin’”
“She was always causing trouble and blaming me for it. You might as well know what she’s really like, Jackson.” Billy laughed noticing how Grace’s eyes lit up at the sight of the big cowboy. He regretted not being able to take leave when she went through that horrible trial but he was determined to be here for Grace now.
Grace laughed and shook her head in denial, sitting down at the table and dragging Jackson to sit next to her. “Don’t fall for it, Jackson. It was the other way around. He had that whole innocent look about him even if he wasn’t and he came up with all the worst ideas that always got us grounded.”
They chatted casually over childhood memories and Jackson fed Grace some soup until she grabbed the spoon in exasperation and finished it herself, making everyone laugh.
Once everyone was done with dinner Billy took his parents’ home, and Jackson took Grace upstairs and locked the door. He went aro
und and checked all the windows, too. He put his bag in the bedroom and sat with her on the couch holding her cold hand. “You look upset, baby. You’re safe. This asshole won’t get past all of us.”
“What if I have a nightmare and scare the crap out of you and Billy?” Grace asked with concern. “I’m too afraid to take my sleeping pill and be out of it if something does happen but with all this talk of James I might not be able to control it.”
“If I’m holding you, you’ll feel safe and won’t have a nightmare. You didn’t last night,” he reminded her and put his arms around her feeling Grace relax against him and letting out a happy sigh.
“I know I am safe with you, Jackson. I just can’t believe this is all happening just when we were so happy again.” She answered calmly. “Are Ida and Hannah safe, Jackson?”
“Yes. Louis and the men are all on alert. Hannah knows how to use the rifle, too, but I doubt James will go over there, honey.”
“I know you’re right. I guess I just worry too much.” Grace yawned. “I’m having a hard time dealing with all that’s happened in the last two days. But I am so glad I have you to lean on. I’d be a total mess without you Jackson.”
“You’ll never be without me, Grace.” He kissed her lightly on the lips.
Billy came in a few minutes later with extra food from Flo and they sat to watch a movie. Grace fell asleep before the movie was over and Jackson carried her to the bedroom and held her tightly all night so she wouldn’t have any nightmares. This James had a lot to answer for, and he’d be glad to pay him back for all the misery he had caused Grace.
The second night started out the same, very quiet, but tense as everyone waited to see if James would show up soon. Grace had spent some time on the phone talking with her mom and Hannah, too.
“I wish he’d hurry up and show his face,” Grace grumbled. “I hate the waiting. Sitting around like this is hard on my nerves. I feel like a sitting duck with a target on my forehead.”
Jackson held in his smile as he massaged her tense shoulders and kissed her grumpy face. She was even cute when she was grouchy. “I know, baby. It’s hard for me, too, and Billy looks like he’s ready to kick some ass. He’s done at least a hundred push-ups trying to show off his muscles even though there’s no one here for him to impress.”
Jackson and Billy had gotten along well once Grace made sure there was no jealousy between the two men.
Billy had been looking out the window and only saw Deputy Stan Warren patrolling outside. He closed the drapes and smirked at Jackson who was trying to comfort Grace. “I’m always ready for a good fight. I can’t wait to get my hands on this asshole. I may not have been here for you the first time around, Grace, but I am now and he’s not getting by me.”
“I know, Billy,” Grace replied. “I don’t mean to be so grouchy. My nerves are getting the best of me. I trust you all to protect me. I just want it all to be over.”
Just then the radio went on. “I hear noises behind the restaurant, sheriff. Going to investigate,” Deputy Warren radioed in from outside where he was parked in front of the café.
“On my way,” Ben radioed back. “Be on alert, Billy and Jackson. This could be it.”