by Piper Frost
“I'm hungry.” He's talking to Tommy and I almost walk away to let him handle this but I know he has to go.
“Again. Hungry again. So hungry.” I chase him toward the kitchen then stop and smile back at Tommy. “We'll be fine. I love you.” I wink.
“I love you,” he says, grabbing his keys and phone from the counter. “Text if you need anything. Got it?”
“Got it.” I walk toward him and take my kiss while Bobby's distractedly going through the cupboards. “I'll swing by with some dinner after I drop him off. What time you think you'll get out of there tonight?”
“Hell, I don't know,” he says, and Bobby immediately chimes in.
“You said hell! Hell! That's a bad word.” He points his little finger at Tommy and Tommy chuckles.
“Yeah, definitely not meant to have kids.” He laughs. “Ten, maybe later?” he answers me.
“I'll swing by after I drop him off. Miss me.” I kiss him again.
“You know I will.” He pulls away from the kiss and looks down at Bobby. “Be good for your aunt.”
I watch him head out the front door and hop on his bike, glancing back at us standing at the door and waves before heading out, leaving the two of us completely alone.
We play. Pretend. Color. Hop with the goats. Watch a movie. Then it’s time to get the little man home and though I’m exhausted, I’m sad. I eat dinner with Bo and Kinlee and conversation flows effortlessly like all is forgiven. Learning about my brother’s life since I’ve been away is a treat. This ranch has had its fair share of drama but they’re all a big happy family I couldn’t be happier to be a part of.
It's almost nine and the sun has already set before I make it to the ranch. Everything's quiet tonight and I can't shake this anxious feeling but I've had a long day and Bobby never stops. Not to mention he told his mom and dad all the bad words me and Uncle Tommy use.
I glance toward Brandt and Jo's but it looks like they're tucked in for the night. The kids are finally back in school so the days are ending earlier. I walk to the first barn but Tommy's not in there and I really hate wandering around the ranch this late. Usually it's lit up but because they're done for the day, everything’s been turned off. I follow the music toward the horse barn and as I get closer, I hear voices. I didn't bring enough food for Brandt but hopefully Jo fed him.
“...or I can leave this shithole with her.” That's not Brandt's voice and I tell myself to run. Get the hell off the ranch, but the second I hear Tommy's voice, my legs keep pulling me to the barn. Tommy's in that barn with Corey and only I can get Corey the hell out of here.
“You're not fucking touching her.” Tommy's growl is full of rage. “I will dismember your fucking body before you touch another hair on her head. You're lucky you're not fucking dead yet, asshole.”
“Corey,” I blurt, even though I want to cry and run. He turns and when I see the gun in his hand, I drop Tommy's dinner. Tommy quickly moves to get to me but Corey aims the weapon at him. “Tommy, stop!” My voice is trembling and my entire body is tense. I move slowly because Tommy keeps inching toward me and I don't want him to get shot. “Corey, let’s go somewhere and talk about this.” I can usually maintain a calm tone but not when Tommy's involved.
“You're not going anywhere with him, Affton,” Tommy blurts, taking another step toward me but not taking his eyes off Corey. “This asshole ain’t even here for you. He's here for me. Let her walk out of here, Corey. We'll settle this between the two of us.” Tommy's frantic eyes flash to me before landing back on Corey.
“As much as I'd like to put you out of your misery, I'm here for her.” Corey reaches for me but Tommy pushes me back and steps between us. “I have no problem getting you out of my way.” He raises the gun eye level and I whimper.
“Tommy, stop.” I try to push him out of the way but he holds his ground while keeping me at his back so I can't step around. “Corey, I'll go with you. Just leave everyone here alone. We'll go home.” I bite my lip because this is my home.
Corey reaches around Tommy but Tommy pushes him back. The gun is pushed against Tommy's forehead and I scream as the image of Tommy being shot almost brings me to my knees.
“Please don't,” I beg over and over. “Please, please, I'll do whatever you want.” I try to push Tommy out of the way again but he's stone.
He's glaring at Corey, fists tight at his side and jaw tense. His eyes close briefly and a sort of calmness comes over him. “Bean, you gotta get out of here,” he whispers. “I love you. And I've loved you my entire life. And no matter what happens today you need to remember that. Always, Beany.”
Corey snickers and cocks the gun, making Tommy flinch.
“Beany, you gotta go, okay? He pulls that trigger, you run. As fast as you can. Get inside that house and get Garrison's gun.”
“Shut up,” Corey spits. “Get the fuck out of my way and let me take my wife home.” Corey steps forward and the barrel shoves against Tommy's forehead, nudging him back against me.
“Tommy, move,” I whisper, not able to find my voice enough to project it. “I'm going with Corey.” I try to push his arm down that's been holding me at his back but his grip on my shirt tightens and his arm locks.
“Af.” Corey puts his other hand out and I place my shaking hand into his from behind Tommy.
“Goddammit, no!” Tommy's hands drop long enough to shove Corey back, forcing the gun to go off as Corey stumbles back from the unexpected hit. “Get the fuck out of here, Affton!” Tommy's body is tense and ready for a fight, but you can't fucking fight a bullet.
“Tommy, if you love me, you'll move,” I beg him, not wanting to fight him just to get to Corey but the only way to end this is to go with him.
Corey lets out a scream and storms toward us. He grabs Tommy by the throat and aims the gun at me. “I'll fucking kill her,” he threatens. “If she doesn't leave with me, I'll fucking kill her and you'll watch.”
Tommy releases Corey's arm and finally takes a step back. Corey grabs my wrist and yanks me toward him, making me fumble but he locks his fingers in my hair and holds me at his side.
“You're cutting this fucking hair,” he snarls at me. “If you move, I'll put a bullet in her neck,” he spits at Tommy before aiming at him and firing.
“No!” I scream, almost falling, but he's holding me up by the hair. Tommy's eyes hit mine before he collapses, holding his side. “Tommy!” I cry, trying to fight from the grip Corey has on my hair, ripping out strands but he shot him!
Corey wraps his arm around my throat and he starts dragging me toward the door. Tommy faintly says my name and I try to twist out of Corey’s grasp but I can't breathe and my legs give out. Everything's getting blurry from lack of oxygen but when another shot is fired, my stomach drops to my heart. I try to see Tommy but suddenly Corey's weight is on top of me and we're on the barn floor. I gasp in a breath until I taste blood. The only pain I feel is in my neck and head, but I'm tasting blood. Was I shot?
“Tommy!” I shriek, fighting Corey off me until strong hands grab me. “No!” I scream and start kicking and clawing.
“Affton, stop!” The deep, commanding voice makes me halt and I focus my eyes on Garrison Kenshaw.
“Tommy!” I cry and he lets me go. I turn but Brandt runs into the barn, pushing me back.
Everything's happening so quickly and I can't focus. I look around in confusion until my sight lands on Corey, dead on the barn floor, half his head is missing and I realize that was the second shot that's still ringing in my head. Garrison Kenshaw moves a shotgun out of the way and helps Brandt pick up Tommy to get him out of the barn. They leave me behind because I can't get it together. Gathering my bearings I run after them and jump into Brandt's backseat. I drop to my knees on the floor and turn to face Tommy who's laid across the seat.
“Tommy, say something,” I demand, trying not to go into shock. I place my hands over his that are bloody and holding his side.
“Fucker shot me,” he groans, barely audible,
then tries taking a ragged breath.
I drop my forehead to his shoulder and feel him turn his head and kiss the top of mine.
“Bean, why is there blood on you?” he blurts then winces. “Fuck, baby, are you shot?” He tries sitting up and groans when it proves to be more difficult than he realizes.
“Lay the fuck down, Barns,” Brandt blurts from the driver’s seat. “You were shot, you idiot.”
“Beany, were you shot? Did he hit you?” Tommy's hands are frantic on my face.
“No.” I grab his searching hands tight. “Stop before you bleed to death.” I quickly wipe away my tears. “I...it's not my blood.”
“I shot him,” Garrison says calmly from the front seat. “It's his blood. You're safe, Affton.” Garrison looks back at me and my tears come heavier so I drop my face to Tommy's chest, trying to quiet my sobs.
“I’m fine, Beany,” he rasps. “I'll be fine, please don't cry.” He brings his shaking hand to my head, smoothing down my hair and down my back slowly.
“We'll be at the hospital soon, Tommy. Just...it'll be fine. He's okay, Affton,” Brandt says but I can’t even believe his tone.
Corey’s dead. I’m safe. I’m finally fucking safe and now my happiness might be killed. Thomas Barns is the only person I want in this life but apparently I don’t deserve anything good. When the hospital staff takes away his unconscious body I scream so loud Brandt has to usher me outside the building. He can’t die. I’m finally safe. We’re safe. The haunting images of Corey’s body keep flashing in my head and I can’t stop the shaking. I’m covered in Tommy's and my ex's blood a trembling mess. When I break down again, Garrison puts his hand on my shoulder until Brandt pulls me into a hug.
“I called your brother,” he says, hugging me tight. “He'll be here soon.”
I sit up and stare at him like he's insane. Brandt Kenshaw has always been my brother's best friend, of course he called my brother.
“He's going to kill me,” I say, managing a calm voice since all this started.
“And why would you think that?” His eyebrows push together. “Your brother loves you, Affton.”
“All of this is my fault. Your dad killed a man because of me. Tommy was shot because of me. My psychotic ex came to your ranch because of me, Brandt. I shouldn't have come back here. It all could have been much worse.”
“But it wasn’t. Tommy's going to be fine. And it's not your fault all that happened. That's all on your ex. All of it. We promised to keep you safe. All of us. And he have, haven't we?” He glances at his dad. “My dad included, Affton. You're one of us. None of this is your fault and your brother knows that.”
“He was threatening my family,” Garrison says and squeezes my shoulder. “No one threatens my family.” He offers a smile but I can't imagine what legality he's going to have to go through because of me.
My brother is like the grim reaper walking through those hospital doors. People step out of his path and cower at the six foot four cowboy that’s on a mission to get to me. Even I flinch and Brandt holds me tight at his side until Bo plucks me into his arms. When I let Bo go, I wipe my face.
“I’m sorry.”
“Shut up,” he tells me, wiping at his face but there’s no evidence of tears. He walks over to Garrison and shakes his hand before they hug, slapping each other on the back.
The minute we get word that Tommy’s going to be okay, Garrison pulls me aside. “You’re safe, Affton.”
All I can do is nod.
“These boys, stubborn at times, but they’ll keep you safe. We all will.”
“Thank you.” I hug him. “For everything. Because of you, I’m alive.”
“You’re a fighter, you would have managed. I need to get on home to my wife and daughter-in-law. I’m sure they’re worried sick. Your boyfriend’s part of that ranch, I fully expect you to be too. I know you’re back around, but we haven’t seen nearly as much of you as I do the others. We’re all family. That means you.” He touches my shoulder before approaching his son.
I’m flanked by Bo and Brandt until a nurse brings us to Tommy’s room hours later.
“Are you okay?” I grip his hand tight, realizing they cleaned him up but I'm still a bloody mess.
“Never been better,” he says slowly, his eyes flying to the other two. “Y’all having a party without me even there?” The smirk on his face is a little loopy and the nurse grins.
“He's on some pain meds right now. But he's good to go home in the morning as long as someone can keep an eye on him.”
“I need a babysitter.” Tommy laughs.
“That'd be me.” I smirk.
“Great, maybe she can teach you a colorful vocabulary like she taught my son this afternoon.” Bo glares at me a minute before approaching Tommy. “I'll tell you this while you're high because you'll barely remember it. Thank you for protecting my sister. You probably saved her life by almost losing yours and I owe you.” Bo slaps Tommy on the shoulder lightly and I tighten my hand around Tommy's.
“I love your sister, man. I'd die for her. Always been that way.” He looks over at me and smiles. “I love you, Beany.”
I huff, feeling like this is a new beginning. It took seven years for me to feel like myself again. Not only myself, but a better version. The more complete version.
“I love you so much.” I push my lips to his and Bo tugs on my arm to break our kiss.
“Y'all can love on each other when you get home.”
Tommy lets out a chuckle that ends with a cough and him wincing at the pain. God, I hate this.
We spend the next two days in that hospital and I only leave his side long enough to run to the gift shop, buy a shirt, and get cleaned up in the bathroom. When he’s finally discharged, the nurse wheels him outside and in front of Bo’s truck and Tommy lets out a laugh.
“You would bring that beast for this,” he says, shaking his head. I try to help him up, but he’s determined to get himself into that truck on his own. I wince the entire time because he looks like he hurts and eventually Bo helps him up. The sweat beading on Tommy’s brow tells me it was anything but easy getting up here and I start to wonder if he was supposed to leave the hospital this early but the doctor was adamant that he’s fine to go home. He was seared together and I was given thorough instructions for cleaning. I’m happy we’re going home, but I’ll be a wreck until Tommy can move on his own. The doctor said it won’t take long at all thanks to Tommy’s good health and physical condition.
When home, I quickly shower and when I get into the bedroom, Tommy's head is bobbing but he's been fighting to stay awake.
“Hey.” I climb into the bed. “You comfortable?”
“I'd be better if I could use your tits as a pillow,” he mumbles, trying to roll from his back to his side but the wince on his face and the low growl he lets out stops him. “Still can't believe he fucking shot me,” he bitches. “I'm glad he's dead. That may sound bad. But I've never been so happy that someone's gone from this world. I'm just mad I didn't get to do it myself.”
I close my eyes and slowly shift him to lie across my chest, gently running my fingers through his hair. “I don't want to talk about it, Tommy,” I mutter. “But I'm glad you didn't do it. It's over. It's all over. I'm divorced. I'm safe.” I kiss the top of his head. “And I'm where I want to be.”
“Me too,” he hums, nuzzling his face into my boobs. “Hey, Beany?”
“Hmm?” I try to close my eyes but everything keeps replaying in my head so I hold him closer, trying not to think about what could have happened.
“I want to be able to call you my wife,” he whispers.
My fingers freeze and my body goes stiff. “Are you just saying that because you're high?” I quietly ask.
“No.” He chuckles, then coughs and groans. “I've wanted to be able to call you that since we were younger. I stayed away from trying to be in relationships because I just wanted you,” he whispers.
“Well here we are. Long term.” I
can't stop my smile. “And I'd be honored to be your wife.” I carefully move him so I can look into his face. “If you're asking me to marry you.”
“I'd get down on a knee...and have a ring...but I’m real comfortable right now and something tells me you'd want to design your own ring.” He nuzzles my boobs again and I laugh.
“I'll tattoo yours, you tattoo mine.” I grin when I feel him go still.
“Really?” He lifts his head and his jaw clenches because I'm sure moving that fast didn't feel good. “You'd do that? For us?”
“I'd do a lot for us.” I chuckle and kiss his head. “We've been through a lot of shit and I wouldn't be here right now if it weren't for you. There isn't anything I wouldn't do for us.”
I limp toward the table with my beer in my hand and take my seat. It took me well over a week to be able to stand up straight. I'm still convinced the hospital shouldn't have sent me home as fast as they did, but my insurance company sure is happy for my short visit. I, on the other hand, scared poor Beany half to death when we woke up to blood covered sheets. Apparently snuggling your fiancé’s boobs is on the list of things not to do right after you've been shot in the side.
I went back to work at the ranch this week. That place was crawling with investigators right after the incident, but the minute they had all of our statements it was pretty easy to see that what Garrison did was in pure self-defense. My having the bullet wound from that fucker's gun helped our case, and for once I was glad that I could take one for the team.
I know Affton feels better now that the threat of Corey is gone. So much so that she's currently sitting in our back yard, interviewing with a company that's wanted her since they met her through Trenton. I glare at the men sitting outside with my fiancé and take a long drink of beer. They've been out there, probably trying to pull her out of the country, for at least an hour. They apparently own Cultured Relief, some up and coming hot shot design agency and they want my girl. I know she's torn because that means she'd have to move, but she wanted them to come here. To talk about details.