As Tyler knelt by the creek, talking to the toad before letting it go, Boone took Willow’s hand, drawing her several feet away. Turning her toward him, he searched her face.
“You’re still coming to the meeting with me tonight, aren’t you?”
She nodded, although he saw no spark of enthusiasm in her expression. “Carly’s looking forward to seeing Tyler, and I know my parents are excited to have him over.”
“I don’t care about how they feel about tonight. I want to know if you’re still good going with me.”
Drawing in a breath, she swallowed her doubts about spending time with him. She knew old fears from the past were burrowing their way into her mind, creating uncertainty about moving forward with Boone. If only she could forget the past and not allow it to control her future.
Lifting her chin, she nodded. “Yes, I’m good going with you.”
Reaching out, he stroked a finger down her cheek, cupping her chin. “What happened in the past, the other people I dated, means nothing to me now. The only woman I want in my life is you, Willow, and I’ll wait as long as needed to prove it to you.” Bending down, he kissed her, drawing away when he heard Tyler approach.
“All done. He can go home to his family now.”
Smiling at Willow, he moved away, ruffling Tyler’s hair, realizing how long it had gotten. “You know, it’s about time I called Ashley and got us both in for haircuts.”
Scrunching up his nose, Tyler shook his head. “Do we have to?”
“Afraid so. No one will recognize you if we let it get much longer.”
As Willow listened to the two of them, her tension began to slip away. She needed time to sort her feelings, decide if she could forget the past and create a life with the man she’d loved for years. Boone would give her time, and right now, she’d take as much as he’d give.
Chapter Eleven
Opening Willow’s door, Boone took her hand to help her out, not releasing it as they entered the county building where the meeting would be held. Spotting Del at the front, Boone walked toward him, still not releasing her hand. It was the first public display of how he felt about her, exciting her while emphasizing his serious intentions. He’d set aside his doubts from the past and decided to make his feelings known. Willow had to decide if she could do the same.
“Del.” Boone extended his hand. “Looks like you’re going to have a good crowd.”
Grasping Boone’s hand, Del’s eyes took in the way his other hand held Willow’s, a slight smile curling the corners of his mouth. “Appears that way.” He looked at the man next to him. “You both know Detective Rick Zoeller. He’s representing the police department tonight.”
Both nodded, greeting Rick.
“Who’s the suit?” Boone asked, his gaze on the man behind them.
Rick motioned for the man to join them. “He’s a friend of mine. This is FBI Agent Dolan Randall. Dolan, this is Boone Macklin and Willow Robinson. Boone is Del’s brother.”
Dolan extended his hand, an edge to the smile he gave them. “Nice to meet both of you.”
Boone lifted a brow. “So the FBI is helping with what Del’s going to talk about?”
Dolan glanced at Del, then Rick before answering. “Several children have disappeared within a hundred mile radius of here over the last few weeks. We’ll help in any way possible to locate them.”
Boone’s eyes widened. “Del mentioned a couple children, but it sounds like there are more.”
Dolan let out a breath. “Several more than a couple. We’ll give you all the details during the meeting.”
Del glanced at the clock on the wall. “Time to get started.”
Boone led Willow to two empty chairs in the second row, sitting down next to Ashley and Josh Wright. Saying hello to each of them before Del called the meeting to order, Boone leaned toward Ashley. “Haircuts for Ty and me.”
Ashley chuckled, reaching out to touch a strand of Boone’s hair. “Only about a month later than normal. I’ll call you the first of the week to set up appointments.” Leaning back in her chair, she took Josh’s hand, focusing her attention on the front.
Holding a microphone, Del cleared his throat. “Thank you all for coming on such short notice. For those who don’t know me, I’m Sheriff Del Macklin. With me is Detective Rick Zoeller, with the Burnt River Police Department, and FBI Agent Dolan Randall. They’ll be talking to you tonight, and all three of us will stay as long as needed to answer your questions. Now, let’s get to the reason we’re here. Twelve children have gone missing within the last few weeks, all within a hundred mile radius of Burnt River. All are considered to be kidnappings.”
A hush fell over the audience as Del spoke. Over the next half hour, he, Rick, and Dolan talked about the missing children, providing a timeline of the kidnappings, a map of the locations, the age and gender of each child. When Dolan finished, he turned it back over to Del.
“As you heard, no children from our area have gone missing. All are girls between the ages of eleven and fourteen. That doesn’t rule out older or younger children being taken, nor does it rule out boys.”
Del saw Jerry Cooper’s hand go up. A friend of Boone’s, he’d known him since they were young. “Jerry?”
“Do you know anything about the kidnappers at all?”
Del shook his head. “So far, they’ve been careful. No one has identified a vehicle or seen the people involved.”
“So you don’t know if we’re looking for a truck, van, or car?”
“That’s right, Jerry. I wish we had more for you, but we don’t.”
Another hand went up. “Harpur?”
“Since there isn’t much to go on, what do you want us to do?”
“Be vigilant and keep watch on the children. All of them. Don’t leave them outside and alone. An adult should always be present. Call me or Rick if you see anything suspicious.”
“Such as?” Harpur asked.
“Any vehicle you don’t recognize and seems out of place. If you notice them more than once, perhaps driving slowly through your neighborhood, take down the license number. We’re a small community and don’t get a huge number of tourists.”
Dolan stood up. “Also, watch for trucks or vans with company logos you don’t recognize. Oftentimes, kidnappers use magnetic signs on the sides of their vehicles, changing them out to help hide their identity. Use your instincts. If you don’t like what you see, jot down the license and call us.”
Del looked out in the audience, seeing several more hands go up. “Shane?”
“Are you planning to organize neighborhood patrols until the kidnappings stop?”
Del shook his head. “Not yet, but we aren’t ruling it out. And to be clear on this, the kidnappings aren’t limited to the towns. People like Shane, Boone, and others who have ranches or live outside of town are at just as much risk. Don’t think because you live off the main road whoever is doing this won’t go after your children.” He gave a quick, pointed stare at Boone, his meaning clear. Tyler was as much at risk as a child living on Main Street.
The meeting continued until all questions were answered. Boone held Willow’s hand, not letting go as most of the people filed outside. Thorn, Grace, and Amy stayed behind, as did a few others, forming a circle around Del, Rick, and Dolan. Walking up to them, Boone clasped Thorn’s shoulder.
“I’m on my way to pick up Ty. We’ll see you tomorrow at church.”
Thorn nodded. “We’ll be there.” He looked from Boone to Willow, and smiled.
Squeezing Willow’s hand, he turned, feeling Thorn’s gaze boring into his back. When they got to the truck, she pulled on his arm to make him stop, letting go of his hand.
“What was that about?”
Rubbing the back of his neck, Boone let out a breath. “I went about things all wrong the last time. I’m not going to make the same mistake twice.”
“I don’t understand.”
Turning toward her, he settled his hands on her waist. “When we
were together before, I did all I could to not let my family and friends know we were together. I’m not doing that this time, Willow.”
“So that’s why you’ve had me plastered to your side since the time we left my folks’ place?”
Pulling her against him, Boone lowered his head, whispering against her lips. “Guilty.” Covering her mouth with his, he groaned when she wrapped her arms around his neck. His hunger grew, feeling the intensity behind her kiss.
The sound of laughter stopped them from continuing. Raising his head, he looked into her eyes, seeing the same fierce passion he felt staring back at him. “I’d better get you back and pick up Ty.” Opening the passenger door, he waited until she settled inside, then leaned toward her. “Some night, we’re going to finish what we start.” Dropping one more kiss onto her lips, he shut the door, whistling as he walked to his side.
After dropping Tyler off at the Sunday school room, Boone stood outside the church, waiting for Willow. Her parents and Carly had already arrived, taking seats in the row behind his family, who were holding seats for him and Willow.
Pulling out his phone, Boone checked the time, hearing the sound of a truck pulling into the parking lot. He hadn’t realized he’d been holding his breath until Willow turned off the engine and stepped outside. Bounding down the steps, he met her partway, settling an arm around her shoulders, leaning down to kiss her. Pulling away, he smiled at her flushed face.
“Sorry I’m late. My alarm didn’t go off. Guess I was more tired than I thought.”
“Early morning fishing trips will do that to you.”
Entering the church, he dropped his arm, moving his hand to Willow’s elbow, guiding her to their seats as the service began. Sitting down, Boone grabbed her hand, placing it on his leg as they listened to the message.
When the sermon ended, the minister didn’t leave the front of the church. Instead, he walked down the steps, looking out at the people seated in the pews.
“I know many of you attended the meeting last night. Sheriff Macklin and Detective Zoeller explained what was going on to people who live not too far away. They aren’t from here, but they’re hurting. From what I’ve heard, some of the parents are so distraught, they’re unable to work. What I’m proposing is a second offering to help the families whose children have been taken. Only give if you can. But I couldn’t let you all leave this morning without asking.” Nodding to the ushers, they began passing the trays.
Willow reached into her purse, pulling out her wallet, stopping when Boone placed a hand on her arm.
“I can put in enough for both of us.” He took the tray from the usher.
Shaking her head, she took out a few bills. “I want to help them, Boone. Think about what would happen if Ty or Carly were taken.” She bit her lip, her eyes clouding. “I can’t imagine what those families are going through.”
Dropping money into the tray, he passed it to her. “Yeah. I’ve been thinking the same.”
When the ushers came forward, the minister offered one more prayer before everyone left, the usual cheerful banter missing as they walked to their cars.
“Boone, wait up.” Thorn jogged up beside them. “Are you still up for having us over today?”
“Sure am. After the meeting last night, it would be good to get together. Come over anytime.”
Thorn slapped Boone on the back. “We’ll see you in a little bit. I’ll let Del and Amy know.”
Willow watched him leave, feeling a little out of place. She’d been with him when he asked his brothers to come over, but he’d never extended an invitation to her.
“Well, I guess I’d better leave so you can get home.” Reaching up, she kissed his cheek. “I’ll see you soon.”
He blinked a couple times before getting her meaning. “Whoa. Aren’t you coming over?”
“You didn’t actually ask me and I didn’t want to assume.”
Scowling, he looked down, shaking his head before stepping next to her. “You’re right, and I’m sorry.” Taking her hands in his, he smiled. “Willow, would you please come to my place for Sunday dinner?”
Unable to hold back a smile, she nodded. “I’d like that. But only if I can bring something.”
He chuckled, squeezing her hands. “Darlin’, you’re going to be helping me with all of it.”
By six o’clock, Boone and Willow were sitting on the porch, watching Tyler play as the last rays of the sun sank behind the western mountains. Settling an arm over her shoulders, he pulled her close. Leaning over, he kissed her cheek.
“I’m glad you were here today.”
She shivered as his mouth moved down her cheek to the corner of her mouth. “You just wanted some free labor.”
“There is that,” he whispered, capturing her mouth, pulling her against him.
“Daddy! The lizard is back.”
Groaning, Boone pulled away, letting out a ragged breath. “I’ll be right there.” Standing, he held out his hand. “Care to check out our resident lizard?”
Taking his hand, Willow stood, walking down the steps and into the barn. “A resident lizard, huh?”
“Yeah. Ty found him a few weeks ago. We kept him a couple days before I told Ty to let him go. For whatever reason, the lizard stuck around.”
Her brows furrowed as her eyes adjusted to the growing darkness. “I’ve never heard of one sticking around.”
Boone snorted. “Just my luck.”
“Over here, Daddy.”
Walking to the corner, Boone knelt beside Tyler. “Yep. It sure does look like the same lizard. What did you name him?”
“Skinny. ‘Cause he’s so…skinny.” Tyler giggled.
Boone nodded. “Ah, now I remember.”
“Remember. He always ran around his box. Why isn’t he running now, Daddy?”
Boone scratched his chin. “Well now, I don’t rightly know. Seems he’s frozen in place.”
Tyler lowered his voice. “Is he dead?”
Willow stood beside them, a hand over her mouth to hide her smile, the other hand resting on her stomach. Something about the picture they made had her heart racing, chest tightening. Tyler loved Boone so much, and she knew he felt the same about his son—a boy he didn’t even know a couple years ago.
She didn’t have to wonder how he’d be with his own child. Watching Boone with Tyler told Willow so much about the man he’d become.
“I, um…should get home.”
Boone turned at her words, standing. “You don’t have to leave yet.”
“Yeah, I do. It’s been a long weekend and I have to open the store tomorrow.”
Nodding, he draped an arm around her shoulders. “I’ll walk you out.” What he wanted was for her to stay, move in with him and Tyler, and never leave. As they stopped next to the truck, he moved his arms to around her waist. “When can I see you this week?”
“Aren’t you growing tired of having me around?”
He shook his head. “I’ll never grow tired of having you with me. Haven’t I made that clear by now?”
She looked down, her breath unsteady. “I guess you did.”
Lifting her chin with his finger, he studied her face. “All I’m asking for is some of your time. You don’t need to make any decisions, Willow. Just allow me to see you.”
Licking her lips, her gaze met his. “Come to my place on Wednesday. I’ll cook.”
Smiling, he bent down to kiss her. “Do you think Carly will be able to watch Ty?”
“Oh, I think she can be persuaded. I get off early on Wednesday. How about five thirty?”
“Sounds good. I want as much time with you as I can get.” This time, Boone pulled her into his arms, his kiss gentle and possessive at the same time. Too quickly, he ended the kiss, stepping away. “Thanks for this weekend. It’s the best I’ve had in a long time.”
Climbing into the truck, she smiled. “Same here.”
“I’ll see you Wednesday.”
Driving away, she glanced in the mirror,
seeing him watch her leave. She knew her invitation had come as a surprise to Boone. He’d be inside her house, a place he hadn’t been to in years. They both knew the significance and what it could lead to. The thought both scared and thrilled her. Maybe it was time to take another chance with Boone Macklin.
Chapter Twelve
Willow slid the lasagna into the oven, set the timer, then dashed upstairs to change. He’d called more than once each day since Sunday night. They hadn’t been long conversations, not much more than the basics, but with each call, she fell a little deeper.
Hearing the doorbell, Willow finished buttoning her blouse, then drew in a deep breath. Her stomach churned, hand gripping the railing as she walked down the stairs. Opening the door, her tentative grin grew to a bright smile when she saw what Boone had in his hand.
“Are those for me?”
He held out the roses. “No one else.” He watched as she took the flowers, bringing them to her nose.
“These are wonderful, Boone. I’ve never been given flowers before.” She drew in their aroma once more, then glanced up. “Thank you.” Moving aside, she motioned for him to follow her into the kitchen.
“What smells so good?”
Reaching for a vase, she glanced over her shoulder. “Lasagna. My mom’s recipe.”
“Best lasagna I’ve ever had.”
Filling the vase with water, she added the roses. “Don’t get your hopes up. I’m still learning how to get it right.” Opening the oven door, she checked their dinner, then turned down the heat to keep it warm.
Picking up the vase, Willow walked into the dining room, setting it in the center of the table. Before she could turn around, strong arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her back against his chest.
Trailing his lips from her ear down her neck, Boone groaned. “I’ve been waiting three days to touch you.”
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