by K. C. Lynn
“That a threat?” he asks.
“A warning,” I tell him. “The law in Mississippi states we have the right to defend our property and that’s exactly what we intend to do. Any more unwanted trespassers will find themselves leaving in a body bag.”
He points his finger at me, his eyes bulging in fury. “Don’t you quote the law to me, you smug son of a bitch. I am the law and I’ll—”
My father steps between us, forcing him back. “That’s enough, Rick. I think it’s time you leave.”
He opens his mouth but whatever he’s about to say is silenced when the front door flies open and Hannah’s voice cuts through the air.
“Wow, look at the cool police car!”
I turn around to find Ryanne running out after her, lifting her into her arms. “I told you to stay inside,” she scolds softly.
“But look at the police car, Mama.”
“I see it.” She positions Hannah on her cocked hip and faces the rest of us from the porch.
“Ryanne,” Toder speaks in stunned surprise, shock replacing his furious expression as his eyes shift from her to Hannah.
“Rick.” Ryanne’s greeting is anything but friendly, her chin lifting in indignation.
“Do your parents know you’re back in town?” he asks.
“I haven’t had anything to do with them for a long time now, something I’m sure you’re well aware of.”
Admiration fills my chest as I witness that strength I remember from her all those years ago.
He clears his throat, having the decency to look like the ass he is. “I know they’d at least appreciate a phone call.”
“Well they aren’t going to get it,” I say, cutting back in.
His gaze narrows once more on me before shifting to my father. “You really should reconsider that offer, Creed.”
“You know what this land means to me and my family, Rick. I’m not selling it for any amount of money. It’s best y’all respect that, or like my boy said, someone is going to get hurt.”
His jaw clenches with the need to say more but thankfully he’s smart enough to know when to quit. “Have it your way.” He climbs back into his patrol car and drives off.
“How come that policeman seems angry, Daddy?” Hannah asks, her voice timid as she and Ryanne walk up to us.
“Because he’s an asshole,” Braxten answers without thinking.
I send him a glare then take Hannah into my arms. “Don’t worry about it, baby. He was just here asking some questions. Next time Mama tells you to stay inside you listen, got it?”
She nods. “Yes, sir.”
I press a kiss to her hair, breathing in her scent and letting it ease the rage burning inside me.
My father reaches for her. “What do you say, Farmer Hannah, you wanna move on to them pigs now?”
“I’m ready.” Her excitement returns full force as she leaps into his arms. “You wanna come watch, Mama?” she asks, looking at Ryanne.
“I’d love to.” Ryanne begins to follow but before she can make it too far, I snag her wrist and swing her back to me, reeling her in for a hard kiss.
My tongue parts her lips for a quick taste, inhaling everything that belongs to me, with my brothers’ watchful eyes on us.
By the time I pull back her breathing is heavy and eyes hooded. “What was that for?” she asks.
“I’m proud of you for standing your ground with Toder.”
“Yeah?” She quirks a brow.
I nod.
“Good. Remember that the next time I stand my ground with you, Justice Creed.” With a hard pat to my cheek, she walks away, tossing a sassy smile over her shoulder.
Braxten breaks into muffled laughter, finding her as funny as she does herself.
We’ll see which one of us is wearing that smile by the time I’m done with her tonight.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Ryanne
The sun shines bright with promise as I walk hand in hand with Hannah through Oak Park. Nestled at the edge of town with walking trails, water fountains, and monuments, it’s one of Winchester’s most beautiful landmarks.
Thatcher suggested it when Hannah asked if there were any parks close by. As nervous as I was about coming here, I’m glad I did. It’s exactly what my heart needed. Some fresh air and time to think.
Justice was wary to let us go without him but I assured him we would be fine. He needs the time with his brothers, and if I’m being honest, I need some breathing room. Every time I turn around that man is tempting me. Tempting my body, my heart, and my dreams.
We haven’t spoken about our fight from the other night but things are still strained between us and I hate it. Thankfully, he has been smart enough not to broach the marriage and baby subject again but it’s there every time he looks at me. The vow and possession lying in his dark, unrelenting eyes is everything I’ve ever wanted yet am terrified to have.
Terrified to trust.
I believe he cares a great deal about me. I see it in the way he looks at me and feel it in his touch, but that’s not the same thing as love. I also know what kind of man he is, one who takes care of his responsibilities, and that is not grounds for marriage. Not in my books.
On top of all that there are his brothers and the bond they have shared for so long. Can he really leave that behind forever? Will they hate me for it, or worse, resent Hannah?
I find the latter hard to believe. The two have been amazing with her. Even Knox in his quiet, off-putting way. He doesn’t say much but he patiently listens to her when she rambles and allows her to follow him around wherever he goes.
Braxten is more hands-on, constantly teasing her and making her laugh. I have a feeling they are falling as hard for her as she is for them.
Me, on the other hand, is a different story. Braxten is friendly enough and will even strike up a conversation but the resentment is still there. Resentment that I kept his niece from him and hurt his brother. I’m not sure he will ever forgive me for that. Heck, I’m not even sure Justice has forgiven me for it. Just another reason why I am not sure this will ever work between us. It makes me completely heartsick.
“Mama, can I have a penny to throw in?” Hannah asks, stopping next to the large fountain that sits in the center of the park. Its cream-colored marble, intricate detail, and overflowing water is a sight to behold.
“Sure.” I reach into my purse for my wallet and pull out the only penny I have. “Don’t forget to make a wish.”
She closes the coin in her fist and brings it under her chin, her eyes squeezing shut. A smile forms on my lips at how hard she makes that wish, curious to know what’s going through that sweet little head of hers and wondering if I could make it a reality. I’d give her the world if I could.
“Ryanne Lockwood?”
I tense at the surprised female voice and nervously turn around to find a pregnant woman and her daughter walking over to us. When she removes her sunglasses, I see it’s Jessica Bennett, a girl I went to high school with. Someone I would have even called a friend.
“Oh my gosh, it is you,” she says, shock masking her expression.
I paste a smile on my face and nod. “How are you, Jessica?”
“I’m great. I had no idea you were back. When did you get into town?”
“Only a few days ago. We’re just here for a short visit,” I tell her, more for my benefit than hers. “This is my daughter, Hannah.” My hand moves to her small shoulder as I introduce her.
She doesn’t look all that surprised, her smile never wavering. Which leads me to believe word got out after the sheriff’s visit.
“Hi, Hannah, it’s a pleasure to meet you. This is my daughter, Amelia.” She brings the young girl to stand in front of her. With light brown hair and big whiskey brown eyes, she looks exactly like Jessica.
“Hi.” Hannah waves.
“Hi,” Amelia greets back. “Wanna play at the playground with me?”
Hannah turns her face up to mine. “Can I, Mama?�
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I hesitate for only a second, the hope in her voice making it impossible to say no. “Sure. Just for a few minutes though, okay?”
The two girls take off, racing across the grass.
“Stay where I can see you!” I order to her retreating back.
She acknowledges me with a wave over her shoulder, her speedy little legs never faltering.
“So the rumors are true,” Jessica says, a note of disbelief in her voice. “You really did have Justice Creed’s baby.” There’s no judgment in her eyes, only curiosity.
I nod.
“I never did buy your parents’ story that you went to California to finish out high school and attend UCLA, but up until a few days ago, I never in a million years thought this is what they were hiding.”
“They had nothing to do with it,” I tell her quietly. “I haven’t spoken to them in years.”
Sympathy flashes in her gaze. “Sorry.”
“It’s fine.”
If people only knew how horrible my parents really are they’d realize I’m much better off without them.
“What about you?” I ask, changing the subject before I’m peppered with too many questions. “I’m assuming you and Barry ended up getting married?”
Barry Enderson was one of Derek’s best friends. He and Jessica dated for most of high school.
“God no. I kicked that cheating bastard to the curb when I caught him fucking Brenda Fabre at senior prom.”
I wince at the information but can’t say I’m surprised. Barry, Dustin, and Derek have always thought they were God’s gift to women. “I’m sorry.”
She waves away the apology. “Don’t be. I came out on top.” She flashes me the diamond on her finger, her smile reaching from ear to ear. “Just call me Mrs. Clemson.”
My eyes widen with shock. “No way! You married Craig?”
He graduated with Justice and was star quarterback of the football team. He was the very definition of golden boy. Last I heard he’s a deputy at the police department. It surprised me he would work for someone as corrupt as Sheriff Toder because Craig has always been one of the good guys.
“Sure did. We got together right after I finished high school,” she goes on to say, love shining bright in her eyes. “It was a whirlwind of a summer. We were inseparable. Spent every night having hot, wild sex under the stars then waking up to the sunrise. It was magical.”
Her trip down memory lane brings a smile to my face.
“It also got me knocked up,” she divulges on a laugh. “So he stuck a ring on my finger, said I do, and we haven’t looked back since.”
“I’m really happy for you, Jessica,” I say, meaning it.
“Thanks. It’s not as exciting as your life but I’ll take it,” she teases, bumping my shoulder with hers.
“Trust me, I’d give anything for stability.” I regret the admission as soon as it leaves my mouth. My gaze drifts away, her questioning eyes boring into the side of my face.
“I don’t blame you for leaving, you know,” she says quietly. “I probably would have done the same thing.”
My attention moves back to hers, her words meaning a lot. “Yeah?”
She nods. “Although, if I had gotten knocked up by a Creed I probably would have brought the three of them with me and locked us all away for an eternity.” She waggles her eyebrows suggestively.
The comment is made in a joking matter but it still has my heart sinking. “Despite what you’ve probably heard, it’s only ever been Justice.”
“Hey. You don’t have to explain anything to me. It’s clear as day who that girl’s daddy is.”
Thank God for that. Hannah’s resemblance to Justice may be my only saving grace in this town.
“She really is beautiful, Ryanne,” she tells me, her smile genuine.
“Thank you. So is Amelia.”
“Thanks. I’m excited to see what baby number two has in store for us.” Her hand moves to her swollen stomach, rubbing soothing circles.
A pang of envy strikes my chest. There’s nothing like feeling another life growing inside of you. It’s something I’ve missed since having Hannah. “Do you know what you’re having?”
“A boy,” she reveals, beaming with pride. “Craig is so excited and so is Amelia. She’s been dying for a sibling.”
I think about what Justice revealed the other night and can’t help but wonder if I had stayed here in Winchester would I be where Jessica is now, pregnant with baby number two on the way?
I can’t deny how much I love that thought but I also know my and Justice’s situation is much different than her and Craig’s. He didn’t share a lifestyle with his family that will follow them wherever they go.
The sound of laughter brings our attention over to the playground. The girls hold hands, swinging side by side.
“Looks like our daughters have become friends,” Jessica says.
A smile touches my lips. “It seems they have.” My heart warms. Hannah loves it out at the farm but I know she must miss her friends from school.
“Why don’t y’all come to the dance tomorrow night?”
“Dance?” I ask.
“Yeah, it’s been an annual thing for the past three years. It’s at the old red barn on Boone Mills road. There’s gonna be barbecue, drinks, and games for the kids. It’s always a good time.”
“I’m not so sure that’s a good idea,” I tell her hesitantly.
“Why not?”
“I don’t want to chance running into my parents.”
Among many other people.
“Are you kidding? They won’t be there. None of them come, well except Gwen. She’s on the council so she helps plan it but she’s never been like them. You know that. Not even the good ol’ mayor and his stuck-up wife will be there. It’s for all us common folk who aren’t good enough to hang out with the likes of them.”
I chuckle at the thick twang she uses while painting an accurate description of what pretentious snobs they all are. She’s right, my parents would never show up to something like that.
“I heard Derek and Lacey got married,” I say casually.
She snorts. “If that’s what you want to call it.”
My brows rise in question.
“Girl, they can’t stand each other. She travels every chance she gets and when she’s not she’s fooling around on him as much as he is on her. He’s just more discreet about it.”
I’m not surprised to hear it. Derek has always been a slimeball and Lacey always had quite the reputation of getting around, especially back in high school. Something she used to be proud of and flaunt whenever she could. It seems some things never change.
“Come to the dance, it’ll be fun,” she presses, bringing the subject back to the matter at hand. “Hannah and Amelia can hang out and get to know each other better while you and I tear it up on the dance floor. Just like old times. What do ya say?”
I glance over at the girls, watching them having so much fun together, but am still hesitant. “I’ll think about it,” I say noncommittally.
“I’ll take it.” She pulls me in for a hug, one I reciprocate, and I feel my throat tighten.
“Thanks for the invite,” I whisper.
“I really hope you come. I’d love to catch up more.”
“Me too.”
I mean that. Running into her has been nice. It’s been a really long time since I’ve had any kind of friend.
Afterward, we exchange numbers then I grab Hannah and head to the drug store for a few things. I considered going to the next town over, unsure of whom I could possibly run into since it’s right in the center of town but then I decided against it.
Seeing Jessica opened something inside of me, penetrated some of the fear I’ve been holding onto. Maybe Justice is right and it’s time I start facing this town and the demons that come with it. Hold my head high while I stare them all in the face, because if there is one thing in my life that I am proud of it’s my daughter.
; Despite the inner pep talk, I still find myself a bundle of nerves when I enter the pharmacy. Thankfully, the place is mostly quiet, only a few customers that I don’t recognize wandering the aisles. I do, however, run into Mr. Dickson and am delighted to see he’s still the pharmacist here.
“Well I’ll be, if it isn’t little Ryanne Lockwood,” he greets me, his smile as kind as I remember.
“Nice to see you, Mr. Dickson.”
“You too, darlin’, and who is this beautiful little girl you have with you?” he asks, bringing his attention to Hannah.
Before I can make the introduction she steps forward and extends her hand. “Hannah J. Creed. Nice to meet you, sir.”
He looks up at me, impressed. “Beautiful and well mannered, just like her mama.” He takes her small offered hand into his and shakes it. “Nice to meet you, Hannah J. Creed. How would you like a lollipop?”
“Yes, please!”
He grabs the glass jar, allowing her to choose her own color, and even sneaks her one more for after dinner. Warmth invades my chest, remembering all the times he did the same for me, even though my mother was always nothing but rude to him.
By the time we walk out of the pharmacy, my heart is light and filled with more hope than when I walked in. Unfortunately, my newfound peace is obliterated within seconds.
“Well, well, well, look what the cat dragged in.”
The arrogant male voice has my spine stiffening and stomach plummeting. Turning around, I come face-to-face with a man I never wanted to see again.
Derek Lancaster.
“Hello, Ryanne.” His greeting is smug, his sleazy eyes sweeping down my body from head to toe.
I remain frozen, imprisoned by fear as I remember the night he tried to tear my clothes off, his unwanted hands touching me in places I didn’t want to be touched.
When he receives nothing from me but stunned silence, he brings his attention to Hannah, kneeling before her. “Well, aren’t you just a pretty little thing. What’s your name, sweetheart?”
It knocks me out of my paralyzed state. Reaching down, I pick her up and open the truck door. “Come on, baby. Time to go.” My hands shake as I belt her in, feeling Derek’s eyes on us the entire time.
