Ryder held up a tool box he’d carried in with him. “Where would you like it to go, Sloane?”
“On the wall above the counter,” she decided quickly. “That way everyone will see it when they check out.”
Caiden laughed, “I made it for you to hang outside by the door,” he told her, his eyes crinkling up at the corners as his grin widened.
“No way!” Sloane exclaimed. “I want it right here where I can see it whenever I want.”
Shrugging, Ryder opened up the toolbox and got what he needed to hang the sign. While he was looking for a stud in the wall, and the others were talking, Sloane asked Katy softly, “No Justice today?”
Shaking her head, Katy whispered back, “No. He refused to come to town. He said he was going to check on the cattle and fix some fence in the north pasture.” Looking around to make sure no one was paying attention, Katy whispered, “I don’t know what to do, Sloane. He’s not the same man he was before he got captured in that hell hole. He won’t talk to anyone. He stays by himself.” Justice had awoken from the coma he was in a week after Charles, Cara and Katy arrived in D.C. After two weeks of recovering in the hospital and multiple interrogations by the military about his capture, he had finally been allowed to come home on leave with his parents. Justice had a couple of months before he was expected to return to D.C. and the Army.
“All you can do is be there for him if he wants to talk,” Sloane responded quietly. “But don’t push him. After everything he’s been through, let him have time to get back on his feet. What about Linc?”
Taking a deep breath, Katy looked around the store. “No one’s heard from him. He’s still out touring the countryside riding bulls.” Looking back at Sloane, she said, “I wanted to talk to you about something, Sloane.”
“Okay,” Sloane grinned, “but you better make it quick. It’s two minutes until opening time.”
Katy smiled as she glanced around the room once again. “I’m so happy for you,” she said as she shoved her hands into the pockets of the light jacket she wore.
“What is it?” Sloane asked as she saw the indecision on Katy’s face. “What do you need, Kat?”
Locking eyes with her, Katy said, “I need a place to live, Sloane. I can’t stay at the ranch anymore. I don’t want to. I love Mom and Dad, but it’s just too stifling. Hell, I’m twenty-seven years old and still living with my parents. I need out.”
“You want my apartment,” Sloane said as understanding seeped in. “It’s yours, Kat. I’ll never live there again. But it’s been cleaned and repainted. It’s open and ready.”
“Thank you,” Katy whispered as she glanced around again. “I don’t want to leave Serenity Springs, but I need some privacy.”
“You got it,” Sloane promised as she started walking toward the front door. “Move in whenever you want. I’ll give you the keys tonight.” Reaching the door, Sloane turned back to look at her new family, love and pride shining on all of their faces. “Are we ready?” she asked nervously.
“Go for it, baby,” Creed said as he put his arm around Cassie’s shoulders. Smiling at them, Sloane unlocked the door and held it open to let the people waiting patiently outside venture in. Smiling widely, she greeted every single one of them.
Life had taken a drastic turn for the better for Sloane Murphy. Her heart filled with love and joy as she locked eyes with her fiancée. In just six short months, they would marry. Sloane smiled as she walked toward Creed and snuggled into his arms. She had come to Serenity Springs for the chance at a new beginning, and had found more than she had ever dreamed possible.
Other books by Dawn Sullivan
RARE Series
Book 1 Nico’s Heart
Book 2 Phoenix’s Fate
Book 3 Trace’s Temptation
White River Wolves Series
Book 1 Josie’s Miracle
Author Bio
I have a wonderful, supportive husband and three beautiful children. I enjoy spending time with all of them which normally involves some baseball, shooting hoops, taking walks, watching movies, and of course reading.
My passion for reading began at a very young age and only grew over time. Whether I was bringing home a book from the library, or sneaking one of my mom's romance novels and reading by the light in the hallway when we were supposed to be sleeping, I always had a book.
I read several different genres and subgenres, but Paranormal Romance and Romantic Suspense have always been my favorites.
I have always made up my own stories, and have just recently decided to start sharing them. I hope everyone enjoys reading them as much as I enjoy writing them.
~~ Dawn
Tempting His Heart Page 18
