Total pages in book: 142
Estimated words: 133849 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 669(@200wpm)___ 535(@250wpm)___ 446(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 133849 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 669(@200wpm)___ 535(@250wpm)___ 446(@300wpm)
She shrugged as though it wasn’t a problem. “He might once the women of this town start applying pressure. I think once we all start yelling back, he’ll figure out he’s not welcome. And if he wants to come for me, well, he’s going to have to deal with my family. They’re kind of intimidating.”
Actually, it wasn’t a bad idea. “Maybe it’s time you went into town with the dads. You’ve been holed up on the ranch for weeks. I don’t think anyone understands how fully a part of us you are now.”
“But if Dad took her to dinner or she rode along with him and Pops to pick up supply shipments, they would get the message,” Grim mused. “My stepfather is an asshole, but he knows not to mess with Jack and Sam.”
“I’m supposed to go to some meeting with Abby next week,” Nicole offered. “The historical society or something.”
Josh groaned. “Then maybe you can be our inside girl. Mom is entirely unreasonable about our office building. Soften her up. We need upgrades.”
Nicole got into his space, going up on her toes so she could brush her lips against his. “I’m probably going to come down on your momma’s side of that fight. I think we should keep the town square as charming as it is now. One of the things I’m going to do with the shelter is upgrade the building. It’s an atrocious prefab right now, and I want to offer training classes and doggie daycare. And Grim’s getting an office so he can have office hours and not have to run out to everyone’s house all the time.”
“I am?” Grim asked.
So Nicole was taking charge. He liked it. “You are. I think what our woman is trying to say is she’s going to make it clear there are boundaries. And if tonight was any indication, the townsfolk will honor them. I hope you understand how many people tonight stood up for you?”
Nicole turned to Grim. “Because they know how good you are. Because they value you for your intelligence and your kindness. They might think we’re weirdos for being in a threesome, but they also understand we’re still good people.”
“This town is changing, and they won’t put up with your stepfather’s bile for much longer.” Josh felt it in his bones. The younger generation had rarely had a problem with him and Grim, and it seemed they were starting to convince their parents that love was love whether they understood it or not. “It’ll be different for our kids.”
Because his parents had blazed a trail, and all he had to do was follow it.
“I’m afraid I’m going to have to be married before I start talking about kids,” Nicole said primly.
“Oh, I can get a ring on your finger this weekend,” Josh promised.
That seemed to startle her. Her mouth came open, and she bit her bottom lip. “But you can’t. I mean it wouldn’t be legal. I didn’t think about that. Josh, it could be years before I can legally change my name. I know Kim thinks she can do it, but what if she can’t clear me?”
Grim moved behind her, his arms going around her waist. “We’ll find a way. I don’t care if she never clears you, we’ll find a way to make this work.”
Those two needed some optimism. He stepped in so Nicole was surrounded by the two of them. He tilted her head up, looking into those gorgeous eyes of hers. “You will be cleared or I promise you I’ll find a way to ensure the threat is taken out. I don’t want you to worry about this. We have our protocols in place, and we’re trusting the experts.” There was something she didn’t know, but now he wondered if it was wrong to keep it from her. “Kim’s talking to Laura Holloway in the morning.”
“My sister-in-law?” Nic asked, obviously surprised. “But she’s Ted’s wife.”
“And he’s emotionally abused her for years,” Josh explained. “It’s not the first time Kim’s spoken to her. She talked to her at the beginning of the case, and she got the feeling there was something the woman wanted to say but couldn’t. Laura wants out of her marriage, but she’s scared.”
“Why wouldn’t you…” Realization dawned in her eyes. “You’re offering her money so she can leave safely.”
“Quite a bit,” Josh agreed. “We’re going to pay for her attorney and the costs to move her across the country back to her parents in Michigan. Laura has evidence that Ted and not you killed Micah. Kim and her son are certain it’s enough to clear you and it will hold up in a court of law.”
“He didn’t want to tell you because he was worried you would argue with him about the money,” Grim whispered in her ear, his hands on her like he could lose her if he let go.