Page 65 of Luke

“Be careful.” Paisley snuggled into him.

“I don’t want to leave, but I need to know if it’s true,” Luke admitted. It was less concern for the man and more that this was all an act to do something else to hurt them.

She nodded. “I understand. We’ll be fine. When Carter and Ashley leave, I’ll load Garrett up and go hang out with Catherine and will probably lose our son, as his uncle spoils him more than anyone else.”

Luke smiled even as he pulled away. It would never not be surprising to see Ryker holding his son with such love and affection. “That’s a great idea.”

She got out of bed at the same time as he did, pulling her robe from the chair.

“Go back to bed,” he told her.

“Right, like that’s possible.” Her sarcasm was heavy. “I’ll go down with you, maybe start some coffee.”

As they headed downstairs, Carter opened the door of the room he was staying in. “What’s wrong?” he asked, poised for action.

“My father is being taken to the hospital. They said he’s had a heart attack,” Luke explained. “Nothing changes for you because I don’t know if this is true or a con or what.”

Carter nodded. “Understood.” He closed the bedroom door behind him and followed them down the stairs.

Luke hadn’t meant for that but he didn’t argue it. At least Carter was up to protect the house while he left.

“What’s going on?” Ashley said over a yawn as she, too, came downstairs.

“As long as Garrett stays asleep,” Luke prayed. Everyone else was up.

“Father had a heart attack, or so the jail said. I’m going with Cade to the hospital. None of you need to be up.”

Ashley hugged her brother. “I’m sorry. I know this must be hard despite everything,” she told him sincerely.

“How are you going to be? I still need you to go with Carter and actually stay with him, please.” Just another prayer that she did what she was asked for once.

“I didn’t know him at all and from the sounds of everything he’s done, I don’t think I missed much. I’ll be fine.” She held up her hand before Luke could say anything else. “I will stick with Carter like glue, and he will try to listen instead of direct. We talked.”

That was news to him. He sent a look to Carter. “Protect my sister,” he warned. “That’s it.”

“Shut up, Luke. Don’t you have somewhere to be?” Ashley practically pushed him toward the door.

“Come on, Luke. I’ll see you out so I can lock the door behind you.” Paisley looped her arm around his.

“I don’t like that,” he confessed.

“You don’t have to. It’s not your life. Leave them alone, they’re adults.”

“What if?—”

Paisley kissed him. “What if it all works out?”

He huffed.

“I love you. Be careful and let me know what’s going on?”

“You’ll be the first person I call. I love you, too.” He kissed her before walking out the door and closing it behind him. He waited for the sound of the locks to engage before walking next door.

“Good timing,” Cade said as he met him on the sidewalk.

“My whole house is awake except Garrett,” Luke grumbled, still tired.

“Well, the good news is that all the awake ones are adults.”