Shawna shook her head. She was the oldest of nine and had practically raised them all since her mother had been deathly ill with each pregnancy, especially with her last babyMcKenzie.
Mac, I would expect you to call because Im your sister and, after what youve been through, you need your family.
She didnt like needing anyone, especially her big sister. I didnt want to be any trouble.
Her sister laughed. You have always been like this. She straightened McKenzies collar. Youve never wanted to be any trouble. So independent. And stubborn. There. You look fine.
She didnt feel fine. From an early age, just as her sister had said, she had been fiercely independent, determined to a fault, wanting to do everything herself and driven to succeed at whatever she did. She was still that way. Nothing had changedand yet, after last night, everything felt as if it had.
It was as if the earth was no longer solid under her feet. She felt off-balance, unsureworse, afraid.
Are you sure youre ready to leave the hospital? Shawna asked, studying her.
The doctor says my head will hurt for a while, but that I should be fine. I need to get to the office and reassure everyone. I had to fire one of my employees today. She swallowed, her sore throat again reminding her of the mans arm around her neck. Had it been Gus Thompson? The thought made her blood run cold. Im sure everyone is upset.
You cant worry about them right now. You need to think about yourself. Just go home and rest. I can stop by your office
No, this is something I need to do myself. She saw her sisters disappointment. Shawna lived to serve. But thank you so much for bringing me a change of clothes.
What do you want me to do with the clothes you were wearing? she asked, picking up the bag. Her pretty new suit was blood-splattered from the now bandaged head wound. So was the blouse shed been wearing.
Throw them away. I dont want them.
She felt her older sisters gaze on her. There doesnt seem to be anything wrong with the suit or the blouse. Once I get them clean... It seems a shame
Then drop them off at Goodwill.
Her sister nodded. Are the police giving you protection?
They really cant do that. Anyway, theres no need. If it was someone I know, then they dont believe hell try anything again with them involved. And if it was random...then the man could be miles from here by now.
Shawna didnt look any more convinced than McKenzie felt. I guess they know best.
Im going to stay in Big Sky tonight. I have a client I need to see up there this afternoon so Ill spend the night and come back tomorrow.
Do you want me to go home with you to your condo and wait while you pack?
She thought of her empty condo. No. Thats not necessary. But even as she said it, she was already dreading facing it alone. I know you need to get back to your job. She stepped to her sister and hugged her. Shawna had never married. But she kept busy with three jobs as if needing to fill every hour of her day doing for others.
Youve done enough, McKenzie said. Her big sister had always been there for her from as far back as she could remember. It made her feel guilty because she felt her sister had been robbed of her childhood. Shawna had been too busy raising their mothers babies.
If you need anything...
I know. Sometimes she felt as if Shawna had made a life in Montana so she could watch over her. All the other siblings had left, stretching far and wide around the world. Only she and Shawna had stayed in the Gallatin Valley after their parents had passed.
But her big sister couldnt always protect her. Before last night, McKenzie would have said she could protect herself. Last night had proved how wrong she was about that.
* * *
GUS THOMPSON WOULD never forget the humiliation
to the ranch, the top of the peak had been shrouded in clouds.
Isnt it beautiful? Tag said.
It is. All of the Montana hed seen so far was beautiful. He could understand why his brother had fallen in love with the place. And with Lily McCabe.
Lily was nervous about meeting you earlier, Tag said now, as if reading his mind. He turned toward Lone Mountain and what made up the incorporated town of Big Sky.
Hayes could see buildings scattered across a large meadow, broken only by pines and a golf course. Why would she be nervous?
She was afraid my brothers wouldnt like her.
What is the chance of that? Hayes said. He had to admit that Lily hadnt been what hed expected. She was clearly smart, confident and nice. He hadnt found any fault with her. In fact, it was blatantly clear why Tag was head over heels in love with the woman.
But Lily had reason to be nervous. She was backing Tag on the restaurant idea. A math professor at Montana State University in Bozeman, she didnt want to move to Texas with her future husband. A lot was riding on what Tags brothers decided. Their not wanting a Montana barbecue place had nothing to do with liking or disliking Lily.
Is she going to meet us at the restaurant building site? Hayes asked, wondering how involved the bride-to-be was planning to be in the barbecue business. After the fiasco with Jacksons wife, the brothers had decided no wives would ever own interest in the corporation. They couldnt chance another ugly divorce that could destroy Texas Boys Barbecue. Or a marriage that would threaten the business, for that matter.