Gotta Have You, Cowboy (Ford Brothers Book 2)

Chapter Eighteen: Charlotte

It has been two weeks since I have been kidnapped. Two weeks since I found out who my baby's dad is. Speaking of him, he is locked up tight. It is a miracle that I am still alive. All those missing girls has been found and none of them lived. He murdered them all and I was next on his list. If Nate and his brothers were not there I would be dead. The thought of it still shakes me up.

We are headed to Lucas and Maddie's for Thanksgiving. Nate told me how every holiday they would travel from Texas to spend time with his grandparents. It all started in that house and they all wanted to keep the tradition going. Everyone will be there even Bella, and a friend she made. Her name is Bridget and she took over my place at The Store. I want to focus on my family and starting the retreat. I have been getting the house fixed up for our little family. I talked Nate into helping me decorate the nursery in dinosaurs. He agreed only if he could add some pink in there.

I am slowly healing from the trauma that happen to me, but I am healing. The first couple of days were a nightmare. I would not let Nate leave my side. I was jumpy too. Every little sound had me jumping and looking over my shoulder. I have been going to talk to someone weekly and it has helped a great deal. I am getting back to myself. This time I have an army behind me and helping me through this difficult time. This will be the first family get together since before I was taken. I am looking forward to being around the whole family again. I feel wanted and loved once again in my life. I never thought that I would have that again. I have gained that and a big family who accepts me for being myself.

"How are you feeling?" Nate asked as he put the truck in park. We are sitting outside Maddie's house.

"I'm good." He gave me a look that I knew all to well now. It is the look for tell me the truth. "Really, Nate I am fine. I am excited to see everyone."

"Okay. Take it easy and don't overdue anything."

"I know."

"I will be keeping an eye on you the whole time."

"I know." I laughed at his protectiveness and unbuckled my seatbelt. I love how much he wants to keep me safe. A feeling like none other. My heart is full of love for this cowboy.

Nate helped me down out of the truck and took my hand in his. He walked us up to the front door and let us inside. They knew we were coming over. I could hear the children laughing from somewhere in the house. I could feel my smile growing as we walked farther into the house. We found Maddie in the kitchen with Momma Lisa. They were busy working on the feast that we will be enjoying later in the day.

"Hey." Nate replied from the door way.

"Good, y'all are here. Charley can help us while you go and see Gramps, Lucas, and the kids." Maddie said from the kitchen sink.

"Don't let her over work herself. She still needs to take it slow." Nate reminded his mom and Maddie. More than likely me too.

"She will be fine. Bella and her friend will be here soon to help us." Maddie reassured him.

"I love you." Nate said, pulling me into his arms, and giving me a kiss.

"I love you more." I whispered against his lips.

"Go on and get out of here." Momma Lisa said as she swatted him with a dish towel.

"We won't get anything done if you don't get out." Maddie scolded him while twisting a towel up. Nate laughed as he ran from the room before he could get hit again.

"What did you do?" I heard Lucas ask.

"Nothing." Nate chuckled.

"Boys." We all three say in unison.