He still had nightmares about it…waking up to the sound of a shotgun being pumped. More times than he’d ever admit to anyone, he’d woken up in some hotel room and broken out in a cold sweat at the memory. To this day, that sound still sent shivers up his spine. After all, what nineteen-year-old wanted to find himself saddled with a wife. When three very large and angry men spoke, Cole had no choice but to marry her.

What other option did he have?

But he left. He left Sarita Littlefeather three days after they got married and never bothered to go back. He never bothered to get a divorce either, figuring she’d do it.

Imagine his surprise when, nine years later, he again woke to the sound of a gun being primed. This time it was a pistol, Smith and Wesson’s finest from what he could tell by the light of the bathroom and standing at the givin’ end was a boy. He couldn’t have been more than nine or ten, slight of build with dark hair and pale eyes that looked spooky in the dim light. His hands shook.

Cole took a long slow easy breath and relaxed against the stiff hotel pillow. This he could deal with. It was just a kid, for crying out loud. Cole was more worried about an accidental shooting than a deliberate one. “What do you aim to do with that gun?”

“Kidnap ya.”

He pressed his lips together, trying to smother a grin. “Where exactly do you plan on takin’ me?”

“Mesa.” The boy’s voice squeaked and then he cleared his throat.

“What’s in Mesa?” Cole propped his arms behind the pillow, trying to act casual despite the heavy pounding of his heart.

“Mary Grace, and she wants you for her birthday. She wished for your sorry ass on a damned star, and I aim to see she gets what she wants.”

“Who’s Mary Grace?”

“My sister. My twin. Now get up ‘fore I shoot your sorry dog ass. We got a long drive.”
“Boy, I got a rodeo today. I ain’t going nowhere with you and don’t swear at me.” There was no way in hell he was missing the Stampede. He needed the points and the money. ‘Cause come December he had a PRCA All Around buckle to win. He grinned in the dimly lit room; his body tensed, ready to spring as soon as the boy let his guard down like Cole knew he eventually would.

“Either you come with me or I shoot you. It’s as simple as that, Dad.”