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“Right.” Looking abashed, he turned his attention to Jillian.

Before she could utter a word, her mother-in-law added, “Anything but chocolate. She’s carrying my grandchild, and he doesn’t need the caffeine.”

Jillian spread her hands, chuckling helplessly. “Honestly? I’m not too picky.”

“How about cheesecake from the bakery?” He cocked his head questioningly at her. “Topped with fresh strawberries? ”

“This time of year?” Eloise frowned at him.

He loosely dangled his thumbs through the belt loops on his jeans as he swaggered in her direction. “This old goat happens to own a greenhouse.”

“You know what?” She jutted her chin at him, slapping her hands down on her slender hips. “You’re getting harder and harder to dislike.”

He drew close enough to tower over her. “You do realize there’s another option than us being enemies?”

On their ridiculously short drive home, Jillian kept breaking into snickers and glancing over the console at her mother-in-law in the backseat. “You were totally flirting with my husband’s newest client.”

Eloise shrugged nonchalantly. “I get the job done. If you don’t like my methods…” She shook her head, inferring that it was Jillian’s problem.

“I have no problem with your methods,” Jillian assured with another delighted chuckle. “I thoroughly enjoyed watching you wrangle a dinner date out of him.” She dramatically raised a hand to her forehead. “Should I plead a headache and stay in my room so you can have him all to yourself?”

“Whoa! Time out.” Gil parked in their driveway and swiveled around to pin an accusing look on Eloise. “You invited a complete stranger to the house?”

“No, we invited a neighbor,” Eloise reminded with a haughty tilt to her chin. “One that must’ve passed your background check. Otherwise, you would’ve never played chauffeur this morning.”

“A neighbor that you just met,” he reminded .

“What else were we supposed to do?” She waved a hand carelessly. “He owes us dinner, but he claims he’s not much use in the kitchen.”

A wave of redness crept over Gil’s freckled features. “This isn’t a joke, Eloise. I’m doing everything in my power to keep you safe.”

“I am aware.” She leaned forward to pat his arm, employing a tone one might use to soothe an angry cat. “Which is why I did my homework first. There’s not a single pencil mark in his case file you wouldn’t approve of.” She leaned back in her seat. “Army veteran with twenty-four years of service and a Purple Heart, who served another twenty-something years as a railroad conductor. Oh!” She wagged a finger at Gil. “Did I forget to mention his impressive gun collection?”

“You didn’t have to.” Gil looked exasperated. “The local HOA is filing charges against him for brandishing a deadly weapon when they attempted to have a reasonable conversation with him about the condition of his property.”

Eloise squared her shoulders. “We both know their charges are going nowhere. They’ve been harassing the bejeebers out of him over something their snobby little organization has zero jurisdiction over. They’ve also been trespassing on his property, vandalizing his weeds?—”

“Vandalizing his what?” Gil drew back, looking incredulous.

“You heard me, sheriff.” Her lips trembled from the effort of holding back a smile. “His back pasture is a sanctuary for weeds. His choice entirely since the purchase of his property predates the inception of the HOA. Besides, the rifle he was holding when he answered the door today wasn’t loaded, and he never once pointed it at us. For all we know, we interrupted him while he was cleaning it. ”

“Eloise!” Gil sounded like he was striving valiantly to hang on to his temper.

“I get it, Gil,” she groaned. “Believe me, I do. You’re at your wit’s end looking after two pregnant women, and now you think you’ve got a loose screw next door to worry about.”

They engaged in a glaring match over the seat. “I need to speak with you and Jillian inside. Now.”

Eloise’s face seemed to crumple. “Does this mean you heard from Dave?”

He nodded grimly. “I have, and he’s somewhere safe.” He didn’t share any more details until they were seated in the great room.

He pulled off his Stetson and took a knee in front of Jillian. “Let me begin by assuring you he’s unharmed.”

A sobbing breath escaped her. The way he said it told her she wasn’t going to like what he said next.

“He witnessed a bombing the authorities believe was intended for his client,” Gil continued.

“Witnessed?” Eloise’s voice was sharp. “I thought he was working on a case to uncover the Prophet’s identity.”

“Closed.” Gil’s jaw tightened.

Jillian straightened. “He found the Prophet?”

“He did. Turns out there’s more than one.” Gil tapped his Stetson against his knee. “There’s the guy who’s been sending out warnings to the intended victims before the crimes against them played out. And there are the actual criminals, who launched an online comedy campaign in the Prophet’s name to discredit him. Diabolically clever, if you ask me, and it almost worked.”

“If it weren’t for Dave’s lawyerly interference.” Eloise clapped her hands in satisfaction. “That’s my boy!”

“Yep.” Gil’s expression softened. “He jumped in and busted the case wide open. Then he did exactly what he should’ve done next. He took it straight to the Feds.”

“Say it isn’t so,” Eloise groaned softly. Her entire body wilted against the sofa cushions.

Jillian didn’t know why her mother-in-law sounded so worked up about it. Dave had successfully closed his case. It was over, wasn’t it? “How soon can we see him again?” She was more than ready to have her husband back. Her heart fluttered at the thought.

“That’s the tricky part about working with the Feds.” Gil stood and started pacing the room. “Dave’s investigation led to the arrest of two very dangerous criminals who’ve already tried to take him out of the picture once. Unfortunately, they succeeded in taking one of his clients out of the picture.”

Somebody is dead? Jillian’s thoughts swam dizzily. She’d known there were dangers involved in Dave’s career as a criminal lawyer, but…

“Exactly how many clients is Dave representing in Dallas?” Eloise demanded sharply.

“It started off as a family of three,” Gil sighed. “The case now rests on Dave’s testimony and that of his two remaining clients.”

Because one of them was murdered, and my husband could be next. Jillian’s stomach pitched with nausea. I’m going to be sick.

She jolted as her mother-in-law hopped to her feet like an angry hen to face Gil. “Over my dead, lifeless carcass are they going to take my only child into federal witness protection! So help me, if you don’t do something to stop this madness, I will!”

He caught her when she stumbled and gently walked her backwards toward the sofa. “I’m doing something,” he grated out. “If you’ll give me ten seconds to explain…”

Jillian wasn’t sure why her mother-in-law was so livid. “What’s so bad about witness protection?” she asked faintly. From where she was sitting, it sounded like a good idea, considering all the bullets and bombs that had peppered the case so far.

Tears gushed from Eloise’s eyes. “Because accepting protection from the federal government has some very long and lasting strings attached! They’ll change Dave’s name, send him to a new town, and give him a whole new life — a life that doesn’t include me, you, your baby, Gil, or anyone else he’s ever known.” She shook her head vehemently, shaking a tear loose and sending it flying. “We’d never see him again,” she concluded with a sob of hysteria.

“Which is why Dave has already turned them down flat. That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you.” Gil shot a harried look at Jillian. “So if you’re done scaring the living daylights out of Jillian, I’d be glad to fill you in on the actual plan.” His expression grew hard with determination. “The top brass at Lonestar Security has assured me they’re going to spare no resources to ensure his safety and the safety of his clients.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Eloise choked, not looking the least bit mollified.

“It means we’re gonna do our own version of witness protection. It won’t be easy, and you’re not gonna see as much of Dave as you’d like before the court trial, but he’ll still be part of our lives. That’s what matters.”

Part? Jillian heard one thing the loudest — the sticking point that Gil had left unsaid. Her husband still wasn’t coming home.

At least, not yet.

Jillian couldn’t imagine slipping back into her normal routine after what Gil had just finished confiding in them, but Eloise insisted that was exactly what they were going to do.

“If anyone is spying on us, they’re going to see two women having the time of their lives at a dinner party,” she declared grandly. “This is the best way to help Dave. Trust me.”

Jillian wasn’t in a party mood, but didn’t have the energy to contradict her mother-in-law. She forced herself to go through the motions of showering and changing into white knit leggings and an olive shirt with white polka dots. She was too emotionally beat to put much work into her hair and makeup. In the end, she opted to leave her hair tumbling in blonde waves around her shoulders.

Since Gil had continued fussing about their neighbor coming over, Eloise had invited him to join them and play watchdog. It was unclear if he was bringing Bliss with him. While Jillian was putting on her lip gloss, she heard the rumble of Gil’s tank in the driveway outside. Instead of immediately being turned off, she heard one of the garage doors roll open.

He’s parking inside? Why?

Moments later, there was a knock on the master bedroom door.

“Coming!” She stepped out of the bathroom and made her way across the room, but the door was already being pushed open.

It was Dave!

She gasped and nearly fainted.

He shut and locked the door behind him, hurrying her way with a finger against his mouth to buy her silence. His outfit wasn’t one he’d packed and taken with him. It was solid black — from his long-sleeved shirt and utility vest, to his cargo pants, to the combat boots tied over them. She’d seen Gil dressed like that a few times, while coming and going from his job at Lonestar Security.

She fell into his arms. They stood there clinging to each other for a breathless, tension-charged moment.

“I love you, babe.” Dave spoke against the side of her neck, just breathing her in. “I’ve missed you more than you’ll ever know.”

Happy tears streaked down her cheeks. “Did you come home to pick a fight with me?” she choked. “Because it’s not humanly possible for you to have missed me more than I missed you.”

“Wanna bet?” He raised his head and found her lips.

She’d missed him so much that it hurt. Missed being in his arms. Missed hearing his voice. Missed his kisses.

“You look seriously hot,” she whispered shakily when he raised his head.

He snorted out a chuckle. “Quit stealing my lines. You’re the hottest thing in this room.”

The fact that he felt that way about a wife who was going on six months pregnant was a miracle in itself.

“For one thing, you have more hair. I like it when you wear it down like this.” He tangled his fingers in the silky blonde strands. “And I like how you never overdo your makeup.” He dragged his lips over her cheek and back down the line of her jaw and chin. “I prefer to see your beautiful, natural self.”

She melted beneath his touch, not bothering to tell him she’d been too tired to put on any more makeup this evening. Though she always used a light touch on foundation and blush, often skipping it altogether, she rarely went anywhere without a little eye liner and mascara. “All I have on is lip gloss.”

“Not anymore.” He found her lips again, hungrily drinking her in.

For a moment, she felt like she was in the fairytale he’d spun around when they first met. Every time he held her like this, he made her feel like he was never going to let her go.

Which she knew wasn’t possible. The way he’d snuck into their master bedroom wasn’t the same thing as returning to the life they were trying to build together. To their marriage and home. It felt like something else. Something more temporary.

Jillian drew back, scanning his features. “How long do I get you this time?”

“About an hour.” Dave’s brown gaze darkened with regret. “But I’m already working on a plan to fix this. You have my word. I will not be an absent husband and father forever.” He splayed one large hand against her swollen belly. “I promise.”

She forced a smile, trying to be brave. “Gil said the same thing.”

“No, he didn’t.” Dave’s voice grew deathly serious. “He and Lonestar Security are ironing out the details for a shelter-in-place strategy for me and my clients. Just until the trial. Our own version of witness protection, if you will.”

Her heart ached at the realization that it would be months before the trial was concluded and the verdict issued. The baby would be here before then.

“I’m working on what comes next, babe.” His voice grew rough with determination. “A plan that’ll keep this from ever happening to us and our family again. ”

“How?” Short of them all going into a witness protection program together, she didn’t see how he could deliver on a promise like that.

“By giving up my private practice.”

“No!” Jillian drew a sobbing breath of protest. “It’s who you are, Dave.” It’s what he’d spent years of his life going to school for. There had to be another option besides giving up his entire career.

“Nope. It’s what I do for a living,” he corrected. “Who I am is His.” He pointed upward. “And yours.” He leaned closer to tilt his forehead against hers. “I’m your husband. The man who promised to love, cherish, and protect you for the rest of our lives. To be present. To do life together.” He gently nipped at her lips. “And I think I’ve found the perfect way to do that, while still serving the state of Texas as a criminal lawyer. A job that’ll be backed by an entire army of security personnel.”

She snuggled closer, loving the sound of that. “If such a job exists, Dave…” She’d never heard of anything like it.

“It’s about to.” He lifted his head to gaze deeply into her eyes. “I’m already in negotiations with Lonestar Security to come on board full time as their legal counsel. It would be a salaried position. Not quite as much as I’m accustomed to making, but decent. Really decent, with opportunities for raises, bonuses, and other incentives as we grow the investigative leg of the business.”

“Other incentives?” She couldn’t resist teasing him. “Lemme guess. They have another Rezvani Tank with your name on it?”

“Bingo!” He lightly tapped her nose for emphasis.

“I was kidding.” She leaned in for another kiss.

“They’re not.” He kissed her back tenderly. “And neither am I. ”

“It sounds like the perfect solution.” It took her breath away that he was working so hard to make decisions that would put their family first. “So long as you’re sure you don’t mind giving up your private practice.” There was his office building to consider. Would they need to sell it?

“You’re more important to me than any job.” There was no hesitation in his response. “Please assure me you didn’t miss the part about it coming with a pay cut, though.”

She shook her head in amazement at him. “I thought I made it very clear I didn’t marry you for your money.”

“I know, but?—”

“No buts,” she cut in firmly. “I just want to be with you, Dave. That’s it.” She briefly closed her eyes. “No, that’s not true. I also want you to be safe. And present. The last few days have been sheer torture.” She met his gaze squarely, knowing he preferred honesty over faint platitudes. “I was honestly starting to doubt whether I was cut out for this. Whether I have what it takes to be the kind of wife you need me to be.” She wasn’t sure if she was making any sense.

He looked stricken. “Please don’t give up on me, babe. Or us.”

“I won’t. It took a lot of tears and a lot of begging God over the past few days to reach this point.” Her voice shook. “I just need you to understand something before you take off again.” She ran the pads of her fingers gently over the bandage on his upper arm. “When you hurt, I hurt. I can’t change that. Like it or not, we’re in this together.”

“I like it just fine,” he assured huskily. “It’s what I want. You’re what I want.”

She slid her arms around his neck. “I just fell in love with you all over again.”

He cuddled her closer. “Yeah, I know the feeling. ”

“One more thing.” She smiled against his lips. “I think your mom has the hots for the guy next door.”

“Please tell me you’re kidding,” he groaned.

“We don’t have time for kidding around, esquire. We’ve gotta make every second count.” She drew his head down for another kiss that went on and on. She poured her heart into it, not knowing the next time they would be together.

Jillian felt like a whole new person by the time she joined Eloise and Edward at the dinner table.

Her mother-in-law took one look at her sparkling, red-rimmed eyes and started fanning her hands at her own face. “Glad to see you’re feeling better, hon. You’re in luck. You made it just in time for dessert.”

Jillian could hear the nonchalance her mother-in-law was trying so hard to infuse into her voice. She almost succeeded. “No way was I going to laze around in bed and miss the chance to try out Edward’s greenhouse strawberries.” It sounded like Eloise’s cover story for her late arrival to dinner was the most obvious one — pregnancy symptoms. She could run with that.

Their ruggedly handsome neighbor leaped to his feet to pull out a chair for her. “You sit. I’ll serve.”

“Serve away.” Jillian gave a grateful sigh as she took her seat. “Your shabby hostess apologizes for being a shabby hostess this evening.”

“Not at all,” Edward assured quickly. “According to Eloise, I’m the one who owed y’all dinner, not the other way around. The least I can do is the serving.” He moved into the adjoining kitchen and started rattling around plates and forks on the countertop .

Eloise reached for Jillian’s hands and hissed, “How was he?”

Jillian’s eyes welled again. “He looked good,” she whispered back, “and he’s doing everything he can to make sure this never happens to us again. I’ll, um…tell you more later.” She nodded suggestively toward Edward. “After Willie Nelson leaves.”

“Seriously?” Eloise studied Edward with an assessing eye. “I guess I can see where you’re coming from, except for Ed is taller, buffer, and doesn’t wear his hair in braids.”

The object of their gossip glanced across the bar at her, caught her staring at him, and gave her a slow, deliberate wink.

Jillian swallowed a giggle. “I think he heard you.”

“He did not!” Eloise pretended to swat at her hands.

“I told Dave about him,” Jillian confessed.

“Why’d you go and do a thing like that?” Eloise blushed, actually blushed!

“Because Dave doesn’t like surprises.” Jillian smiled dreamily. “He’d rather you just shovel it on to him straight.”

Eloise didn’t answer, since Edward was heading their way with three plates of strawberry cheesecake balanced on one arm.

Jillian accepted the plate he handed her and took her first bite of cheesecake, closing her eyes in ecstasy. She chewed and swallowed before opening her eyes again. “Wow, Edward!” The cheesecake tasted like standard bakery-style cheesecake, but the strawberries were out of this world. “The berries are a home run.”

“As good as anything you might find in Naples?” He raised his eyebrows in a challenge to Eloise, who’d just taken her first bite.

She made a sighing sound. “Fishing for compliments? ”

“Yep.” He waggled his eyebrows playfully at her.

“They’re better than any strawberries I’ve ever tasted,” she admitted, making a face at him. “Something tells me you already knew that, though.”

“Yep.” His smile was gloating.

“Nobody likes a braggart.” She popped another bite into her mouth.

He shrugged. “You do.”

Eloise nearly choked on her cheesecake. She washed it down with a few sips of tea. “That’s a lot of confidence coming from a cranky neighbor with peeling paint and dangling shutters.”

“Two things I can easily have fixed.” He leaned back in his chair, clearly enjoying their spat as much as she was. “Any recommendations on paint colors, Ms. Italy?”

She gave a girlish giggle. “Classic white farmhouse, federal blue shutters, and a whole mess of fiery red rose bushes in the flower gardens.”

He nodded, looking fascinated. “Did you happen to see any flowerbeds at my place? Because I sure wasn’t aware of them.”

She tapped a red lacquer-tipped finger against her temple. “Imagination.”

His gaze glinted with pure male interest. “What does your lovely imagination say about my barn?”

Her expression grew distant, as if already imagining the upgrades. “Barn red, of course, with white trim. You could take it a step further and dazzle the local HOA members with a silver weathervane on top.”

He made a scoffing sound. “They’re not the ones I’m trying to dazzle.” He abruptly turned to Jillian, who was starting to feel like a third wheel. “Before I go, I wouldn’t mind hearing more about your dream of opening an animal rescue center.”

Jillian gave her mother-in-law an admonishing look. “Talking about me behind my back, huh?”

Eloise waved her fork airily. “It was all good. Well…mostly.”

“Mostly?” Jillian chuckled. “What was the bad part?”

Her mother-in-law was all too happy to tell her. “You’re thinking too small, hon. Rescuing and adopting out dogs and cats is fine and all, but what about livestock? Horses, for example? This is Heart Lake, for pity’s sake. Farms and ranches everywhere you look.”

Jillian nodded slowly. “Where would I put them?” Though their home sat on a little over half an acre of prime lakefront property, it wasn’t big enough for grazing horses, much less constructing the kind of outbuildings such an endeavor would require.

Eloise raised and lowered her slender shoulders. “I know someone nearby who owns more land than you can shake a stick at. So much that he can’t even keep up with mowing it.”

Edward grinned. “We could probably work out an agreement for you to use my back pasture. That is,” his voice grew suggestive as he shot a not-so-subtle look at Eloise, “if you make it worth my while.”

Jillian’s head swiveled between the two of them. “As nice as that sounds, the HOA would never allow it.” She wrinkled her nose. “I know for a fact the property our home sits on is zoned residential.”

“Mine isn’t.” Edward shifted in his chair. “My late wife and I used to own and operate a commercial nursery on our land. It was years ago, of course.” He smiled wryly at Jillian. “Probably before your time. ”

Jillian pressed her hands to her heart, feeling like another big ray of sunshine had just burst through the storm clouds she and Dave were muscling their way through. “I, um…yes, please! Let’s talk more about this soon.” Ideas were popping into her head right and left. “I’ll cook next time.”

“It’s a date.” Edward’s voice was matter-of-fact as he stood. However, he wasn’t looking at Jillian. He was gazing unabashedly at her mother-in-law.