Page 79 of Colton On Guard

“Did he now?” Eli asked. “Because Ann is somehow convinced that Chad and Genna got back together. She claims he told her so. When he left her, she decided to make Genna’s life a living hell. In the end, she decided to kill Genna. In Ann’s mind, that would make Chad go back to her.”

“Wow.” Unsure how to react to this, Parker finally shook his head. “Are you going to bring him in for questioning?”

“If we can find him, yes. I’ve had people looking for him since Ann was arrested.”

“He told Genna his new girlfriend’s name is Claudia,” Parker said. “He claims this Claudia had to take out a restraining order on Ann. Maybe that will help you find him.”

“If it’s the truth and not some BS he made up, it definitely will help. I’ll have Kansas look into it. Since she was very upset when she heard about Genna being attacked, she asked to be assigned to this case in addition to her Search and Rescue work”

“Once again, you two have proved it’s good to have family in law enforcement,” Parker said, his voice breaking. “I appreciate all your help with all of this.”

Eli eyed him, expression concerned. “Are you okay?”

“I am,” Parker replied. “It’s just been a long day. Genna and I went camping to get away from all the stress, and drama still found us. I don’t know that she’ll ever want to hike or camp again. Which really would be a shame, considering how much I love both of those things.”

“And her?” Eli asked quietly. “Do you love her?”

Parker almost didn’t answer. How could he confess his feelings to his brother before he’d even discussed them with Genna? But he knew Eli cared, and since Parker planned to talk to Genna as soon as possible, he didn’t see any harm.

“I do love her,” he admitted. “I have since the moment we first reconnected a year ago.”

Eli’s eyes widened. “That long?”

“That long.”

“Does Genna know?” Eli asked.

“Not yet.” Parker took a deep breath, about to admit his greatest fear. “I’m not sure she’s ready for any kind of committed relationship, to be honest. I really don’t want to screw things up.”

“I get that.” Eli nodded. “But I think she’s more into you than you realize. Haven’t you noticed the way she looks at you?”

With that, his brother walked away, climbed into his vehicle and drove off.

Parker stared after him, a hope so strong it hurt blooming inside his chest.

After eating the pizza and deciding to take a short nap, Genna slept so deeply that when she woke up in bed, she had no recollection of how she’d gotten there. She still wore the same T-shirt and shorts that doubled as pajamas. Her new boot had even been removed, though placed within easy reach.

Since her wheelchair had been pushed next to her, turned just the right way to make getting into it easier, she realized Parker had either carried her to her bed or put her in the wheelchair to get her there. What she didn’t understand was how he’d done all this without waking her up.

Her ankle throbbed, letting her know she’d need to take something to help with that.

“Are you ready for some coffee?” Parker appeared in her doorway, steaming mug in hand. He set it down on her nightstand and smiled at her. “I hope you feel well rested. You must have really needed your sleep.”

“I do.” Sitting up, she stretched, wincing slightly. “Let me get this boot back on and then, if you don’t mind, I could use some help getting back into my chair.”

After she swung her legs over the side of the bed, Parker knelt and helped her guide her foot into the clunky boot. She tried to close it up herself, but like just about everything else, it proved impossible to do with only one hand.

Once Parker had helped her with that, he carefully assisted her shift from the bed into the wheelchair. Handing her the coffee he’d brought, he pushed her into the living room. On the way there, she told him she wanted to use the bathroom, and also wash up and brush her teeth. Despite knowing she’d probably need it, she declined his help and insisted she could do it all herself.

And she did, though none of it was easy. Finally back in her chair, she called for him to open the door.

“You’re doing great,” he said, pushing her into the living room. “When do you see the specialist?”

“I think they’re supposed to call me today.”

“As soon as you have an appointment, let me know. I’ll get you there. And if I happen to be working, someone else in the family will drive you.”

She smiled. “Thanks. I hate to be a bother, but I really appreciate all the help.”