Page 13 of Fearless Protector (Ruthless Guardians #3)

I climb into the back of Krissy’s van with Patti and Jules still bubbling with excitement.

Lacy turns around from her seat up front, and her face is positively glowing.

“I’m actually doing this. I am going to get married in the same church my grandparents married in and my momma and daddy too.

It may have been reconstructed over the years, but the heart and soul of its presence in Deadwood never changes.

It’s part of what makes the history so special. ”

My arms wrap around myself as we drive, contemplating all that has happened with Mason in such a short time before we park next to the entrance in the back of the church.

When we reach the back rooms reserved for us today, the dresses are all hanging on a rack.

The lady volunteers hover around, making sure we look our best and don’t forget one single detail.

When Lacy turns around, it’s almost impossible to keep the tears at bay, but we all try as hard as possible. I hug her lightly so as not to wrinkle her or get one bit of this makeup on that beautiful long white dress. “You look absolutely beautiful. Garrett is one lucky man.”

Lacy beams with happiness. I squeeze her hand while Jules and Patti say a few things before we have to leave. I glance at the clock. “Come on; it’s almost time to do this thing. The music will start soon, and the guys should be arriving any minute.”

We make our way to the area we’re supposed to meet at, and Lacy’s father is escorted in by a couple of our friends who went to pick him up for the occasion. Lacy hugs her dad and dabs at her eyes. “I can’t cry, dad, but I’m so glad you’re here,” she chokes.

The rest of us leave them to have their special moment and make our way to the area right off the entrance where we’ll couple with the guys and make our way up to the pulpit and watch with the rest of the town as Lacy’s dad escorts her down the aisle.

A loud gunshot breaks the serenity of the moment, and then another, and another, each permeating the air and causing my chest to tighten with the greatest fear I’ve ever known.

The entire group turns toward the exit, and all I can think about is Mason, Garrett, and Cole. Neither of the three are in the church. Mason’s words ring over and over in my mind. I have something important to take care of first; wait for me, okay?

A mind-gripping fear settles over me.

Before my brain can keep my feet from moving, I’ve lifted my dress and am running out the front door of the church and down the stairs.

Jake Eldridge lays in a pool of blood while men I’ve never seen begin lifting him.

Mason is lying on the ground with his eyes closed.

No, no, no. It can’t be possible. “ Mason!” Tears spill down my face so fast I don’t even try to swipe them away.

My heart breaks in two right then and there.

He moves and turns toward me, just as I reach the bottom step. Mason’s eyes connect with mine from the ground. I don’t need to say a thing; he’s been in sync with me from the very first time we met. “Come here.”

I tear over to his side, dropping to the ground and giving not one care in the world to the condition of my dress. “Mason, tell me you’re okay; baby, tell me you’re okay.”

He grins and pulls me into his arms, kissing my lips so hard I can barely breathe. “I’m more than okay. Didn’t I tell you to wait for me? That does not mean putting yourself at risk, when I’m out here protecting you, okay,” he says, wiping the tears and smudge from under my eye.

I nod and then nod again. “I love you, Mason. If I didn’t know it the first time you kissed me, or last night, or today when you came for me, I know it now. You are more than worth taking a chance on. I love you so much.”

He picks himself up off the ground with me in tow and pockets his gun as the sheriff arrives with sirens blazing and pulls to a stop. Garrett has his arm around Lacy, and Cole has his arms wrapped protectively around Krissy, while the other bodyguards deal with the police.

Mason whispers in my ear, “I love you too, Priscilla Jean. I probably have since the very first time you dumped that beer on me and that little show of fireworks flashed through your eyes.”

He gestures toward the men on the ground next to Jake Eldridge who the sheriff is putting in cuffs.

“Is he dead?”

He’s not, but him, his dad and some others still want the territory in this town and will go to great lengths to get it. That’s why Tommy and his boys took the others away before the sheriff arrived, and why I have a job in Deadwood.”

I hug him tight. “Our protectors.”

Garrett clears his throat. “Let’s get this wedding started so I can say I do!”