Fling? What I have with Austin isn’t a fling. It’s… I don’t know exactly, but it’s more than what my father is assuming. But as much as Austin means to me, there’s another reason I won’t quit. One I desperately need my father to understand.

“No, because as I’ve told you over and over, I love my job. It makes me happy. Isn’t that what’s important?”

“You found a dead body.” Dad’s tone is final.

As far as he’s concerned, the matter is resolved.

But his concern isn’t the issue. Mine is. And I’m not quitting.

While I’m trying to figure out a way to tell my father this—

I drop my jaw and widen my eyes.

The Bridger boys come rushing in the station’s front doors—Chance first, followed by Miles, and then…Austin.

The walls—the ones I’ve had in place around my emotions since I first realized what I stumbled over in the creek wasn’t a rock—come crumbling down when I see Austin. I run to him. Miles steps out of the way before I knock him over.

Austin holds out his hand. I take it and walk into him, and he wraps his arms around me. I bury my face in his chest and breathe him in—all masculine spice and musk, all power and perfection.

His strength gives me strength of my own, and I revel in his hold.

Tears start to fall. I can’t help them.

“Carly.” My father’s voice.

Austin drops a kiss on the top of my head and then murmurs, “You okay, baby?”

I nod.

I shake my head.

I shrug.

I don’t know what I am…except in love. In complete and total love with Austin Bridger. I called him hours ago when he was far away. Now he’s here.

“She all done here, Sheriff?” Austin asks.

“For now. I’ll want to talk to the three of you as well.”

“Tomorrow,” Chance replies with enough authority that Bryant doesn’t say more.

“You’re coming with us, Carly,” my father says.

I turn my head to look at my parents, but I stay in Austin’s tight embrace.

Austin came for me. He’s here in the station, back in Montana, because of me. I’m not sure what he’s learned about the dead body other than what I told him on the frantic phone call. Chance has no doubt been given updates, but still… Austin didn’t question me first and hug me after.

No. Comfort first. Comfort from Austin.

And my God, I need it. I used to—and still do—get it from my parents, but this is different. It’s more. Even after knowing this man for such a short time.

He said I was his.

He’s right.

I’m his. I’m Austin’s. Forever, if he’ll have me.

I gather my strength, pull back slightly from Austin’s hold, and meet my father’s gaze. “No, Daddy. I’m going with Austin.”

Austin doesn’t say anything, just gives my hip a squeeze.

My mom sniffles. “Rick…”

“This only adds to what I told you about Jonathan Bridger,” Dad says. “About that family. The ranch.”