Clay turns and walks toward me, reaching for my hand. I slip my fingers into his. I love the feel of his calloused palm in mine. But his eyes are so anguished. Will I be able to forgive him if he chooses his mother? I chose mine. I feel like I’m swallowing a throat full of cotton as I think about what I’ve set into motion.

“Riley,” he says, leaning in until I can smell his aftershave, “could you be happy here? Your family would be here.”

Dr. Vandewater leans over his shoulder. “We could even bring your Auntie in. She’d make an excellent nanny.”

He ignores her and stares into my eyes. Emotions zap through me like lightening. I don’t want to be a prisoner here, but what’s the alternative? Death? Being put back in plan B? And if it will keep Mama and Ethan safe and give Clay what he wants? I can give up my freedom for them. A tear wells in my eye, blurring Clay’s features for a moment. Can’t I?

I try a smile. “If they were safe and you were happy, I’d be happy.”

He steps closer. My eyes trace over the hollow at his throat, the stubble on his chin. “You’d do that for them?” He cups his hand around my cheek. “For me?”

A tear traces down my nose as I rest my cheek in his palm. “All I really wanted,” I say looking deep into his eyes, “was to be with the people I love.”

He pulls me to his chest and wraps his arms around me. I throw my arms around his shoulders and press into the warmth of his chest. His heart thuds against mine. I have wanted this so long. Now it’s so bittersweet.

His arms drop from around me as he twirls around.

His guns are silver blurs. Before anyone can move Clay points both revolvers at his parents. Clay’s blue eyes narrow. All emotion is gone. Only the gunslinger remains. “We all walk or none do. Your deal may sound sweet as candy, lady, but I’ve made deals with your kind before. They turn sour real quick.”

His mother steps toward him. “Clay, I—”

He gives her a hard look. “You may a birthed me, but you weren’t never a mother to me. No sense in starting now.”

Dr. Vandewater starts a shrill protest, but the Sheriff’s chuckle cuts in. His belly shakes as he strides around the doctor and stands in front of Clay.

“You was never a one to make a good choice, was ya, boy? Shoulda taken your ma’s deal. My deal won’t be so sweet.” His nasty grin widens to reveal missing teeth. “Not sweet at all.”

Clay doesn’t waiver. “One more step and you’ll be leakin’. I ain’t afraid of you no more, pa.”