“I’m guessing so. Why?”

“Because I’m going to go murder him for touching her,” Hank growled. He’d take the pitchfork with him, scare the daylights out of that little shit of a man—

Jack stepped in front of him—and nearly got a pitchfork tine in the belly. “Whoa there.” He put his hands up. “How do you know she wants to be rescued?”

“Because she hates that guy. He embarrassed her in front of everyone. You think she wants anything to do with him?”

Jack carefully maneuvered around the pitchfork and put a hand on Hank’s shoulder. “She’s a grown woman. She can take care of herself. Besides, I’m pretty sure she told him off. I parked down the street and he left a few minutes after I did, all grumpy and shit.”

That made Hank feel a little better, but only slightly. Every muscle in his body was tense with the need to protect Becca from someone trying to take advantage of her. It didn’t matter that she didn’t love him enough to move to Alaska with him. He cared about her. Hell, his whole body lit up just thinking about her. She was special and gentle, and she needed someone to champion her and protect her, and even if she didn’t want Hank anymore, he’d still look out for her because he fucking loved her.

“You’re growling.”

“What?” he practically snarled at his brother.

“You’re just growling at nothing.” Jack frowned up at Hank. “You okay, man?”

“No, I’m not okay. Why would you ask something so stupid?”

“She’s fine, okay?” Jack shook his head, a look of wonder on his face. “I don’t get why you care. You said it’s over, right? We’re going back to Alaska, remember? Uncle Ennis is looking for new hands. One’s coming next week for a dry run. The moment he’s set up, we’re back home in the wild. That’s what we wanted, remember?”

Hank wasn’t sure anymore. All he knew was that he wanted Becca, and some other jerk was trying to touch her and Hank wasn’t there to save her. He flung down the pitchfork and stormed into the main house to check on his daughter. At least the sight of Libby would make him feel better.

Unfortunately, inside the house wasn’t much better. Caleb sat in the kitchen with Libby, coloring with her. Uncle Ennis—who was supposed to be watching his daughter—was nowhere to be seen. “Where’s Doc?”

“Someone had a horse emergency,” Caleb said, shrugging. “He’ll be back later.”

“Look, Daddy.” Libby held up her paper. “I drew a family!”