The Protective Warrior Read online

  Isaac texted the pilot that he wanted to fly back to Colorado as soon as possible then ordered another Uber. He officially decided that he hated Chicago and would never come back again.

  17

  The next two days were busy for Isaac, and luckily everyone else was too distracted to bug him much about where MacKenzie was. He helped Haley and Cal with wedding prep, found a piece of property, and set up a temporary shop for his business. Things went fast when you paid in cash. The property he bought was north of the ski resorts in a valley below the tiny town of Gothic. Isaac liked the isolation and the beauty of the area.

  His thoughts were on MacKenzie far too much. He wondered if she’d come back for the wedding and what he would say to her if she did. His chest hurt every time he pictured her in that guy’s arms.

  He turned off the welder and stared across his shop out the open door. All was quiet as everyone else had gone to sleep for the night. The crickets chirping and the wind rushing through the aspen trees outside weren’t enough distraction to forget about MacKenzie.

  “So, you’re excited to ditch me, eh?”

  Isaac straightened at the sound of his father’s voice. He pulled off his apron and helmet and sighed. “I’m not excited to ditch you, but to get on with my dreams.”

  “Don’t lie to me, boy. You’re excited to ditch me.” His dad gave him half a smile. “I think the Sundstrom boy will work out well on the ranch.”

  “Me too. You’ll be fine without me.”

  “Yeah, but I’ll miss you.”

  Isaac’s head flew up as his dad’s gaze skittered away. His dad was mush with Haley and Taz, but Isaac wondered half the time if the man even liked his own son. He cleared his throat. “I won’t be too far away.”

  His dad nodded and fingered a metal floral arrangement. “It’s impressive work you’re doing, son.”

  Isaac swallowed hard, not sure if he’d heard right. “Thank you, sir.”

  “I’m, well, I’m sorry.” His dad was looking everywhere but at Isaac. “I know I haven’t been supportive of you, and thank the good Lord, Cal is a better man than me and saw how talented you are and … I was scared, okay?”

  Isaac took a step closer, wanting to hug his dad, which was just awkward. They hadn’t hugged since the brief, uncomfortable moment at his mom’s graveside when everyone was watching and it was expected they embrace. “Scared of what?” he asked in a low tone.

  “You failing and it breaking your heart. I’ve never seen you so passionate about anything, besides MacKenzie, that is.” His dad flashed him a mischievous grin.

  Isaac ignored the last part, though his heart dinged with the pain. “You thought I would fail?”

  “No.” His dad shook his head. “No, but I worried, that’s what parents do, and without your mom here to mediate between us. I don’t know how to talk to you very well. Never have.”

  Now that was the truth. His mom always smoothed over their fights and helped them see the best in each other. Haley had done a pretty good job of it too, but with both women gone their relationship was tough.

  “Thanks, Dad.”

  “For what?” His dad rolled his eyes. “All I tried to do was hold you back.”

  Isaac chuckled. “Thanks for admitting it.”

  His dad strode forward, took his hand in a firm grip then pounded him on the shoulder. “I’m right proud of you, boy.”

  Before Isaac could respond, his dad ripped his hand away and hurried out of the shop. Isaac savored it for a while. The only time his dad had ever been proud of him was when he’d sacked the quarterback in the state championship football game and the Titans had kept the lead and won the game. He put his tools away slowly. Things were good in his life. If only he didn’t have this hole from missing MacKenzie.

  18

  MacKenzie was in turmoil as she drove into Crested Butte in a rental car. The short flight to Denver and then onto Gunnison hadn’t given her enough time to think, or maybe it’d given her too much. She’d had a great time being with friends and family in Chicago, but it was like she couldn’t get back to Crested Butte, or more accurately, Isaac, quick enough.

  She’d gotten her cell back from the FBI Monday night and had immediately texted Haley for Isaac’s number. He didn’t answer when she called and his voice mail was an automatic recitation of the number instead of his voice, but she’d left a lengthy message telling him she was sorry she’d left and couldn’t wait to see him again on Wednesday. She’d said love you before her goodbye without really meaning to let those words escape. His lack of response to her message was killing her. She’d wanted to text or call him again, but forced herself to wait.

  She was ready to make a leap for him and had been tempted to start looking for teaching jobs in Crested Butte or somewhere close like Gunnison. Maybe she could move there for a while and run Haley’s store, if Haley wasn’t ticked at her for leaving the store closed the past few days. She hated to leave her family, training partners, and students, but she needed to know if something could develop with Isaac. She’d never felt like this about anyone.

  Her heart was beating a staccato as she pulled off the main road and into the ranch yard. She searched for Isaac’s truck, her hope deflating when she didn’t spot it. Unsure where to go, she pulled up to Trevor’s house, climbed slowly out and stretched. The place looked deserted. Where was everybody? Most of her girl’s camp friends should be here and Isaac should be here, waiting, excited to see her, ready to pick her up in his arms, spin her around, and kiss her.

  She knocked on every door—Trevor’s, Haley’s, Isaac’s. She poked around the barn and Isaac’s shop. All of his metal art and most of his welding supplies were gone. What did that mean? Had he finally found his own spot? In two days?

  Pulling out her cell phone, she dialed Haley’s number. It went straight to voice mail. Well, her wedding day was tomorrow. Maybe she was a bit busy. She tried Maryn next.

  “Hello?” Maryn sounded cautious, completely unlike herself.

  “Maryn, it’s MacKenzie.”

  “Kenzie!” Maryn shrieked. “Where are you? Get your skinny bum over here.”

  “Over where?”

  “Haley’s getting married in an hour.”

  “The wedding’s tomorrow.” MacKenzie’s grip tightened on the phone. In an hour? She needed to change and find Isaac, and she’d been no help to her friend who had saved her this past few weeks.

  “You been under a rock girl? The media went crazy with your story and tied it all into Crested Butte, Haley, and Cal. Someone in town must’ve leaked the wedding tomorrow evening so we changed it. Everyone was here and we knew you were on your way today. So she’s having an afternoon wedding that only close friends and the locals know about. Up in some beautiful valley above the ski resort. Go to Cal’s hotel and they’ll shuttle you up here. You know the way?”

  “Yeah.” MacKenzie rushed for her car. She’d have to change and fix up her hair at the resort.

  “Kay. Get here quick. Love ya.”

  “You too.”

  MacKenzie drove like a wild woman, hoping all the police were at the wedding and wouldn’t pull her over. At least now she had a driver’s license. It felt good to be safe and legal again.

  The resort exterior was vertical plank boards, huge timbers, and lots of windows. She grabbed her overnight bag and her dress bag and left her car with the valet.

  The front desk clerk was a good-looking twenty-something kid.

  “Hi. I’m here for Haley Turnbow’s wedding.”

  “Name please.” He gave her a toothy smile.

  “MacKenzie Gunthrie.”

  His eyebrows shot up. “Girl! Everyone has been waiting for you.” He pulled out a packet. “Here’s your room key. Get on up there and change and I’ll get the Jeep ready to take you up.”

  “Thank you.” Her bottom lip quivered. They were waiting for her. Why hadn’t they called her to let her know the wedding had been changed then? Just an oversight or was everyone upset a
t her for leaving like she did?

  She took the stairs to save time and found her suite on the third floor. It was gorgeous: rustic wood, warm leather, and modern stainless steel combined to a homey feel. The picture windows overlooked the valley below. Changing quickly into her teal-colored knee-length gauzy dress, she hoped everything was okay with her and Isaac. She touched up her makeup and ran some serum through her hair to try to make it shine and the curls lay a little better.

  As she descended the stairs, she prayed that Isaac would be happy to see her. She’d missed him so much. What if he didn’t feel the same? The front desk guy ushered her into a Jeep and the driver greeted her then drove quickly up the mountain.

  The valley was like an outdoor landscape painting. A grassy area butted up against the mountainside with its cascade of pine trees. There was a huge canopy stretching from tree to tree to ensure the wedding party was shaded, but it was all open so the backdrop was just the beautiful outdoors. The tables and chairs were decorated with white, teal, and orange with floral accents. Everything was outdoorsy looking but also very professionally done.

  She spotted Isaac standing up front with Cal and Tucker. Isaac looked so breathtakingly handsome in a dark gray suit and teal tie. His green eyes met hers and the scenery and people fell away. She saw him mouth, “Mac.”

  MacKenzie grinned and started toward him when she heard someone calling her name in a sort of hushed yell, “Kenzie, Kenzie!”

  Tearing her gaze from Isaac, she whirled around. Maryn was rushing toward her, her blonde curls bouncing. “Kenzie, the wedding’s about to start! What are you doing?”

  “I, Isaac.”

  “You’re going to have to talk to him after. Come sit with the girls.”

  Maryn took her arm and led her to the group. Alyssa and Beck. Holly and Jordan. Erin and Matt. Nikki and Darrin. Lindsey was the only other friend without a handsome husband. She wondered where Kynley and Summer were. Nobody had heard from Trin in years. Her group of friends were gorgeous people. Like a bunch of Hollywood A-listers. No wonder the paparazzi wanted to get the scoop on this wedding. All of her married friends but Erin had married extreme wealth and had been in the tabloids at different times.

  She glanced at Isaac again. If she had her way, she wouldn’t marry a wealthy man. She would have to humiliate herself and sing the Camp Wallakee song at her wedding. That was just fine with her. Isaac was more than worth it.

  Maryn squeezed in next to Alyssa and pulled Kenzie down with her. The wedding march started and they all stood before she had a chance to do more than whisper hello to everyone. Usually, she’d be dying to talk to her friends, but all she wanted right now was Isaac.

  Taz walked importantly down the aisle in front of his mom and grandpa. Taz was adorable in his little suit with his dark curls and his broad smile, missing his two bottom teeth. Haley was exquisite in the most gorgeous dress MacKenzie had seen. It was white satin and off-white lace with teal ribbon woven around the waist. With her dark hair and green eyes she was an unbelievably pretty bride.

  MacKenzie glanced back at Isaac, noticing Cal staring with a look of pure joy at Haley. She wished Isaac was looking at her like that, but his eyes were hooded and his smile looked practiced. What was going on?

  The wedding ceremony was sweet and not too long. MacKenzie should’ve paid better attention, but all she could think about was getting to Isaac. After the ceremony was over, Cal and Haley shared a really long kiss until Taz said, “Stop! My turn!”

  They’d broken apart with a laugh to hug and kiss their son and walk together as a family down the aisle. Taz perched in Cal’s right arm while Cal held Haley close with his left. MacKenzie felt bad that she was so caught up in her selfish desires to hug and kiss Isaac that she hadn’t really shared in their family joy. They were adorable and so happy. They all deserved it. These might be her future in-laws. Her stomach leaped. Oh, she hoped so.

  The wedding party moved to an area set up next to the towering cake to receive congratulations. Caterers were arranging a buffet that smelled delectable, but MacKenzie knew she couldn’t eat a bite until she worked things out with Isaac. The Camp Wallakee group all stood and everyone started talking at once, trying to catch up, and firing questions at MacKenzie about what in the world had happened and why hadn’t she called them? What made Haley so special? She knew they were teasing, but wanted to tell them they should be grateful she didn’t involve them.

  MacKenzie loved her friends and was literally and figuratively wrapped in a big hug by all of them, but she kept looking for Isaac. Maryn asked when MacKenzie was going to marry her own billionaire hunk. She reddened and almost told her she wanted a humble hunk who did metal art, but she didn’t know if he wanted her. Where had he disappeared to and why did she have this awful feeling that he wasn’t searching for her like she was for him?

  Isaac had almost given up hope that MacKenzie was coming to the wedding. Maybe hope was the wrong word. He wanted to see her so badly he ached, but at the same time he didn’t want to face her. She had a boyfriend back in Chicago and had probably just turned to Isaac the past few weeks because of how afraid she was and how much Isaac had pushed her to be with him. He assumed she’d been reluctant to date him because of Brad or the crime lord being after her, the thought of a boyfriend hadn’t even crossed his mind. He probably should’ve asked more questions and kissed less. Oh, kissing, Mac. He’d never get the privilege again.

  It was good she was here. If she hadn’t made it to the wedding it would’ve been his fault. Haley had been running around like a crazy woman when they decided to move the event up a day to hopefully escape the paparazzi feasting on their happiness. She’d thrust her phone at Isaac. “Call Kenzie for me and make sure she knows about the change of plans.” She’d rushed on without his response and he’d just stared at MacKenzie’s contact information and her picture from Facebook for long minutes then put the phone back in Haley’s purse.

  When MacKenzie walked into the canopy, her long, dark hair cascading around her shoulders, her curves highlighted in the teal dress, and her dark eyes searching for him, he started toward her. Cal had grabbed his arm and said something like, “Dude. You’re going to have to wait.”

  Isaac restrained himself, but didn’t take his eyes off her. When she finally met his gaze, her name had come out in a croak of wanting, “Mac.” Cal had shaken his head, but didn’t say anything.

  Isaac forced himself to stop staring at MacKenzie and try to enjoy this moment for his sister, nephew, and new brother-in-law. Their happiness made him happy. He was okay. Maybe he’d never have this for himself, but his family was what mattered. He needed to put his selfish desires for MacKenzie aside and concentrate on making Haley’s day the best day possible.

  As soon as the wedding was over he went around the opposite side of the aisle to avoid MacKenzie and was one of the first to congratulate the new family.

  Taz laughed when he picked him up and squeezed him. “Love ya, Uncle Isaac.”

  “You too, bud.”

  “Did ya see the pretty ladies over there?” Taz asked, nodding his head like a suave teenager. “New girlfriends.”

  Isaac chuckled and followed his gaze to Haley’s group of girl’s camp friends. They were all surrounding MacKenzie and he could stare at her for a few seconds without her knowing. She was so beautiful. “Good luck, little man.”

  Taz laughed like a little maniac. “Maybe I’ll marry them.”

  Cal laughed, took Isaac’s outstretched hand and pulled him into a hug with Taz between them. “You need to wait a few years, son. Isaac on the other hand needs to go talk to ‘Mac’.”

  Isaac shifted uncomfortably and set Taz down so his nephew could greet the teenage girls waiting in line for a chance to hug their little boyfriend.

  “You heard that?” he asked Cal.

  “Heard what?” Haley finished talking to an older couple and turned to him.

  Isaac enveloped her in his arms. “Nothing. You look gorgeous,
sis. Love you.”

  She beamed up at him. “Love you too.”

  People were crowding from behind so he let his sister go and turned away. He’d make himself useful and go check if the caterers needed any help. It was in the opposite direction of MacKenzie so that was good. He knew he couldn’t avoid her all afternoon, but he needed more time before she saw how she’d broken him. He didn’t want her compassion. He wanted her to dump her boyfriend and move to Crested Butte. That wasn’t going to happen, so he’d just have to survive until she disappeared and he could bury himself in his work.

  MacKenzie was ushered along with her group of friends to congratulate the newlyweds. Taz kept calling Maryn his girlfriend, much to Tucker’s protest. Taz studied Maryn and Tucker for a few seconds then said sorrowfully, “I’m sorry. You can’t be my girlfriend anymore, you gots to be a wife.”

  Cal roared with laughter. “Well, at least he’s learned some boundaries.”

  Maryn pointed at MacKenzie. “Maybe Kenzie can be your new girlfriend.”

  Taz looked her over then winked. “Oh, yes, yes, yes.”

  The entire group was laughing now. MacKenzie thought Taz resembled his uncle far too much. She only wished Isaac was as insistent that she be his girlfriend.

  Taz slyly cocked his head and said to Tucker, “Do you have respect for me now?”

  “Oh my goodness!” Maryn shook her head. “I love you, little man.”

  “You can’t love me, you’re a wife.”

  Most of the group had already congratulated the happy couple. Taz gave MacKenzie a hug around the waist then moved on to flirt with Lindsey. Cal wrapped a strong arm around MacKenzie. “How are you? We haven’t seen you since that crazy night.”