Read Online The Cowbear's Christmas Shotgun Wedding (Curvy Bear Ranch 3) by Liv Brywood - Free Book Online Page B

wood.”
    “Just like the Jenkinses’ place,” Logan said.
    “Exactly like it. Normally we get maybe one barn fire a year, so two in one month is suspicious as hell. I’d bet my badge it’s the same criminal startin’ these fires.”
    “It’s Milton,” Logan said.
    “We looked into him. Clean as a whistle. Not a single prior.”
    “He probably paid someone to do it.”
    “Could be. Either way, we didn’t find anything that could tie him to the last fire.”
    “Look harder this time,” Logan said gruffly.
    The marshal frowned. “We did our job right on the last one.”
    “I’m not saying you didn’t, but maybe he made a mistake this time.”
    “Could be. Anyway, how’s she doing?” he asked as he nodded toward Kate.
    “She needs some rest, but she’s going to be fine. One of your guys already looked her over,” Logan said.
    “If you need anything, you have my number. I don’t know what the arsonist’s endgame is, but he set this place up to burn to the ground. Bastard didn’t even let the horses out first. Whoever did this has absolutely no regard for life.”
    “Milton only cares about money. He’s got a greedy soul; you can see it in his eyes. I did my best to keep him away from Kate, but he came around yesterday trying to get her to sell. He threatened her.”
    “Did you go to the police?” the marshal asked.
    “No. They couldn’t have done anything since it was a veiled threat. And even if he’d threatened her outright, what could they actually do about it?” Logan asked.
    “Not much.”
    “Right. Until the guy kills someone, that’s going to be their response.”
    “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.” The marshal tipped his hat, then set out to gather up his men.
    After they’d left, Mack, Brady, and Hank walked over.
    “Which one of you was on watch?” Logan asked.
    “I was,” Mack said. “I didn’t see a damn thing. Went off to take a leak and the next thing I know, all hell’s breaking loose.”
    “How could you let her run into a burning barn?” Logan asked.
    “I was on the other side of it. I didn’t see her go in.”
    “It’s not his fault,” Kate said as she stirred in his arms.
    “I know. I’m just pissed right now.” Logan’s bear clawed at his ribcage. He wanted out. He wanted vengeance.
    “The sun’s coming up. I doubt Milton will come back today. She needs to get some sleep,” Hank said.
    Logan glanced at the sky. Pale blue light washed in from the east. The sun hadn’t crested the mountains yet, but it wouldn’t take long. Hank was right. He needed to get her out of the cold.
    “I’ll watch over her today. I want someone on patrol at all times,” Logan said.
    “I’ll go talk to the other ranchers nearby and warn them,” Brady said.
    “I’ll come over with Madison in a bit and bring you some breakfast,” Mack said.
    “Where’s Drew and Cody?” Logan asked.
    “I sent them out to make sure none of the fences had been cut,” Mack said.
    “Good idea.”
    “That’s what we do, look out for each other,” Mack said. “Now you better get her inside before she catches a cold.”
    While his brothers headed back to the Curvy Bear Ranch, Logan stood up and lifted Kate into his arms. As he carried her into the house, she wound her arms around his neck. He didn’t set her down until he’d reached the bedroom.
    “It’s freezing in here,” she said with a shiver.
    “I’ll start a fire. Get undressed while I get your bath running. You’re covered in soot.”
    She glanced down at her formerly white robe which had been painted gray with ash. “I guess I am.”
    “I’ll be right back, honey.”
    He hurried into the bathroom and turned the faucet on as hot as it would go. Steam billowed up to warm the room. He waited until the tub was half filled before turning it off. After testing it with his hand, he added a little cold water. Too hot and it would scald her skin.
    The faint patter of her feet signaled her arrival. He turned and