The Black Sheep's Redemption by Lynette Eason Read Free Book Online Page A

death, but I can’t see her coming after me like this.”
    Keira shrugged. “You never know. I’ll make a note for Owen and Ryan to check her out.” On a small flip-top notebook, she wrote something then slid it back into her front pocket. “Be careful, Charles. It looks like someone isn’t very happy with you.”
    * * *
    After consulting with Keira, Charles and Demi decided not to let the incident ruin their day.
    And while Demi couldn’t say she was relaxed, at least the person who had nearly run them off the road was gone for now.
    But a shiver ran through her as the thought occurred to her that he would be back. Somehow, deep in her gut, she felt that it wasn’t over. When they’d decided to keep their appointment with the beach, Keira promised to drive past the area often. “If whoever tried to run you off the road is watching, he’ll see the cruiser keeping an eye on you.”
    “I don’t know if that’s necessary, Keira.”
    She shrugged. “I don’t, either, but it can’t hurt.”
    “Guess not.” Charles looked at Demi and she offered him a reassuring smile.
    Now at the beach, Demi climbed from the truck and while Charles unbuckled Brianne, she went ahead and released Aaron from his car seat.
    Then the four of them headed down the pier. Brianne seemed to have forgotten about her demand for ice cream since the incident with the car.
    Charles limped slightly and again, Demi wondered what happened. Before she could be nosy again, his brows pulled tight into a frown as he gazed at the cliffs and rocks under the lighthouse.
    Wondering at the expression, Demi looked where he did. The white lighthouse with the red roof matched the building next to it. Charles’s home. It sat at the top of a cliff overlooking the ocean. Just yesterday, she’d stood at the window and stared at the view. She’d been in awe of such beauty. “What a great place to raise kids.”
    “I think so.” He shot her another smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes and the frown between his brows seemed even more pronounced. “The path to the beach is this way. Be careful, there are a lot of rocks.”
    Demi held on to Aaron and followed Charles, noticing that he carried a picnic basket in one hand while holding tight to Brianne’s small hand.
    Once on the beach, Charles opened the large basket, pulled out two towels and handed one to Demi. “I decided not to bring the chairs. We can use these. We won’t stay very long. I’ll have to get the twins back to the house for their nap.”
    The wind whipped her ponytail around her face and tugged at the towels. Demi followed his example and planted herself on one. He’d placed them close together so that her shoulder nearly touched his.
    As her gaze scanned the area, she caught sight of the cruiser sitting at the top of the rock. Keira stood looking down at them. Peace settled on Demi’s shoulders for the first time since finding the note this morning.
    His musky cologne wafted to her and she inhaled, deciding she could get used to that smell. “It’s chilly for May, isn’t it?”
    “Chilly and windy.”
    Brianne and Aaron each grabbed a bucket and shovel from the basket. “Daddy, you help me?” Brianne asked. “I want a castle for a princess.”
    Charles shook his head. “In a minute, Bri. I want to talk to Ms. Demi, okay?”
    Brianne cocked her head and turned her shy smile on Demi. “You come help me?”
    She would have been happy to dig in the sand with the little ones, but took her cue from Charles. “Why don’t you get started and I’ll help you in a few minutes.”
    “Okay.” Brianne joined her brother and the two started digging and flinging the sand.
    Demi watched the little ones as she waited for Charles to say something. When he remained silent, she turned to look at him. His eyes were on his children, but even only knowing him such a short time, she could tell his thoughts were elsewhere. “What are you thinking?”
    He blinked. “Nothing much.”
    She didn’t