Romance in Big Sky Country

Chapter 16

I woke up this chilly November morning to a knock on the door. I rolled out of bed and I went downstairs to see who it was.

"Sheriff! What calls you all the way out here this morning?" I asked shocked.

"May I come in?" He asked. I opened the door to let him in. "Is Sawyer or Jason around?"

"They're out working on fences before the snow hits. I'll call them." I said as I pulled out my phone.

"Sawyer, the sheriff is here. Can you come up to the house for a bit please?"

"I'm on my way." Sawyer said then hung up the phone.

Not long later I had the coffee on, with some fresh muffins out of the oven when Sawyer arrived.

"Sorry it took so long we were working on the north fence." Sawyer said then placed a kiss on my cheek. I tried to grab some coffee cups when Sawyer grabbed them for me.

"That bump must be getting in the way, huh?" The sheriff asked with a deep chuckle.

"It makes doing dishes and grabbing thing up high a pain." I said. "I'm almost 28 weeks and I'm just going to keep getting bigger." I sighed. "Enough about my pregnancy, what brings you all the way out here?"

"Well as you know with your ex he has a great deal of evidence that could put him away, but" The sheriff stopped.

"But what?" Sawyer asked. I sat down knowing this wasn't good news.

"He sold his company and is on the run. No one knows where he is. We have a nationwide manhunt out for him. But when we get a lead on him he throws us off. I'm sorry, I wish we had better news for you." The sheriff said sadly. "I suggest staying indoors for the next few months, you dont want to put those twins at risk."

Sawyer nodded at the sheriff. I sat there stunned.

"Oh and Sawyer if you're out on your property with or without Alison keep a handgun on you at all times. You have a right to shoot him, just don't kill the man. We need him alive." The sheriff added before getting up from the table to leave.

I moved slowly from the kitchen to the sofa. Sawyer sat me down. I was in a great deal of shock. He could be anywhere.

For the next few hours I sat on the couch on the edge of an anxiety attack.

Jason comes barreling into the house in a frenzy almost giving me a heart attack.

We told him about the news from the sheriff. He was outraged.

Over the next few days I remained indoors. I would watch the snow as it covered the ground. Sawyer made sure the heater worked in Phoenix's stall.

We had a turkey ready for Thanksgiving.

"Sawyer," I said quietly over breakfast. "Could I see Phoenix this morning?"

"I don't see why you can't. Just stay close to me alright?" I nodded and tried to hide my excitement.

After the breakfast dishes were done I got my snow boots on, well Sawyer helped. I got my large overcoat, hat, and gloves on.

"I feel like a damn penguin. I can hardly move." I joked.

"You need to stay warm. Winters here are brutal. If you're not bundled warm you could get frostbite within minutes." Sawyer said as he wrapped a scarf around my face.

Once I was dressed warm Sawyer and I head out to see Phoenix. She was nervous the last few days without seeing me.

I entered the stall and she came trotting over to me. Since her stall was warm I took my gloves off to pet her.

"Hey girl." Phoenix leaned into my touch. "I know, I missed you too. Just take care of those babies for me." She nickered to me in agreement. I smiled.

"It's amazing. A couple seconds with you she's already chill. She's been fussy these last few days." Sawyer said over the stall door.

"She doesn't understand why I'm stuck inside right now. I watched her on the monitor this morning pacing back and forth. I had to come see her this morning." I said turning back to Phoenix. "If Jason had his way he'd lock me in the bedroom."

"Damn straight I would." Jason said walking into the barn. "I wouldn't let you out of my sight, not with that asshole on the loose."

I sighed. I know my brother loves me, but I also know I can't defend myself right now.

"Alright girl, I gotta go back inside. I'll see you in a few days. Be good for me alright? Don't give Sawyer a hard time with the vet anymore." I said to her and he nickered to me. I smiled. I put my gloves back on and I exited the barn.

I continued to watch Phoenix in her stall over the next few days. Sawyer decided to let her out with the other horses for a little bit each day. She always stood by the fence watching the house waiting for me. I would watch her by the window.

It made me sad to watch her like that. She knew I was in the house. She would even try to pull the lead out of Sawyer's hands to run to the house.

I really hope this manhunt is over soon. I need some good news.

My doctor has been making house visits for my appointments because of the situation.

The twins are doing great. Thanksgiving is tomorrow. I have a pumpkin pie ready along with my famous pineapple pie. The Turkey just needs to be prepared, Sawyer will be doing that tomorrow morning.

I just hope things start looking up.