It had been a long day and Joselyn was ready to fall into bed. Maddox's father and three of his four sisters had arrived early on Sunday morning for an impromptu Father's Day visit staying for three days. With a house full of people, the sleeping arrangements had been tight. Maddox surrendered his bed to his parents, claiming a spot in the hayloft of the barn. Hannah and Shaun retreated to their RV, taking the three older children with them who thought the idea of "camping with Uncle Shaun" was the most fun ever. River's two oldest sisters, Deena and Felicity shared Shaun's old room and the youngest, Marla and her two-year-old daughter stayed with Joselyn. "I'll sleep on the sofa," she had stated. "The baby will be fine in her playpen next to me."

Joselyn had insisted on them staying with her and, though it was a little crowded, was happy to have them. As a result, the two became fast friends. So much so Joselyn was a little sad to see the whole gang load into their vehicles and leave on Wednesday afternoon.

Now, with everything quiet, Joselyn and Maddox were sitting in the old porch swing listening to the katydids and frogs sing as a thousand stars appeared in the indigo sea above. He had turned sideways with his back to the swing's arm, one leg stretched on the seat and the other on the porch floor. Joselyn was nuzzled back against his chest and he had one arm folded around her middle. The other lay on the swing back. Every so often, he would lean down and kiss her head as if to reassure himself she was there.

"It was so nice to meet your family."

He chuckled. "They are a handful but yeah, not too bad. I'm sorry you didn't get to meet Allie but her job keeps her busy all the time. You would think a large chain restaurant could get by without one manager for a few days."

"She did call and we got to talk to her on the telephone," Joselyn said as she laid her head back against his shoulder. "I always wished I had sisters growing up. I do have one cousin but we rarely see each other. He is several years older than I am and went to live with his father when his parents divorced. I think they are in New Jersey or somewhere in the Northeast." She shrugged. "I know it upsets my Aunt Laura because he won't come to visit her. I called him when she was first diagnosed. He wasn't interested, so Mom sold her house and moved in with her to help her out. Sometimes you get the golden side of a family like yours. Sometimes you get the bottom of the barrel, like mine."

"Does he have anyone there? Maybe he can't get away. I can't believe a son wouldn't want to be there to help his mother going through something as rough as cancer treatments."

"He never married. All he can think of is his career as an investment broker. I will say this much though, he does pay for her health insurance so I guess in his mind he's doing his best."

Maddox pushed the swing back and forth with his boot against the floor. Joselyn relaxed against him as the quiet squeak of the chains became a rhythm to lull her off into a half sleep.

"Maybe he can't stand to see her so ill."

She jumped. "What?"

"Your cousin. Maybe he can't stand to see his mother suffering. Some people aren't strong enough to deal with it. From what I understand, chemotherapy patients are sick, unable to eat, have to have help getting around, even taking care of personal issues. It's a lot to place on a loved one's shoulders. I believe if I had to see one of my parents or Aaron or Celia go through cancer..." He shook his head. "I don't think even I could handle it. I'd like to think I could but I don't know for sure."

She lifted his hand and pressed her lips against the rough palm. "You are the strongest man I have ever met. I don't mean only physical strength but also mental and emotional. I think if the situation ever arose, you would be there every step of the way. It's a part of who you are, Maddox. You are a protector, a fighter, a man who gets the job done. I believe you would treat a sick loved one the same way. Assess the situation, map out a plan of attack and get it done."

He laughed softly and pulled her around until she sat sideways on his lap. Wrapping his arms around her waist he snuggled against her. "Hmm, you got me all figured out, do you?"

"Completely," she agreed. "And I love everything about you."

"Ditto," he growled and hugged her tighter.

Suddenly, the dogs came out from under the porch and began barking. In the barn, they heard several of the horses whinnying and stamping. From the chicken coop, the rooster crowed several times and the hens clucked nervously. Maddox stilled and slowly eased her off his lap.

"What is it?"

He stood and shook his head. "I don't know."

Aaron appeared at the door with Shaun right behind. "Something's got the livestock spooked," his uncle said and slid his feet into his boots by the door.

Maddox agreed. "Yeah, so I hear. Let me get my weapon." He had secured both his handgun and the two rifles he had brought with him in Aaron's large steel gun safe because of the children's presence. He jogged inside with Aaron to retrieve them. Returning a moment later, he handed a rifle to Shaun." Joselyn, I need you to go into the house while we check it out. Lock the door and don't come out no matter what you hear."

With a little trepidation, she went into the house and closed the door. Locking it tightly, she joined Celia in the living room. The older woman was busy closing and locking the windows. Glancing over, Joselyn noticed Hannah asleep on the sofa. Taking the remote, Celia turned off the television and sat on the sofa beside her daughter-in-law. Careful not to wake her, she pulled the coverlet over her shoulders.

"Should we wake her?" Joselyn whispered.

Celia shook her head. "It's probably a coyote or fox trying to get into the chicken pen. Hannah needs her sleep. She is still having morning sickness and I'm sure sleeping in the camper didn't help her back any." She reached over and pushed a tendril of hair out of Hannah's face. "Poor dear. It takes a lot to bring a baby into the world. Come and sit, Joselyn. Aaron and the boys have done this dance before. They'll run off whatever is out there."

Joselyn obeyed, settling into one of the two recliners. In silence they waited, listening to the noise still coming from outside. Gradually, the melee quieted until the normal nightly serenade resumed. As one, both women relaxed and Joselyn spoke.

"I don't think I ever thanked you for allowing me to come stay here while things get sorted out in New Orleans."

The smile lighting the older woman's face was genuine. "Of course you would come here. Maddox is family, and unless I missed something, you will be too. This family takes care of its own."

"Still, I'm extremely grateful." Joselyn glanced at the window before continuing. "It's what Maddox says about his team." She deepened her voice to mimic his baritone. "'SEALs don't leave SEALs behind. Once a SEAL, always a SEAL.'"

Celia chuckled as Joselyn continue.

"I think he looked at his SEAL team like another family. From the stories he can tell me, they are extremely close. I suppose depending on a group of others to keep you safe in intense situations will make them closer than brothers. He misses them at lot. I was thinking of having a get together after this is over. Maddox will like that."

Celia began reminiscing. "When Maddox first enlisted, we thought he would do one tour and get out. As a teenager, he always talked about wanting to become an engineer or a veterinarian so we were sure he would serve a few years and use his Montgomery Bill to get an education. Then he called and said he had made it through training to be a SEAL. Aaron was a Green Beret so he understood exactly what it meant. When he, in turn, explained it to Sarah, she broke down and cried. She was both proud of Maddox and terrified he would get hurt. Sarah remembered Aaron going on missions and being out of touch for days or even weeks at a time. She knew it would be hard for the family but she also knew it was deep in Maddox's heart. He loved his country, his home, and his family. He was going to take care of all of them by serving." Celia smiled softly as she continued. "He would call Sarah and tell her, 'Mom, time to go to work. I'll call you in a few days' and he would be gone. She prayed, fretted, and worried over him until he called her to let her know he was fine. I know each of those calls scared her to death but she understood his need to do what he could. I often wondered if I could have been as strong as she if Shaun had entered the service. It takes a tough man to go out and make the safety of others his priority but it also takes a strong woman to stand by and let him be that protector."

Joselyn nodded slowly. "I think I understand what you are talking about." She chewed her lip. "I have been thinking about a new book and wanted to make the hero ex-military. Can I use what you said about being a strong woman in my book?"

Celia's face turned a slight pink. "Lord gracious! You can use whatever you want."

There was a knock on the door and Joselyn yelped, clutching her heart in fright.

"It's just us, Mom," Shaun called out.

She ran over and unlocked the door letting the three men back inside. Aaron and Shaun disappeared into the den to return the guns to the safe as Maddox gathered her in his arms. Dropping a kiss on her lips he held her close.

"What was it?"

He shook his head. "Not sure. We looked through the barn and around the chicken coop. Nothing looks out of place but it's extremely dark tonight. Uncle Aaron put out a couple of traps in case it was a weasel or fox after the hens. "

"I'm glad everything is all right," Joselyn said. "I think I'll call it a night. Would you me to my room?"

He reluctantly let her go but tangled his fingers with hers. "Of course." Together, they climbed the stairs and stopped at her door.

"Sleep well, sweetheart."

She smiled. "You too." Her smile faltered. "Tomorrow, may we talk about the conference again? I've already missed several personal appearances and my book was recently released. It's not good to be out of the public's eye too long. Oh, and I have a package to send out tomorrow as well. Maybe we can go into town and talk on the way?"

He raised an eyebrow. "A package?"

She nodded. "The box of swag sent to me had a book in it. Sam said it was a new fan who wanted an autograph. I need to send it back because he's going to be leaving town soon."

Maddox thought it over a bit. "I guess a quick ride into town won't hurt anything. Sure, we'll go mail your package after lunch tomorrow. But Joselyn, I don't want you going to any public events. Not until Bull tells me they have Beecher in custody. I'm sorry, sweetheart but a few books aren't worth your life. He's already proven he can find you. This is the only place safe for you."

Ire rose in her as she stared daggers at him. "There won't be much of a life left if I become a recluse. There are thousands of authors out there, hungry and willing to do whatever it takes to obtain even a taste of the success I've had. If I don't stay fresh in my reader's minds, they will wander away. I can't stay here forever!"

His eyes hardened. "I'm not talking about forever, Joselyn. Can't you see how important it is to keep you safe? I can't even begin to imagine losing you. You are too important. Damn the books!"

She drew in an enraged breath. He stopped her coming tirade with a slash of his hand. "Those books mean nothing if it comes at the price of your safety. You are what matters to me. Not them. I'd rather you were a housewife, living right here on this farm than to risk even one hair being damaged. No, it's not going to happen. You are NOT going to the conference. End of discussion."

He turned to leave and she grabbed his arm. When he got like this, it was as if he turned to stone and she couldn't move him. In frustration, she growled at him. "I'm not made of china. Damn it, Maddox. I need to get back to work."

"Okay, pull out your laptop and work on your next book. At least I don't have to worry your foolish stubborn streak will kill you while you type your little words on a screen."

She gaped at him. His words were cold and harsh and they made her seethe. "I can't believe you belittle what I do." She punched his arm. "Maybe my little words aren't important to you but they mean a lot to me and to many other people, as well. What I do may not be as important as counter-terrorism or hunting weapons of mass destruction. I may not go out there and tromp through jungles looking for guerrilla fighters or whatever it is you did on your missions but my books are important to me. To me, Maddox. I'm good at what I do. I'm extremely good at it. Most writers never even get on the New York Times list. I've done it twice. Most writers can't call themselves a best-selling author. I can. I thought you understood me. I guess you don't after all."

The expression on his face would have been almost comical if she hadn't been so upset. With a shake of his head, he threw his hands into the air. "Jesus, Joselyn. That's not what I meant and you know it. I... I think about how close he has come to you and I lose my freaking mind. Everything I've done to keep you safe, he's discovered a way around. I thought you would be secure in Atlanta. He found a way to you. I was sure nobody could get into your house. He did at least four times. I brought you here because I need to know you are out of danger. I've learned my lesson about Beecher. Even here, I 'm not letting down my guard but I also know I have Aaron and Shaun at my back. If I had my ideal situation, it would be with my team watching my six. Unfortunately, it's not possible. Even here, I want to wrap you in cotton wool and tuck you away from the world where nobody can get to you. It doesn't mean I don't care what you do because what is important to you is important to me. I can't risk losing you over a few book sales. You are an awesome author and I know you can recapture your audience's attention if you have to lay low for a while. So please, honey, I'm begging you. Please, don't take away the best thing to ever come into my life. If anything were to happen to you, I don't think I could survive it. Losing my team is nothing compared to what it would mean if you weren't in my life any longer."

Joselyn stared at him as his words washed over her. He had poured his heart out to her, expressing his concerns at keeping her safe. She understood what it meant to have this huge, powerful man admit his own insecurities. She practically stormed toward him as her anger faded and passion erupted. He stood dead still, the expression on his face one of waiting for an explosion from her. She raised one hand toward his face and he winced, bracing for whatever retaliation she felt was necessary. Their eyes clashed - warm caramel and ice blue, tangling and entwining until they were hopelessly entrapped in the other's gaze. Suddenly she leaped, wrapping her arms around his neck, her long legs around his waist. He staggered back a step when she caught him by surprise but hastened to lock his own arms around her. Lips upon lips, the kiss they shared was fire so hot it threatened to melt them where they stood. Joselyn released all the love and fear she felt as tongues clashed, dueling for supremacy. He devoured her, sucking her bottom lip into his mouth, nibbling it as he pulled gently. Twisting, he pressed her against the wall. She moaned as his huge hands moved over her sides, cupping her rear in his palms and squeezed. Hunger and need flared into being as she gave in to the passion causing her heart to thump wildly. "Maddox," she gasped as he rained heated kisses along her jaw and down her throat. "Please." She wasn't sure what she begged for only that he do something to quench the conflagration in her core before she combusted.

He growled and with one last squeeze of her rear, took a step back and let her slide down his front until her feet were again on the floor. She clung to him with shaking fingers, refusing to let go. This was her Maddox, the man who owned her heart. She wanted him so badly and despite the way he quickly disentangled their limbs, she knew he wanted her as well.

"No," he whispered. Pushing his fingers through his hair he took another step back. "I'm not about to do this, not here, not now. Your promise. My promise. Honey, please."

Hurt flared through her. She understood what he was saying. He wanted her but he was not going to let their passion break the promises made. She understood but it didn't mean she had to like it. At this moment, her body was screaming to climb Maddox like he was a tree and find out what it meant to truly be his. She took another step forward but he stopped her. "Please, sweetheart. I am trying to do what's right for us both." The pleading on his face tempered her lust and she reluctantly took a step back until she was flush against her own door again.

Moving quietly toward her, Maddox cupped her chin, his thumb tenderly stroking her bottom lip as he pressed his forehead to hers. Closing his eyes he murmured, "You tempt me, woman. My God, how you tempt me." He gritted his teeth. "But when the time comes, it will be done right. Not out here, in my uncle's hallway like two teenagers at the prom. We need to get this crap with Beecher over and done because I don't know how much longer I can hold out." He groaned and swore under his breath. "I should be elevated to sainthood."

She couldn't help it. A little giggle escaped and she regarded him. "Alright, Saint Maddox, I think I better go to bed."

He groaned again and adjusted himself. Her eyes were drawn to the movement and they widened. "Oh, my."

"Not. Helping. Go to bed, Joselyn. Please for the sake of my sanity, go to bed now before I do something I'll probably regret."

She winked at him saucily and slipped into her room. Closing the door, she slid along the worn wood and sat with her back to it. On the other side of the panel, she heard him mumble, "Time for a cold shower, an ice cold shower," as he walked off toward his room at the end of the hall.