Chapter 5
Beckett
As her eyes look up to mine, something inside me cracks. Dallas is one of the strongest women I’ve ever met in my life, and fucking beautiful. The way her cute blonde hair makes a statement caught my attention, but it’s how beautiful she is inside and out. Over the past few months, I’ve noticed how she puts Lettie first in everything. She reminds me of our mom. Maybe that’s why I felt so strong about saving her because I couldn’t save Mom and Dad.
However, tonight has shaken her to her core and the fact that she’s in my arms at my kitchen table is making my head spin. I’m not really sure what the hell went through my mind, but there was no way I was letting them go to a motel when they can stay here as long as they need.
I have no clue how long she cries into my chest but when her sobs change to a slight sniffle, she continues to grab onto my shirt. Glancing at the clock, I know I’ve got to get back to the station, but I can’t leave her.
Looking down to her, she glances up. “Beckett, I’m so sorry. I kinda lost it as soon as Lettie was out of sight.”
As I look into her eyes, I know I shouldn’t be thinking what I am, but fuck, I can’t help it. They scream for someone to save her and I make myself a promise to do that.
Dallas
The way that Beckett’s gaze holds mine scares the shit out of me. It’s one that screams dominance and caveman. I do not need that kind of man in my life, and in our current state, I need to continue to focus on Lettie and myself.
“It’s okay to break down, Dallas. What happened tonight is scary shit, and you two are more than welcome to stay here at the farm for as long as you need.”
Everything inside me tells me to take the offer, but my pride won’t let me. I can’t. This is their house and we need to learn to live on our own.
“Thanks, Beckett, but I’d really like to get back to our own little world if you know what I mean.”
“I understand that, but the offer stands. Promise me you’ll stay until everything is settled. I won’t have you going to a motel or shelter.”
His words strike a nerve, “Beckett, I’m very capable of taking care of Lettie and myself.”
“Oh, just like the fire tonight. Responsible.”
Gasping, I pull away from him and push the chair back as I stand to get the hell away from him.
“I don’t know what you think you know, but I had nothing to do with that,” I say a little too loudly as Colby walks in.
“Everything okay?” he questions.
“No, your bastard of a brother just said I caused the fire tonight.” He looks between the two of us and waits for an answer from Beckett.
He doesn’t say a word. Instead, he stands and walks out the door, letting it slam behind him and all of us jump.
“Dallas, I’m going to go ahead and apologize for him. He’s a dumb fuck with a short temper.”
“No shit. I’d never do anything to hurt Lettie.”
“I know that and Beckett does, too. Hell, if he doesn’t, the report will show it by morning. He’s always had a short fuse and when shit’s intense like this, he flies off the handle.”
“I think I’m going to go check on Lettie,” I say to him as I walk down the hall and find Dixie laying in the bed with her as she is sound asleep. Taking in this moment, I thank God for keeping her safe. I even thank him for Beckett, but I also thank him for friends like Dixie. It wasn’t that long ago that I had no one in this town and the moment she began working at Aunt Tootie’s salon, I knew I’d found my best friend.
Dixie slides off the bed and tip toes toward me. I leave the door open as we step into the hall.
“Girl, for real. How are you?” she questions.
“I was good until Beckett accused me of causing the fire.”
“He what?”
“Yeah, one moment I’m squalling into his t-shirt and the next he’s telling me it’s all my fault. He is one Drake I don’t get. No wonder he keeps to himself,” I say as I start to giggle because I’m exhausted. Dixie looks at me and doesn’t say a word. “What?”
“Beckett is different than the other brothers, but I can tell you one thing, he didn’t mean that. If anything, seeing you two in there messed with him as well. He takes his job seriously, and will stop at nothing to keep everyone safe. However, I’ve never seen him like he was tonight.”
“What do you mean?”
“If there’s a call or something that goes down, he doesn’t come home and he sure as hell doesn’t offer his home to them. I have a feeling that Beckett Drake might be battling something he’s not ready to admit yet.”
“Dixie, you're not making any sense. I’m going to bed.”
She smiles and pulls me in for a hug. “Just know that once a Drake makes a decision, there’s no stopping them. Oh, and I gave Lettie a quick shower for you. Feel free to do the same and borrow anything of mine you might need. I can stop by the store and grab y’all both a few things tomorrow if you like and bring them home at lunch.”
“You’re a lifesaver. I know I should shower, but right now, I just want to hold her.”
Shaking my head, I can’t comprehend what she’s saying about Beckett and what he’s battling. All I want to do is hold my sweet girl. Walking into the room, I crawl into the bed with Lettie and try my best to fall asleep, but it’s no use. When I close my eyes, I feel the flames, smell the smoke and can’t breathe. Looking down at Lettie who is sleeping peacefully, I brush her hair from her face. She moves and cuddles into my shoulder and I realize how truly blessed I am to have her in my life. I’ll have to remember to thank Beckett again tomorrow after we both have time to sleep and process what actually happened.