Broken Vows (Domestic Discipline Romance) by Mariella Starr Page B

said she immediately threw her stuff in her car and started driving after your call."
    "She did tell me she is between jobs," he warned. "She only recently left the service but hasn't found a job yet, and she is pregnant. I liked Mila, what little we saw of her before she ran away. She has grown up since then though. You have to decide if you like the new Mila."
    "She didn't leave because of me, Josh. She left because of differences with our parents."
    "Why does that have a familiar ring?" he asked. "By the way, she is under direct orders from me to not contact your mother, or give out our location or phone numbers. She said she has had no contact with Denise for almost eight years, and she wants nothing to do with her. I heard a lot of bitterness in that statement. Right now, she is living in the housekeeper's quarters. It's the smallest space, but there is only one of her. It's in pretty bad shape, though. She said it was better than living in a tent."
    "Whatever your reasons, thank you," Jenny said kissing him again. "Why now?"
    "I saw the sadness on your face while you were packing her pictures. I don't like seeing you in any kind of pain, Jen. I know we tried before and found nothing, but I thought it was worth another shot. This time, it turned out to be remarkably easy."
    "Which makes me ashamed I didn't try harder before," Jenny whispered.
    "Don't. You weren't hiding, Jen. She could have contacted you at any time. Give it a while to discover what kind of a person she has become. At least you have a chance to be sisters, again." Josh did not tell Jenny his detective had compiled a complete dossier on Mila Grant and her life for the past seven years. There were no red flags, no arrest records, only numerous personal recommendations. He had thought it safe to invite her back into Jenny's life, and consequently his and their kids.
    * * *
    Josh descended the steps and wandered into the kitchen, blearily navigating his way to the coffee pot.
    "Look," Jenny whispered as she gazed out the kitchen window.
    "What?"
    "A big deer," Jenny whispered. "Right out there in our yard."
    Josh looked. "It's not a deer, that is an elk, which is a lot bigger. You have to be careful driving here, elk crossing signs are everywhere, but they can't read so they cross wherever they please."
    Jenny smacked him on the shoulder with a grin. "Do I look so stupid? I was raised in the city, but that doesn't mean I'm…"
    They heard a crack as the elk leapt away.
    "Was that someone shooting?" Jenny demanded.
    "There is someone walking out of the woods," Josh said. "Yeah, he is carrying a gun. Stay inside." Josh ran to get dressed, except by the time he got outside, Mila Grant was already there talking to the man. Josh joined her.
    The man, with his rifle pointed to the ground, stuck out his hand. "I'm sorry if I scared you. Blake Parker, I'm a Wildlife Biologist for Colorado Wildlife Preservation. As I was explaining, I wasn't trying to kill the elk, only tranquilize, and tag him."
    "Do you do a lot of tagging around here?" Josh asked.
    "As much as we can, it helps track their migratory patterns and populations. Mr. Bentley never had a problem with my using his property," Blake Parker said. "I wasn't aware the new owners were already here."
    "Caretakers," Josh corrected. "This is Mila Grant and I am Josh Grayson. My wife and children are inside. I don't want any kind of shooting around this property. Is it posted for no trespassing and no hunting?"
    "Probably not," Blake said. "I don't remember ever seeing any signs and I have walked a good portion of the land. This is wide-open country, Mr. Grayson, and people like it that way. You won't find a lot of fencing unless someone is running cattle or horses. If the new owner wants it posted or fenced though, he has the right. Again, I am sorry if I worried you. I will spread the word the property is occupied again."
    "He seems a decent guy," Mila said as they walked back toward the complex of houses. "Tell