Sheltered By The Soldier. Lisa Harris

know anything, so—”

      “Gabby, no.” He stood up and bridged the distance between them. “You did the right thing. Of course, I’ll help. I’ll do anything I can, but in the meantime, I want to get you somewhere safe. I’ll take you up to the ranch. I’ve been staying there the past few weeks while waiting to get approved for active duty. You’ll be safe there, and it will give us a safe place to figure things out.”

      She caught the sincerity in his voice, but that didn’t sway her response. “I couldn’t impose. I’ll just stay at the hotel here in town. I can’t just drop everything, either. I’ve got my job—”

      “Forget it. My mother would never forgive me if I don’t insist you come. And in fact...” Liam turned toward the woman who’d just stepped into the doorway of the room, wearing a flowered scrub top and matching pants. “You remember my mother.”

      “Of course. It’s good to see you again, Mrs. O’Callaghan.”

      “Please call me Marci.”

      “Alright, but I’m sorry you had to come down here. I’m fine. Really.”

      The older woman set a small padded medical bag onto the table. “Even at low speeds, there can be issues with whiplash and back injuries after a car accident. It’s not something you should play around with.”

      Liam shot Gabby a smile. “If I were you, I wouldn’t argue with my mom.”

      Mia started fussing in the car seat.

      “I’m sorry, but I’ve forgotten your baby’s name,” Marci said.

      “Mia.”

      “That’s a beautiful name. Liam...why don’t you entertain Mia while I look at her mama. I’ll check her over next.”

      Gabby glanced at Liam. “You don’t mind?”

      “Of course not.”

      She handed Liam Mia, her stuffed giraffe and a small tub of Cheerios.

      “We’ll just wait for your mama in the hallway, won’t we, Mia?”

      Gabby turned back to Liam’s mother while he stepped out of the room.

      “You said you didn’t have any complaints?” Marci asked.

      “Besides being chilled to the bone, I feel fine. It could have been so much worse.”

      “Any bruises or cuts that you noticed?”

      “No. I’ve got a slight crick in my neck, but it honestly isn’t bad enough to even take Tylenol.”

      “Any trouble moving it?”

      Gabby turned her head to the right, then the left. “No. None at all.”

      “No pain or dizziness?”

      “Nothing.”

      She glanced at the hallway where Liam was pretending the giraffe was an airplane. Mia laughed, all smiles.

      “He’s really good with her.” Somehow, she’d expected Liam to shy away from kids, but apparently she had been wrong.

      “Liam might be a soldier who’s served on the battlefield, but he’s always had a soft spot for kids.”

      Gabby smiled, filing that information away with what she already knew about him.

      “What about your parents?” Marci asked, slowly moving her hand down Gabby’s spine. “Do they live near you?”

      “They did until about a month ago. They’re used to wintering in Florida, and I insisted they go this year. They’ll be back for the holidays and some skiing this winter.”

      “It’s got to be tough, raising a child on your own.”

      “Thankfully, I’m a graphic designer and able to work at home. And Mia’s an easy baby. Most days anyway.”

      It had taken her a while to convince her parents to take their yearly winter in Florida, but for some reason, doing things on her own this winter had been an important step forward for her.

      “At this point,” Marci said, “I don’t notice anything to be concerned about, but some injuries can take several days to show up, especially in your spine or neck. If you have any numbness, swelling, back pain or headaches, you need to let me know immediately.”

      “Thank you. I appreciate it.”

      “How old is Mia?”

      “She turns one in a few days. I can hardly believe it.”

      “Seems like my boys were that age not too long ago, though that’s not exactly true.”

      Gabby laughed.

      “Do you have any brothers or sisters?” Marci asked.

      “I’m an only child.”

      Mia threw her giraffe onto the floor and started fussing.

      Liam made his way back over to them. “I think someone needs her mama.”

      “You’re good with her, but she’s getting sleepy, and I have a feeling she won’t be herself until she gets a proper nap.”

      Mia just nuzzled her head into Gabby’s shoulder while Marci quickly checked her out.

      “From what Griffin told me, the accident was very minor, but you’ll still need to watch Mia for anything that seems off like vomiting, not sleeping and unusual crying. I’d also suggest you do a follow-up with your pediatrician when you get home.”

      “I will. Thank you.”

      “I was serious about coming out to the ranch for a few days,” Liam said. “I can make sure you’re safe, and it will give us time to figure out who hit you.”

      “Your family’s already done so much. I couldn’t impose. I could get a hotel tonight—”

      “That’s out of the question. Besides, we have plenty of room. Right, Mom?”

      “He is right. You’d be more than welcome to stay with us.”

      Will had told her about the O’Callaghan family and their ranch that sat nestled beneath impressive views of Pikes Peak and surrounding mountains. From everything she’d heard, she knew the place would be stunning. But as much as she wanted someone like Liam to take care of her, if he didn’t have the answers, she’d have to figure things out on her own.

      “Besides, I’ll bet you could use some time away,” Liam said. “It’s a beautiful place. And if you’re up for it, I could take you riding tomorrow. The fresh air of the mountains always makes me feel better.”

      “That would be nice.”

      There was nothing she’d rather do than spend the day in the mountains, away from all of this, but that wasn’t why she was here.

      Liam caught her gaze. “We’ll talk more later. Just come for now.”

      She glanced toward the door, hoping she’d made the right decision. Hoping whoever had hit her wouldn’t be able to find her.

      “I’m going to keep you safe, Gabby. I promise. Whoever’s after you won’t find you at the ranch.”

      “You can’t promise that.”

      “Maybe not, but I can do everything in my power to make sure you’re safe. Griffin’s trying to find the person who hit you, but in the meantime, I think we should head out to the ranch.”

      “If you’re sure.”

      “I am.” He reached out and squeezed her hand. “We’re going to figure out what’s going on. But first you need to get a good night’s sleep. You look exhausted.”

      She let out a low chuckle. “Thanks.”

      “I