Billionaire Bachelors 6 ; Runaway Heiress(60)

"Bree," Trenton called as he stumbled forward.

Chad looked at him, startled by the blood.

"Looks like his aim improved when he was aiming for me," Trenton said, sweat beading on his forehead.

"Where the hell is everyone else?" Chad yelled. Trenton had been shot in the stomach. He needed to be admitted for surgery immediately and Chad still didn't know how bad Bree had hit her head.

He knelt down next to Bree as he heard voices approaching. He gently lifted her head, relieved when he saw only a small cut. Head wounds always bled more than average. He knew it wasn't too bad, but he still wanted her checked into the hospital.

He lifted her in his arms as several people arrived, shouts ringing out around them. Security personnel were there with their guns drawn, and several medical members were moving toward him. One stopped to help Trenton, ordering a stretcher be brought down right away. Another approached Bree. 

"I've got her. I'll bring her up to the hospital," Chad insisted. He wasn't letting her out of his arms until he released her into a hospital bed.

"Someone better start talking now," the sheriff yelled as he approached the scene. One person dead on the ground, one passed out, and another bleeding, barely able to keep on his feet.

"This is Bree Anderson's stalker. He was trying to abduct her. I was in pursuit. Her brother showed up, and the situation escalated. The perpetrator, Charlie, aimed and fired at Trenton Anderson, Bree jerked forward, so I had no other choice but to shoot. I don't miss," Chad explained.

There was no need to go into a further explanation at that moment; they'd do that once Bree and Trenton were patched up. He knew all about the paperwork involved when someone was killed, whether it was self-defense, or not.

"Everyone who is not immediately needed, get the hell off my crime scene. Deputy, tape this area off. The rest of you, get moving. Get the injured into the hospital and anybody who witnessed this, don't even think about leaving. I want statements," the sheriff commanded. Chad had instant respect for the man.

He nodded his assent, then moved quickly up the trail and walked with Bree into the E.R. She got admitted immediately, everyone was already buzzing about the shootout at their serenity pond.

***

Bree woke up in a hospital bed once again and immediately jerked forward. Chad! Trenton! She looked around frantically.

"It's okay, Bree. Everyone is fine," Chad quickly assured her.

"What happened?" she asked, calming at seeing Chad sitting next to her looking strong and assured.

Chad quickly filled her in, letting her know Charlie was dead. She lowered her eyes, feeling empathy for the man. She'd known him her entire life and hadn't wanted him dead. He'd needed help, but she couldn't fight the twinge of relief at knowing he wouldn't ever come after her again.

"Trenton is fine. He was shot in the stomach, but it missed all major organs. He came out of surgery a couple hours ago and your family has been going back and forth between your room, your brother's, and your father's. The hospital is filled with Andersons," he finished with a small smile.

"I feel sorry for the staff," Bree said with an attempt at humor.

"Yes, they may go on strike at any moment if Joseph doesn't calm down."

"You're awake," Joseph said as he stepped into the room and nudged Chad out of the way so he could get closer to Bree. "I've been so worried about you. Your father is beside himself."

"I'm fine, Uncle Joseph. Really, I am," Bree assured him.

"You've been through so much. I'm sorry, baby girl."

"I'm not a baby, Uncle," she said, but there wasn't any bite to her words. Joseph leaned down and kissed her on the forehead.

"Chad, I don't know how I could ever express my gratitude to you," Joseph told him.

"You know that's not necessary, Joseph. Your family has always been there for me, and I'm more than happy to do anything at all for you," Chad responded.

"Does that apply to me, too? I have a few things I'd like for you to do for me," Bree said with a wink. She got immense satisfaction at the look of shock on his face.

"I'd go to the ends of the earth for you," Chad replied. Bree couldn't tell if he was serious or not. At times, she just couldn't read him at all.

"Thank you for saving my life. You are everything I'd ever wish for as a father to my child. Strong, passionate, fierce, and the greatest man I know," Bree said. She loved him so very much. She still hadn't had the opportunity to tell him she had her memory back, yet.




 

 

"Only because you make me that way," he replied as he bent down and kissed her gently.

"I have something to tell you."