by Katie Meyer
“Matthew, after your father.”
“Are you sure? We could name him after someone in your family. Or whatever you want.” She was the one who had worked so hard to bring him into the world, it seemed only fair to let her have the final say.
“I’m sure. We’ll give him my father’s name for a middle name. So neither of them is ever forgotten.”
Ryan’s eyes, which had miraculously remained dry during the birth, suddenly filled. He had never been the type to cry, but something about seeing the past carried into the future, knowing that his son would have that connection with the grandfathers he would never know, was more than he could take. He scrubbed at his eyes with the back of his fist, and changed the subject. “Is there any update on the hurricane?”
Cassie pulled out her phone and tapped the screen. “It certainly sounds like it’s calmed down out there. Hopefully the paramedics will be able to get on the roads soon.”
As she spoke the faint wail of a siren rose over the sounds of the storm. Never had such a grating sound been so welcome.
“Pretty sure that’s the cavalry right now,” Cassie exclaimed, racing for the front door. “I’ll go wave them down.”
Jessica smiled, “It’s almost like she’s looking forward to kicking us out.”
He chuckled. “Yeah, well, I’m more than ready to go. Aren’t you?”
Nodding, she gripped the little baby to her chest. “As long as you’re going with me.”
He kissed her temple, tasting the sweat and strength that had gotten her this far, and whispered, his throat tight with emotion, “Woman, I’d go anywhere with you. In fact, I may never let you out of my sight again.”
Chapter Eighteen
True to his word, Ryan had stuck to her side as if glued there, even as hours had turned to days had turned to weeks, Jessica mused, as she gently wrestled their one-month-old son into the world’s tiniest white suit. She’d wanted a more traditional baptismal gown but Ryan had insisted they looked too girly, and he’d been such a hands-on, doting father she hadn’t had the heart to argue. Truly, the man had been amazing, waiting on her hand and foot while she recovered. He’d insisted on riding in the ambulance when it had taken her and the baby to be checked out at the hospital and hadn’t left her side since, until today.
He’d probably be underfoot right now if her mother hadn’t physically kicked him out, reminding him that it was bad luck to see the bride before the wedding. He’d protested that they were already married, but her mama had never lost an argument in her life and wasn’t going to let such a small technicality beat her now. She’d just muttered something in Spanish and physically closed the door in his face.
Cassie had been allowed in due to her dual roles as matron of honor and godmother. A few more friends were waiting in the church, but the ceremony would be small. A renewal of vows was what they were calling it, but for Jessica it felt like they were finally getting things right. This time they’d make their vows from the heart, with their loved ones surrounding them and no secrets between them.
The whole thing had been her mother’s idea. She had a birthday coming up and Jessica had offhandedly asked what she’d like for it. A church wedding had been her only request. It seemed likely the wish was more about witnessing her daughter walk down the aisle than any particular religious hang-ups, but Jessica didn’t mind. They’d already reserved the sanctuary for baby Matthew’s baptism, so it had been easy enough to convince the priest to perform both ceremonies.
The only added expense had been a new dress. Glancing in the mirror her mother had propped up in the choir’s practice room she admired it again. As soon as she’d seen it she’d known it was the one. The skirt was long but light, swirling around her legs with each step she took. The high waist hid the last few pounds of baby weight she needed to shed, and the faux wrap–style bodice, with its deep neckline, was perfect for nursing. Which was good given Matthew was growing like a weed, and had the appetite to prove it.
Dani, the most fashion conscious of her friends, had done her makeup and hair, twisting it up into a loose updo with a few curling tendrils loose around her face. Not bad for a new mom who hasn’t slept in weeks.
“Is everyone decent?” Alex’s voice called from the other side of the door. “Ryan’s getting impatient—I’m not sure I can keep him away much longer.”
Jessica rolled her eyes. “You’re a trained law officer. You can handle it, big brother. Or are you saying he’s stronger than you?”
Alex replied with a crude word that was most definitely not appropriate for church.
“Alexander Santiago, have some respect,” their mother rebuked. “And tell them to take their places, we’ll be right out.” Turning to Jessica, she held out her hands. “Here, give the bebe to me. Your groom is waiting.”
Jessica nestled the tiny tyke in his grandmother’s arms, where he instantly settled into a content sleep. “If he wakes up—”
“He won’t.” She kissed Jessica on the cheek, her eyes beaming with pride. “You look beautiful, mija.”
“So do you.” She was stunning actually, in a plum pantsuit and a new, shorter hairstyle that, although she would never admit to it, had been professionally highlighted. She seemed to grow younger with each grandchild, which hardly seemed fair, given that Jessica felt like she’d aged ten years since Matthew’s birth.
“Are you ready?” Cassie asked, nodding to where Jessica was picking at the embroidery on her dress. “You know, you’ve done this once before, you’d think you’d be past nerves by now.”
“It’s not nerves, I just hate waiting around.” Action was more her style, and after weeks of maternity leave she was getting twitchy. Soon she’d be back at work part-time. They still hadn’t quite figured out how that was going to work, but they would sort it out eventually. They’d gotten past bigger obstacles—they’d manage this one too.
Strains of Wagner’s wedding march began to echo through the old wooden church, and Jessica’s heart skipped a beat.
After fighting against it for too long it was time to claim her happily-ever-after.
* * *
Ryan tugged at his jacket sleeves as he peered down the aisle. He never should have let himself be talked into wearing a tuxedo. It wasn’t necessary for such a small, private ceremony, especially since they were already married. But his mother-in-law had insisted, and since the whole thing was her idea—and her birthday present—he’d tried to be a good sport. Now he was hot and itchy and wondering why he’d let himself be pushed around by a woman half his size.
A door opened at the back of the church, a stripe of golden winter sun falling across the polished wooden floor of the church as a late-arriving couple entered the building. Ryan’s breath caught as he recognized them. “I don’t believe it.” He’d sent the invitation but hadn’t received a response and honestly hadn’t expected one. Yet here they were.
His mother, a tall but slender woman with no-nonsense gray hair and dark-rimmed glasses, aimed a hesitant smile his way before pulling his stepfather into a pew. He was surprised they’d come, but more surprised at how glad he was to see them. But before he could analyze that development Jessica started down the aisle and he forgot everything but her.
She looked like an angel as she floated toward him through the sacred space, completely at home among the statues of saints and stained-glass windows. Maybe she was—his Irish ancestors had certainly believed in otherworldly beings. But when she put her hand in his it was warm and real. And he was going to hold on for the rest of his life.
He promised as much in their vows, the words almost the same as last time. But that was the only similarity. Next to him, Jessica’s smile never faltered, even when her eyes shined with unshed tears. Behind him were their friends and three generations of family. This was how it was supposed to be. He’d have to thank Mrs. Santiago—no, she’d said to call her Elena now—for maki
ng it happen.
“I now pronounce you man and wife...again.” The elderly priest said with a wink. “You may kiss your bride.”
He’d been waiting all day for this, and he took his time with it. Carefully he explored her mouth, taking his fill while hoots of laughter and a few “get a rooms” echoed around them, mixing with the smell of incense and the taste of her lips. Sensory overload, in the best way possible.
Finally, the old priest pointedly cleared his throat, and Jessica pulled back, laughing. He might have tried for another kiss, priest or no priest, but his wife reached for Matthew before he got a chance. It was time to move on to the baptism.
“Would the godparents please come forward?” asked the clergyman as he scanned the small crowd. Cassie and Alex complied, taking their places at the altar as rehearsed.
Maybe it was a sudden prick of conscience, maybe it was divine intervention, or maybe it was just a need to make sure their new start didn’t carry over any old baggage. But he heard himself ask, “Would it be possible to have multiple godparents?”
“Hmm?” The pastor pushed his glasses up his nose, his eyes scrunching as he considered the question. “Well, yes. Normally godparents need to complete a class, but since these two already have I suppose there’s no harm in having more. A little extra spiritual support can only be a good thing for the boy.”
Perfect.
Ryan turned to his parents, and hoped they’d take the offer in the spirit it was meant, as an olive branch to signify forgiveness and healing. “Mom, Greg, would you be willing to be my son’s godparents?”
Shock washed over his stepfather’s face, but only for a moment. He stood eagerly, clutching his wife’s hand as he nodded. “We’d be honored to.”
Beside him Jessica squeezed his hand in support. The wedding had joined them together, and now the baptism was renewing his bond with his parents. Maybe that’s how it always was with new babies; maybe seeing someone so innocent and full of possibilities couldn’t help but make you want to be the best person you could be. Having a son had made him want to be a better man, and this was a small step in that direction.
Matthew slept through the ceremony, unaware of the importance of the moment, only opening an eye briefly as the holy water was poured over his head.
“He’s a calm one,” his stepfather noted, nodding at the baby sleeping in Ryan’s arms. They were alone in a corner of the church, waiting for Jessica to change into something more comfortable before heading to her mother’s house for refreshments.
“He’s been pretty laid-back so far,” Ryan agreed. “Although we’re not sure where he could have gotten that from. Jessica can be a spitfire, and well...you know me.”
“I certainly do. And I know things haven’t been good between us. I want to thank you for looking beyond that, and inviting us today, and then asking us to be godparents. It meant a lot to your mother.” He shook his head. “No, it meant a lot to both of us. I didn’t always tell you when I was proud of you, or when you did a good job, and I’m sorry. You’ve done well for yourself, Ryan. Your dad would be proud.”
“And you, are you proud of me?” He was a grown man, he didn’t need anyone’s approval, but still he asked.
“Of course I am.”
“Even though I’m just a cop, and not some fancy lawyer?”
“I’m proud of you because you set your mind to do something and you did it well.” He shrugged. “Yes, I thought you should go to law school, but I shouldn’t have pushed so hard. You should know, it was because you showed such an aptitude for it, not because of any disrespect for law enforcement. Hell, as an attorney I work with the police on a regular basis and they are some of the finest people I know. Smartest too.”
Ryan’s head spun as he made sense of his stepfather’s words. “Wait, you thought I had an aptitude for it?”
“Absolutely,” Greg answered without hesitation. “When you helped me on that one case the summer before you graduated you had some great insights. You seemed to find it interesting too—at least I thought you did.”
Ryan shifted the baby to his shoulder. “It was interesting,” he admitted. “But I just thought...”
The older man put a hand on Ryan’s shoulder in solidarity. “I think maybe we both did too much thinking and not enough communicating. And that’s on me,” he added. “I was the adult, and I should have done better by you.”
“I didn’t exactly make it easy.” Looking back, he wasn’t sure how his stepfather had put up with him.
“No, you didn’t,” he agreed without a hint of animosity. “But that’s the past. I’m much more interested in the present. So how about you introduce me to that pretty bride of yours, and let’s just forget the rest.” He held out a hand. “Deal?”
“Deal.”
* * *
“Thank you, I was starving.” Jessica accepted the large slice of gooey coconut cake Ryan handed her, balancing the plate on the patio railing.
“I thought you might be. Seemed every time I tried to bring you something to eat you were busy feeding Matthew.”
She nodded, her mouth full. Swallowing, she reached for the glass of iced tea he held and stole a sip. “I think he’s having a growth spurt or something.”
“Well he’d better not grow up too fast—I’m still getting used to this daddy thing. Seems there’s quite a learning curve.”
“Oh, please, you’re a pro already. But speaking of parents, I saw you talking with your stepfather earlier back at the church. How did that go?”
Ryan leaned back against a pillar, his posture more relaxed than she’d seen in some time. “Really well, actually. We both apologized for the arguments we had in the past, and agreed to do better. He even said he’s proud of me for being a cop.” There was wonder in his voice, and her heart ached for the boy who’d felt so rejected for so long.
“So he’s not still angry that you aren’t a lawyer?”
He shook his head. “Nope. And he said the reason he’d pushed me toward law school was because he thought I’d like it, that I’d be good at it.”
“Of course you’d be good at it.” She thought of the shelves full of legal texts and crime novels in the living room. “And you definitely do have an interest in the field.”
He shrugged. “I always have. I’d kind of kicked around the idea myself, at one point. But then—”
“But then your stepfather, who you resented, told you to...”
“And so out of spite I shut down the idea. Becoming a cop instead was my way of proving to him who my real father was, who I wanted to be like.” He grinned ruefully. “Pretty dumb, huh?”
Scooting closer, she set down her plate and wrapped her arms around him. “Not smart, maybe, but understandable. You were young, and you were hurting.” She looked up at him, a thought striking her. “It’s not too late, you know. You could still go to law school. Plenty of cops do.” Her brain whirred though the possibilities. “I could go back to work, and you could enroll in classes. You’d be home a lot more than you are now, and my mom said she’ll help with the baby.”
His eyebrows raised in surprise. “Are you serious?”
“If you want to do it, why not?”
“For starters, even if I got a stipend or scholarship, we can’t afford to lose my salary.”
“We have my inheritance.”
“No.” He shook his head, the light going out of his eyes. “That money is yours. I’m not going to take it.”
“It’s ours,” she argued. “Consider it an investment in our future.”
“I don’t know that I could feel right about that, Jess.”
“Well, figure out a way. Because if there’s anything I’ve learned from this whole mess, it’s that we shouldn’t let money interfere with our happiness. If going to law school would make you happy, you should do it. No regrets.”
“You
really mean it?” He sounded like a kid being given a puppy, as if he couldn’t quite believe something so good could be true.
She nodded, happy to think that the inheritance that had come so close to driving Ryan away would be used to make him happy. “I do. Think of it as business deal. In a few years time you’ll graduate and pass the bar, and then I’ll have free legal advice whenever I want.”
“Don’t you already get that from Dani?”
“Hmm...good point.” She snuggled up against him, loving how perfectly they fit together. “Maybe you’ll have to come up with some extra incentive, you know, to beat out the competition.”
He leaned down and nuzzled her neck. “I’m pretty sure I can come up with something.” His breath tickled her ear, sending tingles of awareness down her spine. “So what do you say—is it a deal? Are we partners?”
Her mind flashed back to when he’d suggested a different deal on this same porch. She’d accepted that one out of desperation. This time, she had nothing but confidence—in him, in herself, and in their love for each other. “Yes, partners. Forever.”
* * *
Don’t miss previous books from Katie Meyer:
The Groom’s Little Girls
A Wedding Worth Waiting For
Do You Take This Daddy?
A Valentine for the Veterinarian
The Puppy Proposal
All available now from Harlequin Special Edition
Keep reading for an excerpt from Her Texas New Year’s Wish by Michelle Major.
WE HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS BOOK FROM
Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.
Relate to finding comfort and strength in the support of loved ones and enjoy the journey no matter what life throws your way.