Forever Saved

by Kathleen Brooks

  Nolan reached into his truck and pulled out a folder. Stella took it and opened it up. She saw the deed, the plat, and then pages and pages of suggested ways the deal could work. “I’ll look it over and let you know.”

  “Thank you.” Nolan held out his hand. “It’s been a pleasure working with you. I hope we can do more of it in the future. Do you want me to stay for the day?”

  “You’re a good friend, Nolan. I’ve got it from here, though. You help your parents out. I’ll read through this carefully and get back to you by the end of the week.”

  Stella watched Nolan get into his truck. He gave her a wave out the window before he began to drive away. As soon as his truck disappeared from view, the first car drove in. It was time to get to work.

  “I’m so sorry,” Sarah cried as she hugged Jace. “It’s all my fault. I should have known something was off with Molly when she kept on saying she was your work wife and you were her work husband. Eventually she dropped the word work, but I thought she was just joking around. I mean, lots of people joke about having a work spouse. I thought it was completely innocent, but now I don’t think so at all.”

  “It’s no more your fault than mine.” Once Jace said it, he realized it was true. “Guilt has been eating me alive this weekend. But it’s not our fault. Something broke in Molly’s brain and she became obsessed with everyone she worked for.”

  Sarah started to sob again as she buried her face in his shoulder. “Those poor families. She murdered them, Jace. She could have killed you and Stella.”

  “It’ll be okay, Sarah. At least we have answers now and we are safe.”

  The door opened behind them and a woman in a suit walked in carrying a briefcase. She looked between Jace’s and Sarah’s tear-stained faces and sighed. “I knew since you were Pierce’s son, I should have brought the bigger diamonds.”

  Sarah looked horrified. “You can’t give me diamonds after everything that’s happened!”

  Jace couldn’t help but laugh. “I’m sorry, but the diamond is for someone else. How about a raise instead since I’ll be down a nurse and in no hurry to find a new one?”

  “I’ll take the raise, but then who are you getting diamonds . . . oh!”

  Jace yanked the cell phone that suddenly appeared in Sarah’s hand and shook his head. “Oh no, that’s betting on insider information. Nope, you’ll get this back tomorrow.”

  Sarah crossed her arms. “Fine, but you have to answer all my family’s texts and pick out dinner for tonight.”

  “I’ll order it and pay for it to be delivered.”

  “Deal, but I get first look at the ring.” Sarah winked at him and together they checked out diamond engagement rings.

  Jace watched as dozens of rings glittered at him from the foam holder that lined both sides of the briefcase. Sarah gasped right along with him.

  “Okay, if you want to buy me a diamond, I won’t complain,” she joked as the different stones and cuts were explained to him.

  “This one. This is it,” he said, pointing to a ring. He’d known it the moment he’d seen it. The two women sitting on either side of him nodded in agreement.

  “Excellent choice. I’ll wrap it up for you.”

  This was it. This was the day he was going to propose. All weekend he’d been working undercover on his plan to propose. His father had suggested Monday, but it really didn’t have anything to do with that. It had to do with the fact he had the ring and he could hardly wait to pop the question.

  He picked up his phone and sent a text. The plan was now in motion.

  Jace took a deep breath as he handed over the ring. “Don’t lose it.”

  “I promise. Relax, I’ve got this.”

  “Dylan,” Jace said with warning. His brother didn’t look too serious. In fact, Dylan looked like he had a secret prank ready to play on Jace like they used to do when they were kids.

  “I’m just happy for you. I promise, I will do exactly what you want me to do. I’ve never failed in a mission.”

  Jace took a deep breath. “I’m sorry. I’m just nervous. I can’t wait to marry Stella. It’s ridiculous how excited I am.”

  Dylan’s mouth softened and the teasing left his eyes as he clasped his brother’s shoulder. “I understand. Jace, it only gets better. Every day together is better than the previous one. Last week Abby and I were taking down this terrorist leader who planned to hit soft targets in the US that could kill thousands of innocent civilians. Anyway, here we were in the middle of nowhere when the moonlight caught on Abby’s tactical vest and seemed to highlight her. I just had to stop right there and kiss her. When you find that love, you feel that excitement to be together every day.”

  “Thanks, Dyl.”

  Dylan hugged him and then pocketed the engagement ring. “Don’t worry about a thing. It’ll go perfectly tonight.”

  Jace watched his brother walk out of the clinic before locking up. He took the back stairs to his apartment two at a time and changed into jeans and a polo shirt. It was time. His plan was in motion.

  I’m done for the day. I’ll meet you at your place in ten? He texted Stella.

  Sounds good. I just finished, too. I’ll take a quick shower. Use your key to come in.

  Jace let out a long breath to calm himself. His palms were already sweating as he raced back down the stairs and jumped into his SUV. He had to force himself to drive slowly to give Stella enough time to get ready and Dylan enough time to get into position.

  The happiest moment of his life was about to begin.

  Stella sat on the swing with Jace and sipped the glass of wine he’d poured for her while she was getting dressed. Her dirty-blonde hair now had a little wave to it as she’d let the warm night air dry it.

  “Let’s go for a walk before dinner,” Jace suggested.

  “That sounds lovely.” Stella set her wine glass down and stood up. During the past week, she hadn’t gotten in the long walks or hikes that she enjoyed so much.

  Jace stood and took her hand as they walked off the back porch. “Come on, Jimmy. Let’s go for a walk.”

  Jimmy raced by them with a happy bark. Stella laughed at his antics as Jace turned to head down the path toward her nursery.

  “Nolan stopped to see me today,” she told him as they walked closer to the plot of land Nolan wanted to buy. She told Jace about the proposal and how she had sent it to her sister-in-law and also asked if he thought Addison would look it over.

  “She left for Bermalia with her parents. She and Draven are making their announcement that she’s going to become the new queen. Tandy Rawlings could probably look over it.”

  “That would be great. This is the acreage he wants.”

  They looked over the land. She’d thought about planting flowers there. But the more she thought about it, the upfront money from the purchase price could go a long way in inventory and to clear some of the back acres for planting.

  Up ahead she saw the top of the barn for her nursery. Jimmy was racing around happy as he could be. His tongue was hanging out the side as he bounded about. Suddenly his ears perked up and he gave an excited little yap before racing off toward the garden center.

  Jace gave a little chuckle. “Think he’s after the CropBot again?”

  That brought a smile to Stella’s face. “He does love to chase it.” She paused and listened as they walked hand in hand toward the garden center. “Do you hear something strange?” Stella looked up and around and then shrugged. “I would have sworn I heard something like a whirring noise.”

  Jace looked around and shook his head. “I don’t hear anything. Come this way. I thought it would be nice to sit by the pond and watch the sunset.”

  Whenever Stella was at the garden center at this time of night, she always paused to watch the sunset at the pond. She loved it so much she’d put in a bench last week. Nolan had helped build an arbor and she had covered it in mature Kentucky wisteria she’d found and painstakingly arranged on the arbor.

  “My
favorite place.”

  “I know,” Jace said, smiling down at her.

  They crested the hill and Stella looked around for Jimmy. She was going to call him when Jace turned toward the pond and asked her about her day.

  Stella was telling him about the clients she’d gotten today when they sat down and she looked around. “I swear I hear that buzzing sound again.”

  “Look at that sunset. I love sitting here with you at night, watching it together.”

  Stella looked over the pond at the setting sun. The warm glow covered the rolling hills in warmth. The colors of the sunset tonight were magical; purples, oranges, blues, and pinks filled the sky. She took a deep breath and leaned against Jace. She was happy. So very happy.

  “I love you, Stella,” Jace whispered against her hair before placing a kiss on the top of her head.

  “I love you, too. Thank you for tonight. It’s been perfect.”

  “I hope to have many more of them.”

  “I do, too.” Stella smiled as she moved her head against his shoulder to look up at Jace and then back out at the sunset.

  “I wonder where Jimmy went off to?” Jace glanced around and then whistled. “Jimmy, come!” he yelled out.

  Off in the distance Stella heard a happy yip and smiled. She was in her favorite place with the man she loved and her dog. Could it be any more perfect?

  Jimmy bounded over and Stella’s brow creased as she looked at her dog. Why was there a big red bow on his neck? Where had that come from?

  “Thank you, Jimmy.” Jace scratched the dog’s head and slid from the bench to pull the ribbon free.

  “What is it? Where did that ribbon come from?” Stella asked as she tried to see past Jace’s back to where he was taking the ribbon off her dog.

  “Jimmy was holding something for me,” Jace said with his back still to her. “Jimmy, down.”

  Jimmy went down immediately as Jace turned on his knee. In front of her, Jimmy laid still with only his tail thumping wildly with Jace next to him on one knee. Stella’s hand automatically went to her heart. Was this what she thought it was? Jace held up his fingers and between them was a diamond ring. Tears and her breath rushed from her in surprise.

  “Jimmy and I have discussed this. I told him I love your heart and soul, always and forever. He approves of me spoiling you both for the rest of our lives. I told him how much you’ve come to mean to me, and how I feel complete with you by my side. You’re my best friend and the woman I love. There is nothing that would make me happier than to have the honor of calling you my wife. I told Jimmy this, and he’s given his blessing for me to ask you my question. Stella Winters, will you marry me?”

  Her heart beat wildly as her whole body seemed to be shaking. She blinked back the tears and nodded. It wasn’t the pretty reaction she’d thought she’d have. Her eyes were red as tears trickled down her cheeks and she was sure her nose was red, too. She sniffled and smiled down at him.

  “Yes, Jace! I’d marry you right now a million times over.”

  She held out her trembling hand and they laughed as he slid the ring onto her finger. Jace surged upward and then she was in his arms. Jimmy was barking excitedly and jumping in to try to kiss her, too. Then the buzzing noise was back and louder than ever, but Stella didn’t care anymore. She was kissing her future husband and had never known such happiness.

  But then it wasn’t just buzzing that Stella heard. It was cheering, clapping, and whistling.

  Jace and Stella pulled back and looked toward the barn as a huge crowd poured out of it. April and Cricket were teetering hand in hand toward them. Behind them were Karl and Eden, Tammy and Pierce, Piper and Aiden, and Cassidy. Then behind them was . . . well, everyone.

  “Congratulations!”

  At the deep voice behind her, Stella turned to see Dylan clasping Jace in a tight brotherly hug. “Where did you come from?” Stella asked in shock.

  “I was holding Jimmy out of sight until Jace called him. Welcome to the family, sis.”

  Dylan hugged her and lifted her feet off the ground. As soon as they were back on the ground, two little bodies grabbed each leg. Cricket was hugging one and April the other.

  “Uncle Jace!” April then cried out before letting go of Stella and jumping into Jace’s outstretched arms.

  Cricket shook her head. “He’s brother Jace.”

  “I’m your brother, Cricket. I’m going to be April’s uncle. But guess what?” Jace asked his sister.

  “What?”

  “You, me, Stella, April, and her parents are all going to be family.”

  “Family!” April said, wiggling down from Jace’s arms. The two little girls embraced as they jumped around singing, “Family! Family!”

  “You did all of this?” Stella asked, looking around at everyone coming their way.

  “I’d like to say I did, but I’m not responsible for them. I’m responsible for Jimmy and Dylan.” Jace looked up at the same time she did. “There’s your buzzing sound.”

  “What is that?” Stella asked about the black object in the sky.

  “A drone,” Jace said with a laugh a moment before their families covered them in hugs, kisses, and best wishes.

  Champagne appeared, lights were turned on, and suddenly a party broke out. Stella took it all in as everyone celebrated their love together. She felt like crying all over again as the town not only accepted her, but Eden, Karl, and April, too.

  “I’ll send you the video footage and the pictures,” Ahmed said, coming up to them after the crowd began to spread out some. In his hand was his cell phone and in the other was a drone. “I filmed it all. This is the first time I’ve spied on an engagement. Normally, it was just Abby’s dates.”

  Stella didn’t know what to say to that, but she’d heard about the overprotective fathers of Keeneston. “Thank you. I will cherish it always.”

  Ahmed gave her a little nod as his son, Kale, came over carrying two glasses of champagne. He handed one to Stella and the other to Jace. Dylan let out a piercing whistle and quieted the crowd. Dylan, Porter, Parker, Colton, and Landon stood together and raised their glasses.

  “To the best little brother I could have. There’s been a lot of change to our little—okay, big Davies family unit. Piper and Aiden are expecting their first child. I have a new niece,” Dylan winked at April who giggled. “And I had thought only Abby was brave enough to join our family. But we’re blessed to have Stella not run off in fear at our craziness. We’re lucky to have her and her family join our ever-expanding family. To Stella and Jace!”

  “To Stella and Jace!” Everyone cheered, “Salut!” In the silence of the sipping of the toast, several phones buzzed at once, including Jace’s.

  Stella watched as he glanced at his phone and then immediately set down his glass. “What is it?”

  Jace’s face was set, and she saw his worried expression. Then she heard a cry from the crowd and saw Gemma’s hand come to her mouth. Her husband looked as if he was debating killing something or passing out.

  “It’s Riley,” Jace looked around. “I can’t believe I’m saying this but, Kale, I need to get to Lexington. Fast.”

  Father Ben crossed himself as Kale took off at a dead run down the driveway to where the cars had been hidden. “Dad! I’m taking your car!”

  “We’re going with you,” Cy said as he and Gemma joined them.

  Jace turned to look apologetically at Stella. She grabbed his hand and kissed it. “Go. We’ll all be right behind you.”

  Jace kissed her quickly and then the three of them ran after Kale with Ahmed’s warning to treat his car carefully still echoing down the drive.

  28

  Jace said many prayers as he sat in the front seat of the sports car. Cy and Gemma were deathly silent in the practically non-existent backseat of Ahmed’s Aston Martin Vanquish. The silence let him talk to the nurse who had called him just moments after Matt’s text had gone out.

  “What are her numbers?” Jace tried not to
show any reaction when the nurse recited them to him. “What does Dr. Estes say?”

  “She’s in a high risk-surgery. I can’t interrupt her. You’re the other doctor listed. What do you want us to do, Dr. Davies?”

  “I want a liver and kidney test done now. Give her a magnesium sulfate bolus for her blood pressure. Prep for likely emergency surgery and get Dr. Estes’s partner in there ASAP.”

  The call ended and Jace tried to ignore the fact Kale was driving over a hundred miles per hour.

  “How’s my baby?” Gemma’s strangled voice asked from the back.

  Jace steeled himself. “Previously, her preeclampsia had been without severe features. I admitted her because she’d moved into preeclampsia with severe features when her blood pressure wouldn’t get below 160/110. She’d been doing really well yesterday. Her blood pressure was going back down and her doctor texted me this afternoon about possibly letting her come home tomorrow or the next day.”

  “I don’t understand,” Cy said, his voice tight with emotion.

  “The blood pressure medicine had been working. Now it’s not. It’s no longer keeping her blood pressure in check. It’s 223/126.”

  The car went quiet. They all knew it was not just dangerously high, but life-threateningly high.

  “I put her on a bolus of magnesium sulfate to try to protect her from stroke or seizure and I’ve ordered tests to determine if this is what’s called HELLP Syndrome.”

  “If it is this HELLP Syndrome?” Cy asked.

  “Emergency delivery is needed. In fact, prepare yourself for an emergency C-section no matter what. Her blood pressure is too high. If I can’t get it down, then the only option is to deliver the baby.”