by Holly Jaymes
On my way, I called my brother Nate.
“Hey man, how’s life? She made you any poutine yet?” Nate said when he picked up.
My throat closed for a moment.
“Will? You all right, man?”
“She’s being forced out,” I managed.
“What the fuck?”
I gripped the steering wheel. I was sure it was the only thing keeping me from flying off into oblivion. “Listen, I can’t … I can’t let her go.”
“Hell no, you can’t. Do you need a lawyer or something?”
“I’ve got a call in to one. She’s leaving tonight.” My throat clamped up again. Fuck. Keep it together, Will.
“What? Jesus. What do you need from me?”
“I have to go to her. I love her.” I used my thumb and forefinger to wipe the tears I hadn’t realized were there until I felt them on my cheeks.
“Of course. Yes.”
“I don’t know how long I’ll be gone, or if I’ll end up there.” I forced myself to focus on the road and what I needed to do.
“Oh wow. What about the business?”
“I can’t think of that right now. What I need from you is to look after Mom.”
As the next oldest, Nate needed to step into the place I’d taken when my father died.
“Of course,” he said.
“She does all right, but you know —”
“Will, I can do it. Don’t worry about it. Or any of us.”
“I don’t worry about you guys. Just her.”
“Well, don’t. I’ve got it covered. Really, man. Go get your woman.”
I sniffed. “Yes. Thank you.”
“If there’s anything I can do. Someone I can call … our Senator, maybe? Let me know.”
“I will. Thank you, Nate.”
It took me a few miles to pull myself back together. Once I reached Mitch’s house, I sat for a moment in his driveway, collecting my thoughts and how I wanted to proceed. Then I exited and went to the door.
“Will,” Hope said, surprised to see me. Then she frowned. “Something’s wrong?”
“Is Mitch around?”
“Yes, come in.” She opened the door and walked with me to the family room. Mitch was on the floor with his twins, making train sounds as he pushed an engine around a wooden track.
“Daddy’s train is going to get yours,” he said, with a toot-toot.
He looked up as I walked in. He had a huge grin. I hated that I was going to be fucking this up for him.
His smile quickly faltered. “What’s wrong?”
“I’ll take over here,” Hope said, getting on the floor with the kids.
“I need to talk to you,” I said.
“Yeah, sure. I have an office back here.” I followed him up a hall to a large room filled with computers. “Can I get you coffee? Maybe something stronger? Fuck, Will, you’re scaring me. What’s up?”
I blew out a breath hoping I could keep it together. “Adalyn is being forced to return to Canada.”
“What? When?”
“Tonight.”
“No fucking way. What happened?”
“It’s too much for me to go into right now. What I need from you is to take over my business.” I held a hand up before he might protest. “You’re the only one with the know-how and time to do it.”
He nodded. “You’re going after her?”
“I have to.” I rubbed my hand over my heart. “I feel like I’m fucking dying here.”
“Sit for a minute. Let me get you that drink.” He started toward the door.
“Mitch, I need you to do this.”
“Yes, of course. Let me get that drink, and we’ll talk.” He put his hand on my shoulder, and then after a second, he pulled me into an embrace. “I’m so sorry, Will.”
“Thanks, man.”
He was right. I needed the drink. I gulped the two fingers of whiskey in a single shot, wishing it would burn away the pain. I had to give Mitch the condensed version of my business. It wasn’t like Canada was in another universe. He and I could talk on the phone or video conference while I was away. I was pretty sure my staff would be okay with him. He’d consulted and done work for my company before, so they knew him.
When I thought I’d gotten all the main points out, I ran my fingers through my hair. “I appreciate this. I know it’s a lot to ask.”
“It’s not, Will. After all you did for us and mom after dad died, I’m glad to have the opportunity to pay you back, although I wish it was under different circumstances.”
“About mom, I’ve asked Nate to look after her.”
“We all will. You don’t need to worry about anything but getting your wife back.”
“Aw fuck, Mitch. How’d it come to this?”
“I don’t know. What I do know is that when you find love, you can’t let it get away. If you end up being a Canuck, we’ll miss you, but we’ll understand.” He frowned. “Will she be able to the U.S. to visit?” Then he shook his head. “We’ll all come up there. Nate can rent one of those fancy planes and fly us all up.”
I tried to smile. “God, I hope it doesn’t come to that.”
“First things first. Go get her.”
I nodded and stood. “I need to see Mom first.”
“I can go, if you want,” Mitch said walking me to the front door.
I shook my head. “I need to do it.”
“If you think of anything else, let me know. We’re all here for you.”
He gave me another hug, and then I was back in the car heading to my mother’s house. I was sure she’d be just as supportive as my brothers, but I felt the need to be the one to tell her what was going on and what I was planning to do. Hell, I probably needed her to be there for me. Turned out even grown-ass men needed their moms sometimes.
When I got to her house, I knocked on the door instead of walking in because she wasn’t expecting me and I didn’t want to scare her by barging in.
When she saw me, she her face turned ashen. “Will. What’s wrong?” She reached for my arm and pulled me in.
“They’re sending her back.”
Looking at my mother’s worried face, I completely lost it.
“Oh, Will … my son …” She wrapped her arms around me. “Come on, honey. Let’s sit down.”
She guided me to her formal living area, the closest room that had a chair. As kids, we were never allowed in there. In fact, my dad used to joke about why he bought a house with a room that was never used, because he wasn’t allowed in there either. I guess the room was reserved for emotional breakdowns.
“What happened, honey?”
I let her hold me as I worked to get my shit together. There was still so much to do.
“She told them the truth.”
“What?” My mother pulled back to look into my face. I felt like I was ten years again when she wiped my tears away. Only this time, she was consoling me over falling off my bike.
“She told her immigration agent that we were married for her green card.”
Her head cocked. “Is that true?”
Fuck, I was saying this all wrong. “We didn’t get married for her green card. But we did decide to stay married for it. It was my idea, mom. Not hers.”
“And she told them this? Why?”
Unable to sit still, I rose from the fancy couch and started to pace. “Some of the government agencies I worked with had concerns that I was under investigation. She didn’t want her situation to hurt my business. But I had it under control. I have new business coming in. And besides, who needs a billion dollars? I have plenty. Fuck, I could just quit and we’d be fine.”
Only after it was out of my mouth did I realized I said the F-word in front of my mom. Thankfully, she seemed to think that was the least of the problems now.
“So, they’re making her leave now? She doesn’t have time?”
I shook my head. “They convinced her to take some sort of voluntary leave … I don’t know. All I know is her plan
e leaves tonight.” I went to my mom and dropped to my knees, taking her hands. “I have to go after her mom.”
“Well, of course you do.” She squeezed my hands.
“Nate will be here if you need him —”
“I’m not old and decrepit, Will.”
My lips twitched up. “No. But I’d feel better.”
“I know. You took on so much when your father died. He’d be so proud of you, Will.”
“I might have broken the law staying married to Adalyn for her green card. He wouldn’t have been okay with that.”
“Are you kidding me?” She took my cheeks in her palms and tilted my head to look up at her. “Your father would have been so proud of the way you love her.”
“I do, Mom. I never knew there could be a love like this.”
She pursed her lips. “You’re surrounded by it when your brothers and their wives are here.”
“I meant for me. I don’t know what she sees in me. But I don’t care. I’m going after her.”
“She sees a good, decent, loyal man who loves her. What woman can resist that?” She kissed my forehead. “Now, did you close your business, or what’s up with that? Can I help?”
“Mitch said he’d take care of it. Maybe I should ask Gabe to check in on my place. I’m not sure how long I’ll be gone.”
“Are you leaving now?”
“Yes.” I stood. I still had to get my passport and pack. Then I had to figure out a flight. Maybe I’d have to call Nate back about a good charter airline.
“We may miss you at Thanksgiving. But that’s fine, Will. Don’t worry about it. We’ll be thinking of you, and maybe you can call to let your mom know how you are.”
“I will. Thank you, Mom.”
“I love you baby.”
I was more settled in the car. Maybe it was because I’d taken care of my business and the next step was to get to Adalyn. I finally felt like I was moving toward her again.
I had a moment to wonder if she’d be okay with me showing up, chucking my life to go after her. She said she loved me.
I love you too, Will. I always have. I always will.
I had to hold onto that, and hope to hell that some bureaucrat somewhere would help us fix this issue.
My phone rang, and my heart thudded, hoping it was Adalyn. Maybe they let her go after all. I poked the button on my steering wheel to pick up the phone.
“Hello.”
“Will, it’s Gabe.”
“Gabe, hi.” I felt completely deflated.
“Nate called and told me what’s going on. I’m sorry, man. That’s truly fucked.”
“Thanks, man.”
“I know you’re planning on heading north.”
“Yes. As soon as I can get my passport and find a plane.” I decided to jump on the interstate to head home. It was now nearly nine in the evening, so traffic heading toward Washington shouldn’t be too bad.
“Nate’s got one scheduled for whenever you need at Reagan National.”
Gratitude washed through me that my brothers were there for me. Not that I didn’t think they would be, but it was still nice to experience it.
“The three of us have been making calls. I let Senator Krane know what a loss to U.S. security it would be if all your talent was now sold to the Canadian government.”
“You’re going to get me exiled.”
“Would it matter, as long as you’re with your wife?”
“No. It wouldn’t matter.”
“He’s on a few committees involving national security, so he knows what your work has meant to the country. I also told him I’d have it broadcast all over the nation that the government was kicking your wife out of the country. Breaking up true love isn’t good PR, even for the government.”
“I’m not sure anyone who watches your home improvement shows will care.”
“You’d be surprised. Plus, my media reach goes beyond DIY T.V.”
“I appreciate it, Gabe. Really.”
“We just want you home. Both you and Adalyn home. The Sloanes stick together. Who taught me that … oh wait … it was you, after dad died.”
I choked up to hear Gabe say that. For a long time, they’d called me a ballbuster and said I was taking my role as the head of the family too seriously. I just knew how my father would want things, and it seemed like it was my job to make sure his vision was met.
“We’re here for you, man. Whatever you need. Just ask,” Gabe said.
“Thank you,” I said as I pulled into the parking of my apartment building. “I’ll keep you posted.”
I made my way into my place, making a B-line for my safe. I pulled out my passport, shoving it in my back pocket. I went to Adalyn’s room, and tried to figure out what she might want or need ASAP. I grabbed her toiletry bag from the bathroom, and a few clothes. She said she had more in Canada, so I just took a couple of things.
I brought her items to my room, pulling a suitcase from my closet. I tossed her things in, hoping she didn’t mind that I wasn’t folding them. I grabbed a change of clothes, throwing them in the case. I could buy more in Canada. I put my toothbrush and shaving gear in my grooming bag and threw it in the case, zipping it up.
I started out toward the door, but then saw the tulip pictures I’d bought her at the Torpedo Factory. That seemed like a million years ago. That was what it was to have Adalyn in my life. It was like she’d always been there. Losing her was losing a part of me.
I grabbed the smallest picture, and slid it in the side pocket of my bag. It was the first thing we’d bought together as a couple. It seemed like something I should bring. I did a quick inventory: passport, clothes, wallet.
I blew out a breath, wondering how long it would be before I was back in this place. I wasn’t a man that liked too much change or spontaneity. Right now, I was winging it as I went into an unknown future. As long as Adalyn was there, I didn’t give a fuck where I ended up.
I hurried to the door, opening it with one last look back at my place. Ready to leave the past and forge a future with the woman I loved, I turned to head out the door.
My heart stopped. “Adalyn.”
Book 4: Chapter 33—Home
Home
Adalyn
My heart was racing as I reached the door. When it swung open, and Will stood there looking so handsome but sad, every emotion I had for him swelled inside me.
“Will.”
He gasped as he reached out to touch my face. “You’re here.”
“Yes.” I flung myself in his arms, clinging to him with a promise that I’d never let go.
“Oh, baby.” He gripped me, lifting me as he buried his face in the space between my shoulder and neck.
I wasn’t sure how long we held each other, but every second I was in his arms, I slowly began to feel whole again. Like the wound that had been ripped open in my heart was healing.
He set me down and held my face in his hands. “What happened? Are you here for good?”
I nodded. “Yes.”
“They approved your application?”
“Well … it’s conditional for two years, since we’re just married. After that, I can get a permanent green card. But after three years, I can apply for citizenship. If you want.”
“Want what? To be married three years, or for you to get citizenship?”
“Either. Both.”
“I want both. I want to be married to you forever.”
My breath hitched. “Really?”
He nodded. “Really. Could you put up with a dullard like me?”
I could barely see him through the tears. “Don’t say that. You’re the most wonderful, perfect man.”
“Perfect could be hard to live with too.” He grinned, and it made my heart finally snap back together from where it had been torn.
“I want you, Will. Always, if you can put up with a few more years of immigration hassle.”
“I’ll put up with anything, as long as I can have you.” Then he leaned forwar
d and kissed me. I returned that kiss, wanting him to know without a doubt that I was his.
I looked down at his bag. “Were you going somewhere?”
He took my hand and led me to the couch, pulling me on his lap. “I was going to Canada.” He paused for a moment. “I wonder if I need to call Nate and tell him I don’t need the plane.”
“Nate got you a plane?”
He pushed my hair back and then pulled me in for another kiss. Then he simply held me as I rested my head on his shoulder.
“He did. He agreed to look after my mom. Mitch said he’d run the company. Gabe was calling politicians and threatening to go on national TV.”
I lifted my head. “They did all that?”
His eyes inventoried my face, like he wanted to remember it. Or maybe to make sure I was really here. “Yes. They had my back.”
“It couldn’t be easy to leave them.”
“Adalyn, letting you go was killing me. I knew they’d be all right. But me … baby, I felt like I couldn’t breathe until I saw you in my doorway.”
“Me too. I’m so sorry Will. I really thought I was doing the right thing.” I rested my head on his shoulder again.
“What happened? Please tell me Bigalow was fired.” His arms wrapped around me, holding me tight.
“No. Ms. Slater said that technically he didn’t do anything wrong. But she also said that if I went before a judge, especially if you got me an attorney, chances were good we could win.”
“Then why were they going to make you leave?”
“I guess our situation was such that it could go either way.” I kissed his neck, inhaling the musky scent of him. I’d remember it forever.
“What made them change their minds?”
“She reviewed my interview. Considered what you said. Watched the wedding video —”
“What wedding video?”
I sat up. “There was a wedding video from the chapel. Can you believe it?”
“I can believe it, but I don’t remember it.”
“Apparently they keep it for a while in case you want to buy it later. We have to buy it, Will. Seriously, we need to see what’s on it.”
He laughed at me. “You’re not worried about looking drunk while married?”
I shook my head. “No. Because whatever is on it, made her believe that at the time of the wedding we weren’t trying to commit fraud.”