Jack sat next to her, grinning and interacting with the family as if he were one of them while Darci tried to keep up. When they finally ordered lunch, she was exhausted. The Demarcos were a high-strung group that all spoke at the same time and argued more than they agreed, but without anger.
She instantly adored the three sisters. They were all beautiful and spirited, not putting up with any guff from their brothers and soon Darci hammered them with questions about some of the shops she’d seen downtown. Angela, the youngest, and most fashion savvy, invited her to go shopping. Darci, of course, made sure to include it in her plans.
Luciano delivered a delicious-looking tiramisu, bowed slightly, and left them alone to enjoy dessert. Darci picked up her fork as yet another someone approached the table.
“Hey, man, you can’t expect us to wait until dinner to meet the woman you can’t stop talking about,” a deep male voice teased.
Darci looked up to see five brawny men standing in front of her, and almost dropped her fork in her lap. Sweet mercy, these were Jack’s friends? She’d never seen so many muscles in one place in her life.
Jack introduced the men as Michael Kreegan, Brogan Steele, Jace Malloy, Grey Stone and Rush Gallagher.
Jack looked at them pointedly and said, “All right, now you’ve met the team,” Jack said. “Thanks for stopping by, guys.”
She glanced at Jack. “The team?”
“Yeah, SEAL Team 5.”
Her gaze bounced back to the five men. “You’re all Navy SEALs?”
They nodded.
That explained it. Of course Jack’s friends were Navy SEALs.
“And Donovan, too?”
“Yep,” Jack said. “Sorry, babe, I wanted to warn you before you met them. I know my team can be a bit intimidating.”
She waved him off, although she agreed. “No, it’s all right. I’m happy I got to meet your teammates.”
“Don’t worry, they were just leaving,” Jack said, his meaning clear.
The guys got the point, said their goodbyes, and filed out of the restaurant after chatting with the Demarcos for a few minutes.
Darci dug into her tiramisu, still reeling.
A blond-haired woman and a tall, distinguished looking gentleman approached the table. When Jack saw them, he smiled tenderly and stood to shake the older man’s hand before giving the woman a bear hug. When he turned to her, pride shone in his eyes.
“Darci,” he said, “I’d like you to meet my mom and her husband, Wally.”
Darci almost choked on her wine. His mom? He introduced her to his mom? First his best friend, Donovan, and now his mom. She didn’t know what to think, but she knew what to do. Standing, she held out a hand to the pretty blond woman who didn’t look anything like Jack except in the eyes.
“Nice to meet you, Ms—”
The woman smiled and pulled her in for a hug, not allowing her to finish. “Call me Nina and it’s such a pleasure to finally meet you. I hope Jack hasn’t overwhelmed you with introductions. The Demarcos are a wild bunch.”
The comment was made with such warm affection, Darci smiled. Like her, Jack came from a close family and good friends.
Wally shook her hand and when they sat down Darci met Jack’s eyes. He winked and she knew he’d planned this from the start. He wanted her to meet his friends and family. He hadn’t prepared her for it because he knew her well enough to know she liked new adventures. She thrived in situations like this and he knew it. They’d both learned that in the Caribbean. Heck, that was where she’d learned her true capabilities.
And without Jack she never would have made it home alive. Without him she wouldn’t be here, having the time of her life, meeting new people, eating a world-class meal and getting a glimpse of the real Jack Taggart. A glimpse of the man she wanted more and more with each passing second. He was everything she wanted: strong, honorable, family-oriented and handsome. He had come along at a low time in her life and saved her once again. And she knew for certain she wouldn’t walk away with her heart intact this time.
“So, Darci, I hear Jack hasn’t taken you shopping yet.” Nina moved closer to so they didn’t have to talk over the men.
“No, we haven’t had time.”
“Well, the girls and I are taking you before dinner. There’s a nice boutique downtown that you have to see. We can meet Jack here afterward. I think Donovan wants to talk business with Jack anyhow. You don’t want to be bored with that, so what do you say?”
Darci glanced at Jack, who talked and nodded at something Wally said.
Donovan pulled up a chair and also nodded.
She liked the idea of spending time with Nina, but had hoped for some alone time with Jack. But she wouldn’t get in Jack’s way. Besides, this would be a great opportunity to get to know his mom.
“Sure, that sounds like fun,” she said, looking away from Jack to Nina.
Nina smiled. “Great. Now, tell me more about yourself. Jack tells me you’re from Michigan…”
****
Shopping with Nina and Donovan’s sisters turned out to be an exhausting event. They dragged her through shop after shop and helped her pick out a new dress for dinner. Jack had something planned. She was the only one who didn’t know what. All she knew was that she had to be back at Demarco’s by eight. Which meant she had to get back to Jack’s so she could freshen up and change into her new dress. She couldn’t wait to see what Jack had planned for her next. So far she didn’t regret her decision to come here. She loved it here, adored Jack’s extended family and every time she thought of returning to Boston to her lonely apartment it made her sad.
But they weren’t finished with her yet. They stashed her purchases in Angela’s apartment and dragged her to a park in the center of town. It covered eight acres and featured a playground and gorgeous gazebo. The park was crowded with people enjoying the warm summer evening, some sitting on the lawn and others in chairs.
Inside the gazebo a small, local band played music Darci instantly liked. A mixture of jazz and blues and stirred her soul.
“Oh, there’s Jack,” Nina said, waving.
Darci looked up and saw Jack striding across the lawn toward them, Donovan at his side. The two were attracting quite a lot of attention and she knew why. Donovan with his smooth grace and Jack in his hunky, sexy glory. She had to hold herself back from running to him and throwing herself in his arms, completely at his mercy.
“Broke yet?” he teased.
“Nah, I put it all on your bill,” she returned and watched a slow grin light his face. Lord, he was a handsome devil.
“Then I’m broke,” he chuckled. “Come on, the music’s already started.”
He laced his fingers through hers and led her to a spot on the lawn where they all sat to listen to the band. Darci sat beside Jack, leaning slightly against him as she watched and listened.
“May through September, the park sponsors different bands to play in the park. I thought you’d like this one.” Jack brushed a strand of hair off her cheek.
“Oh, I do,” she said, wondering why she’d never heard of this event. She would have loved to play here. But before Jack she’d never heard of Coronado Island. He’d done this for her and it touched her deeply. There was no other like Jack and she wanted to keep him. Forever.
“Thanks.” She leaned closer. “For everything.”
“You haven’t had the best part yet,” he said with a grin.
“Braciole and cannoli?”
“Yep.” His hand cupped her cheek. “I like you without all the bruises”
“Ditto, but I do think this is sexy.” She ran her finger over his bisected eyebrow, remembering when he’d gotten it. She’d done her best not to think about the horrors she’d witnessed on that island, but it was difficult when every time she closed her eyes she relived it.
“Yeah?” He chuckled.
She smiled. “Yeah.”
They shared a moment, remembering the events that had brought them together a
nd tore them apart. But neither wanted to dredge up the past or worry about the future. They had this moment. As far as she was concerned, the past was the past and she was ready to face her future. Hopefully with Jack.
They stayed for about an hour. Jack and Donovan said they had something to do and with a chaste kiss on her cheek, Jack left her in the hands of his mom and friends. Nina and Donovan’s sisters dragged her back to Angela’s apartment and primped until Darci thought she’d explode.
Her new dress fit like a glove. A little black dress, perfect for the occasion, her hosts had insisted. The back dipped low, the fabric sensual against her skin. She matched it with a pair of strappy heels and felt like she walked on air.
She just hoped that whatever Jack had in store for her didn’t take long. She had plans for them tonight and it wasn’t something they could do in public or with an audience.
****
Darci sat alone at a table in the corner of Demarco’s, sipping a glass of wine and waiting for Jack. It was ten after eight and she began to worry. The Demarco clan was here, working hard through the dinner rush. Was it always full? Probably with the delicious food, atmosphere and wine list.
Marcello, the wine expert, had served her a glass of smooth, velvety, ruby red wine that could easily go to her head. She settled for sipping slowly and savoring it while she waited. It helped to settle her nerves, though she couldn’t figure out why she was so nervous. She was having dinner with Jack, that’s all. No reason for her stomach to be in knots.
Taking another sip of wine, she glanced around the dimly lit room with its romantic atmosphere and soft music playing in the background. It made Darci glance at the clock again and wish Jack would hurry up. She wanted to get dinner over with and get back to his house so she could show him she had no intentions of sleeping in the guest room.
Donovan, dressed to kill in a pair of dark trousers and crisp white shirt, approached her table. She looked up into those stunning blue eyes, and smiled. If she weren’t in love with Jack she would be swooning right now because Donovan Demarco was drop-dead gorgeous.
“May I?” He motioned to the chair next to her.
A true gentleman. Darci nodded. “Please.”
He pulled out the chair and sat. The way he moved with ease and grace reminded her of a dancer, though she doubted very much Donovan ever took dance lessons. He may be dashing and graceful, but he was pure, potent male and she bet he had no trouble keeping his bed warm at night.
“Can I get you another glass of wine?”
“Yes, please.”
Donovan rose to his feet in one fluid motion. “You know, you’re the first woman Taggart has ever brought home, so to speak.” His voice held a hint of admiration. “We’ve been friends and swim buddies for a long time and you’re the first woman of his I’ve met.”
He was the only one who called Jack Taggart.
Darci looked up at him and immediately understood what he meant. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to realize that Jack had two families. His mom and Wally, and the Demarcos. She took it as a compliment and smiled. She didn’t know what a swim buddy was and assumed it was a swim team thing, but the compliment pleased her right down to her toes.
“I’m glad he did,” she said.
Donovan sent her a mysterious smile and told her he’d be back with her wine in a moment, before disappearing in the kitchen.
The front door opened and she absently glanced up, hoping to see Jack, but a man in military dress whites stood there instead.
Something caught her eye near the door again. She looked up, curious as to who the lucky girl was meeting a sailor for dinner.
She searched the room for a woman sitting alone, but didn’t find one. No one except…
Her gaze shot to the door as her heart did a slow roll in her chest. In the dim light she watched the tall sailor rake a hand through his dark hair and her heart stopped completely.
Oh, sweet Mary, mother of God.
His eyes scanned the room and landed on her. Darci’s thoughts fled as he began weaving his way toward her, striking in his uniform, commanding attention and receiving it. He had her full attention, no doubt about that. She couldn’t tear her eyes off him.
He reached her table and stopped on the other side, legs braced slightly apart, back straight and shoulders squared, stretching the fabric of his uniform tight across his chest. His jaw was clean-shaven, his hair neatly trimmed. Darci had never seen a more handsome man in her life.
His tender gaze met hers, almost undoing her. She’d been thrown for a loop so many times today she wondered if she’d ever stop spinning. But this was the icing on the cake. She’d made the right decision when she agreed to come here.
The restaurant had gone silent. She wanted to cry because he was truly a man of honor and because she loved him more with each layer she peeled away. He said he was a simple man, but to her he was so much more.
“This is who I am. A Navy SEAL who is gone more than he’s home. Who can’t talk about where he’s been or what he did there. I can’t promise you much, but I can promise you one thing.” He stopped and dropped down on one knee in front of her.
Her heart galloped in her chest. This couldn’t be happening. No way was Jack down on a knee in front of her with a small black box in his hand. She hadn’t even seen him pull it out. He held the box out to her. “I can promise you that I will never stop loving you. I’m a simple man. I don’t need much but I do need you. It took me two months to work up the nerve to go to Boston and I couldn’t have done it if I wasn’t ready to share my life with you. It won’t be easy and I know I’m asking you to leave your home and come live here with me, but together I know we can make it. I love you, Darci O’Shea, and I want to spend my life with you.”
With tears streaming down her cheeks, Darci opened the box and gasped, clamping a hand over her mouth. Nestled in a bed of velvet was a diamond in the shape of a shamrock. With shaking hands, she lifted it out.
Jack took it from her trembling fingers and grasped her hand. “Will you marry me?”
Marry a Navy SEAL? She hadn’t seen this one coming. But it was exactly what she hadn’t allowed herself to wish for. She had her songwriting career to keep her busy and she loved Jack’s house. She adored his family and friends and would have no trouble living in this charming little town.
Her band had broken up, leaving her no commitments in Boston. It would be easy to pack up and move out here to start an adventure of a whole other color. Could she say yes to a man like Jack Taggart? Was she ready to embark on a new adventure?
Looking deep into his eyes, she saw a reflection of herself and had her answer right then and there.
“On one condition,” she said and saw the corners of his mouth tilt.
“Anything.”
She paused to wipe her tears away, suddenly realizing everyone in the restaurant waited for her answer. She saw the Demarcos in the back and Jack’s mom and Wally standing with them. She hadn’t been aware they’d come in. It seemed Jack had put plenty of care into his arrangements, including getting his mom to take her shopping so he could surprise her. Only a man who truly loved her would do that. When she spoke, everyone heard her, but the message was for Jack alone.
“We go somewhere cold for our honeymoon.”
Their audience frowned and whispered amongst themselves but Jack grinned.
“Deal.”
Darci smiled. “Then my answer is yes, I will marry you, Jack Taggart.”
The crowd cheered as Jack slipped the ring on her finger. Then he pulled her out of her chair and into his arms for a kiss that sealed the deal. When he pulled away, tears streamed down her cheeks.
“I love you,” she whispered.
“I’m so glad you aren’t the weepy, emotional type.” Jack grinned as he brushed her tears away, remembering a time when she swore she never cried.
Darci laughed and together they turned toward their audience for congratulations. While the Demarco brothers drew Jack
away to slap him on the back, she felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to see the handsome face of Win Bekett.
“Win,” she said, smiling. The last time she’d seen him was in an abandoned warehouse in the Caribbean with a gun in each hand taking out the bad guys. He’d taken a bullet for Jack. A hero in her book. He’d called a couple times after the incident to see how she was doing, but she’d never gotten to thank him in person.
He wore his signature white shirt, tie and slacks and his hair spiked as if he’d run his fingers through it a million times. She was beginning to think it always looked like that.
Throwing her arms around him she hugged him close, hearing him chuckle in her ear. “Don’t let Jack see you doing that,” he teased when she pulled away. “He’ll string me up by my toes and use me for target practice. How are you?”
“I’m good, better now.” She stared at the ring on her finger. “What about you? How’s the shoulder?”
Win rolled his left shoulder. “No complaints.”
“What are you doing here? How did you find us?”
“Jack’s been keeping tabs on the Gruesome Twins case,” he said with a grin. She knew exactly who the ‘twins’ were. He’d kept her posted on the case too in his phone calls. She was happy to know Heath and Eva would be spending the rest of their lives in prison. “He invited me down if I could spare the time. My boss told me I could.”
Win wasn’t the type to take a vacation and Darci knew he’d worked nonstop, bullet wound and all, to put his case together against the twins. He’d been working when he should have been recovering.
“Well, I’m glad you’re here. Will you be staying long?”
“There’s this case I’ve been working on for a couple years now that has broken open that I really should…” He trailed off when Darci sent him an amused look. “I’m doing it again, aren’t I?”
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