by Unknown
“Hurry, please, just hurry.”
LUKE WAS NEVER SO GRATEFUL TO SEE FLASHING police lights. He fell in behind the patrol car at the second traffic light, unsurprised to see Morgan on his bumper. If Luke didn’t miss his guess, his entire family was on their way. His hands flexed on the steering wheel as he fought to keep the fear at bay. “Cath, please be all right. Please.”
He prayed all the way to the cabin. He braked sharply behind the patrol car, then slammed out of the truck, racing for the woods. “Cath! Cath!” He fought panic, tree limbs, and underbrush until he came to the clearing near the lake and almost went to his knees. He rushed toward Catherine’s prone figure.
“Cath,” her name was the barest whisper of sound.
Her head lifted. She glanced over her shoulder. “Luke.” That was all she was able to get out before he had her on her feet and in his arms, crushing her to him, then she was at arms’ length as his gaze ran the length of her.
“Are you all right? Your mother called me.”
“Just shaken up,” she said, then hastened to explain as his grip on her arms tightened. “Hero saved me from a wolf. I screamed when I thought he was attacking me, but he knocked me out of the way, then stood over me, challenging the wolf until it left. I can’t find my phone. I think it fell in the lake. I’ve been trying to coax Hero to come out of the underbrush ever since. I was going to try for another couple of minutes, then go home to call Mother, but I knew she’d call you, and you’d reassure her that I was all right and then you’d come find me.”
“Cath.” She knew him so well. He hugged her to him and reached for his cell. “We’ll call her now.”
“Already done,” Morgan said. “I also called Mama.”
Luke turned to his brother to thank him. Instead, Luke’s gaze widened in surprise. He’d expected his brothers and sister, but standing with them were Daniel Falcon and his wife, Madelyn, her two brothers Kane and Matt with their wives Victoria and Shannon, Daniel’s sister Dominique, and her husband, Trent. “What are you all doing here?”
Catherine placed her head on Luke’s shoulder. “They’re one of your Christmas presents. I wanted to start a family tradition with family and good friends on Christmas Eve. All the parents and grandparents are coming in the morning so we can open all the presents. I guess I spoiled the surprise.”
“You did not. It’s a wonderful surprise.” Luke tenderly took her face in his hands. “You’re safe, and that’s all that matters.”
“Luke’s right, Catherine,” Sierra said. “What do you think if we start the party a little early? Mama is at the cabin with Daniel Jr., Tempest, and the twins, Kane Jr. and Chandler. I’m sure Brandon already has the food ready. The restaurant closed ten minutes ago.”
Her brother shook his head and curved his arm around her shoulders. “You’re right, and since you’re hungry as usual, you won’t mind coming back to the restaurant so I can load up your SUV.”
“Not in the least.” Sierra turned to Morgan. “I’ll pick up Phoenix on the way back.”
“The pecan praline she’s bringing wouldn’t have any bearing on that decision, would it?” he asked.
“It might.”
“Thank you, Sierra. That’s a wonderful idea,” Catherine said.
“I’ll also let Naomi and Richard know to come early. Mama won’t mind watching Kayla. Naomi, I hear, bakes a mean apple pie.” Laughing, Sierra left with Brandon.
Catherine smiled at her sister-in-law, then turned to her guests. “I’m so glad you all could come, this is going to be wonderful. We can leave as soon as I get Hero.” Catherine started to drop to her knees, but Luke held her upright. “I can’t leave him here after he helped me.”
“I never thought you would.” Luke faced his family and extended family. “I guess you know how it is to love someone unconditionally. Their happiness is yours.” There were nods and knowing smiles. “Thought so. Morgan, Pierce, please see everyone back to the cabin. Cath and I will follow.”
“Thank you for not sending me away,” Catherine said as they were left alone.
“Purely selfish reasons.” Luke kissed her. “I’m not ready to let you out of my sight.” Dropping to his knees, he peered into the brush. In seconds, Hero crawled out and eyed both of them.
Catherine hunkered down beside Luke and Hero. “Thank you, and for helping me, there’ll be no more baths for a month.” Hero barked and they laughed.
Catching her hand, Luke came to his feet and picked up the shopping bag. “Let’s go home. I haven’t given you your present for today.”
“I’m sure I’m going to love it as much as the others, but you’re the true gift.”
Stopping, he stared down at her. “I love you so much.”
“I know, and that’s what makes loving you such a pleasure.” She kissed him on the lips, then started toward the cabin with Hero beside her. “We’d better hurry. We have to start the tradition right.”
A few feet farther, snow began to fall. Smiling, Catherine leaned her head against Luke’s shoulder, her arm curving around his waist. “Christmas and you, I have my perfect Christmas.”
Luke hugged her closer. “And I have mine.”
LAUGHTER AND GOOD CHEER FILLED THE CABIN. Mounds of gifts surrounded the tree. No one seemed to mind eating on paper plates and leaving the formal table setting in the dining room for tomorrow. The children were asleep and the adults were enjoying each other.
Luke and Morgan had presented their gifts for Day Seven to their wives—no cooking on weekends for the next seven months—much to the good-natured groans of the other males and cheers of the females. From the stairs, Ruth smiled down at them. Love, when it was right and shared, was priceless.
She couldn’t wait for the rest of her children to know such happiness. Smiling, Ruth went inside the bedroom where the children were sleeping and closed the door. Someday, the grandchildren she would watch over would be her own.
Brandon, the nurturer, was next.
Read on for a sneak peek at Francis Ray’s next
Grayson Friends novel
NOBODY BUT YOU
Coming Winter 2009
from St. Martin’s Paperbacks
CAMERON PRAYED FOR THE RIGHT WORDS. HOW DID HE explain to a four-and-a-half-year-old that his father had “found” him? At least Caitlin hadn’t claimed he was dead. “Your mother and I wanted to talk to you about something very important.”
Joshua looked from one to the other. “I won’t play in the fountain or go down to the lake unless an adult is with me. I remember.”
“I know you won’t,” Caitlin said. “This is about—” She paused, bit her lip.
“Your father,” Cameron finished for her. Dragging it out certainly wasn’t helping anyone.
“You know my daddy?” Joshua asked, his small voice filled with wonder.
“Yes,” Cameron answered.
Joshua, his eyes round with excitement, jumped up from his chair and went to stand in front of Cameron. “Where is he? Can you take me to him?”
Things were moving too fast for Caitlin. “You remember I said that your father loved you, but we decided we didn’t love each other and we went to live separate lives, that we didn’t know how to find each other?”
“Did he find us?” he asked his mother. Her mouth trembled, but she didn’t say a word.
“I’m your father, Joshua,” Cameron answered quietly, his voice unsteady.
Joshua looked at him as if he couldn’t quiet comprehend what he’d just been told.
Caitlin knew it was time. “He’s your father, Joshua. He’s found you.”
“You’re my father?” Joshua asked, his voice as unsteady as his father’s had been earlier.
Cameron swallowed, and swallowed again. “Yes, son. I’m sorry it took me so long to find you, but I’m here now and I plan to stay.”
“Daddy!” The boy launched himself at Cameron, his arms wrapped tightly around his neck. “I knew you’d come! I knew it! I told Mommie you
’d find us one day, and you did.”
Over Joshua’s head, Cameron caught Caitlin’s strained features. If he didn’t miss his guess, she was just beginning to realize how much she’d deprived Joshua. Knowing Caitlin’s tender heart, it wouldn’t be easy for her to accept.
Hefting Joshua up with one arm, Cameron stood and asked, “You about ready to see my race car?”
“Wow.”
Cameron smiled. He was fast learning that “Wow” was Joshua’s favorite word when he was excited. “Caitlin, do you need to get anything before we leave?”
“Maybe he should go another day.” She stood as well, her hands curled into tight fists.
Cameron thought he knew why she was apprehensive. “I’ve already alerted the crew we’re coming. No practice race is scheduled for today. We’ll have lunch afterwards.”
She was living her greatest fear. How could she save her baby? “He’s probably tired from the trip. Maybe tomorrow.”
Cameron set Joshua on his feet. “I left my cap on the dresser in my room. Could you please go get it for me?”
“I’ll get it, Daddy.” Joshua took off running.
Cameron had to swallow. Daddy. He’d never in his wildest imagination thought Caitlin might be carrying their child. They’d always used protection. As soon as Cameron heard his son’s pounding footsteps on the stairs, he stepped closer to Caitlin. “Today, Caitlin. Putting it off won’t change anything. I want to show Joshua the stock car, introduce him to my crew.”
“I—”
“I’m leaving in ten minutes, and when I do, Joshua is going to be with me.”
“I don’t want that life for him,” she said, her voice trembling.
“That’s not for you to decide.”
Joshua came running back into the room with the cap. “Here it is, Daddy.”
Daddy. Emotions clogged his throat again, then laughter escaped. Cameron scooped Joshua up in his arms, took the cap, and put it on his son’s head. “That way I won’t lose it again.”
“You coming?” Cameron asked.
“I need to work on the script.” She tried to smile and failed miserably.
“Thank you.” He knew what it cost her to let her son go without her. She’d walk through hell for Joshua. He didn’t agree with her decision to keep Joshua’s birth a secret, but he knew she had done it out of fear, not malice.
To let him go without her, to a place she feared, said a great deal about her love for Joshua. She was putting his needs above her own. She wanted them to have this time together.
“We’ll be back for lunch and go out to dinner,” Cameron promised. Walking over to Caitlin, he leaned Joshua toward her. “Kiss your mother goodbye, and tell her you love her so we can go.”
Joshua dutifully leaned over, put his arms around his mother’s neck, and kissed her on the cheek. “Goodbye, Mommie. I love you.”
Her arms clung to Joshua for a moment before she stepped back. “You mind Ca—your father.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Cameron wished he could get his own hug. Heck, he wanted the kiss as well. “He’s safe with me. He’ll never be out of my sight.”
“I know,” she said. Her voice trembled, she blinked rapidly.
He started from the room, then pivoted and came back to her. He didn’t ask, didn’t pause. He simply curved his hand around her neck and brought her lips to his. She gasped in shock, allowing his tongue to thrust inside, swirl, taste the heady sweetness that was uniquely hers, and maple syrup.
Joshua’s giggles brought him back to his senses. The kiss had been an impulse but no less enjoyable. From the flare of desire in her dark eyes, she had enjoyed it as much as he had.
“You looked as if you needed that.” His gaze narrowed on her moist lips again. “I’d forgotten how—”
He abruptly stopped. Caitlin’s wide eyes were now fastened on Joshua, who was studying his parents with interest. “We’ll be back by lunch.” This time when he started from the room, he never paused.