The Unexpected Bride [Brides for the Garrison Brothers 2] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic)

by Paige Cameron

“I will. Devin was right. I’ve been scared all my life of one thing or another.” Josie straightened her shoulders. “Starting now I’m not letting anyone walk over me.”

  “Good for you, but don’t change too much. We all love you as the sweet person you’ve always been,” Lacey said.

  “If I married and had children, I’d have to stand up for them and teach them bravery.”

  “Are you thinking of marriage?” Lacey asked.

  “No. I thought Devin and I might have something special, but he left as soon as those men came to get me. He didn’t offer to join us on the trip and hold my hand.”

  “Devin may have a good explanation for his behavior.”

  “I doubt it. There isn’t a thing I can think of that would excuse his running off.” Josie looked out the plane window at the sunset. Where will I be tomorrow when it rises?

  She heard a ding and the flight attendant came on to say they’d be landing in DC in about twenty minutes. They’d be on time. Hunter stood by Lacey’s seat. “Honey, let me change places with you. I need to discuss a few items with Josie before we land.”

  Lacey got up and went to the seat in front of her. Hunter swung in beside Josie.

  “When we land I’m sure the police will be waiting. They’ll take you to the station to be processed, your picture taken, fingerprints, that sort of thing. You’ll be scheduled to see a judge in the morning, but I’m hoping your stepfather knows one who’ll let you out on bail this evening. If not, it’ll be in the morning at the latest.”

  Josie wanted to cry, but she bit her lip and nodded. “My parents will be shocked.”

  “I’m certain they will, but your stepfather will be able to deal with the surprise and help you. He’s a determined man,” Hunter said, and smiled.

  “I guess he’s still after you to be his protégé?”

  “He is. But if I do go to Washington it’ll be years from now and depends on Lacey agreeing.”

  Josie put her hand on Hunter’s. “She’s lucky she found you. You’re a good man. Thanks for all the help, Hunter.”

  “You aren’t to worry. I’m also an excellent lawyer.”

  “And so modest,” Josie managed to tease him.

  The plane touched down and Josie’s heart pounded heavily in her chest. She had a premonition that whatever happened in the next few days would change her world. How, she didn’t know.

  “Ladies and Gentlemen, we have landed in Washington, DC. The time is 5:25 and the temperature is seventy degrees,” a male voice from the cockpit said.

  When they rolled to a stop, Hunter and Heath got down their carry-on bags. They joined the crowd waiting in the aisle to get off the plane.

  Josie saw two men in suits, one in a well-tailored brown suit and the other a crumpled gray suit. They stood at the end of the line, watching closely as the people disembarked.

  When they saw her, they stepped forward. “Are you Josephine Donnelles?”

  “Yes sir, my lawyer and I were just going to get a cab and go to the police station,” she said as Hunter had instructed.

  “We’ll save you the cost of a cab. Come with us.”

  “Heath, you and Lacey call her parents and go see them,” Hunter said. Then he took Josie’s hand, and they walked out with a plainclothes man on either side.

  To Josie the time sped by, and she was soon at the station and left alone in a small holding cell. It smelled of perspiration and fear. She sat on the metal chair and closed her eyes. Several years ago she’d learned to meditate. This evening those lessons came back to her.

  She breathed deep and let her breath out slowly. At the same time she tried to clear her mind, picturing the swing on a sunny morning.

  Gradually, she calmed somewhat. And then she started a mantra in her head. I will not be afraid. I’m innocent, and I’m strong. My name will be cleared.

  Chapter Seven

  Devin got in his SUV and drove to his house. He slammed his fist on the steering wheel. “You’re a damn coward,” he said to himself. “She’ll never trust me or give me a chance after this. Damn, damn, damn,” he shouted inside the vehicle. He drove fast down the highway.

  He parked his SUV at the barn, jumped out, and went to saddle his meanest horse. Satan snorted when Devin got close to his corral.

  “Don’t give me any problems today, Satan. I’m ornerier than you.” Devin led him out and saddled the horse. Then he jumped on his back and gave him full rein. The stallion tried to unseat him twice. When he didn’t succeed, he raced across the prairie.

  Cool air blew across Devin’s face and through his hair. His cell rang as Satan slowed down.

  “Hi Mom, what’s up?”

  “You, for one thing. She was looking for you when she came back and obviously disappointed that you’d gone.”

  “You know why I’ve never been able to fly.”

  “I do, but when you love someone and they need you, you have to force yourself to do something unpleasant to help her.”

  “I’m sure Heath and Hunter can take care of her. And wasn’t Lacey going, too? She doesn’t need me.”

  “You’re a fool. I called to tell you two men came to arrest her. Hunter lied and said she’d already left for Washington. They said they’d have men at the airport to meet her. She’ll probably have to spend the night in jail unless her parents know a judge.”

  Devin closed his eyes at the thought of Josie in a jail cell. “Thanks for the call, Mom.” He clicked his phone off and turned around to gallop back to the house.

  Josie would be terrified, and here he’d been riding around doing nothing. He didn’t know a judge, but he was good friends with their state senator.

  Devin looked up the number of their senator and prayed he was in Washington. The phone rang three times before a deep, masculine voice answered. “Clark here.”

  “This is Devin Garrison. How are you?”

  “I was enjoying sleeping in for the first time in months when you woke me, so I’m not a happy person.”

  “I’m sorry, but I have a problem, Clark.”

  “Everyone I know has a problem. I never get a call like, let’s go fishing or have a drink.”

  “I’ll buy you a drink when I get there.”

  “You’re coming to DC? It must be a whale of a problem.”

  “My fiancée has been arrested for a crime she didn’t commit.” Devin explained about her boss trying to assault her and the threat.

  “Why didn’t she go right to the police?”

  “She was scared of him and what he’d do, and her stepdad is a big man in your territory. She didn’t want to cause him a problem.”

  “Who is he?” Clark asked.

  “I don’t know him, but his name is Alex Bernheart. Have you heard of him?”

  “Oh, yes. He is well known in these parts. I’ll call the police station and see what I can find out. Then I’ll call you back.”

  “I owe you,” Devin said.

  “And I intend to collect. I want to use your cabin and do some fishing later this year.”

  “Anytime.” Devin got in his SUV and drove toward Josie’s house. He saw Smitty coming out of the barn.

  “Hello, Smitty. I was hoping to see you. Josie is in Washington DC and may be there for a while. Will you keep a lookout on the place?”

  “Sure. What’s happened? Is someone in the family sick?”

  Devin explained her problem. “Hunter’s gone with her as her attorney, and Heath is going to be helping, too.”

  “I’m surprised you aren’t with her,” Smitty said.

  “She has plenty of support. Her parents live right outside DC.”

  “But they aren’t the man she cares about, the one she’ll want to lean on.”

  Devin shrugged like it didn’t bother him. “We’ve just started dating. I’m certain she won’t even think about me.”

  Smitty turned to walk off. “You’re almost as bad as her father was when he was young. He didn’t support her either emotionally or financially. H
e’s trying to mend fences.” Smitty stopped at the barn door. “I’m calling after I leave here. I think he’ll want to fly to Washington and be by her side.” He disappeared, leaving Devin feeling guiltier than before.

  He drove to his office and called another realtor, explained he’d be out of town, and arranged for the rest of his clients this week to see the other man. Then he called the airlines. Fear congealed in his stomach and he had to fight not to put the receiver down when the agent came on the line.

  After making reservations to leave at 6:00 p.m. and catch a seven o’clock flight out of Denver, he drove to the home place. His mom, dad, Cort, and Fletch were having a glass of wine before dinner.

  “Sit and join us,” his mom said. She got up to get him a glass. He stopped her.

  “I don’t have time. I wondered if one of you would drive me to the airport. I’m leaving on the shuttle to Denver at six, and I still have to run home and pack a bag.”

  Cort raised his eyebrows. “You’re going to fly? You’ve never flown.”

  “I have to do this. I’m not a coward, and Josie needs me.”

  “You love her,” his mom said. “I knew it’d take a crisis like this to ever get you on a plane. Let your Dad and I see if we can get reservations. We’ll go with you.”

  Devin swallowed around the lump in his throat. “I’m grown. I need to do this alone.”

  His dad walked across the room and hugged Devin. “This is a big step for you in many ways. I’m proud of you for facing this fear.”

  Mrs. Garrison added, “I am to, but you’d better hurry and go home to pack. There isn’t much time.

  Fletch had better drive you. He drives faster and will get you to the airport early,” she teased.

  * * * *

  Devin’s heart pounded and his palms were wet with perspiration when he boarded the small plane to Denver. He hoped he wouldn’t embarrass himself and vomit. Here he was a big, tough, rodeo rider and his knees were knocking.

  The flight attendant took one look at him and asked, “Do you feel sick? If so, these paper bags are for that purpose.” She handed him one. “Better be safe. This can be a bumpy ride. The larger plane will hopefully be much smoother.”

  As they were taking off, the male flight attendant was telling the passengers about the oxygen, seat cushions, and other safety information. Devin kept a tight grip on the paper bag. Then they were up. In all his bull riding he’d never been as terrified as the plane rose and would drop, leaving his stomach somewhere in between. The flight was the longest twenty minutes of his life.

  Devin wanted to kiss the ground when they landed. He hurriedly walked to the terminal where his next flight was taking off from. They were already boarding first class. His phone rang as he ran to the check-in desk.

  “Devin, this Clark. I wasn’t successful. The judge said he hadn’t heard about the case, and he’d make his own decisions. Sorry, I may have made matters worse.”

  “Thanks for trying. You can still use my cabin. I’ve got to go or miss my plane.”

  He checked in and was one of the last to get on in first class. Then the other passengers began to board.

  “How long is this flight? I’ve forgotten,” Devin asked the male flight attendant.

  “It’s straight through, and should arrive in about three hours and fifteen minutes.”

  Once up the ride smoothed out, and Devin gradually relaxed somewhat, but not completely. The man next to him must have noticed his clenched hands.

  “Is this your first flight?” he asked Devin.

  “Second, my first was the short flight from Cheyenne to Denver.”

  The man chuckled. “I’ve ridden that flight a number of times. You picked one of the worst for your first experience. This flight will be a piece of cake compared to that one.”

  “That’s good to know. Now if I can get my body to believe it.”

  “Is this your first trip to Washington?” the man asked.

  “Yes, I live in Pleasure Valley and usually keep my feet on solid ground except when I’m riding a bull. This flying is a lot tougher.”

  “I know why you looked familiar, you’re Devin Garrison. I’ve seen you ride. Man, you are good. I can’t believe getting on an airplane is scarier than riding a bull.”

  “Believe it, it is. I guess we all have our Achilles heel.”

  “I’m Nigan Rey. I work in Washington, but I grew up in Wyoming and went to Washington to get my law degree. Once there I stayed except for vacations.”

  “My brother’s a lawyer. He’s running for the state senate this year. His name is Hunter Garrison.”

  “My parents mentioned his name. They’re going to vote for him.”

  “What do you do in Washington, if you don’t mind me asking? We may need a good lawyer to assist my brother.”

  “Is he in trouble?”

  “No, my fiancée is.”

  “I’m a criminal court judge.”

  Devin blinked. “Boy, what a coincidence.” He briefly explained Josie’s problem. “She’s so afraid that since she didn’t come forward at the first, no one will believe her now.”

  “Tell me in more detail what happened. I’ll excuse myself if I get her case, but I may be able to help get her released for tonight.”

  Devin explained all that had happened to Josie. “She’s been terrified of the guy, but finally decided she had to leave and hope he wouldn’t accuse her.”

  “There’s probably an audit coming up. He’d want to get her charged before they got to the books.”

  Nigan studied Devin’s expression. “You really believe she’s innocent?”

  “Absolutely, there isn’t a dishonorable bone in her body.”

  “We all tend to believe in the one we love. Let’s hope she hasn’t got you fooled.”

  “You sound like a man who’s been burned,” Devin said.

  “Charred, might be a better term.”

  “I’ll understand if you’d rather not get involved. You don’t know me.”

  “Your family is known and respected in Wyoming, and whenever I saw you ride the people sitting around me had only good things to say about you. So I’ll take a chance.”

  “I can’t thank you enough.”

  “I’m expensive. The next time I come home to hunt, you have to be my guide and help me find some game.”

  Devin grinned and shook his hand. “You’ve got a deal.”

  When the pilot said they would be landing in thirty minutes, Devin was surprised. He and Nigan had discovered they had similar interests in several areas. Devin suspected Nigan kept him talking to make the time go faster.

  He tightened his seatbelt and shook hands with Nigan. “After this is over, let’s stay in touch,” Devin suggested.

  “Oh, I will. You owe me a hunting trip,” Nigan said. “Do you think you can relax on your flight home?”

  “I doubt it, but I’ll get better each time. You see, my parents died in an airplane crash. I was three when my aunt and uncle adopted me, but the memory of my parents’ death has kept me off planes until now.”

  “Ah, now it makes sense. You are such a risk taker in the rodeo I had difficulty understanding.”

  “I don’t tell many people.”

  “Your secret’s safe with me. You must really love Josie.”

  Devin laughed. “I didn’t know how much until I got on a plane for her.”

  As they walked down the ramp from the plane, Devin saw Hunter waiting. “I called before I left and asked my brother to meet me,” he said to Nigan. “If you have time, I’d like to introduce you.”

  “Sure, I’m in no rush. I live alone, so no one is expecting me.”

  Hunter grabbed Devin and hugged him. “You made it.”

  Devin shoved him back playfully. “I’m fine. Of course I made it. I’d like you to meet my new friend, Judge Nigan Rey.”

  “I’ve heard of you in Wyoming. The state’s people are proud of you.”

  “Thanks. Your brother told me about Josi
e’s problems. Have you gotten her released yet?”

  “No. She’s still in jail. It’s so late now we can’t get her released until the morning.”

  “I’ll take care of it, and I’ll excuse myself from the case and take a short leave. I have plenty of vacation time. I’d like to help with her case, in the background of course.”

  “That would be perfect,” Hunter said.

  Nigan pulled out his cell and called three numbers before clicking off his phone. “She’ll be waiting for you at the jail. Her report time to see the judge tomorrow is ten o’clock. Don’t be late.”

  “We won’t, and thanks.” Hunter and Devin shook his hand.

  “I’ll take care of my leave time in the morning and then contact you.”

  They walked to the luggage ramp and waited. Once they had their suitcases, Hunter offered to drive Nigan to his place.

  “No, I’m fine. I’ll catch a cab. I have a place in town not far from work.”

  On the way to Josie’s parents’ car, Hunter looked sideways at Devin. “You got very lucky and so did Josie. What a break.”

  “I know. I’m sure my mouth dropped open.”

  “Let’s go get poor Josie. She’s probably a wreck,” Hunter said as he got in the driver’s seat. “And she’ll be happy to see you.”

  “I hope, but she may be angry that I didn’t come with her at the first.”

  “She’ll understand when you explain.”

  Devin nodded. He didn’t know if Hunter was right. Would she forgive him? Still, it ought to show her he was serious in his feelings regarding the two of them.

  Chapter Eight

  Josie had resigned herself to spending the night in the small, single cell. They’d given her a blanket, but she couldn’t get warm. Voices shouted out, usually in anger and with profanity. Cell doors clamped open and shut. Constant noise and the smell of fear and anger surrounded her.

  When a sergeant came and unlocked her door, she didn’t move. Her fear ratcheted higher. Were they going to put her in a cell with other women?

  The gray-haired man gazed through the gate at her and shook his head. “You must have friends in high places. No one gets out of here this late, unless a judge agrees.”