Surprise Bride and Groom

by Iris Abbott

  “A Dallas policeman found Lucas wandering the streets of the city! He took the officer to where he was staying with Amy. She and all her things were long gone.” She threw up her hands in frustration.

  “How is Lucas?” Carson immediately demanded to know more about the little boy.

  Daisy gave the man next to her an anxious look. This was the first test of their fledgling love affair and it would be the most important. They couldn’t move forward if Carson wasn’t willing to love Lucas too.

  Taking a deep breath, Daisy quickly gave Carson a summary of her conversation with Derek. Then she laid it all on the line. Her ex-husband had resented Lucas, and the added responsibility included with taking care of a young child. Would Carson feel the same way? Now was the time to find out, because if he didn’t want to or couldn’t love Lucas, any relationship between them was doomed. And it had to end now, before she returned from Dallas with Lucas.

  “I have never hidden the fact that Lucas is the most important part of my life.” She breathed deeply. “You’re important to me too. I want you to understand that. I also need you to understand that Lucas and I are a package deal.”

  Carson nodded. “I saw firsthand how devastated you were when Lucas was abducted. I was there for you. Remember?”

  Yes, she did. It was when the attraction between the two of them had gone from a simmer to a boil. She took a deep breath and formed the words she needed. She couldn’t afford to let her feelings for Carson stop her from saying what had to be said.

  “I’m going to be bringing Lucas back to Rancher’s Bend as soon as possible.” She nervously twisted her fingers together. “You probably weren’t thinking about being a part of an instant family when we made love.” She sighed. “I will completely understand if you want out. And I won’t hold it against you.”

  Carson gave her an incredulous look. “Pretend the past few days didn’t happen, you mean?”

  “If that’s what you want to do,” Daisy whispered. “No one knows we’re involved. We could go back to being co-workers and nobody would ever have to know we were more.” She wrapped her arms around herself. She didn’t want Carson to know how badly she was shaking.

  Carson used a finger under Daisy’s chin to lightly lift her face until he was looking her right in the eyes. “I know our relationship was sudden after years of being just acquaintances, but I didn’t take the coming together of our bodies lightly.”

  Daisy closed her eyes and absorbed the sincerity and deep emotion of his words. “I didn’t either,” she whispered.

  His hand gently cupped the side of her face, and he tugged her closer. “I love you, and everything about you. Including the fierce love you have for your nephew. Lucas might have been missing, but he was never forgotten. I made love to you and invited you inside my home anyway. Because I love you and I want to be a part of your life. I thought you felt the same way about me. So why are you so eager to throw away what we’ve found with each other?”

  Hope soared inside her. Daisy felt the racing pitter-patter of her heart as it wildly beat against her chest. She threw her arms around him and moved as close to Carson as she could in the small confines of the car. “I love you too.”

  Tears leaked from the corner of her eyes. The tracks left behind shone silver in the bright moonlight. “I don’t want to throw away anything, Carson. I think my life would be infinitely sadder without you in it.”

  “Then why were you so quick to suggest we go back to being co-workers?”

  “My ex-husband resented Lucas, and eventually me too. He thought that I was putting Lucas and his well-being above everything else, including him. Nothing I did or said could change his mind. And things between us became increasingly troubled. By the time it was over our relationship was unrecognizable. It was a brittle and empty shell devoid of anything good.”

  A long sigh escaped from Carson’s compressed mouth. “I think you underestimate the depth of my feelings for you.”

  “No, I don’t. I’m just scared, Carson.”

  “I know. Your ex-husband was a selfish bastard who didn’t deserve you. And he has a lot to answer for. I realize that actions speak louder than words, so I’m going to spend the rest of my life showing you how much I love you and Lucas. I know exactly what I’m getting into. A lifetime commitment with the woman I love with all my heart and soul.”

  “What about Lucas? Can you find it in your heart to love a child that isn’t yours?” Deep down Daisy knew the answer. Carson was a special man, and she was lucky to have him in her life. But she still needed to hear him say the words.

  “Lucas is a part of you, and that’s all I need to know. We will be a family. And once Lucas and I get to know each other, I’m sure love won’t be far behind.”

  Those were the most promising words Daisy had ever heard. She threw her arms around Carson’s neck and hugged him as tight as she could. Tears trickled down her face and fell onto his neck and open collared shirt. “I’m sorry that I am crying all over you, but these are tears of joy,” she felt compelled to tell him.

  Carson gently stroked her back and moved the heavy fall of hair from her face. His lips closed over hers. The kiss deepened until both of them were panting for breath. Carson pulled away and gently moved her back into her seat. “We don’t want to start anything we can’t finish. And Dallas is a long drive from here.”

  Daisy’s hand flew to her mouth. “You’re coming with me? I thought for sure you wouldn’t be able to get away from the bank.”

  “I never take time off. Charles and Renee can handle things for a while. There is a board meeting next Thursday that I can’t miss, but we should be back long before then. Lucas’s well-being is much more important.”

  “Of course it is,” Daisy agreed.

  “I hate to say this, but we don’t know how traumatized Lucas is. Either way, he’s going to need all the friendly faces he can get. If I drive, we can bring Rosie along. She’s very well behaved in the car and she won’t slow us down.”

  Daisy sniffed. “I never even thought of that. Lucas would love to see her. I know he would. But are you sure, Carson?”

  “For better or worse, Daisy, I’ll always be here for you and Lucas.”

  ELEVEN

  Daisy passed most of the long drive on the phone. She kept in touch with Derek and Kyle constantly while Carson did all the driving. Both men relayed messages to and from the DPD. By the time Carson drove into the city limits, Daisy knew exactly where Lucas was waiting for them. She typed the address into Carson’s GPS and waited.

  As soon as he parked in the visitor’s parking space, Daisy opened the car door and jumped out. She ran as fast as her feet would take her, bursting through the doors of the Dallas police precinct. The officer at the front desk gave her a startled look. Daisy tried to tamp down the tide of emotions rolling through her.

  The place was busy. There was a line of people waiting to talk with the desk sergeant. Daisy wrapped her arms around herself and tried to be patient. She couldn’t do it. Being this close to her nephew and not being able to see him, hug him, comfort him, was pure torture.

  A busy female officer started by her. Daisy saw an opportunity and she took it. She reached out and touched the policewoman on the arm. “Please! I need your help,” Daisy implored.

  The harried woman started to brush Daisy off. “Make a report with the desk sergeant,” the officer demanded before taking another step.

  “Wait!” Daisy exclaimed. “My name is Daisy Carter and you found my kidnapped nephew! I need to see him!” Daisy begged.

  The officer stopped dead in her tracks. Her whole demeanor changed right before Daisy’s eyes. “Lucas’s aunt?” the officer said. “He’s such a sweet little boy.” She put a comforting hand on Daisy’s arm. “A department psychologist and social worker have been watching over him. Come right this way and…”

  The officer’s gaze shot past Daisy. “Hey! Wait a minute you can’t have that dog in here. This is a police station, not anima
l control!”

  Daisy whipped around. “Carson, over here,” she waved her arms and hands to get his attention. She turned to the policewoman. “I’m sorry, we should have asked first, but Lucas loves Rosie.” Daisy twisted her hands together. “We thought her being here might help Lucas.” She sniffed. “Carson and I weren’t sure what else to do, since we don’t know how traumatized my nephew is.”

  The policewoman nodded and waved off a couple of other officers who were headed over to check out the scene. “Physically, your nephew seems fine. But he won’t engage anyone in conversation. He just keeps asking for you over and over again.”

  Carson stepped closer to Daisy and put a protective arm around her waist. “Let’s go get Lucas and take him home.”

  Daisy placed her hand in his. His touch gave her both comfort and strength. “Gladly!” She turned toward the officer. “Will you please take us to Lucas?”

  “This way,” the woman waved a hand. She motioned for them to follow her toward the back of the busy precinct.

  Daisy’s fingers squeezed Carson’s hand tight. She felt like she was running trying to keep up with the much longer strides of the policewoman. It didn’t matter. She would run a marathon if it meant finding her nephew waiting for her safe and sound at the finish line.

  Finally at the end of the hallway the officer stopped and opened a door. Holding her breath, Daisy peeked around the larger woman. As soon as she laid eyes on her nephew, she pushed past the woman and entered the room.

  “Lucas!” She called out while half-smiling, half-crying. She was so happy to see him. He was alive, and physically he looked fine. She knelt down in front of the little boy who meant the world to her.

  The head that was bowed staring at the table jerked up. “Aunt Daisy! Aunt Daisy! I was so scared, but I knew you would come!” He flung his little body against hers and held on for dear life.

  The arms around Daisy’s neck were tight enough to make breathing difficult, but she didn’t care. She grabbed hold of the squirming body and hugged back as hard as she could without hurting him. “I missed you! I love, love, love you! So glad you’re okay,” she said in a rush.

  “Love you too,” he said before burying his head under her hair.

  It was hard, but she stood with his small body plastered to hers. She stumbled to the nearest chair and sat down, cradling him close. She knew she had to talk with the officers and she didn’t really want to do it in front of Lucas. She tried to put him in the chair next to her.

  Lucas clung to her tighter and refused to be separated. Daisy couldn’t make him budge. She felt a comforting arm on her shoulder.

  A bark pierced the otherwise quiet of the room. Lucas’s head snapped up.

  “Hey, Lucas, remember me?” Carson kneeled down in front of Daisy and Lucas.

  Rosie wasn’t nearly as patient. Now that she’d seen her long-lost playmate, she rushed forward. The dog danced on her hind legs. Her front paws landed on Daisy and she pushed forward until her tongue was licking every inch of Lucas’s face.

  “Rosie!” He buried his little face in the dog’s fur and started laughing. The childish laughter turned into giggles.

  Daisy breathed deep and slowly released the air from her lungs. Carson had been right. Seeing Rosie had brought Lucas right out of his shell. She gently lifted Lucas and placed him in the seat next to her. His attention was focused on petting and playing with Rosie, so he went willingly this time.

  Daisy stood and gave Carson a big hug. “Thank you so much,” she whispered in his ear. “Bringing her was such a great idea. And I would have never thought of it.”

  “Whatever it takes,” Carson promised, squeezing her back.

  Daisy stepped out of his embrace. “I need to speak with the officers and find out exactly what I have to do to take Lucas home. I prefer not to do it in front of him.” She grabbed his hand and placed it over her heart. “I trust you and Rosie to watch out for Lucas and take care of him while he’s out of my sight.”

  ****

  It felt like every piece in the puzzle of life just fit together to form one perfect picture. Carson was confident he had her love. The trust, however, meant everything. “It’s done. We’ll take excellent care of him while you take care of business.”

  She gave him a radiant smile that had his breath catching in his throat. “I know you will.” She glanced at Lucas. He was still preoccupied with Rosie. She let go of Carson’s hand and quietly motioned for the officers to follow her out of the room.

  Carson watched her leave. He immediately turned his attention to Lucas. The little boy glanced up and frantically looked all around the room. He stilled and looked at Carson with large and fearful eyes. His lower lip stuck out in a pout, and he sniffed liked he might start crying.

  “Aunt Daisy?” he called out in bewilderment.

  Carson walked over and knelt down in front of Lucas so that they were eye level. “She had to talk privately with the police officers, but she’ll be back as soon as she can.”

  A big fat tear slipped out of the corner of the boy’s eye. “I want my aunt!” A loud and torturous sob disrupted the otherwise calm surroundings.

  Carson put a hand on the youngster’s shoulder. “I know you do, Lucas. And I promise your aunt will be back as soon as she can.”

  The child sniffed. “I was all by myself. I called and called and she didn’t come.”

  Carson could feel the boy’s pain. It was sharp and poignant, a stab to the heart. “Your Aunt Daisy would have never left you alone by choice,” he explained to Lucas. “She’s had people looking for you ever since you disappeared from the daycare center.”

  He stood and sat in one of the hard, uncomfortable chairs positioned around the table. He motioned for Lucas to sit next to him. To his surprise the boy climbed into his lap instead. Carson felt an avalanche of emotions, including love, swell and rush through his body on a rising crescendo of overwhelming feeling.

  Lucas vigorously nodded. His tears seemed to be all dried up. He thumped his chest. “I was a brave boy! As soon as I got the chance, I left the apartment and went looking for Aunt Daisy.”

  “It must have been scary? In a large city with all the people and noise, and not knowing anyone.”

  “It was at first.” Lucas got really quiet then started talking again. “When I heard the noise and saw all the strangers I almost ran back inside. But I knew Aunt Daisy wouldn’t be able to find me if I stayed.”

  “You were brave,” Carson complimented the child. “And I hope you know how proud your aunt is of you.”

  Lucas yawned and laid his head against Carson’s shoulder. “Thanks for helping my aunt and bringing Rosie.”

  At the sound of her name, the dog let out a short woof before settling down at Carson’s feet.

  “You’re welcome, Lucas. Your aunt is important to me. I want to keep on looking out for her and you too. How do you feel about that?”

  Carson held his breath and waited for the boy’s response. It was important, and Carson felt like he was sitting on pins and needles.

  “Rosie loves you, so you’ve gotta be all right.” Lucas let out another yawn and closed his eyes. “I’m sleepy,” he mumbled right before dropping off to sleep.

  Carson carefully shifted the small child without waking him. The trust the youngster was showing by falling asleep on his lap after such a traumatic ordeal sealed the deal. Carson couldn’t remember another time in his life when things felt so right. Daisy made him feel a depth of emotion he thought was impossible, at least for him after his first failed marriage. And it wasn’t just the sex, even though that was the most spectacular he’d ever had.

  She made him realize something had been missing from his life for a long time. And that something was family, Daisy and Lucas. They were his family from this day forward. He just had to do whatever he could to make it legal.

  He was moved to take action. Just as soon as they got back to Rancher’s Bend he was going to drop Rosie off with Jackson and M
andy Walker. Then he was going to give Daisy the biggest surprise of her life.

  ****

  They’d only been home long enough to grab a suitcase and clothes for Lucas, and drop off Rosie. Then Carson had driven the three of them to the airport where they rushed to meet the private flight Carson had chartered. When Daisy had questioned him, he told her he was using actions not words, and that had been enough for her.

  She wanted to use actions too. It was important for her to show him how much love and trust she felt for him. She trusted him enough to blindly follow him with Lucas in tow. She felt confident that Carson would realize that for her that was the ultimate commitment.

  Her mind was so tangled with thoughts of Carson and his plans that she was finding it hard to concentrate. She wanted to ask a million questions, but that wasn’t the best thing when Carson was driving in an unfamiliar area as large as Las Vegas. Finally he parked the car and turned in his seat to look at her. Then he glanced at Lucas who was sound asleep in the backseat of the rental car.

  Daisy glanced around at the busy city street and the official-looking buildings around them. “This is a long way from Rancher’s Bend. While all of us could use a little fun in our lives right now, I still don’t know why we’re here. You’re such a workaholic. This unplanned side trip is cutting into your time at the bank you know?”

  “The bank is the last thing on my mind right now. All I can think about is you, us. Now that Lucas is out of danger and the three of us are together, I want everyone to know how much I love you. I want us to officially become a family.”

  Daisy sucked in a sharp breath of air. “I know we talked about this before we went to get Lucas.” She wrung her hands together. “But don’t you think this is sudden?”

  “No,” he emphatically stated. “I don’t think it’s too sudden. I love you, and you love me. I want to marry you and then I want to immediately start adoption procedures for Lucas. I’ve already talked to Kyle about the possibility.”