Phillip chuckled. “I see they’ve been having a great time.”
“They sure have. Ian loves that crazy dog and I’m almost certain the feeling is mutual. Although Oscar’s loyalties switch when food’s involved. I was wondering, Phillip. I know I should have asked this before now, but each night you called this week, I didn’t think it was something to discuss over the phone. Could Oscar stay with us?”
“I have a better question.” He took a step forward. “Can I?” Reaching around, he pulled a paper from his back pocket and placed it in her hands.
“What is it?”
“Marine Corps Headquarters approved my resignation.”
Rowan could scarcely breathe. “Why?”
He slid his arms around her waist and pulled her close. “Why do you think? Rowan, I love you. I’ve always loved you. My heart has always been faithful to you. Marry me.”
“Oh, Phillip, yes,” she replied.
When he tilted his head to kiss her, she pulled back. “Phillip, someone might see.”
He grinned and looked over her shoulder. “Somehow, I don’t think they’ll mind.”
She turned around. Silence descended as each guest held up a toast in their honor. With a smile, she draped her arms around Phillip’s neck.
“Mom and Jess are going to Vegas tomorrow to get married. Want to make it a double wedding?”
Phillip’s kiss was his reply.
Epilogue
“How do I look? Do I look okay?”
Rowan shoved herself out of the chair stomach first and readjusted Laura’s veil. “For the millionth time, you look beautiful.”
“And Mike’s here? Right?”
Stretching the kinks from her aching back, Rowan laughed. “Of course he’s here.”
“Yes, but…”
Rowan placed her hands over Laura’s lips. “Enough already. He loves you and it’s time to get you married.”
It was a wonder she wasn’t more nervous. Laura had certainly had more than her share of roadblocks since Mike’s proposal six months ago. A recent court-martial case that had placed bride and groom on opposite sides had not only threatened to run over into the honeymoon but had also put the two at such odds that it had almost ruined the wedding.
At one point, the groom had even moved in with Phillip and Rowan when the bride had accused him of spying on her case notes. Thankfully, that little incident had blown over in less time than it had taken for Mike to pack his bags.
Two days ago, one bridesmaid had broken an ankle playing flag football. Another was battling the flu. The ring bearer hadn’t stopped crying during rehearsal.
Then there was the shortage of hotel rooms for the out-of-town guests. That meant borrowing space at the homes of friends. Ten of Mike’s relatives were camping out at Phillip and Rowan’s house, adding to Rowan’s tension and shortening her temper. If it weren’t for the help that Claudia, Emma and Phillip’s mother had given these last few days, she might have exploded from the constant crush of people in her space.
Now all that was behind Laura and Mike. The sun beamed a blessing through the high church windows. Everything was finally going smoothly. Even the ring bearer was all smiles as he played tag with the flower girl.
Laura hugged her as close as Rowan’s belly would allow. “You’ve been a godsend these last six months. I swear you’ve missed your calling. When you leave the Marine Corps, you should become a professional wedding planner. With your organizational skills—”
“Stop it. You’ll have my head as big as my belly.” She clapped her hands. “Okay, everyone line up. You know your cues. I’m going to take my seat. You’re on your own from here.”
Rowan tucked the bridal bouquet into Laura’s shaking fingers, pulled the veil over her face then slipped into the church.
As promised, Claudia and Ellen had saved her a seat near the front. It was going to be a relief to finally sit down. She was glad she and Phillip had married quickly in Las Vegas. Big weddings were not for her. Her pregnancy, combined with helping Laura plan this wedding, had exhausted her more than she’d anticipated. Thankfully, Phillip had been there to lean on when she’d needed it.
It seemed they had been blessed the last year. Phillip’d had no difficulty finding a job as a teacher at the local high school. In the evenings, he taught law courses at the community college and extension university. He spent his spare time with the scouts or coaching Ian’s sports teams. Then there was his dedication to her.
He never hesitated to lend a hand, but the instant he’d discovered she was carrying their second child, she’d become a pampered princess. When morning sickness had overwhelmed her, Phillip had been there to hold her head and mop the sweat from her brow. Heavy work was forbidden. Back massages and tummy rubs had become a daily event as she’d grown Through appointments, ultrasounds and during all facets of the pregnancy, Phillip had stayed by her side.
She couldn’t function without him and didn’t know how she’d managed all these years without him. She never wanted to find out if she could again.
The music began, chasing away Rowan’s thoughts. Mike and Phillip filed in and took their places. As he caught her eye, Phillip gave a wink. Rowan blushed.
To hide her smile, she turned with the guests to watch her handiwork unfold. The bridesmaids and groomsmen were all smiles. Zach supported his partner on his arm so skillfully that only those closest to Laura knew the bridesmaid had a broken ankle. Still, the best man stood out handsomely among the rest of the party.
Then the wedding march began. Rowan’s smile faltered as a contraction took her breath away.
Oh, no. Not now.
Her back had been aching for more than a week, plus she had been having tiny twinges of pain for the last several days but nothing consistent. In fact, she had put it down to the stress of last-minute wedding preparations. Now, at the worst possible time, they hit her full force.
She gripped the back of the pew in front of her and focused her gaze on the bride, avoiding Phillip’s gaze. It was a futile attempt at deception. Once Laura walked by, Rowan chanced a look at the head of the aisle.
Concern creased Phillip’s forehead. He knew her better than she knew herself, often anticipating her needs before she could voice them. There was simply no keeping secrets from the man.
She gave a quick shake of her head. His frown grew. The ceremony drew his faltering attention back to the bride and groom. As Mike took Laura’s hand, the contraction passed.
Thank goodness. Nothing should spoil this day for Laura. Rowan refused to let the arrival of one tiny baby set the couple back. In a few hours, everything would return to normal. Mike and Laura would be married. Her house would be her own.
Another contraction seized her.
Rowan tensed and sucked in a breath through clenched teeth.
On either side of her, Ellen and Claudia leaned in close. “Are you all right?” they whispered in unison.
Rowan forced a nod but the smile refused to come.
“I know I said I wanted to be with you when the baby came, but I didn’t mean literally. If I had known you were going to pull a stunt like this, I would have stayed at Emma’s with Ian and the grandmothers,” Claudia said. Her normally cool voice bordered on panic. “Please, don’t have it here.”
Rowan could hear the hidden plea. “I can’t help it,” she whispered back. “He’s not due for another week.”
Ellen raised her eyebrows. “You must have had a back-up plan, just in case—”
“No, I don’t have a back-up plan, just in case,” Rowan snapped.
“Testy, too,” Ellen tsked.
“She’s been that way for a week,” Claudia added.
“Baby must be coming quick.”
Rowan prayed that wasn’t so. It couldn’t be. Her labor with Ian had lasted a good twelve hours. But with the priest’s first reading, her water broke.
Mortification paralyzed her as the puddle beneath her grew. She wanted to burst into tears and would ha
ve if she wasn’t afraid doing so would draw attention her way.
The pain intensified with each minute that passed. Only through sheer will did she manage to get through the too-long mass. The wedding was beautiful, but she saw it all through a haze of pain.
She waited, avoiding Phillip’s questioning gaze, until Mike and Laura walked back down the aisle. Once they’d passed, she clutched Ellen’s arm.
“Phone nine-one-one. The baby’s coming. Now!”
What came out as a whisper rippled through the guests like wildfire, reaching Phillip before he arrived at the receiving area outside the church.
A crowd swarmed around Rowan. She saw Phillip pushing his way back up the aisle, but the exiting guests were blocking his way.
She was conscious of the priest plucking at her sleeve, urging her to a side room while Ellen begged her to lie down on the pew. It was a tug-of-war, with Rowan as the rope and the guests as spectators. Madness. Insanity. All she wanted was Phillip.
She heard his barked command. A path cleared and he slipped those strong arms around her.
“It’s okay, honey. I’m here now.”
With a nod, she relaxed against him. Yes, all was right with her world. Phillip was with her just as he had been since the day they’d been married—her partner, her love, her life.
He wrapped his fingers around hers. “Hold on, sweetheart. The paramedics are on the way.”
“Tell that to your son.”
Phillip placed his hand on her belly. Tears glistened unshed in his silver eyes. “Patience, little guy. Your mom and I would like a doctor present.”
Sirens blared from outside. Seconds later, a paramedic rushed in.
“Give her room! Everyone back!” He skidded to his knees beside Rowan. “How close, ma’am?”
“Real close,” she said in a rush of breath.
“Think you can make it to the hospital?”
Rowan nodded, despite her misgivings.
Phillip smiled and brushed a kiss against her temple. “Then let’s go bring James into the world.”
They made it as far as the ambulance.
She grabbed Phillip’s hand and yanked the gurney to a stop. “I can’t. Not in there. It’s too closed in.”
“It’s no different than getting in your van.” He motioned the paramedics on, gripping her fingers tight as they lifted her into the ambulance. “Look at me, honey. Just look at me and everything will be all right. Remember, I’m your coach. I’m supposed be the boss.”
“Not on your best day.” Any further remarks or claustrophobic fears were wiped away by the force of the next contraction. Following his lead, Rowan breathed. Five minutes later, James McKinley Stuart slipped into the world, red-faced and squalling.
Exhausted yet elated, Rowan let the paramedic tuck her newborn son into her arms. One look at the shock on Phillip’s face forced a giggle from her throat.
“What’s the matter, sweetheart?”
“He’s so tiny.” Phillip’s eyes were riveted upon the squalling red bundle.
“And already stubborn. I imagine we’ll have our hands full with this one.”
Phillip relaxed. “Maybe… You know that was easier than I expected.”
Rowan rolled her eyes, and gave an exhausted sigh. “Then next time you can give birth.”
He smiled and dropped a kiss to James’s head, then hers. “Anything for you, love. Anything.”
Tears overwhelmed her. “Then I’d like a little girl next time. Okay?”
“My pleasure.”
“I love you, Phillip.” Her answer was choked but she couldn’t tell if it was from the tears of joy or the loving kiss he pressed to her lips. Always faithful. No doubt about it.
Also available from Totally Bound Publishing:
To Die For
Caitlyn Willows
Excerpt
Chapter One
Fear clawed at Zoe’s gut, fighting its way to the surface. Prickles of the monster she’d buried zinged beneath her skin, searching for a way out.
People. She had to be around people. If she went home, another monster might be waiting. Zoe wouldn’t risk it—not until she had control firmly in her hands, not until she could face whatever hell awaited her with dignity and strength. Having her .38 in ready reach wouldn’t be bad either.
Gun trumped knife every time. Too bad she’d gotten out of the habit of carrying the weapon. Zoe would rectify that once she got home. Being without threat had made her careless. If she wasn’t diligent…
Dead. She’d be dead.
No. That was why she had the black belt—to protect herself.
Could she keep her wits about her and remember how to use those skills? Besides, all the martial arts moves in the world couldn’t win over a gun. She needed that weapon in her possession.
Zoe gasped for breath, fighting hyperventilation.
Burt’s Diner. That was where she could go. Open all night. Always someone there. A favorite place for cops. She’d grab a bite and order her thoughts—make a game plan.
Zoe scanned the jumble of signs, looking for that familiar red one. Have I passed it? She’d been so upset that she barely remembered leaving the station. Where the hell am I? Certainly not pointed toward home. She nearly wept with relief when she spied her beacon a block ahead. A Holiday Inn Express was across the street from it. That was an option she hadn’t considered. She’d check in for a night—maybe two—get a room on the top floor and hole up until this was over.
She snorted at her foolishness. This was never going to be over—not until one of them was dead. Zoe didn’t plan on that being her.
She eased into the parking lot and found a spot next to the restaurant. Maybe luck was on her side tonight. Pulling in slow breaths to calm her shattered nerves, she cut the engine. Xavier didn’t know where she lived. Chances were slim he’d recognize her on the street—as long as she kept her mouth shut. The encounter had been an isolated incident. Why would Xavier care? He was rattling her to show he was a big man, nothing more. Old fears ran deep, though. Too deep.
He knows where you work now.
True. Zoe wondered if her subconscious had steered her to take an alternate route home.
Silly. The shooting was across town. There’s no way he could—
She cut off the thought. There was always a way for a determined person, and he’d sounded damned determined. Thank goodness, her parents were vacationing in Maui and her sister visiting friends in New York. They were safe from him. Xavier couldn’t have picked a better time to make his move. For another panicked moment, Zoe wondered if he’d planned this. Just as quickly, she dismissed the idea. Xavier never planned anything. He was volatile, driven by rage and a very short temper.
Damn it all. She’d thought this was in the past. Now she’d inadvertently crossed paths with him. His threat wasn’t an idle one. Xavier would hunt her down. It was only a matter of time.
Not if the cops get him first.
Zoe was counting on that. Talk about determination. Xavier had killed a police officer tonight, seriously wounding another. He was a marked man. She prayed they got to him before he got to her.
A thorough look around the parking lot confirmed her safety. Still, she didn’t let her gaze or attention wander as she looped her purse strap over her shoulder, clutched the hobo bag against her side and stepped from her F-150 truck. Her rubber-soled ankle boots thunked on the sidewalk. Zoe wasted little time getting inside. Once the doors closed behind her, she let the hostess’s smile scatter the dark shadows lingering in her mind…at least for the moment. The woman’s nametag identified her as Jennifer.
“One?” she asked.
“Yes, just one,” Zoe said.
Jennifer plucked a menu from the box attached to the pedestal behind her. “Table or booth?”
Under normal circumstances, her answer would be ‘table,’ but Zoe didn’t want to be that exposed tonight. “Booth. Away from the window.” Her back against the wall with a clear view of the e
ntrance.
“Right this way.” Jennifer led her down the aisle, nodding to other diners as she took Zoe into the bowels of the restaurant.
Zoe saw the men and women too late. Twelve police officers and detectives occupied a large section of tables in the back room where Jennifer intended to seat her. Zoe plucked at the woman’s long white sleeve in a vain effort to subtly catch her attention. Again, too late. One by one, the men and women stopped what they were doing, all gazes latching on to Zoe. Chairs slid over the carpet as they stood and applauded her.
She wanted to crawl into a hole and never come out. The only thing that kept her feet rooted in place was the pride on Frank Ludwig’s face. Zoe’s heartbeat triple-timed.
“Come join us.” Officer Joanie Robertson yanked over a chair from a nearby table, while Frank’s partner, Theo Garcia, waved Zoe toward them.
Only that morning, Robertson had gone out of her way to avoid her. Zoe was their hero tonight. Tomorrow, things would go back to how they had been. Zoe didn’t want to muddy the waters by socializing.
She’d heard what some of her coworkers said behind her back. A few even said it to her face. Some of them meant well, but others didn’t. Zoe’d learned to live with scathing remarks, dirty looks and kindhearted suggestions. After all, she had only herself to blame for the way she looked. She wasn’t a small girl. But Frank—hot Frank who shared her bed in Zoe’s nightly fantasies—accepted her with no questions, no attempts to change her. Their friendship was unconditional.
“No, thank you.” She combined her refusal with a polite smile she didn’t truly feel. “It’s been a long shift. I need to decompress.”
Jennifer motioned to a booth just inside the room. “How’s this?”
“Perfect.” She could sit with her back to them and still have a clear view of the front door. She slid onto the narrow seat and accepted the menu from Jennifer.
“Anything to drink?”
A bottle of your cheapest wine—and put a straw in it. “Iced tea, no lemon.”
Always Faithful Page 23