by L. P. Dover
“How could he not be? You’re a talented woman.”
“What about your mother? I can only imagine what she’s going to say to me when I meet her.” She told Kellan she wanted to meet with me and that she’d be down in another week. I wasn’t going to lie…I dreaded it, even though she actively took a part in my rescue. I’d slept with her husband behind her back and was the sole reason for their divorce, but back then I was led to believe they weren’t together.
Kellan kissed me and touched his forehead to mine. “You didn’t do anything wrong, buttercup. Blackwell lied to both of you. My mother wanted to find you just as much as we did. If it wasn’t for her, we seriously might not have gotten to you in time.”
“And I owe her a huge debt of gratitude. Maybe she’s really trying to make amends with you.”
He held my face in his hands. “Let’s hope so. We’ll find out soon.”
“I can’t imagine being a mother and being estranged from my son. I won’t do that to my kids.”
A small smile spread across his lips. “You want kids?”
I nodded, hoping to gauge his reaction. “A boy and a girl. The girl so I can teach her how to skate like my mother did with me. And a boy so he can be just like his father.” We’d never talked about having a family, but by the look in his eyes he wanted it all just like me.
Kellan lowered a hand to mine, his finger grazing across my engagement ring. “I like the sound of that. Once the trial’s over, I want us to get married and put all this shit behind us.”
Excitement bubbled in my chest. With everything that’d happened, we hadn’t talked about the wedding or when it was going to happen; I wanted it more than anything. “You want me to go ahead and start planning it?”
“Yep, and then we can work on having those kids you want.”
I kissed him hard and felt the tears building behind my eyes. “You have no idea how happy you just made me,” I murmured against his lips.
He kissed me again. “I’m hoping to keep you that way, too.”
Wrapping my legs around his waist, I bit my lip. “What can I do to make you happy?”
His gray, heated eyes stared straight into mine. “Building a life with you is all I need. I don’t want anything else.”
“Sure about that? I can think of something else you might want right now,” I said, feeling the hardness between his legs. “Why don’t we go inside and practice the baby making. I think I need a little help.”
Chuckling, he grabbed my hips, moving me against his arousal. “I’ll be happy to teach you then.”
Chapter 36
Kristen
The week went by quickly. Reporters still followed me around and one even pretended to be a client so she could get my story. Needless to say, she got booted out of the building. I didn’t know what to say to them, other than the fact it was too soon. The last thing I wanted was to relive the story every time I spoke about it. If there was a way to get it out just once, I’d be fine.
The ride to the hotel was so short I didn’t have time to breathe. I was going to meet Kellan’s mother and I was terrified. She wanted to talk to me alone, which made it even worse. Kellan assured me she wasn’t angry with me, but she could’ve easily said that to appease him. “I’ll be in the suite with you, just in a different room,” Kellan said, trying to comfort me. “You can do this.”
He squeezed my shoulder and held me close before knocking on the door. I already knew what his mother looked like, blond and elegant and in her late-fifties even though she didn’t look it. We were complete opposites. The last time I’d seen a picture of her was through Cole’s phone that night he saw her and Mitchell together. The door opened, and just like I thought, she was flawless with her soft, wavy hair and perfect makeup. She looked up at Kellan and tears streamed down her cheeks as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
“I am so sorry,” she cried. Kellan hesitated for a moment before returning the embrace. Their relationship was still rocky, but in time, I believed it would smooth out. Mary had a lot of time to make up for. When she stepped back, she wiped her eyes and turned to me. “Forgive me for being emotional. It’s been a hard couple of weeks.”
“Yes, I know,” I said. I was the one who was kidnapped and not sure if I’d see any of the people I loved again.
She waved her hand toward the room. “Come on in. We have lots to discuss.” Kellan and I walked in and sat down on the couch while she sat across from us. “How’s your dad?” she asked him.
Kellan nodded. “Good. He’s seeing someone now.”
Mary’s smile faded slightly, but she recovered quickly. It was clear that information stung. “That’s great,” she said. “I’m really happy for him. Have you two decided on a wedding date yet?”
Kellan and I looked at each other and smiled. “October twenty-seventh,” he told her. “We’re having it at Stowe Manor.” We’d decided on October because I’d always wanted a fall wedding and it gave us plenty of time after the trial.
More tears flooded her eyes. “I’m sure it’ll be beautiful. I’m assuming your ‘save the dates’ have already been sent out?” I nodded and her face fell. “I see.”
I nudged Kellan in the side and he pulled the small envelope out of his back pocket. He held it out to her and her eyes widened. “We knew we were going to see you, so we thought we’d give it to you in person.”
She opened it quickly and slapped a hand to her mouth. “I didn’t think you wanted me there.”
Sighing, Kellan moved forward and reached for her hands. “Mom, I know we’ve had our differences, but I’m willing to make the effort to change things if you are. I owe you everything for helping us find Kristen.”
“Yes,” she cried, squeezing his hands. “I want that more than anything. I regret missing so much of your life. But I think I know where to start.” I could tell Kellan was a little hesitant to believe her, but I could see the truth in her eyes. I had no doubt she could win him back if she really tried. Her gaze darted over to me and then back to Kellan. “Do you mind if I talk to Kristen alone for a minute?”
Kellan let her hands go and turned to me, his brows lifted. “You okay with that?”
I slowly took in a deep breath and nodded. “I’m fine.” Mary got up and I followed her into the bedroom while Kellan stayed behind. My heart pounded relentlessly when she shut the door and stared at me.
“Thank you,” I blurted out. “For everything.”
“You’re welcome. I don’t even know where to begin,” she said.
“Me, either. I know Kellan told you the whole story.”
Nodding, she crossed her arms over her chest. “He did. I knew Mitchell had control issues, but I never thought he’d do what he did. I can’t begin to tell you how disgusted I was when I heard. He was never obsessed with me like that.”
I held up my hands. “Believe me, be thankful for that. And just so you know, I never would’ve gotten involved with him if I’d known you two were still involved. He said he was getting a divorce.”
She shook her head. “I’m not mad at you, Kristen. Were you worried I would be?”
“Of course I was. I ruined your marriage and now I’m marrying your son. It actually sounds pretty horrible when you think about it.”
“You didn’t know they were connected. And I’m glad Kellan found someone he loves. I had that kind of love once and lost it from my stupidity. Sometimes you lose focus of what’s important, but I’m hoping to fix my mistakes.” She walked over to her suitcase and pulled out a large envelope. “Since Mitchell and I are still legally married, his company will go to me. I’m the one who helped him get where he was.” She handed me the envelope. “I plan on selling the company to a man I know in Portland. Needless to say, I’m going to have a lot of money lying around.”
“Sounds like a good problem to have.”
She nodded. “It is, which is why I have some ideas of where I want to spend it. I know Kellan wouldn’t approve, but I’m hoping you’ll work w
ith me on this. Think of it as a wedding present.”
I opened the envelope and looked at the papers. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. “Oh my God. I don’t know what to say.”
Placing her hands on my shoulders, she smiled. “Say you’ll help me. I want to do this for my son. I just hate I wasn’t there to do it earlier.” What I held in my hands was a dream come true for both Kellan and me. She was right, he wouldn’t approve, but I wasn’t about to stop her. “So will you help me?” she asked, holding out her hand.
I shook her hand, not even thinking twice. “I’ll do it. Just make sure you follow through.”
“I will. I won’t let him down again.”
Chapter 37
Kristen
SIX MONTHS LATER
“How does it feel to know that scumbag’s in prison for life?” Chris asked.
I looked down at my sweet tea and smiled. “Pretty damn good.”
It felt good to be back at Sammy’s, but this time with my freedom, not only from Mitchell but from the press. Now that the Strikers won the Stanley Cup for their third year, I didn’t have to worry about being in the spotlight for a while. It was brutal being in court and having to see Mitchell again, but Kellan was right there with me. Mitchell was gone forever and so were his cronies. It turned out that it was actually Mitchell who ran Cole off the road and not one of his men. I was thankful the cops who hid the evidence came forward with the truth; they ended up getting indicted.
I glanced around the room at all of Kellan’s and my friends. It was a celebration after the victory I just had in court. All of my coworkers showed up, including the entire hockey team, who congregated around Kellan. “I feel so bad about lying to everyone about who I really am.”
Chris waved me off. “Nobody cares about that. We’re all just happy you’re safe.”
“That’s right,” Aylee said, bumping my shoulder. “You did what you had to do. At least now you can leave your house without a trail of reporters on your heels.” After the trial was over, Kellan and I were asked to give a press conference. That way everyone could get the story all at once. I didn’t go into great detail, but it was enough to get the reporters off my back.
“Oh, there’s something I need to tell you,” Chris blurted. “Do you remember that author you helped me bring stuff in for?”
I nodded. “Yeah.”
He pulled out his wallet and handed me her card. “She was in here the other day asking about you. She wants to know if you’d be willing to let her write your story. The whole story, not just the tidbits you gave in the press conference. From how crazy it sounds, I could totally see it being turned into a movie.”
I laughed. “Now that would be insane.” I glanced down at the card. “But I might see what she has in mind. I’ll call her tomorrow.” I never thought my life would be worthy of book material, but I was almost positive there were a ton of men like Mitchell out there. Maybe it could help give women warning signs about the men they needed to avoid.
“Good deal,” Chris said. He topped off my tea and went to help some of the others.
“Did Brooklyn call you today?” Aylee asked.
Grinning wide, I looked at her. “Actually, she called me yesterday. You didn’t think she’d tell you and Jason the good news first, did you?”
She burst out laughing. “No, but you hadn’t said anything so I didn’t know. Looks like she won’t be going on any crazy adventures for a while.”
“Nope, but I’m happy for her. I can’t wait to see if it’s a girl or a boy.” Before the trial, Brooklyn kept getting sick and thought she was coming down with something. It lasted for days and never stopped, so after the trial she headed back to California. Now we knew why she was sick.
My phone started to ring so I pulled it out of my purse. All of my friends were there except for Brooklyn, so there was only one other choice. “It’s Mary,” I said.
Aylee chuckled. “I swear that woman calls you every single day. Who would’ve thought you’d be working with your ex’s ex, who also happens to be your future mother-in-law.”
I slid off the barstool and laughed. “Okay, let’s just pretend she’s my mother-in-law and that’s it.”
Aylee glanced back at Kellan, who was chatting with Dallas. “He still doesn’t know what you two are doing?”
“Not yet. I’m waiting to see if everything’s good to go first. I don’t want to say anything without actual proof. But I’ll be right back,” I said, hurrying toward the door.
When I got outside away from everyone, I answered. “Hey, Mary.”
“Hi, sweetheart. I know you’re in the middle of your celebration party, but I have good news. I couldn’t go another minute without telling you.”
“What is it?” I asked excitedly.
“The project is set to begin in another month or so. It’s finally going to happen.”
I gasped. “Mary, that’s amazing. I can’t believe it’s starting so fast. I honestly didn’t think we’d get the green light this quick.”
“Neither did I,” she said, laughing. “But it’s happening. Don’t tell Kellan yet until I see you in October for the wedding. I’ll have the perfect gift to go along with the news.”
“Sounds good. I won’t tell him.”
“Great. Well, go have your fun and I’ll talk to you again soon.” I said goodbye, and when I turned to walk back inside, Kellan blocked the doorway. His arms were crossed over his chest and he stared at me with narrowed eyes. Sheepishly, I strolled over to him, trying my best to give him an innocent smile.
“All of your friends are inside, which leads me to believe you were on the phone with my mother again. What do you two find to talk about so much?”
I shrugged. “Wedding stuff. She’s been a big help.”
“And what were you not supposed to tell me?”
Wrapping my arms around his neck, I kissed his lips. “It’s a surprise. You’ll find out soon. I am impressed with how well your mother’s been a part of your life the past six months. She seems like a totally different woman.”
Kellan held me close. “She is. It’s nice having her back in my life. I used to think I didn’t care, but I did; it just took me a while to see it.”
The door slammed open and I shrieked. I wasn’t expecting it to open that fast. Dallas scoffed and waved us inside. “What the hell are you doing out here? Get your asses inside so I can make my toast.”
The door shut and I burst out laughing. “I’m sure he’ll be doing the same thing at our wedding.”
“I have no doubt,” Kellan agreed, tucking a strand of my hair behind my ear. “Only two more months and you’ll be my wife. How does it feel?”
“There are no words to describe it. It’ll be the happiest day of my life.”
He kissed me gently, his tongue softly caressing mine. “Mine, too.”
Epilogue
Kristen
My wedding day was here. It was late October, but the sun shone bright and the sky was clear. A cool breeze blew in from the open windows as I stared at my reflection in the mirror. My dress sparkled in the slowly setting sun, which made my hair look even redder.
“Such a perfect day for an outdoor wedding,” Brooklyn gushed as she looked out the window. Since it was fall, I chose red for my bridesmaids’ dresses. Hers was a little snug around her baby bump, but she was more beautiful than ever. I could hear my guests as they took their seats outside. Taking a deep breath, I joined her by the window.
“Wow, that’s a shit ton of people.”
She giggled. “Yes, it is. You have a lot of friends who care about you.” Her husband caught us looking out at the guests and he waved at us, with their daughter sitting on his lap. Soon, Kellan and I would have our own family.
A knock sounded on the door, and then it opened slightly. “Kristen, can I come in?”
“Of course,” I called out. When the door fully opened, Graham strolled in wearing a tuxedo and looking just like Kellan, only older.
&nb
sp; The music started to play and Brooklyn squeezed my arm. “Looks like it’s almost time. I’ll be downstairs waiting for you.”
I nodded. “Okay.”
Once she left, Graham walked over and grabbed my hands. “You make a beautiful bride, my dear.”
“Thank you. Is everything okay? Kellan doesn’t have cold feet, does he?”
“Definitely not.” He chuckled. “He’s been ready for this day for a long time.” I breathed out, relieved. “But there is something I wanted to ask you.”
“Sure.”
He cleared his throat. “I wanted to see if you’d let me walk you down the aisle. I know you planned on going out by yourself, but I’d be honored if you’d let me give you away. I’m not your father, but I do love you as if you’re my own. I’m sure he wouldn’t want you walking out alone.”
My throat tightened and I tried to hold back the tears. Cole’s parents were there and I was sure Doug would have walked me down if I had asked him. “No, he wouldn’t,” I said. “My father was a good man, and if there’s any person he’d want to take his place, it’d be you.”
He pulled me into his arms. “Thank you. This means a lot to me.”
“You’re welcome.”
By the time he got to the door, it opened and Mary gasped when she almost ran into him. “Graham,” she said. She held a box that was neatly wrapped in silver paper.
Graham nodded at her. “Mary. It’s good to see you.” Her flight had gotten delayed so she wasn’t at the rehearsal. This was the first time they’d seen each other in years. I could see the pain in his eyes when he looked at her, but I could also see it in hers.
“It’s good to see you, too,” she whispered. They stared at each other for a few seconds before the trance was broken. Graham glanced back at me and smiled. “I’ll be waiting with the others downstairs.”
I nodded and he hurried out the door, shutting it behind him. Mary watched him go and then turned to me. “I didn’t think it’d be so hard to see him again.”