Believe

by Natalie Gayle

  He nodded. “I spoke with Mark this morning. Leo was charged with murder. He won’t stand trial though.”

  That didn’t make sense—what? why?

  “It came out, Ari. Leo’s only got days to live, a couple of weeks at the most. He has late stage pancreatic cancer. He did what he did to make sure you were free of Marcel. At least, that’s what he told the police.”

  I sat there taking it in.

  “Wow!” I said shaking my head in shock at it all.

  Dane leaned over and passed me a white envelope from the bedside table.

  “Mark said Leo wanted you to have this.”

  With shaking fingers, I opened the simple white envelope. Inside was a sheet of white copy paper.

  Arianne,

  You are now free.

  My last advice to you, Love and cherish your new family with everything you have. I am certain they will bring you great happiness.

  Live the life you were born to live—with all the happiness and love in the world.

  Go in peace.

  Leo Goldstone

  “What’s it say?” Dane asked curiously.

  I handed him the page and let him read it himself.

  “Wow, I figured there was something weird the night before last, then again last night. It was as if he wanted to see you and he kept looking at us as if he was trying to see something.”

  I thought on that for a second.

  “I think you’re right. I’m not sure how I’m supposed to feel about this. Leo stirs up so many different emotions in me. Although he’s always been polite to me, I’ve never felt close. I’m grateful that he was there when I needed him so I could get away from Marcel, but it wasn’t as if he did it out of the goodness of his heart. It always felt like there were strings attached. He made a lot of money from me taking risks. I paid him back every cent I owed him, plus interest plus a big swag after that. You know he made a heap off you last night as well.”

  “Yeah, dad explained when you went to the bathroom.” Dane put the page back in the envelope and placed it back on the bedside table once again, before lacing his hand with mine.

  “How do you feel about Marcel passing? He was your husband and the father of your child.”

  How did I feel about that?

  “Is it wrong to feel relieved? Because, that’s how I feel. I finally feel free. Never am I going to be looking over my shoulder wondering when he was coming for us again. Leo was right; he was never going to quit. Any feelings of affection or love for him died long ago.”

  We sat in silence for a few long moments. Dane just rubbed his thumb over the back of my hand. It was soothing in a way, as I collected my thoughts.

  “You know what I’m really annoyed about in all this?”

  “What’s that, Ari?”

  “The system. How can the damned legal system let a maniac like Marcel out on the streets when he’s so clearly violent? How many times did he have to not only offend, but be arrested before they kept him behind bars? How many times did I have to be beaten and abused before enough was enough? I’m totally convinced Leo was right in doing what he did. He wouldn’t have stopped. The system isn’t working in its current state.”

  Dane moved over closer to me and pulled me into his lap.

  “I’m glad it’s over. You said a while back, that if the stuff that went down with Marcel hadn’t occurred, then we wouldn’t have got together. I’m thankful to the bottom of my heart for that. I’m just sorry you’ve had to go through so much. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you yesterday, Ari.”

  I turned my head up to him.

  “It’s not your fault, Dane. We took precautions. Marcel was just so determined. It’s done and over. I’d like to take Leo’s advice and move on from it. Nothing is going to change what happened. I want to focus on the future.”

  “We can do that,” he agreed.

  Then something occurred to me. “There is one thing you can do for me, though.”

  “Name it.”

  “It’s probably going to come as a shock to you and I’m not sure how I’m going to go or how you’ll feel about it…”

  “Yes…what is it that you want, Miss?” he asked cautiously with a twinkle in his eye.

  I knew my face had dissolved into a grin.

  I was going to enjoy this!

  “I want you to teach me to fight.”

  A loud chuckle burst forth and his whole warrior body rolled underneath me. I clung to him harder. I knew where this was going to go very shortly. We did have a luxury suite to ourselves, and nothing pressing except my hard man beneath me.

  “I can do that.”

  Epilogue

  Arianne

  Three Months Later

  “How long do you reckon it will be before he wakes up and wants his presents?” Dane asked me as he put a cup of coffee on the bedside table for me.

  I glanced at my phone for the time. It was just after eight on Isaac’s birthday.

  “Won’t be long. Your mum and dad brought him back late, but it wasn’t ridiculously late.” Then I realised why Dane was asking. He was as excited as Isaac would be about his birthday.

  “I’m onto you! You can’t wait to see the look on his face when he opens that Indominus Rex Lego can you?”

  He shrugged and did his best to look nonchalant as he settled onto the bed beside me with his coffee. “Oh, all right. You got me. That set is really cool and I was seriously lucky to snag it.”

  “You were from the sounds of it.” I knew Dane had gone to just about every toy store in Southern Queensland to get it. “He’s going to love it, you know. He’s been rabbiting on about it ever since he found it on the internet.”

  “I hope he likes his party,” Dane said.

  “Stop worrying, will you. He’s going to have the best birthday ever. How many kids get to have an MMA themed party complete with multiple celebrity fighters present, at a dojo like Onigashima?”

  He chuckled a little. “I know you’re right…but”

  “You just want it to be perfect for him. And it will be. You’ll make it perfect, your mum and dad and our friends will…You’re all so good to him and me.” My heart felt so full. Cathy and Gary, all of Dane’s family and friends were such good people and we were so lucky to have them in our lives, along with Dane.

  They made me feel complete.

  “I’m seriously getting sick of saying this, Miss. You’re family, Ari. I know you still struggle with that. Maybe we need to make it official for you to really grasp it.” He leaned over and kissed my temple playfully.

  Oh My God! He was talking about marriage. He started chuckling and I looked over at him.

  “Is it really that much of a scary thought? You looked gobsmacked.”

  “Are you talking about what I think you are?”

  He laughed again and rolled over and sat up facing me, his long legs folded under him. “If you’re thinking about marriage, then we’re on the same page. If it’s something else, then no.”

  Marriage to Dane.

  I’d be his wife.

  He’d be mine forever.

  He’d be Isaac’s father.

  We’d be part of a family that loved us.

  He was still looking at me patiently with that sexy grin I loved on his face.

  “Are you really asking me to marry you?”

  Quick as a flash he came back. “I’m on my knees; aren’t I?”

  I giggled the feeling of happiness and love in my chest growing by the second. “You are.”

  “You’re really going to make me do this?” he chuckled.

  “I am.”

  Then he took my hands in his and I was looking deep into those hazel eyes I adored. “Arianne Le Flegg, how would you feel about changing that very extraordinary name to Roberts. It’s a very ordinary name, but I can promise you there’s nothing ordinary about the love I feel for you or your son. I want to spend the rest of my life passing the time with you, supporting you, protecting you, sharing with yo
u and most of all loving you with everything I have and I am. I believe we can have an incredible life together. You opened my eyes to what I was missing. The restlessness and disbelief I felt in myself was actually the hole I had yet to fill in my soul. You and Isaac fill that hole. I believe in us and if you do, too, then it would make me eternally happy if you’d become my wife.”

  Tears were pouring over my eyelids. “Oh Dane, you are so far from ordinary, it’s not funny. You are the most extraordinary person I know. Words don’t describe how much I love you and the way you and your family love us. I never thought or believed I could ever love or feel this way. My heart is so full of love and happiness, I don’t know what else to say but, ‘Yes. Yes. Yes’.”

  “That’s the perfect word, Miss!” He reached over to the bedside table and pulled a small box from the drawer. “I guess you’d better try this on for size, then.”

  He opened the little box, took the ring from it and slid it onto my left hand. It was exquisite. A large pink solitaire diamond set in platinum. So simple, yet stunningly beautiful.

  “Oh my God. Dane…it’s beautiful and it fits perfectly.”

  “Of course it does. I know every millimetre of your delectable body. Ring size is a cinch.”

  “Oh, kiss me, you big goof!”

  He leaned forward, our lips met, and his tongue teased at my mouth. It was hot and sweet and full of the most important thing—love.

  I looped my arms around his neck to pull him closer and he obliged. Somehow, he moved me so he was resting against the headboard and I was snuggled into his side, all without breaking the seal of our lips.

  My man was so talented.

  I ran my hand over the hard muscles of his chest and shoulder; he hadn’t bothered to put on a shirt yet. It never got old, feeling his body against mine. His hand tangled in my hair and he deepened the kiss. It was fast moving from a kiss of one sort of celebration to a whole other sort.

  “Mum, Dane. It’s my birthday,” Isaac yelled, then came flying onto the bed with us.

  We broke apart and turned our attention to Isaac, Dane was first to recover.

  “Happy birthday, Isaac, my man.”

  “Happy Birthday, darling,” I said and pulled him in close to us for a hug. His arms came around us both, and Dane pulled him in even tighter for a second before letting him go. Boys could only hug for so long.

  “So you ready to start opening presents?” Dane asked him.

  “Yes!” Isaac yelled in excitement.

  “Well, mate, check over there beside the dresser. I think there’s a big one over there. How about we start with that?” He was off the bed in a flash and grabbing the box.

  “Do I get more than one?” Isaac asked as he climbed back onto the bed with us.

  “You bet. A man doesn’t turn ten every day,” Dane said seriously.

  Isaac nodded just as seriously and very carefully, he started to unwrap it. Watching him and Dane interact was one of my very favourite things to do.

  He was trying so hard to avoid tearing the paper. His excitement and the difficult tape were hampering his progress.

  “Just rip it, mate. It’s okay, we’re not going to mind.”

  Isaac looked up and his eyes danced in relief, then tore into it.

  I loved watching the expressions on his face change. His face went from anticipation, to concentration, to relief, then finally to exuberation when he saw what was inside.

  “Oh wow! Indominus Rex. This is so cool.” His eyes were huge as he studied the box. We both watched him for a few moments.

  I couldn’t resist any longer; I leaned into Dane and kissed him full on the lips.

  “Thank you,” I whispered and kissed him again.

  He pulled me in tight to him in a snuggle.

  “Are you two going to start kissing again? Yuck, you’re going to get girls germs Dane.”

  Dane chuckled. “Well Isaac, I did tell you that when you’re older you’ll meet the right girl. You’ll like kissing her and she’ll like kissing you. It’s just the way things roll, when you grow up.”

  He looked at us sceptically, obviously finding it hard to believe.

  “Besides I’m just so happy this morning,” I added.

  “Why?” he asked me.

  “Well not only is it your birthday, but just before you came in, Dane asked me to marry him and I said yes.”

  Isaac looked between us, and his brow pulled into that little furrow when he was thinking something over.

  My heart leapt into my mouth.

  What if he hated the idea?

  Then he spoke. “Does that mean you get to be my dad for real, Dane?”

  Dane didn’t hesitate. “Sure does, Isaac. It would be an honour to be your father; nothing would make me happier than to marry your mum and for you to become my real son.”

  Isaac threw himself at both of us and hugged us tight.

  My heart exploded—no words could explain what I felt.

  I’d just needed to believe there could be something better.

  THE END

  After Word

  Did you enjoy Believe?

  In case you haven’t read it, Brave (Xander and Eden’s story is available through all book channels.

  http://www.nataliegayle.com/zvrj

  Seth’s book will be along early 2016.

  A GIFT FOR YOU

  Have you read any of my Centre Games Series?

  They’re human but so much more. Warriors created to protect our nations from biological, environmental and agricultural threats. They operate between the realm of government and military, but answer to neither.

  Love, loyalty, trust and passion mean everything to them. Humour, friendships and family are the fabric of their being.

  WELCOME TO THE CENTRE GAMES

  Try now for free on Kindle:

  http://www.nataliegayle.com/ngik

  Acknowledgments

  I just want to say a couple of things before I get into the specific thank you’s.

  Writing books is a little bit like shifting sand. It’s a very fluid and ubiquitous process. Characters come and go, story points come and go, themes, messages, they’re all constantly changing from day to day and even minute to minute.

  What has been consistent through this book and every other I have written is the unrelenting support I’ve had from my readers, the indie community and my family. Writing is a very solitary business. No one else can do it for you. Some days the words flow, other days it’s painstaking. The one thing that keeps me going when I’m running on no sleep and have a million and ten other things going on in my life is the enjoyment I know I can give readers. That’s the number one reason I do this.

  There is nothing more rewarding in this game than having a reader tell you how much they loved your story—something you’ve agonised over and bled to create. These characters often over take me. I become their voice and conduit to have their story heard. I feel every emotion and the roller coaster they go on, which at times can be tough.

  To every reader—thank you for loving my characters as much as I do. Thank you for your unrelenting support.

  Every book has a list longer than your arm of people I’d like to thank:

  First off to my beta and editorial team: I’m hell on you ladies, I know you say I’m not. I drive myself nuts so I can’t see how it would be any different for you. This book was tough in some ways and easy in others. You ladies made it easy. To Tamia Simons, Tina Louise, Chantal Gemperle, Marg Munro, Julie Ahern—a huge thank you ladies. I really couldn’t have done it without you. Not only have you, beta read everything, you’ve also kept me going daily with messages and help in so many different ways. I really can’t express how important your support and friendship is to me. I love you long time ladies.

  To Karen Harper, thank you for once again travelling the Oni Fighters journey with me and editing the story. I love our little chats and I promise I’ll message you first before I call in future!

  To my secret p
olice expert advisor, you know who you are! I can’t wait to create more amazing stories and draw from your well of experience and expertise!

  To my GayleForce Girls and Guys—I love each and every one of you. Every day you make me laugh and smile. This book is a lot about family and that’s what GayleForce is all about. A family of book lovers—there’s never too many good stories.

  To my great friend, the amazingly talented Simon Barnes. Another awesome cover my friend, of Daniel Pollard. Simon, I’ve said it before but you are a genius with a camera. Thank you so much for always being there for me. I love chatting to you. You always have an amazing perspective on everything.

  To Letitia Hasser, another sensational cover. It rocks—thank you!

  To my blogger friends…thank you for helping out promoting my book, with the endless posts, reviews and everything else you do for the indie community. I really do appreciate it.

  To my author friends, I have so many now and I love catching up with each and every one of you whether that be in person or via an electronic message. A special thanks to Max Henry, Amity Cross, Darby Briar, Chelle Bliss, Irish Winters Kathy Coopmans, Liz Lovelock, Melissa Jane, River Savage, Ivy Stone, Evie Harper, JB Hartnett, Kristy Dallas, Allyson Sinclair. You ladies I talk to all the time, thank you for your support and friendship.

  A very special thanks to Nina Levine and The Kid. I LOVE YOU two. Something happened when we meet. Something just clicked. I love sharing this crazy ride with you. Thank you so much for being there in so many ways.

  Jodie O’Brien, what can I say. I love your support and friendship!

  To my friends and family…yep another one!

  I know you don’t expect it, but Thank you, thank you, thank you….You support my passion for telling stories.

  There’s nothing more to say than…thank you for believing in me.

  Love

  Nat

  Also by NATALIE GAYLE

  Centre Games

  Finding Trust

  Finding Judgement

  Finding Freedom