Always the Hero

by Anna J. Stewart

  “Cool. Good. Thanks.” She smoothed her hands down the front of her torn T-shirt and pushed through the swinging gate. “Do I need to swear on a Bible or something?”

  “Would it make you feel better to do so?” Judge Harris’s eyes glittered.

  “Yes, actually.” She approached the bailiff, who held up his hand and came to her. After she’d been sworn in, she stood in front of the judge. “I could stand up here and tell you a lot of things about Matt Knight.”

  Oh boy. It was all Matt could do not to sink in his seat.

  “I could tell you how good he is at his job, how compassionate and dedicated he is. I could tell you about his sense of humor, about his patience and his ability to deal with whatever comes his way. I could tell you he served this country with courage and valor, and despite his physical injuries, he harbors no resentment about it. But I don’t need to tell you all that because it’s all in his file. It’s in the letters of reference from his coworkers, from his friends. Friends who have become his family. What you can’t read in that file is the man I know him to be. A man who will do whatever is asked of him, a man who will always, always, live up to his word.

  “Most of us have dealt with adversity and pain. But where others might use those challenges as excuses to be less than, he’s constantly strived to rise above those circumstances. He doesn’t make excuses—he finds solutions. He embraces the struggle because he knows only by overcoming those challenges will he make things better for everyone involved.”

  Lori stopped, took a slow breath. “No one is perfect, Your Honor. No one is claiming to be, but if your main concern is finding the perfect home for Kyle, there’s only one man who can give that to him.”

  Matt couldn’t breathe. His heart picked up speed as the blood pounded through his head.

  “I’ve spent most of my life alone. But when Matt Knight loves you—and he loves Kyle—the last thing you ever feel is alone. And I know, without a doubt, Kyle deserves that in a father.”

  “Thank you, Ms. Bradley. Just one question,” Judge Harris said.

  “Yes, Your Honor?”

  “I understand that your testimony is to the character of Deputy Knight. I am curious as to your feelings regarding Kyle Winters. Depending on how your relationship progresses with the deputy, is this a relationship you’re willing to take on yourself?”

  “I wouldn’t have come here today if I didn’t think that maybe one day soon he could be mine, too. He’s made some mistakes, but he’s followed Matt’s lead and turned his life around. Butterfly Harbor is anxious to have him back. And so am I. I’d happily choose him as part of my family. If for no other reason than to have someone to talk with about comic books.” She grinned. “He doesn’t get them.” Lori jerked a thumb in Matt’s direction.

  “It sounds like you and Deputy Knight have a bright future together.”

  “I hope so,” Lori said, and looked into Matt’s eyes. “I truly, truly hope so.”

  * * *

  “I DON’T KNOW what to say.”

  Lori had never heard Matt sound so uncertain before. Or so shell-shocked. Standing in the hall outside the courtroom, her heart was still racing. Her mouth was dry and all she could do was replay what she’d said in front of a courtroom of people.

  In front of Matt. She’d been honest. More honest than she’d ever been in her life, both with Matt and herself. If she was wrong, if there was too much standing in their way, at least she’d put her feelings on the record—literally.

  “You weren’t wrong. The other night,” Lori clarified when his brow furrowed. She was having a tough time concentrating. She thought he’d looked perfect in that uniform of his, but what he did for a blue suit might just cause heart palpitations. “As excited as I was about what was happening between us, part of me didn’t believe it was true. I was scared. I didn’t want to be hurt again. I shouldn’t have taken it out on you. I’m still ticked you lied to me.”

  His lips quirked as he shoved his hands into his pocket and ducked his chin. “Yeah, I didn’t think I was out of the doghouse on that one just yet. I wouldn’t purposely hurt you for the world, Lori. I hope you believe that.”

  “I do. You’re a good man, Matt Knight.” She touched his cheek. “Maybe the best man I know.”

  “Why does it sound as if nothing’s changed?”

  “Because I’m not sure it has. I love you, Matt. And I want to believe you love me, but for now, there’s a lot going on that you need to focus on.”

  “Whether we work things out today, or tomorrow, or next year, it won’t change how I feel. I love you, Lori. I’m done. And for the record, I’d marry you tomorrow if you just said the word.”

  “If only that pesky divorce of yours wasn’t getting in the way.” Her attempt at humor felt like a wall coming up. “I’m not going anywhere, Matt. We’ll see what happens. In the meantime...”

  The courtroom doors opened and Chris and Kyle walked out. Chris steered the teen over to them, planted his hand on Kyle’s shoulder and held out his other hand to Matt.

  “Congratulations, Dad. It’s a boy.”

  Matt turned all his attention to Kyle. “I think it’s too late to change your mind. You good?”

  Lori blinked back tears as Kyle looked up at Matt. His chin wobbled as he nodded. “I’m good.”

  “Come here.” Matt reached out and pulled him into a ferocious hug. “Lori?”

  “I’m going to drive back with Kendall,” she whispered. “We’ll see you at the dinner, right?”

  “We’ll be there,” Matt said. “And Lori? Thank you.”

  * * *

  “EVERYTHING’S ALL SET with Kyle?” Fletcher wrapped an arm around Lori’s shoulders as the dinner crowd funneled down Monarch Lane.

  Her team, her family, stood near the stage where Gil was going over last-minute notes with BethAnn and the audio expert. The tables were filled with plates and trays of the best food Butterfly Harbor had to offer. Small votive lanterns dotted the walkways and tables as the sun began its slow descent, casting glittering rays against the ocean nearby.

  For the first time in a while, Lori couldn’t find anything to worry about. Anything to focus on except the growing realization she’d made a horrible mistake where Matt was concerned.

  The high school girl who still lived inside, the girl who had been humiliated and betrayed wouldn’t let go easily. The past had sharper talons than any bird of prey and could do far more damage. But she’d helped bring Matt the one thing he’d needed most: a family of his own.

  “Everything with Kyle is great.” She leaned her head on Fletcher’s shoulder. “The judge approved the adoption and Matt should be bringing him to the dinner. If we can find them a spot.”

  “Already reserved. Table’s over there.” He pointed to where her friends and family were taking their seats.

  “You knew he’d win?”

  “Once you decided to forgive him? Of course I did.” Fletcher hugged her. “I never bet against my baby sister.”

  “I was wrong. Matt isn’t the best man I know. You are.” She patted a hand against his chest. “You and Paige are so lucky. Don’t you dare blow it.”

  “Couldn’t if I wanted to. But there’s nothing standing in your way of being happy either, sis. Right now I’d venture to guess you could get just about anything you wanted out of Matt Knight.”

  “Because he owes me for helping with Kyle, right?”

  “Because he loves you.” He gave her another squeeze. “Looks like they’re about to get started. Let’s get our seats.”

  “Abby.” Lori hurried over to catch her friend before she sat down. “We can talk about this in detail later, but about your wedding?”

  “Uh-huh.” Abby’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t you dare back out on me on those flowers. Not after all the work you’ve done the last few weeks.”

  “Oh no,
I’m already working up plans. No, I meant about being a bridesmaid.” She took a deep breath. “I’ve thought about it and, well, if the offer is still on the table, I’d love to stand up for you.”

  Abby squealed and locked her arms around Lori in a huge hug. “You just made my day! You’ll have a total say in your dress, I promise. And the color. Maybe. We’ll start talking soon, yeah?”

  Lori settled on the edge of the picnic bench across from Charlie having a battle of wills against Simon, who kept trying to snag another cheddar biscuit. As the microphone buzzed and Gil and BethAnn, along with the town council, took their places behind the podium, she looked down the street. And there, making their way toward her, were Matt and Kyle.

  “Scoot over.” Charlie shoved Simon and everyone moved down. “Hi, Kyle.”

  Lori watched as Kyle gave the little girl a weak smile as he sat next to her. “Hey.”

  “It’s okay that you scared us all that time ago,” Charlie announced. “Simon and I forgive you. Don’t we, Simon?”

  “I guess.” Simon shrugged. “I have a scar from where you shoved me.” He shoved his bangs out of the way to show the older boy.

  “Simon Saxon!” Holly looked horrified. “Don’t be rude.”

  Kyle actually grinned. “Scars are cool. But, yeah, I’m sorry about that.”

  Simon narrowed his eyes. “Sorry I spied on you.”

  “Now you’re friends. Yay!” Charlie raised both her arms and dropped them over the boys’ shoulders and rocked back and forth.

  Lori watched through misty eyes, but then she looked at Matt who, still wearing his suit, didn’t seem interested in anything other than her. “Good drive home?”

  “We missed you,” Matt said. “Kyle and I decided we aren’t letting you off the hook. Just so you know.”

  “Did you now?” Lori had to admit she liked the sound of that. But something wasn’t right. Something felt off, as if there was something...

  “Ladies and gentlemen.” Gil tapped his fingers against the microphone to get everyone’s attention. When the street went as silent as it could, he cleared his throat. “I’d like to welcome all of you to Butterfly Harbor’s inaugural welcome dinner to the Butterfly Festival. Before we all dig in to this amazing feast prepared by our very own Jason Corwin and Holly Saxon—”

  Cheers erupted up and down the road.

  Gil waited for the quiet again. “I’d like to acknowledge a number of people who made this evening possible, beginning with...”

  Lori tuned out as Gil called out the businesses and committee chairs and board members and BethAnn. The older woman had undergone a stunning transformation since Lori had dragged her out of her bathroom. But she hadn’t returned to the coiffed, buttoned-down professionalism of her politician wife status. Instead, she’d gone for comfort—and community. She was even wearing one of the tourist shirts sold at the Wings & Things Gift Shop, complete with iron-on wings on the back.

  Matt was watching her. She could feel his eyes on hers and when she glanced at him, she noticed he’d held out his hand, palm up, on the table. Without hesitating, she dropped hers into it. And squeezed.

  “BethAnn Bottomley has a few things she’d like to say,” Gil said finally, as Lori’s stomach growled. She was so hungry! And that grilled salmon and asparagus less than an arm’s reach away was calling her name.

  The smattering of applause was stronger than Lori expected and sounded like the first step toward forgiveness for BethAnn. She had a wineglass in one hand, but Lori knew she’d been drinking sparkling cider all day. The board members stepped up behind her, surrounded her; supported her as she took the podium.

  “As much as I would like to take even a modicum of credit for this event tonight,” BethAnn said, “I’m not able to do that. We would not even be having this event if it hadn’t been for the astute planning and preparations made by Butterfly Harbor’s own Lori Bradley.”

  “Oh no.” Lori’s entire face went hot. “Oh, she is not doing this to me.” But as she looked up at the stage she saw her entire table of friends turn smiling faces on her. “You’re all in on this, aren’t you? You knew?” Lori hissed.

  “Of course we did,” Calliope announced. “Now hush.”

  “Lori, I know public speaking isn’t your favorite activity, but I would be grateful if you would please join us up here so we can say a proper thank-you.” BethAnn raised her glass, but gave Lori that stern look Lori had come to appreciate in recent weeks.

  “Go on,” Matt whispered. “Time to shine.”

  “This is all your fault.” She got to her feet and, before she thought it through, caught his face in her hands and kissed him. “Before you, I never would have had the courage to do this.”

  Before he could speak, she walked up to the stage and found herself laughing at the teasing Matt was receiving back at the table.

  “Please.” BethAnn motioned to the microphone, a hint of nerves on her face, as if she was worried Lori was going to out her failures over the past few weeks. Surprising them both, Lori reached out and hugged her and swore she heard the older woman sob.

  “I couldn’t have done it without you,” Lori whispered. She turned and felt the world drop away. She couldn’t count the number of faces staring back at her, or the pairs of hands applauding or the voices cheering. “Thank you, everyone, but I can honestly say this entire event was a town effort.” The crowd quieted. “Butterfly Harbor has been my home for most of my life. It’s given me the best friends, family, and a loving and caring community that we are so proud to share with all of you.” Her pulse began to pound. She could feel the words freezing in her throat as the panic set in.

  She looked to the side and there, amidst everything, was Matt. Sitting there, beaming at her with such love in his eyes and pride on his face. Everything she’d ever wanted, ever dreamed of, looked back at her.

  “I, um.” She paused, tucked her hair behind her ears. “I know we’re all anxious to get to this amazing farm-fresh food that’s been provided by Calliope Jones and prepared by Jason and Holly, but first... Um.” She took a deep breath. “I need to say something to someone and I’m going to do it before I lose my nerve. I’m also going to do it in front of all of you so he can’t ignore me. It’s not everyone who is lucky enough to fall in love with someone who only has your best interests at heart. Someone who supports and encourages and reminds you that all that you are is enough. I never thought that could happen for me. I never let myself believe it, but now I do. And because it’s the absolute last thing he’d ever expect me to do... Matt? Could you please come up here?”

  Matt sat up straight, the same panicked look on his face that she was sure she had had only a few minutes before.

  Her brother let out a sharp whistle as the cries and cheers erupted from the back of the tables and washed up and over the stage. Kyle reached out and shoved Matt off his seat and she watched, heart pulsing in her throat, as he made his way to the stage.

  “I hope you know what you’re doing,” he murmured into her ear as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

  “I know I don’t have a ring or anything.” She turned to face him, took his hand in hers. Smiling into his beautiful brown eyes, she bent down on one knee. “I love you with all my heart, Deputy Matt Knight. Will you—and Kyle—marry me?”

  He stared at her for what seemed like hours, as the crowd erupted and her own table was nearly tipped over by her friends jumping to their feet.

  “You sure about this?” Matt asked. “Because I have about three hundred witnesses.”

  “I know.” She smiled and laughed. “Makes it hard for you to say no, doesn’t it?”

  “Never crossed my mind. The answer is yes.” He bent down and gripped her arms, pulled her to her feet. “I love you,” he whispered before he kissed her in front of the town, her friends and all of their guests.

  Lori wrapped her arm
s around him, hugged him close and sighed. Life settled.

  So the girl who never allowed herself to believe in fairy tales embraced her happily ever after.

  * * * * *

  If you enjoyed USA TODAY bestselling

  author Anna J. Stewart’s latest,

  don’t miss her other

  BUTTERFLY HARBOR romances:

  THE BAD BOY OF BUTTERFLY HARBOR

  RECIPE FOR REDEMPTION

  A DAD FOR CHARLIE

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  Crossing the Goal Line