I Swear

by Sable Hunter

  As she watched the road ahead of her, something caught her eye about the billboard she was passing. “What?” If she wasn’t badly mistaken, she’d seen a photograph of herself. “No, that’s impossible.” Despite a momentary urge to get a second look, Delaney kept going. She was just imagining things.

  About a half hour later, she passed through Ozona, Texas. She wasn’t traveling behind a big truck and her view of the road in front of her was much clearer. The billboard she was fast approaching loomed large. As she focused on what it displayed, Delaney’s eyes grew wide. There was a photo of herself and Jonah. Clear as day. And the writing appearing in a fluid stream to flow across the image made her gasp in surprise.

  I was a fool to let you go.

  Delaney tapped her brake to slow herself down.

  Jonah Callan loves Delaney Ellis.

  She whipped the car off the road and stopped to stare at the billboard in amazement.

  Meet me at the rest stop in Fort Stockton. Straight ahead 107 miles.

  Delaney held her chest, trying to soothe her racing heart. She sat there while the message replayed itself three times. She might think she was hallucinating if she didn’t see the Cle-board designation at the bottom. No, this was Jonah’s doing. Thrilled beyond measure, she pulled back into the road and headed to Fort Stockton as fast as the law would allow.

  As the Camry ate up the miles, Delaney couldn’t help but watch for other billboards. So far, all she passed seemed normal. Gripping the steering wheel, she caught sight of herself in the side mirror. She looked completely different than the woman whose reflection she’d stared at only this morning. “Happiness makes all the difference in the world,” she muttered, giving the car a little extra gas.

  A few miles further on, another of the Cle-boards came into view. A joyous laugh bubbled from her lips as she feasted her eyes on Jonah as he held a diamond ring up in front of his handsome face.

  Marry me, beautiful.

  She put on her blinker, attempting to move over safely so she could feast her eyes on this amazing sight.

  I love you so much.

  Delaney pulled as close to the billboard as she could. “Yes!” she cried, giving him an answer he couldn’t yet hear.

  Make me the happiest man in the world at the rest stop in Fort Stockton. 65 miles straight ahead.

  With a trembling hand, she switched the car on and watched for a safe moment to reenter the road. As vehicles passed, she kept watching for Jonah. Knowing he was on the road somewhere made her pulse pound with excitement.

  Now, knowing what awaited her made the miles drag. Every once in a while, she would squeal with joy. After the odometer logged another thirty miles, she passed beneath an underpass and discovered a Cle-board staring down at her just on the other side. This time, the photo was of Jonah, John, and the animals posed in front of the fireplace. Delaney realized he’d taken these pictures only the night before. Going too fast to stop, she slowed down, pulled to one side – then backed up far enough to view the billboard.

  By the time she was in position, the message loop was just beginning.

  Our family is not complete without you.

  You are my love, my life, my delight.

  You make our house a home. Come claim my heart, it belongs to you.

  Fort Stockton Rest Stop 32 miles straight ahead.

  As Delaney caught her breath and wiped her eyes a couple of cars blew their horns as they passed by. She jerked her head to see if it was Jonah, but she didn’t recognize the vehicles and didn’t know why they were making the noise.

  Pulling back into the road, she continued on her way. The miles couldn’t pass fast enough to please her.

  …Forty miles from his destination, Jonah sat astride his Harley as he passed the sign stating he was 40 miles from Fort Stockton. The butterflies in his stomach felt more like turkey buzzards. Yes, he was hopeful she’d be there waiting on him when he arrived. He was also equally terrified she wouldn’t be. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Cletus, John, and Canyon coming along beside him in Canyon’s truck. They were providing an escort so Cletus could drive Delaney’s car home. He just hoped they could push the front seat back far enough so the big man could get behind the wheel of the Camry.

  So far, he’d passed by three of the billboards. Jonah couldn’t help but be impressed. This is something he would’ve never thought of in a million years. And to think, he owed it all to his Dad. And Cletus, of course. But this was his father’s idea. Proof positive he was vastly improved. Thanks to Delaney. He couldn’t forget that for a moment. Hell, he couldn’t forget her for a moment. Period.

  …Thirty minutes later, Delaney found her breath coming in shallow nervous pants. In just a few minutes, she would arrive at the rest area she’d been invited to repeatedly by the man who owned her heart. Did she have questions? Yes. Certainly. But none of those questions were important enough to keep her from his side.

  The last three miles she could scarcely sit still. Frissons of excitement decorated her skin. Her hands were shaking on the wheel. When she saw a sign announcing the exits to the rest stop, Delaney couldn’t believe the number of cars that were turning off ahead of her. Thinking there must be some other attraction along the same access road, she made the turn also. Yet, when she arrived at the rest stop, there were so many cars parked and people gathered around, she could barely tell it was a rest stop at all.

  What were all these people doing here?

  Easing through the narrow drive near the central pavilion and picnic tables, she found one parking spot. Easing into it, she let her eyes scan the crowd and the vehicles to see if she could spot Jonah. She couldn’t. Needing a better view, she opened her door and stepped out. The moment she did, a roar erupted in the crowd.

  “Delaney! Look, it’s Delaney!”

  Delaney was flabbergasted. She stared around her at the cheering crowd. Then – it hit her. All of these people had read the billboards. They recognized her and just like her, they’d come to see what Jonah would do.

  Several people came over to say something to her.

  “You’re Delaney, aren’t you?” A young Hispanic woman asked, her eyes bright with excitement. “You’re one lucky girl.”

  “Jonah is one cute dude,” an older woman chimed in. “If you don’t say yes, I will.”

  “Are you going to say yes, Delaney?” A man yelled through cupped hands. She didn’t answer, she just smiled. Standing next to her car, nervously holding on to the mirror, she could only wait and see. And watch for Jonah.

  And then she heard the unmistakable purring rumble of a Harley engine. She’d never seen him ride his motorcycle, but the sound reminded her of him. Could it be? She stood on tiptoe, endeavoring to see over the parked cars. When she saw a motorcycle turn in, her eyes were glued on the sight. She wasn’t alone, the crowd began to murmur loudly.

  As the motorcycle parked, a pickup pulled in behind it. The rider of the Harley dismounted, throwing one long muscular leg over the seat. The man wore jeans and cowboy boots. Delaney’s heart began to pound. She knew Jonah too well not to recognize his body and the way he moved. Holding her breath she watched him take off his helmet, then shake his head, his long hair moving in the breeze. Delaney’s sigh joined the collective sign of the females in the crowd. Before he moved away from the bike, Jonah pulled off his leather jacket and flung it over the seat. He was wearing his signature sleeveless black tank, the sculpted muscles of his arms made Delaney’s mouth water.

  “He’s so cute,” she heard a woman whimper the words.

  Yes, she wanted to say. He is cute – and he’s mine!

  As he turned, their eyes met, one corner of his mouth turning up into a sexy smirk. With his eyes twinkling, Jonah began to stride toward her. Finding it hard to breathe, she searched his face for answers. What she found there was a total welcoming, a homecoming for the soul. Before she knew it, her feet were moving, a tentative step or two before she broke into
a run. When she reached him, he caught her up into his arms and swung her around. The crowd around them began to cheer as he covered her mouth with his to kiss her passionately.

  Delaney clung to him, her fingers tangled in his hair, her lips devouring his. After the heated kiss, he eased her to her feet, slipping his hand into his front pocket. As he brought out a ring, Jonah went down on one knee in front of her. With gasps of awe, the people standing around them drew closer – all eager to see this grand gesture of romance come to fruition.

  As she trembled, her mind endeavored to record every millisecond of this precious moment into her memory. “Oh, Jonah…” Her voice trailed off with emotion as he took her hand.

  “Delaney Ellis, I didn’t know what happiness was until you came into my world. Just the few hours we were apart were unbearable. I can’t conceive of a life without you. I love you with all my heart. Do you love me? Will you marry me?”

  “Yes! Yes! Yes!” screamed the crowd in unison, but Jonah didn’t react. He was waiting for the only answer that mattered.

  Delaney began with a nod, tears streaming down her cheeks. She tugged on his hand, pulling him to his feet. “I love you so much, Jonah. I didn’t know I was capable of loving like this. And yes, a thousand times yes. I’ll marry you. I want to be your wife more than anything.”

  As the throng of spectators cheered, Jonah put the ring on her finger. Holding her close, he cradled her to his big body. “Thank you. Thank you,” he whispered. “I was so afraid I’d lost you forever. Are you ready to go home?”

  “I am home, Jonah.” She hugged him tight. “My home is wherever you are.”

  They shared another kiss as they were joined by Jonah’s father and the men who traveled with him.

  “You led us a merry chase, girl.” John put his arms around Delaney. “You know better than to leave me. What would I do without you?”

  Delaney patted him on the back. “I didn’t know what else to do. I’m sorry.”

  “Well talk to him, tell him what you’re feeling. Believe me, he wants to know. What he says might surprise you.” The older man’s whispered advice was well taken.

  Delaney took a moment to thank Canyon for coming and to speak to Cletus. “Thank you for making this possible. Without you, this wouldn’t have happened.”

  “No problem, pretty girl. Glad to do it.”

  Delaney looked to see Jonah speaking to several people as the crowd began to disperse. Seeing she was waiting, he came to her. “Cletus will drive your car home. I want you to ride with me.”

  His suggestion made her smile. “I get my motorcycle ride after all.” She loved the idea of holding onto him all the way to Comfort.

  “Yes, you do.” He took her by the hand as he stopped by the truck to find an extra helmet they’d brought along. When they came to the motorcycle, he stopped to kiss the ring on her finger. “When we get home, we’ve got some talking to do. And a date to set. The sooner the better.”

  “I have no problem with that idea. I see no reason to wait.”

  “Good.” He put on his jacket and helmet, then helped her fasten hers. “Climb aboard, beautiful and hold on tight.”

  As Delaney settled herself behind him, clasping Jonah around the waist, she gratefully laid her head on his strong back. A feeling of pure contentment enveloped her. She was right where she belonged.

  Chapter Twenty

  Since they stopped a couple of times, the ride home took six hours. When they arrived, Delaney stretched her legs as the men unloaded her car and talked amongst themselves. As soon as John opened the door of the house, the animals came storming out to greet them. Kneeling, she greeted the excited cat and dog. Her eyes misted as she watched the older man moving with such grace and purpose. Emotions she’d tried to control came flooding back and she bowed her head to cry.

  Jonah raised a hand of thanks to Canyon as he pulled away. Hearing a noise behind him, he noticed Delaney. Was she crying? Hurrying to her, he pulled her to her feet. “What’s wrong? Are you hurt?” Knowing the least little cut or scratch could be disastrous for her filled him with an eternal concern.

  “I’m happy.” She pressed herself against him, holding onto his broad shoulders. “I’m home.”

  “Yes, you are.” He picked her up in his arms and headed for the porch. “Cletus, how about coming back tomorrow for a fish fry? I’ve got a mess of filets in the freezer, and I think we have cause to celebrate.”

  “I’ll be here with my big fork and spoon,” he told them. “John and I have some vacation plans to make.”

  This announcement made the elder Callan extremely happy. When he was through seeing his friend off, he joined his son and Delaney who waited for him on the porch. “Here we are. Together again.”

  Delaney loved how that sounded.

  Once they were inside, Jonah wouldn’t let her do a thing. “You sit down. Let’s have something quick and simple. Who’s up for a bowl of cereal?”

  “Actually, that sounds good to me. I love breakfast for supper,” Delaney said as she pushed the sugar bowl to the middle of the table.

  In no time they were sitting around the table chowing down on Raisin Bran and Cornflakes. “You know what I think?” John said as he looked from his son to Delaney. “I think I should be your best man.”

  Jonah didn’t hesitate. “I think that’s a perfect idea.”

  “I agree.” Delaney was so happy to see them happy.

  They talked about simple things like the weather and the animals. Things families talked about. When they were finished, Delaney picked up their dishes while Jonah went upstairs with John. He insisted he didn’t need any help, but Jonah went along on the pretense he needed to get something from his room. When he returned, he found Delaney waiting for him in front of the fire.

  “Excuse me, I’m looking for my fiancé. Would you happen to know where I might find her?”

  “I believe that would be me.” She scooted over to make room for him, joy fizzing through her body like champagne.

  Jonah eased down beside her, gathering her into his embrace. “Isn’t this something? How did we get here?”

  “You came after me.” Relief made her sink against him, her hand clutching his shirt. “I’m sorry I slipped away without saying goodbye.”

  “Why did you leave? I told you I wanted to talk to you as soon as I returned from the call.” Jonah kept his voice even, he wasn’t angry – he just needed to understand.

  She clutched one of his hands in both of hers. “I was hurt. I heard what you said to your father.”

  “What?”

  “Oh, I realize I must’ve misunderstood. Or you wouldn’t have come after me.”

  Jonah held his head next to hers, just needing to be as close as he could. “What are you saying? What did you hear?”

  “When I left you and your dad alone and I went to…” She laughed wryly. “I don’t remember what I was doing but I came back, and I heard you tell your dad that my staying here was always supposed to be temporary. So, I thought…”

  He stopped her with a kiss. “You must’ve walked away too soon. Honey, I told Dad I wanted you to stay. I already had the ring.”

  “You did?”

  “Of course I did. From the moment I returned and found you gone, we took off after you. We drove down I-10 all the way to Sonora before I realized you’d probably stopped for the night.”

  “I did, I was in Sonora.”

  Jonah let out a long breath. “I was scared to death I would never find you. I didn’t know where you were going. I was such a fool. I should’ve told you I loved you long before this.” He rubbed his face against hers, adoring the silkiness of her skin. “I think I loved you from the beginning.”

  “Me too. I wanted to say something, I just didn’t know how.”

  “Oh, baby.” Gathering her hair in his hands, he wound it around his fist. “I’ve made mistakes too. I was afraid I wasn’t good enough for you.”

&
nbsp; “Oh, stop. That’s nonsense.” She basked in the security she felt in his arms. “There’s no one better than you.”

  “I don’t have much to offer you. Although, Dad has asked for me to stay and use the shop. Do you think you could be happy being the wife of a simple mechanic? I’ll never be rich, that’s for sure.”

  “You’re not simple.” She picked up one of his muscular hands to kiss the callouses on his palm. “I don’t care if you’re not rich. I’ve never had much, and I don’t need much.”

  “I’ll do my best. I’ll give you my all. You tell me your dreams and I’ll spend the rest of my days building them with my own two hands.”

  Delaney felt so blessed. “Jonah, the only thing in the world I want is you and your love. If I have that, I’ll be the richest, happiest woman in the world.”

  “You have that, darling. I swear by all that’s holy, I’ll be yours until the end of time.” He rubbed his face against hers, kissing her eyes. “I know I’ll make mistakes, but I’ll never hurt you on purpose. From now on, the only tears you’ll cry will be happy ones.” With that promise, he rose to his feet, picked her up in his arms, and carried her up the stairs to his bed.

  Once there, Jonah undressed her tenderly, lying her down to rest at his side. Pressing his long length against her, he ran his hand up and down her body as if ensuring himself she was really there. “I’m so glad you’re here. I missed you so,” he whispered in her ear just before he found her lips. It seemed he couldn’t get as close to her as he needed to be. Both hands cradled her face as his tongue mated with hers, parodying the rhythm his loins ached to begin.

  Setting out to make her mindless with need, he kissed his way down her body until his mouth could reach her breasts. He began to court her nipples using his tongue to swirl around each one, laving them into submission, causing the pink areolas to pout and swell. Jonah teased her endlessly, nibbling the swell of her breasts, pressing them together and molding them with his hands as if they were clay to be fashioned into a piece of erotic art. She endured the teasing longer than Jonah thought she would. He knew what she liked, but he wanted her to feel sure enough of him to ask for it.