Daring the Pilot (Men of Marietta Book 3)

by Jeannie Moon

  “I’m here,” Gabe whispered, clutching her tightly. “Let it all out, Keely. I’ve got you.”

  She did. She wept aloud, her body shuddering while memories of every moment with Jonah, from the time he rescued her ten years before to the last time he made love to her, flooded her brain. She thought about the baby she was carrying and how much he or she would mean to them. Both of them.

  “What am I going to do? I love him so much, G-Gabe. I love him. I was so stupid.”

  “Shh. It’s all going to work out. It will.”

  “I don’t know how. I just don’t.” She cried and cried, her eyes stinging as a chill of loneliness ran through her. Jonah was her anchor. He understood her better than she understood herself. Her breath caught, and she swallowed air—over and over—until finally the tears wouldn’t come, and her body was so exhausted, it could only tremble. All the while her brother stayed with her, keeping her safe and protected, offering nothing more than soothing words.

  Once she settled, Keely realized there were two sets of hands holding on. Turning her head slightly, she could see Lucy, whose own eyes were flooded with tears.

  “I guess I should stand up, huh?” she asked them both.

  “Only if you’re ready,” Gabe responded.

  Nodding, her brother and friend helped her stand. “God, I feel waterlogged.”

  “That was some cry,” Lucy said. “How do you feel?”

  “Fuzzy. Numb. I guess that’s to be expected.”

  “I wish I could fix it. I really want to hit something. Or someone.” She’d never seen Gabe so furious.

  Resting her hand on his arm, Keely shook her head. “I’ll be okay. A meltdown was bound to happen, right? I’m sure it won’t be the last.”

  Lucy wrapped an arm around Keely’s shoulder and grinned. “You’re a badass. Let’s get you cleaned up and fed. My future godchild needs nourishment.”

  Her brother had turned toward the sink, his arms were braced on the edge of the granite counter top, and he stared out the kitchen window.

  “Gabe?”

  “Yeah?” He turned his head.

  “Thank you.” There was nothing else she needed to say. Her big brother had come through.

  “I’m always here for you.”

  When she and Lucy were on their way up the stairs, her friend gave her a little elbow. “So, ah… is your brother seeing anyone?”

  “Not that I know of.” Keely smiled. “Interested?”

  “Um. Maybe.” Lucy looked down and bit her lip.

  “I’ll see what I can find out.”

  *

  Two hours later, Keely leaned back in the booth at the Main Street Diner, having been stuffed with pancakes with maple syrup straight from Canada, organic apple smoked bacon, and some scrambled eggs. She reluctantly kept her coffee consumption to one cup. Of decaf.

  This pregnancy thing was going to be rough on so many levels. Lucy had been chatty during their breakfast, telling stories and doing her best to keep the conversation away from anything that might set her off. It was a tall order, since Keely’s whole life was tied up in some kind of drama. Most of it of her own making.

  Looking toward the back of the diner, she saw Kyle Cavasos lean in and say something quietly to the new owner, Gabby. Who laughed and bit her lip in response. That would be nice, Keely thought. They were both good people, new in town, and she liked the idea of good people having a romance.

  Kyle moved away from the tall, dark haired woman and came their way, stopping at the table. “Hey, Keely. How are you feeling?”

  “Much better. Thank you for everything you did.”

  “Here to serve, ma’am.”

  Keely was just about to introduce Lucy when Logan popped his head in the door. “Kyle, come with me. Jonah’s on his way in with the chopper, they need you on Copper Mountain.”

  “What’s going on?”

  Lucy perked up—Keely could see her reporter’s spidey senses going full blast.

  “I don’t know,” Logan answered. “I was just told to find you since you’re flight certified. Rangers called a medical emergency, and the regular flight doctor isn’t available. I’m going to get you to the hospital. He’ll pick you up on the roof.”

  “Let’s go.” He nodded. “Ladies, nice to see you.”

  Kyle and Logan were out the door and in the truck in seconds. At the same time, Keely heard the helicopter blazing into the town’s airspace. Looking out the window, she saw the helo buzz the courthouse and head straight for the hospital, where the brand-new helipad was getting a good workout.

  “This town is dripping in prime testosterone. How is it women around here don’t get pregnant when they’re out for a walk?” Lucy groaned. “But you know, Kyle…” She paused. “He looks familiar, but I can’t place him.”

  It didn’t take more than a moment for Lucy to realize what she’d said. “Damn, I’m sorry. That was a dumb thing to say. About the pregnancy thing.”

  “Eh, there’s some truth in it.” With her eyes toward the sky, hoping to get another glimpse of Jonah’s helicopter, Keely felt Lucy squeeze her hand. Her friend didn’t say anything, but the gentle pressure was a comfort. Taking a deep breath, Keely touched her belly and hoped, someday, she’d get past needing it.

  *

  Jonah felt like an idiot. He’d just airlifted a thirteen-year-old girl off Copper Mountain who had been living there for two months. Two. Months. She’d run away from her house in Livingston when her adult stepbrother got abusive, and no one had stepped in to help.

  Her father, who was a Marine just home from deployment, had taught his daughter how to survive. And she did, until she ran from some bighorn sheep and tumbled down an embankment two days ago. She was lucky someone had found her.

  Her mother, who hadn’t even reported the girl missing, was getting a visit from the sheriff. Her father, who lived in Wyoming, was on his way.

  “She’s a lucky kid,” Kyle said as he caught up with Jonah in the hospital ER.

  “Yeah. Gavin said she’s going to be all right. She’s banged up, dehydrated, but it could have been worse.”

  Kyle nodded. “Good work, out there, man.” He extended his hand.

  Jonah grasped his friend’s hand and gave him a slap on the shoulder. “I just drove the bus. You did the hard work.” The first responders around Marietta always made a good team, but Kyle had given them some depth. “Waiting for your ride?”

  “Nah. I’m going to walk. It’s not that far. See you later at Grey’s?”

  Right. He was supposed to meet the first responders at Grey’s for a calendar wrap celebration. He didn’t know if he even wanted to go, but he respected the effort everyone had put in to raise the money for Harry’s House.

  All the photos had gone to the designer, and were ready to be sent off for printing. He had to admit, the project had pulled a lot of people together. He was glad he’d been part of it.

  Now he had to find a way to get Keely back. Her parents and brother had been running interference. She wasn’t allowed to use a cell phone or computer, so when he’d called, they wouldn’t even give her the phone. He’d thought about stopping over, but he was sure that wouldn’t have gone too well either.

  No, he needed help. He needed to find a way to see Keely so he could get her back. There had to be some way.

  There was.

  But he’d need help from someone who wasn’t likely to want to give it. Still, he had to try. He took out his phone and scrolled through his contacts. Pressing the screen, he dialed.

  “Gabe, it’s me. Don’t hang up.” He took a deep breath. “I need your help.”

  *

  “Why am I here?” Keely couldn’t understand why she had to go to the calendar wrap party, except that her brother and Lucy pushed her into going.

  “I was asked, as a member of the press. I didn’t want to go alone, and your big brother insisted on chaperoning. That’s why. You also needed to get out.”

  “I was out this mor
ning. We went to breakfast, remember?”

  Keely was still feeling the bulge in her belly from too many diner pancakes. She couldn’t drink, and knowing she was going to have to face Jonah, alcohol would have been welcome.

  Standing in front of the big swinging doors she hesitated. Lucy, ever the good friend, turned and fluffed Keely’s curls. “You are a badass. Don’t stay away because of him.”

  “Isn’t it too noisy in there for me?” At this point, any way out was a good way out, but it wasn’t going to fly. Her concussion had been mild, and she’d been cleared for everything except rigorous physical activity.

  “Personally, I’d keep you in a bubble if I could,” Gabe said firmly. “But we know you hate that. And Lucy is right. You can’t hide.”

  They were both right, of course, but still, the thought of seeing Jonah just broke her heart. Mostly because she shouldn’t have just slammed the door on him—on them. Part of the mess between them was her fault, and she didn’t know if he’d ever forgive her.

  Entering through the swinging doors, a band was playing an upbeat country song. People she knew were gathered around the bar, laughing, sharing stories, and the sound of familiar voices was a great comfort. Gavin approached as soon as he saw her come in.

  “Hey! You’re out. That’s awesome.”

  “I am. Thank you for everything.”

  “All in a day’s work. Glad you’re okay. What are you all drinking?”

  “Just a seltzer for me,” Keely said.

  “Oh, right.” Gavin looked around. “How is that going?”

  “I’m fine. A little tired.”

  Making her way to the bar, she saw all the lives this calendar had touched. Harry’s sisters were both there, his brothers, as well as his fiancée. Charlie and Emily, who had become part of the fabric of the town, were standing with the Tate brothers. Kyle and Todd, both newcomers, mingled and laughed like they were Marietta natives.

  Harry would have been happy.

  Because of his generosity of spirit, old timers and newcomers had pulled together to do something wonderful in his name. The town should be very proud of the way they had honored him.

  A cool breeze from the doors behind her caressed her neck, but then a gentle heat spread through her. It was familiar, a gentle reminder of the power of the heart. Jonah. And she didn’t even have to see him to know he was there.

  “Keely?” His voice was low, deep, and warm. This was the voice that showed her the way, that whispered to her on dark nights, that laughed with her, that loved her. Hearing him say her name again drove every emotion right to the surface.

  She turned to face him, and everything inside her sparked to life. Jonah was her soulmate, the love of her life, and the father of her child. She couldn’t imagine being without him. She had to fix this.

  “Can we talk?” He took a step toward her; the look in his eyes was sad, pleading.

  Rather than turn away, Keely took a step toward him. “What do you want to talk about?”

  He moved closer. “You were right. About the girl. She was up there. We rescued her today.”

  “Oh, my God. Jonah. Is she alright?”

  “She will be. She’d been up there for two months, living off the land. The kid is tough.”

  “Why was she there? The poor thing.”

  “Abusive home life. Parents are divorced and dad was deployed. He’s home now, and she’s with him.”

  “I’m so glad she’s okay.” Keely moved a little closer.

  “I should have listened to you. I never should have doubted what you saw. I’ve been such an idiot.”

  “Jonah…”

  “Keely, please.” Taking her hands in his, Jonah leaned closer. His musky scent and warmth surrounded her. “Please forgive me. I love you. I love you so much.”

  Keely’s eyes burned, as she tried to blink back the tears. “I was going to ask you to forgive me,” she said in a hopeful whisper.

  “There’s nothing to forgive. It was my fault. I want us to be together. To be a family.”

  “There’s plenty to forgive. You love me. You want to take care of me. And those aren’t reasons for me to lash out. Thank you for watching out for me, and for our baby. I’m sorry I doubted you.”

  He brought his hand to her belly, laying it flat, and touched his forehead to hers. The gentle intimacy of the gesture was her total undoing. Inside, Keely could swear their child knew that his daddy was right there. “I love you, Keely.”

  “I love you, too. So much.” Taking his hand with one of hers, she laced her fingers with his, and with her other hand, Keely stroked her fingers on his cheek. “I’ve accepted a teaching job at the university.”

  His gaze was level with hers. “You did? What about your consulting job?”

  “I was looking out the window the other day, and realized that no matter where I went, I’d never have that kind of view anyplace else.”

  “That’s true.”

  “And you’re here.”

  “That’s true, too.” He smiled, the emotion shining in his eyes. “Come outside with me.”

  Smiling back, her heart so full she couldn’t remember ever being so happy, Keely followed Jonah out of the bar. The night was dark, with only the stars and a few streetlamps to light up the town. But even then, the beauty of the place they called home was breathtaking.

  Looping his arms around her from behind, Jonah leaned in and kissed her cheek. “Look up.”

  Tilting her head back, all Keely saw in the black velvet of the sky were stars. Millions of stars. There were so many, it was almost hard to pick out the constellations, but in time, she was able to find the familiar markers in the heavens.

  “What do you see?” he asked, still holding her tight.

  What did she see? Keely saw everyone and everything she ever knew. She saw the past and the future. But there was one truth that stood out more than any other. “I see home,” she whispered. “My home.”

  “It was magic that brought us back here. And I know you science types will dismiss it, but in my mind, it’s the only explanation.”

  “Science can’t explain everything. I’m willing to accept the hypothesis that magic had a hand in bringing me back.”

  Turning her in his arms, Jonah kissed her. It was gentle, desperate, and told her everything she needed to know. “You don’t need proof?”

  “I’m standing here with you. I don’t need anything else.”

  “I’m… I’m going to mess this up,” he stammered. “I’m sure of it, so I need you to bear with me, okay?

  Keely nodded, her pulse hammering away with excitement.

  “I love you.”

  “I love you, too,” she responded.

  “Good, because I want you to marry me. Be my home, Keely. Be my family.”

  And just like that, all the puzzle pieces, the unfinished business, fell into place. As proposals went, he’d aced it.

  “Yes,” she said, rising on her toes to kiss him. “A thousand times, and a thousand more. Yes.”

  “I love you,” he said again as he held her face in his hands. “I’ll never let you down.”

  He kissed her again, and then again.

  Keely, who only this morning had mourned losing him, was now shedding tears of joy because Jonah wouldn’t give up on them. Because he loved her. He believed in her.

  Drawing her to him, they held each other on the quiet street, with only the noise from Grey’s in the background. Keely wrapped her arms around Jonah’s waist, letting his warmth and scent become part of her. She never wanted to let go.

  The sound of the swinging doors of the saloon made them both look, and they saw Lucy, with her eyebrow up, a question on her lips. “Well?”

  “She said yes,” he told her.

  A smile bloomed across Lucy’s face and she went back into the bar.

  As if on cue, Jonah reached in his pocket and pulled out a small, black velvet box.

  Inside, Keely knew there was a ring, and that millions of
years ago, the stone in that ring was nothing more than a piece of carbon. Over time, it became something beautiful. Something strong. Something eternal.

  Just like her and Jonah.

  Timing was everything.

  The End

  The Men of Marietta series

  When there isn’t enough money to make Harry’s House a functional afterschool center, the Montana First Responders decide they need to step up, and really turn up the heat. The Men of Marietta Calendar is created with pages filled of sexy guys willing to do just about anything for a great cause….

  Book 1: Tempting the Deputy by Heidi Rice

  Buy now!

  Book 2: Flirting with Fire by Kate Hardy

  Buy now!

  Book 3: Daring the Pilot by Jeannie Moon

  Buy now!

  Book 4: Falling for the Ranger by Kaylie Newell

  Buy now!

  Book 5: Burning with Desire by Patricia W. Fischer

  Buy now!

  More by Jeannie Moon

  Meet Jonah’s brother, Gavin Clark

  Weekend with Her Bachelor

  Buy now!

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  About the Author

  Jeannie Moon has always been a romantic. When she’s not spinning tales of her own, Jeannie works as a school librarian, thankful she has a job that allows her to immerse herself in books and call it work. Married to her high school sweetheart, Jeannie has three kids, three lovable dogs and a mischievous cat and lives in her hometown on Long Island, NY. If she’s more than ten miles away from salt water for any longer than a week, she gets twitchy. Visit Jeannie’s website at www.jeanniemoon.com

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