by Addison Fox
His gaze drifted to Mac and Claudia saw how Joshua helped him disengage from where he sat cradling the woman. “Is she gone?”
“Yes,” Mac said.
“I’m sorry.” Hawk pulled her close once more. “She had you and she was screaming.”
Claudia was sorry, too. Sorrier than she could say, even as she knew with absolute certainty Maria’s pain had driven her mad. “She was going to kill me. It was there. In her eyes.”
“Hawk did the right thing.” Joshua’s training took over and he stood, doing his best to block the body from view. “Once an officer, always an officer, eh?”
Claudia felt the import of Joshua’s words in the easing of Hawk’s tense frame and she was grateful for his assessment. They’d deal with this for a very long time, but the acceptance of a fellow law officer went a long way toward reassuring Hawk of a split-second decision.
When she could swallow around the lump in her throat, she asked, “How did you find me?”
“Cody. He snuck a visit to Bunny and saw you being taken.”
Knox wrapped his arms around both of them in a hard hug. “Hard to reprimand my little sneak for being the hero of the day.”
“He’s getting a whole stableful of horses,” Mac said with absolutely finality.
As Claudia stood there in the arms of the man she loved, surrounded by the family she loved, she couldn’t argue with Mac’s fatherly wisdom.
“Put me down for stable duty.”
Epilogue
The manila envelope lay faceup on Mac’s dining room table, unopened. Until she took that final step, she was still in the dark, making assumptions about who she was. But once opened, she’d have answers. Everyone gave her the space she needed, but it was hard to miss the furtive looks that kept stealing toward the center of the table.
Especially now that everyone had departed, both police and guests, and it was just the family.
The Shadow Creek police had arrived at the cottage on the La Bonne Vie property and claimed the area as a crime scene. She and Hawk had given initial statements along with Mac, Knox and Joshua. It had only been Joshua’s subtle threat of calling his contacts at the FBI that had gotten them all a stay until the following day for more formal questioning.
It was that same FBI weight and influence that went a long way toward identifying the events of the evening as self-defense. A process Joshua had already begun with the feds since everything had taken place on seized property. Bud Jeffries might hate the interference, but there wasn’t much he could do about it.
So here they were.
Claudia reached for the envelope, the subtle conversation around the table quieting. Hawk had kept an arm draped over the back of her chair, his fingers floating lightly over her skin. His touch was warm. Reassuring. And, she well knew, as much for him as for her.
It gave her the strength she needed. And Mac, sitting sentinel on her right, gave her the courage to push forward.
Mac stilled her hand. “You’re one of us, Claudia. You know that, don’t you?”
“I do.”
“I’ve loved you since the first day I saw you. You’re my daughter in every way that counts and nothing will change that.”
The weepy tears she’d fought all evening filled her eyes, but broke on a hard sob of laughter when she heard a matched response from Maggie and Leonor.
She’d waited long enough. It was time to find out.
Claudia slipped her finger under the seal and broke it quickly, pulling out the paper inside. It was the work of a moment, the impact of a lifetime when she read the words.
“My DNA is a match with Annalise Krupid’s. There is a one hundred percent certainty she is my mother.”
Mac spoke first, his voice deep and resonate when he spoke. “Well, then. It looks like our family just got a whole lot bigger. We’ve got some new family members to welcome very soon. You make sure they know that, Hawk. That’s a personal invitation.”
“Yes, sir.”
Emotions burst around the table after that, everyone echoing Mac’s sentiments. As she felt their support and received each and every embrace, Claudia knew two truths.
Her family loved her. And they were her family and nothing could change that. Nothing would.
Livia Colton had done her level best to ruin the name of Colton. But the men and women around the table were the ones who’d restored it. They’d renewed all their family name had always stood for. Honor. Grace. And love.
Always love.
The round of hugs nearly finished, Claudia was surprised by the small tug on her hand. Cody had fallen asleep on the couch, but the noise had obviously woken him up. “You’re okay, Aunt Claudia?”
“I’m fine, sweetie.” She bent to hug him. “And you’re our hero for keeping such a watchful eye and telling everyone how to find me.”
“I know I shouldn’t have snuck out to see Bunny.”
“Sometimes the things we’re not supposed to do work out just fine.”
“Can I tell you something else?”
“What is it, honey?”
He lifted up on tiptoe, his lips pressed to her ear. “I took a piece of cake, too.”
Mac was close enough to hear the confession and he threw back his head and laughed. “We can’t forget the cake!”
As Allison and Leonor went into high gear retrieving the cake from the kitchen, Hawk pulled her to her feet and into the living room. “I just need a minute.”
“You can have all the minutes you’d like.”
He pulled her close, nuzzling her neck and breathing deep before he stepped back. “We went through something big tonight. Something that will have repercussions for both of us.”
“I know.”
“I know, too. And we will get through it together. But it’s important to me to say that so you understand the other thing I’m about to say.”
She stared deep into his vivid blue eyes, awed to see all the strength and love and support she’d ever need shining back. “What’s that?”
“I want a future with you. I want to court you and laugh with you and make love with you.”
“I’d like a future with you, too.”
“I’m very glad to hear that since I want to marry you and spend the rest of my life with you.”
“Then there’s only one more thing we need to do.”
“What’s that?”
“Let’s go get some cake.”
She pulled him close, pressing her lips to his. Cake might be sweet, but it would never be sweeter than a life with this man.
But that wouldn’t stop either of them from having a very large piece.
* * * * *
If you loved this novel,
don’t miss the next thrilling romance in
the COLTONS OF SHADOW CREEK miniseries:
THE COLTON MARINE by Lisa Childs,
available in July 2017
from Harlequin Romantic Suspense!
And check out other suspenseful titles
by Addison Fox, available now from
Harlequin Romantic Suspense!
Join Harlequin My Rewards today and earn a FREE ebook!
Click here to Join Harlequin My Rewards
http://www.harlequin.com/myrewards.html?mt=loyalty&cmpid=EBOOBPBPA201602010003
We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Romantic Suspense title.
You want sparks to fly! Harlequin Romantic Suspense stories deliver, with strong and adventurous women, brave and powerful men and the life-and-death situations that bring them together.
Enjoy four new stories from Harlequin Romantic Suspense every month!
Connect with us on Harlequin.com for info on our new releases, access to exclusive offers, free online reads and much more!
Harlequin
.com/newsletters
Facebook.com/HarlequinBooks
Twitter.com/HarlequinBooks
HarlequinBlog.com
Join Harlequin My Rewards & Instantly earn a FREE ebook of your choice.
Earn points for every Harlequin print and ebook you buy, wherever & whenever you shop.
Turn your points into FREE BOOKS.
Don’t miss out. Reward the book lover in you!
Register Today & Earn a FREE BOOK*
*New members who join before December 31st, 2017 will receive 2000 points redeemable for eligible titles.
Click here to register
Or visit us online to register at
http://www.harlequin.com/myrewards.html?mt=loyalty&cmpid=EBOOBPBPA201602010001
Don’t miss TAKE IT TO THE GRAVE!
A 6-part psychological thriller that will have you guessing till the very end!
“I know your secret. I’m going to tell.”
As Sarah Taylor-Cox stares at the anonymous letter, her body starts to shake with dread. She has everything to lose—a gorgeous husband, a beautiful baby, and a picture-perfect house in the Hamptons. And now, the lies she’s built her life on are starting to crumble, one by deadly one...
Collect all 6!
Take It to the Grave (Part 1 of 6)
by Zoe Carter
Take It to the Grave (Part 2 of 6)
by Zoe Carter
Take It to the Grave (Part 3 of 6)
by Zoe Carter
Take It to the Grave (Part 4 of 6)
by Zoe Carter
Take It to the Grave (Part 5 of 6)
by Zoe Carter
Take It to the Grave (Part 6 of 6)
by Zoe Carter
“I know your secret. I’m going to tell.”
As Sarah Taylor-Cox stares at the anonymous letter, her body starts to shake with dread. She has everything to lose—a gorgeous husband, a beautiful baby, and a picture-perfect house in the Hamptons. And now, the lies she’s built her life on are starting to crumble, one by deadly one...
Keep reading for a sneak peek at the first episode of
Take It to the Grave (Part 1 of 6)
by Zoe Carter
Prologue
The clouds gather thick and furious, shutting out the sun.
The smell of ozone is intense, warning me more effectively than the grumbling thunder. A storm is coming—a big one, perhaps the worst we’ve had in years.
The thought of Elliot gets me moving.
Elliot, with his soft skin and plump cheeks, the darling dimples at his elbows. Just four months old.
An image of another baby, another time, creeps into my mind, but I push it away, stumbling on the damp sand. The nightgown my husband is enamored with twists and turns in the growing wind, tangling between my thighs. I long to tear off the slick fabric, but I don’t dare take the time. I have to find my child.
“Elliot!” I scream his name even though he is too young to answer.
The thunder makes a mockery of my cries, stealing my breath before I can try again.
It’s no use, anyway.
The beach is empty.
Waves throw themselves at the shore again and again, churning themselves into foam.
The ocean fizzes around my ankles and I climb farther up the shore to keep from getting dragged into the angry water. My foot comes down on a broken shell, but I ignore the pain as it cuts through the skin. The agony that swells in my chest at the thought of losing my son is far worse than the throb of my wounded heel.
I can’t lose him—he’s everything.
Please don’t hurt him. Not Elliot. He’s so innocent...
But all babies are innocent, aren’t they?
The rain, when it comes, is as enraged as the ocean, and I’m soaked through in an instant. I can’t bear the thought of my sweet little boy in this downpour. He doesn’t have his jacket. The image of Elliot, shivering and turning blue in his little sleeper, drives me forward. My eyes strain to see in the dim light, every breath I take ending in a cry for my missing child.
I can’t leave him out here; I can’t.
Then I realize the beach isn’t empty.
There is someone standing by the rocks, watching me.
Waiting for me...
“Elliot!”
My scream travels farther this time, echoing through the storm. Strength I didn’t know I had floods my legs, and I run faster.
As I picture my missing son and how wonderful it will feel to wrap my arms around him again, I give no thought to my own safety.
I run toward the dark figure on the beach.
Sarah
I tilt my head and let the sun caress my face, resisting the urge to close my eyes. Elliot burbles on my chest, and I stroke the soft blond down on his head.
“Lucky baby,” I whisper. “Look what a handsome man your father is.”
Sometimes it’s difficult to believe how lucky we both are. Warwick is the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen—it’s still hard to believe he’s my husband. He grins at me now, flashing the kind of teeth most people will never achieve without hours in a dentist’s chair. His father catches Warwick smiling at me and gives him a friendly nudge.
“Pay attention, son. We don’t want to burn the steaks.” My husband returns his attention to the grill. It’s a gorgeous day, perfect for relaxing on the veranda of our East Hamptons home.
Edward Taylor-Cox winks at me and the good-natured jostling between father and son continues. Though Edward’s hair is silver and the skin around his eyes crinkles when he smiles, he is still movie-star handsome. Warwick is destined to age well. I am a lucky woman indeed.
Lucky, lucky, lucky...
One of our maids breaks my reverie. “More iced tea, miss?”
I hadn’t noticed my glass was empty. This is the first truly nice weather we’ve had in weeks. Too bad House Beautiful couldn’t have come today, instead of last Thursday when it was raining. “Yes, please.” I hand Emily my sweating glass.
“She’ll have plain water,” Warwick’s mother says with a frown. “Too much caffeine is bad for the baby.”
“But I’m not—”
I was about to admit I’m not nursing, but close my mouth with a snap, nearly biting my tongue. Eleanor would remind me that breastfeeding is the best gift I could give my child, and while that may be true, she isn’t the one who has to fight with Elliot. I’m still trying, but if he prefers a bottle, what’s the harm?
Emily hesitates, holding my glass steady on her tray, as her eyes flick from Eleanor’s to mine. Feeling sorry for her, I decide to end the impasse. “Water would be lovely. Thank you.”
“And not too much ice, either. Cold water is bad for the system,” my mother-in-law adds, tucking her pristine platinum bob behind an ear.
Emily nods, anxious to leave the patio. “Yes, ma’am.” She performs an awkward little bow-curtsy combo before scurrying away, something she only does in deference to my mother-in-law.
The annoyance must have shown on my face, for Eleanor widens her eyes, the picture of innocence. “What? I’m only trying to help. You have to take care of yourself, Sarah. You’re a mother now.” She touches my baby’s head. “What a darling boy. He’s beginning to resemble Warwick more every day, don’t you think?”
“Yes, he is.” Privately, I think Elliot resembles me, especially around the lips and eyes. His coloring could have come from either of us. I’m blonde, as well, though my hair is a shade darker than my husband’s. Only time will tell whom Elliot takes after.
Be nice. She’s trying, and she’s been good to you—and your son.
“So we’ve agreed. Elliot’s christening party will be included as part of our summer gathering this year.” Eleanor plucks invisible lint from
her white linen suit. She’s the only person I know who wears a suit in this heat, but I’ve never seen her perspire. My son has more visible pores than she does. “The guest lists should be compatible, so I don’t foresee any difficulties.”
The Taylor-Coxes are American royalty. Their East Hamptons home is even more luxurious than ours, and it’s close enough that it will be easy to shuttle Elliot back and forth during the party. Eleanor’s offer is meant to be generous, and certainly our friends will be impressed.
“If you’re sure...it’s a lot of trouble for you.” I hope my tone conveys the proper gratitude.
It could have been left at that. We could have enjoyed the gorgeous day, eating the glorious food Edward and Warwick grilled for us, and then stretched out for a nice long nap.
But of course Eleanor has to go too far.
“Your family must attend this time, Sarah—I insist.” Her lips purse into a moue of displeasure. Seeing her expression, Emily hurriedly hands me a glass of tepid water before vanishing into the house again. “It’s getting ridiculous. Why do they have such an aversion to us? People will talk.”
I shoot a pleading look at Warwick and his father, but they’re studiously ignoring us, piling steaming steaks on a platter. Once again, I’m left to fight my own battle.
“It’s not that. They’d love to meet you.” Taking a deep breath, I remind myself to be patient. It’s not Eleanor’s fault—my family situation must seem strange to outsiders. “They’re just very busy. I don’t even know where my sister is half the time. She’s always out of the country.”
“It’s not right we haven’t gotten a chance to meet them,” Eleanor says, her brow furrowing with a disapproving expression I am all too familiar with. “They weren’t even at the wedding, for God’s sake. What kind of people miss their own daughter’s wedding? If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were hiding something.”
I choke on a mouthful of water, soaking the collar of my sundress and narrowly missing my son, who gurgles in his sleep. “Hiding something? What on earth would I be hiding?”