After getting the details, he took Charlie to Marney’s shop.
Claudette greeted him. “Hey, that’s Charlie!” She took him from Dell’s arms and hugged him to her. “Bad puppy! How’d you get out anyway?”
Dell said, “I don’t know how he got out, but he made it to my office. You might want to put him on a leash. Don’t forget we have a leash law.”
“He has a leash. Marney only takes it off when she’s working.”
“Yeah.” He glanced at the office door. Closed. His heart stuttered a bit, surprising him. Normally, he didn’t have a problem losing someone—he’d learned not to care so much that it hurt. But Marney had been a friend as well as his lover. He had to admit he would miss her.
But this was for the best.
…
Even though everyone in town knew who he was, Dell had to sign in at the elementary school and have an escort take him to the first-grade classroom. Gideon Roth, the town vet, was just coming out as he approached the door. He shook Dell’s hand. “Tough crowd in there. Good luck.”
Dell laughed. As he entered the classroom, the kids saw his uniform and they cheered.
Halfway through his talk—a little speech that was part admonition for the kids to be good and stay on the right side of the law and half description of his job—he noticed a little girl sitting in the back. Her brown pigtails reached her shoulders and her brown eyes could light up a room.
Marney immediately came to mind, and he had to squelch a chuckle. That was probably what Marney had looked like as a little girl. But another thought quickly replaced that one. He suddenly realized that adorable girl in the back looked exactly like what Marney’s daughter would look like.
This time his heart stalled. Marney would someday have kids without him.
He went back to his speech, telling himself to forget that and stop thinking about her. But two rows over, he spotted a little boy who reminded him of himself at that age. Inquisitive. Funny. Smart. His heart beat out of rhythm for a few seconds. It was odd to see himself as a child—then he realized he wasn’t seeing himself but what his son would look like.
Confused, he shook his head to clear it. He didn’t want kids. He had. When he was younger, he’d wanted lots of kids. But he didn’t want them now.
“So that’s my job. Anybody have any questions?”
Ten hands bulleted into the air. But the little boy who reminded Dell of himself, simply shouted, “Yeah, have you ever shot anyone?”
He laughed. “No. We’re lucky not to have that kind of trouble here.”
“What about in Afghanistan.”
“I was MP. Military Police. And I wasn’t about to shoot one of our own guys.”
A confirming gasp rippled through the room as if they were little patriots who understood, and his heart lurched. He only ever saw kids at family functions, and usually they were as bored and crabby as he was in his parents’ sterile mansion. But these kids were real. Normal. In their own environment, they were fun. Funny.
And they got to him. This was what Marney wanted. Not just sex, but a life. The life he’d wanted before his ex had cheated on him. That was why he’d felt so odd the night before and this morning. He might have made rules, decisions, but his heart had always had other plans. He’d tumbled into love without even realizing it.
“Do you have a dog?”
“No, but my friend has a dog. His name is Charlie.”
He’d had the dog in his hands that morning as if life—or Charlie—was giving him a second chance.
But he’d dropped the ball. Because he was afraid.
The big, tough policeman these kids looked up to was afraid.
…
Marney stared at her computer screen, refusing to let herself think about anything but jewelry. A knock sounded on her door.
Without looking up she said, “Go away, Claudette. I need another six hours with this piece before I’ll be happy with it.”
Claudette said nothing, but the door opened. She looked up to politely remind her staffer that she didn’t wish to be bothered, but she didn’t see anyone.
She did, however, hear a bark. Then Charlie scampered over and nudged her ankle.
Claudette’s shaking voice came through the crack of the open door. “The Sheriff’s here. He wants to talk to you.”
Her pulse raced. He was here? Oh, Lord. She didn’t want to break down in front of impressionable Claudette. And she definitely would break down if he tried to explain again why he didn’t love her. “Tell him I’m busy.”
Claudette didn’t say anything else. She simply closed the door. But Charlie tugged on her pant leg.
“Stop that!”
He barked, grabbed the hem of her pants again and tugged again.
“Stop!”
He barked, grabbed her hem and tugged.
“For the love of pity and peace! Stop, Charlie! I’m not leaving this room.”
The door opened a crack. “I know from experience he isn’t going to stop until you do what he wants.”
Her head snapped up. There was no mistaking the masculine sound of Dell’s voice.
Charlie began barking like a crazy dog. With a sigh, she rose, walked to the door and opened it completely. Then walked back to her desk and took her seat again.
Hat in hand, Dell strolled in. “I need to talk to you.”
“I think we established this morning that you’ve already said everything you want to say.”
“Yeah, well, that was before I went to first grade this afternoon for career day.” He paused. “I saw a little girl who looked like what you probably looked like as a little girl.”
“Peachy.”
“And a little boy who looked like me…and acted like me.” He shook his head with a laugh. “Our kids would be incredible.”
She peeked up at him. “Our kids? With me raising them alone because you keep secrets?”
“I don’t want secrets anymore. Yes, I’ll still be sheriff, but there’s no reason to hide my roots—especially if I’m going to raise our kids with you.”
Her heart stalled and blood rushed to her head. But she’d made wrong assumptions before. She wouldn’t make one again. “Are we going to share custody, shack up, or are you asking me to marry you?”
“I’m asking you to marry me.”
Shock froze her in place, but the warmth in his eyes quickly melted it. He meant it. He wanted to marry her. And he wanted kids. He wanted a life together.
She burst off her chair and into his arms. “Yes!”
He caught her face between his hands, his gaze searched her eyes. “My heart knew last night that I’d fallen in love with you. It just took those kids to remind me of who I was and what I wanted. A real life…with you.”
She squeezed her eyes shut then popped them open again, just to be sure this was actually happening.
He still stood in front of her, holding her.
He laughed. “Having a little trouble believing this is real?”
He knew her so well. She should have known better than to close her eyes.
He reached into his back pocket, pulled out a little box. “Maybe this will help.”
He opened the box and presented her with a two-carat diamond surrounded by little diamonds that made a square.
“Oh, my God.”
He dropped to one knee. “Since we’re doing this, let’s do it right. Miss Marney Fields, will you do me the honor of being my wife?”
The tears that backed up behind her eyelids this time were happy tears. “Yes.”
She held out her hand, and he slid on the ring.
The earth shifted. She swore she felt a click. The past was gone. The future was ahead of them. And he was hers.
Forever.
“Wanna go home and make some soup?” She grinned.
He rose and caught her hand. “I thought you’d never ask.”
About the Author
A one-time legal secretary and director of a charitable foundation, Susan
Meier found her bliss when she became a full-time novelist. She’s visited ski lodges and candy factories for “research” and works in her pajamas.
But the real joy of her job is creating stories about women for women. In her over 50 published novels, she tackles issues like infertility, losing a child and becoming widowed with sensitivity and humor.
One of eleven children, Susan is married with three of her own kids and two well-fed cats.
Love Unleashed
Jackie Braun
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.
Copyright © 2013 by Jackie Braun Fridline. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or transmit in any form or by any means. For information regarding subsidiary rights, please contact the Publisher.
Entangled Publishing, LLC
2614 South Timberline Road
Suite 109
Fort Collins, CO 80525
Visit our website at www.entangledpublishing.com.
Edited by Shannon Godwin
Cover design by Libby Murphy
Ebook ISBN 978-1-62266-217-3
Manufactured in the United States of America
First Edition October 2013
The author acknowledges the copyrighted or trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction: Chevy, Chevrolet, Jeep, Dumpster, Victoria’s Secret, Kool-Aid, Goodwill, “Love is In the Air”
For my little dog, Pip, who joined our family during the writing of this story. Thanks for rescuing me.
Chapter One
Mia Andale wasn’t quick to smile, but she was grinning broadly as she opened the door to Marney Fields O’Neil, who stood on the cottage’s tiny porch with a squirming Jack Russell terrier clutched in her arms.
“Hello, Charlie,” Mia said.
“It figures you would greet the dog first.”
“You know I’m always happy to see you.”
Mia stepped back to allow them both inside. As soon as Marney released the dog, he took off like a shot, bouncing maniacally around the cottage’s small living room.
“His only speed is fast,” Marney mused wryly, giving her brown hair a toss. Then she handed Mia the large canvas tote bag that had been slung over her shoulder. “Here’s his leash, bowl, and some food. I tucked T-R-E-A-T-S in there, too.”
“Tr—”
“Shh!” Marney clapped a hand over Mia’s mouth. “You think he’s hyper now? You haven’t seen anything yet.”
Charlie finished inspecting the room and came back to sit at the women’s feet. He gazed up at them, the picture of innocence, and cocked his head to one side. Mia’s heart melted.
“Aww.”
“Don’t let his cuteness fool you,” Marney warned on a laugh. “He can be a handful.”
“Yes, but if not for him, you and Dell might not have kept getting together, and look where that led.”
Marney’s smile bloomed in full. “You make an excellent point.”
Her friend had just married the sheriff after a whirlwind courtship and record-short engagement and was now leaving on her honeymoon, which was why Mia had volunteered to take over dog-sitting duty. This made the third stop for the infamous Mr. Bonaparte’s equally infamous pooch. So far during Mr. B’s extended trip overseas, Charlie also had stayed with their friend Gabrielle Wilson. Gabby too had wound up falling in love and was now Gabby Shepherd, wife of handsome software designer T.J. Shepherd.
Marney leaned down and patted Charlie’s head. “Bye, boy. Don’t let her do anything I wouldn’t do.” He let out a soft yip, almost as if he understood.
Mia, however, wasn’t sure she did. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Nothing. Be good.” Marney pointed a finger at the dog.
“Charlie’s going to be on his best behavior for me. Aren’t you?” Mia said.
Was it her imagination or did the little dog wink?
“You just keep telling yourself that. Well, I’d love to stay and chat, but I have to run.” Marney was halfway out the open front door when she called over her shoulder, “Oh, by the way, Charlie has a checkup with the vet at five-thirty today. Don’t be late.”
The door closed on Mia’s shocked expression. By the time she made it to the porch, Marney was already in her car driving away. Tires actually squealed. Mia scowled. The only veterinarian in Chandler’s Cove was Gideon Roth, hence Marney’s speedy getaway.
Gideon was a prime specimen of a man with a muscular build, thick sandy hair, rich brown eyes that could undress a woman with a glance, and a mouth that could turn her most wanton fantasies into reality. Mia knew all of this firsthand.
Gideon Roth was her ex-boyfriend.
She’d broken up with him six months earlier. Marney and Gabby, as well as Jenny Travolini—the other woman who formed their close quartet of friends—had been surprised. And no wonder. Gideon was a prize. Not only gorgeous and gainfully employed, but smart, funny, and abundantly decent.
Mia’s reason for dumping him? He’d said, “I love you.”
Three little words that most women longed to hear. Not Mia. Especially when Gid had gotten down on one knee on Christmas Day and backed them up with a diamond engagement ring large enough to have its own ZIP code.
Panic had bubbled up, burning her like lava. God help her, for one foolish moment, hope had as well—a geyser’s worth of it had shot up and then rained down on the old, painful memories. But nothing could wash away the past, which was why Mia had come to her senses.
Why did Gid have to go and ruin a really good thing with a declaration of love and a proposal of marriage?
Mia trusted neither.
She didn’t trust people in general. With the exception of her three girlfriends, everyone who ever had mattered in her life had pulled a disappearing act. That included her mom and dad, six sets of foster parents, and even the social worker who’d promised she would find Mia a permanent home. Six placements and a decade later, Mia had finally aged out of the system—eighteen years old and completely alone. Now approaching thirty, she was still largely alone. Only this time, it was her choice.
She closed the door and blew out a breath. At her feet, Charlie whined as if sensing her change in mood.
“It’s going to be okay,” Mia said, feeling anything but.
Forty minutes later, she pulled her car into the veterinary clinic’s parking lot. Charlie was riding shotgun, his hind feet on the passenger seat, front paws positioned on the dash just above the glove box. He yipped twice, as if to draw her gaze to the for sale sign that was rooted in the small patch of lawn that ran between the street and the lot. The dog needn’t have bothered. Although the sign was an innocuous white with san serif navy and red lettering, it might as well have been blinking in neon. It had her attention all right.
Gideon was selling? When had that happened? Why? Unfortunately, she thought she knew the answer to at least one of those questions.
…
Even with the heads-up his receptionist had given him, Gideon felt caught off guard when Mia walked into the examination room with a leashed Charlie in tow. It had been awhile since he’d seen her. He figured she was avoiding him. Given his gut-punched reaction to seeing her now, he decided that was probably a good thing.
She’d always been petite, slim. She looked even thinner now in a plain white T-shirt and a pair of jeans that used to fit far more snuggly over her hips. Fragile. God, she would hate that description, as apt as it might be. According to her friends, since the breakup Mia had been putting in a lot of overtime at the flower shop that he knew she secretly hoped to own one day. He hadn’t asked Gabby, Jenny or Marney about her, but they always volunteered information whenever he ran into them in town. Then they would stand around in awkward silence—sort of like how he and Mia were now as they faced one anoth
er in the sterile, white-tiled room.
Charlie was the first to “speak.” At his sharp bark, Gideon crouched to give the dog’s head a pat, scratching behind his ears for good measure. Glancing up at Mia, he nodded a greeting.
“Hello, Gid,” she said.
Her voice was as soft and sexy as ever. Those wide-set blue eyes every bit as distrustful as they’d been during his last encounter with her, which meant that chip on her shoulder, the one he’d tried so desperately to dislodge, remained firmly in place.
If only…
He let the thought ripple away like rings from a stone skipping over water. The time for if onlys was past.
He undid the leash and straightened. “Come on up here, Charlie. Let’s have a look at you.”
He patted the exam table, but Charlie didn’t budge. In fact, the dog plunked down his rear end on the floor and whined pitifully.
“No shots today, pal,” Gid promised and patted the table again. This time, Charlie leaped onto it. Gideon turned to Mia. “He’s all caught up on his vaccinations, but there is the small matter of…” He cleared his throat.
Mia raised her brows and leaned in expectantly, bringing the well-remembered scent of lavender with her. Whether it was from the hours she put in at the flower shop or soap, he’d never been sure.
“Yes?”
When Gideon made a snipping motion with his fingers, Charlie let out of an indignant woof! and shook his head. Gid couldn’t help chuckling. “I swear he knows exactly what I’m saying.”
“So, he needs to be F-I-X-E-D?” Mia’s tone turned hushed while she spelled. “Marney didn’t mention it.”
Gideon shrugged. “Probably because it’s Bonaparte’s call. I’ve been after him for awhile, ever since he adopted Charlie. In fact, the deed really should have been done before the shelter handed over the dog. That’s the standard protocol. But…”
“Mr. B’s not one to follow protocol,” Mia inserted wryly. And wasn’t that the truth?
No one in town knew much about the mysterious Mr. Bonaparte, other than that he lived in the largest mansion in the area, traveled extensively for business, and was rarely seen in public. Mia thought it odd that he had adopted a high-energy pet since he spent months at a time out of the country. Indeed, he wasn’t scheduled to return from his latest trip for awhile. But she could see the terrier’s appeal. All of her friends were smitten with the feisty dog.
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