Welcome To Redemption: Series Collection (Books 1-6)

by Donna Marie Rogers

  “Get your dad,” Wes instructed. “And call 911.”

  Tara ran for the house and the moment the tree settled, Wes rushed to the man’s side. A large branch across his chest pinned him to the ground, and he gasped in obvious pain.

  “C-can’t…breathe…”

  Wes straddled the branch, wrapped his arms around the rough bark, and lifted. Bark bit hard into his bare arms, but the tree didn’t give. The man’s white face and blue lips didn’t look good. Wes sucked in a breath and strained harder. Pounding footsteps reached his ears, along with a jangling of metal tags that could only be—

  “Sugar!”

  Wes glanced over his shoulder to see Sugar barreling toward him. Great, not now, dog.

  “Sugar, sit!” he bellowed. The tone of his voice halted the Great Dane in her tracks. “Stay,” Wes commanded. She cowered down as Tara and her father ran past to take hold of the tree with him.

  “Mom’s calling the rescue squad.”

  “Lift on three.”

  Wes counted swiftly, and this time the tree moved a little, but the man on the ground cried out in agony.

  “Hold it right there—don’t move,” Wes ordered. “We’re rolling it on him when we lift the branch. We need to get the entire thing straight up.”

  “How?” Kurt Russell ground out through clenched teeth.

  “We need something to leverage it up with.” Back muscles burning, Wes swept his gaze around the yard for something that might help.

  “I got it! I’ll be right back,” Tara exclaimed and sprinted toward the garage.

  “Hang in there, Jeff,” Kurt said. “We’re gonna get you out of there.”

  Jackie Russell ran from the house as sirens sounded in the distance. Relief washed over Wes, lifting some of the weight of responsibility off his shoulders. Tara returned with two long metal pipes just as the rescue squad and two police cars screamed around the corner. She shoved one pipe across to Wes and Kurt, then positioned the other on the opposite side and braced it on her shoulder.

  “Mom, help me with this.”

  “You got it?” Wes asked Kurt before letting go of the tree. He nodded, so Wes grabbed the other pole and positioned it the same as Tara and her mother, directly opposite so the pipes crossed underneath the branch. Squatting slightly, he pushed up with everything he had, using his entire body to bear the weight. At Wes’s instruction, Kurt switched with Jackie to even out their strength.

  Between the four of them, they lifted the tree a few inches. The man gasped and coughed as the EMT’s hurried from their squad, Charlie one of them. From the corner of his eye, Wes saw Sugar run toward her owner.

  “Sugar, come,” Wes ordered in a firm tone. The dog slowed, turning her head toward Wes. Charlie paused to confer with another EMT, and Sugar focused back on him. Wes knew she’d only get in the way so he called her again. She paused, clearly torn. Tara joined in, and together, they coaxed the dog over as Charlie took charge of the situation.

  He gave commands with calm efficiency, working fast to access the injured man so they could move him clear. Wes heard “broken ribs” and a “possible punctured lung” and hoped the guy would be okay. Sugar sidled up to Wes’s leg, surprising him by sitting as if she now understood the gravity of the situation. Wes praised her quietly.

  Even though the police officers now helped with the weight of tree, Wes’s arms started to shake. He looked across at Tara. She was doing great, and so smart of her to grab pipes that allowed the tree to slide easier. Their eyes met. Her brief smile gave him a renewed sense of strength.

  “All clear!” Charlie called after they’d lifted the man on a backboard to the stretcher and moved him away. Wes saw his own relief reflected in Tara, Jackie, and Kurt’s faces. They let the tree and poles drop with a combined crunch of branches and echo of metal. The other three started toward the ambulance, so Wes took hold of Sugar’s collar and followed.

  Charlie met them halfway. “He’s got a couple broken ribs, but we’re not sure about his lungs. He’s gaining color back already, so hopefully his injuries won’t be too serious. Anyone know where Carol is?”

  Sugar turned her head to lick Wes’s arm, and he flinched away from her rough tongue as Tara’s mom supplied, “She goes to bingo on Sunday afternoons. I’ll pick her up and meet you at the hospital.”

  “Okay, I’ll see you there. Good job, you guys, thanks for the help.” Charlie started to turn away, then did a double take to focus on Wes and Sugar. “You should come get those cuts cleaned up.”

  Wes looked down. The moment he saw his raw, blood-dried forearms, his brain registered stinging pain. Sugar tried to lick again, but Wes pulled away. “It’s nothing, just superficial.”

  “When was your last tetanus shot?” Charlie asked as he backed toward the squad.

  Three weeks ago when he’d been shot. “I’m current.”

  Charlie shrugged and returned his attention back where Wes figured it belonged. Tara stepped up alongside him as the ambulance left, gently touching the back of his arm.

  “Let’s get you taken care of in the house.”

  Her concerned voice warmed his heart, but he glanced at her father first. Kurt Russell walked toward the house with Jackie, completely ignoring them. Wes looked around to discover many of the onlookers—concerned neighbors, most likely—still remained, and more than a few of them eyed him with open curiosity.

  “They’re only scratches,” Wes protested in a low tone. “No big deal.”

  Tara rolled her eyes and pulled his hand free of Sugar’s collar. “Yeah, I got it, tough guy, just come inside so I can wash them.”

  Sugar ran ahead, bounded onto the porch next to Tara’s father, then danced with expectant anticipation while waiting for the door to open. If only life were so simple, Wes thought, observing Kurt’s stone-faced expression. Dancing didn’t look like it’d get him anywhere. How much of the driveway scene on the bike had the man witnessed?

  When Tara and Wes approached, Kurt said, “I’m going with your mom to get Carol.”

  “Call and let us know how he is, okay?” Tara asked.

  Kurt nodded and held the door for them. Sugar leapt inside, her nails scrambling on the tile floor of the foyer. Surprised, but not about to look a gift horse in the mouth, Wes started to follow Tara inside. Then he thought better of it and stopped to face her father on the porch.

  “Thank you,” Kurt said gruffly before Wes could speak. He reached up and put a hand on Wes’s shoulder. “You helped save his life.”

  Not comfortable with the praise, but not wanting to sound flip, either, Wes nodded. “We all did.”

  Jackie came out with her keys and purse and Kurt dropped his arm. They were two steps off the porch before Wes managed to form his words. “Mr. Russell.”

  Both parents paused and turned at the same time Sugar swept back through the open door. She bumped into Wes, almost buckling his knees and sending him back a step. His heart thundered in his ears, but he straightened and met Kurt’s piercing gaze.

  “I plan to date and marry your daughter.” He heard Tara’s indrawn breath behind him, but kept going. “With all due respect, I’m not asking for your permission, but it would be nice to have your blessing. For Tara’s sake.”

  Kurt stared him down for what felt like forever, until Tara stepped up alongside Wes and threaded her fingers through his. Wes didn’t dare look away from her father. Then Kurt’s dark, challenging gaze shifted to his daughter and softened. He sighed and looked down at his hands, appearing almost ashamed.

  “I apologize, Tara.” The significance of his words rang clear. Wes’s fingers tightened on Tara’s with relief. Before he could enjoy the feeling, her father’s gaze sharpened back on Wes. “You are the first man with the guts to face me. I respect that, but don’t give me any reason to regret this.”

  “Of course not,” Wes assured him at the same time Tara’s mother elbowed her husband in the ribs.

  She smiled at Wes and Tara as she took hold of Kurt’
s arm. “Let’s go.”

  Tara slipped her arms around Wes’s waist. He hugged her to his side as they watched her parents leave.

  In the silence of their departure, Tara whispered, “Did you really just say what I think you said?”

  Heart lodged in his throat, Wes watched Sugar chase a leaf blowing across the yard. “You got a problem with it?”

  “No.”

  He looked down to meet her unwavering gaze and grinned. “Good. Because I meant it.”

  She tilted her chin up, pressing close with her eyes shining. Wes turned her into his arms and bent to kiss her willing lips. Gently at first, then deeper as her hands explored the muscles in his back, drawing them closer and sending heat coursing through his entire body.

  He lifted his head a few inches when oxygen became crucial. “You know people will probably think we’re crazy.”

  “Why?”

  “Because there’s no such thing as love at first sight.”

  Sugar gave a sharp bark next to them. Tara jumped, Wes grimaced. The Great Dane stared up at them with her soulful brown eyes, her tail wagging the rest of her body. She dipped down and barked again.

  “Tell that to Sugar,” Tara murmured as she pulled Wes back down for another kiss.

  ~~~~~

  I hope you enjoyed Tara and Wes’s story. Sugar is my dream dog—minus the work and her psychoses.

  Donna Marie Rogers’s The Perfect Blend is next—ready for the personality clash of the century? Enjoy!

  (back to top)

  Welcome to Redemption, Book 3

  The Perfect Blend

  by

  Donna Marie Rogers

  Carrie Lowell swears off men for good after nearly losing her business in a bitter divorce. She’s on the verge of bankruptcy when librarian Matt Jacobs walks into her shop and offers sound—if unwanted—business advice. Financially he’s a godsend, but emotionally he’s a threat to the barricade she’s built around her heart. Heir to a vast fortune, Jacob Spalding flees L.A. for Wisconsin to escape the scandalous nightmare his life has become. Now known as Matt Jacobs, he settles in to small town life and soon finds himself infatuated with the coffee shop owner across the street. Too bad the infuriating woman is as contrary as she is beautiful.

  Dedication

  ~~~

  Jamie, this one’s for you.

  Chapter One

  “You know, you could turn this place into a real success with just a few minor changes.”

  Carrie Lowell shot a quick frown up from the espresso she was brewing. She did a double take when she realized the deep voice doling out business advice belonged to the hottie who worked across the street at the library. “Excuse me?”

  “Add some books and magazines, expand the menu to include sandwiches and wraps, maybe stay open till five. The cheese factory lets out at three thirty so—”

  “Uh, Matt, right?” At his nod, she said, “Look, don’t take this the wrong way, but you’re a librarian. If I needed advice on which new novel to check out, your word would be gold. Get my drift?” She handed her customer the cappuccino she’d just made. “Want it on your tab, Bill?”

  “Yep. Thanks, Care.”

  Once Bill left, Matt said, “See? How do you expect to keep this place afloat when you don’t even charge your customers for their orders?”

  Carrie turned to face him, hands on hips. She couldn’t believe the freakin’ librarian was standing here giving her business advice. “Not that it’s any of your concern, Matt, but I’m doing just fine. Now go file books away or something and leave me be.” She made a shooing motion with her hands.

  Matt crossed his arms across his chest and peered at her over his glasses. It struck her that she’d never thought a man could look sexy in glasses, but somehow Matt rocked his. Yeah, he was a hottie all right. Big whiskey-brown eyes, thick, dark blond hair with sun-kissed highlights. Tall, slim, but with broad shoulders and lean muscled arms. She’d bet he looked damn good in a pair of swim trunks—

  “I’m not a child, Ms. Lowell, and since I happen to be your only paying customer, I wouldn’t be so quick to dismiss me if I were you.”

  “Which you’re not.” She crossed her own arms over her chest—which wasn’t quite as effective with her boobs in the way, making it look more like she was imitating I Dream of Jeannie. “Me, that is. So mind your own business.”

  He smiled suddenly, displaying perfectly white straight teeth. “You’re like a five-year-old who doesn’t like to be told what to do.”

  Was this guy for real? She slapped her hands down on the counter. “Who the hell do you think you are?”

  “Matt Jacobs—”

  “It was a rhetorical question.”

  “—and I happen to have a business degree, so would it really kill you to listen to me?”

  Well, la-di-freakin’-da. “Why do you even care? My God, we barely know each other, and within the space of two minutes you’ve offered me unwanted business advice and insulted me. My closest friends wouldn’t dare speak to me the way you have.”

  He cocked a brow. “Maybe that’s part of the problem. You need someone to give it to you straight.”

  “Uh-huh. And you’re just the man for the job, right? Please.”

  “Maybe I am.” He let out a sigh and swiped his fingers through his hair. “Look, even a blind man could see how poor your business has been the past few months—”

  “It’s summer!”

  “—and I know you could turn it around with some fairly simple changes and longer hours.”

  “I think you need to leave now.”

  He plucked at his sky blue, short-sleeved, button collar shirt and frowned as he glanced around. “It’s warm in here. Don’t you have the air on?”

  Carrie’s cheeks flamed. The air-conditioner had conked out over the weekend, and she couldn’t afford to replace it right now. Heck, she could barely afford to keep her doors open at this point. Maybe she needed to swallow her pride and take on a partner, like that new boyfriend of Tara’s suggested. The guy seemed certain that selling half of her shop would solve her problems. Well, except one—Carrie didn’t like to share. But an influx of cash was about the only thing that would save this place right now. And maybe someone with a little business sense.

  “It broke down this morning,” she lied, too embarrassed to admit the truth. “I haven’t had a chance to have it serviced yet.”

  “I could take a look at it, if you’d like.” He smiled, transforming his boyishly handsome face into one that made her pulse leap.

  She wanted to kiss him. She hadn’t wanted to kiss a man in almost three years, and here she was, aching to pull him down and lay one on him. She cleared her throat, grabbed a washrag, and went to town on the counter. Had to keep those hands busy. “Thanks, but I’d rather leave it to the experts.” She chanced a peek up at him.

  His smile faded. “Suit yourself.”

  “I will.”

  “Fine.”

  “Fine.” She met his gaze, not caring how childish she sounded.

  He mumbled something that included the words “stubborn” and “idiot,” then strode out the door.

  “Good riddance,” Carrie snapped as the bell tinkled in his wake. Good riddance? Sheesh, great comeback. She leaned against the counter and pouted, watching as he crossed the street and disappeared into the library. Well, he was right about one thing: she was as stubborn as a mule. And when it came to men, the word ‘idiot’ wasn’t far off either.

  * * *

  “I swear, the woman’s nuts,” Matt griped, glowering out the window. “And mean as a snake. You’d think she’d appreciate my input. Appreciate that I cared enough to walk into her shop and—”

  “Tell her how to run her business?” Caleb Hunter set his books and library card on the counter. “Yeah, it’s amazing she didn’t melt at your feet.”

  “You’re just sticking up for her ’cause she’s your girlfriend’s best friend.”

  Caleb grinned. “There is th
at.”

  Matt tore his gaze away from the infuriating woman—who was busy cleaning windows—to checkout Caleb’s books. A smile lifted his lips when he scanned in the first one. “For Emma?”

  “No, I thought I’d read Green Eggs and Ham to Lauren tonight. Dr. Seuss is a surprising turn-on for her.”

  Matt burst out laughing. “Smartass. Could’ve been for Max.”

  “Actually, the book on hotwiring a car is for Max.”

  “Someone’s in fine form today.” Matt handed Caleb back his library card. “So, we still on for supper?”

  “You bet. Lauren’s making baked mostaccioli, fresh-baked Italian bread, and cheesecake for dessert.”

  Matt grinned. Lauren was an excellent cook, and if Caleb wasn’t careful, he’d have a Buddha belly in no time. “Hundred bucks says you’ll need a new wardrobe by Halloween.”

  Caleb patted his stomach. “Nah, I just have to learn to pace myself. See you later, man.”

  “Later.” A twinge of envy tightened Matt’s chest. He’d had so few home-cooked meals in his life; he couldn’t even imagine what it would feel like to have a woman cook a meal for him. In his world, you either dined out or ordered takeout. A visual of Carrie slaving over a hot stove made him snort out loud. Crazy woman would more likely serve him up as the main entrée. Trussed up in a pan with an apple in his mouth. He rolled his eyes. At least he wouldn’t have to think about her for the rest of the night.

  His cell phone rang. Matt dug it out of his front pocket and let out a sigh when he saw the caller ID. “Hey, Lindy, what’s up?”

  “Dad’s in the hospital,” his baby sister replied, her tone cool.