by Bex Dane
"And now she's dead."
"I didn't intend to kill her." Her voice is strained because she's had a long week of talking to investigators to convince them she didn't murder Giselle. No one told them about her last kick of the car before it went over the edge. That's a secret between us.
"Do you really want to spend the rest of your life trying to prove your father was good or that you're not out there repeating the parts of him that went bad?"
"No. It's exhausting."
"Exactly. You know people say I'm a tumbleweed made of razor blades."
"That's not true."
"Isn't it? Don't I blow through someone's life, take away someone they love, destroy their life like I did yours?"
"No, because sometimes it's better if that person faced justice instead of continuing to get away with hurting people and bending the law to their will."
"Who am I to judge that? It messed up your life. If I hadn't taken your dad in…"
"My dad bought and sold drugs. He abandoned those kids. It was right what you did."
"It's complicated. I admire what you're doing for your half siblings. Not many people out there would do that."
"I guess that's part of trying to prove I'm not like him."
"Do you go visit them?"
"Not as often as I should. I get busy with work."
"Wouldn't that be the best way to prove you're not like him, by not abandoning them?"
"I haven't abandoned them. I send money regularly."
"Don't you think they'd like to spend time with their half-sister who obviously cares about them? Where do they live?"
"Southern California. Santa Ana."
"I have an idea."
"Uh oh. What idea, Mace?"
"Nothing."
"Tell me."
"We fly down, bring Maisey and Henry, we pick up your siblings. How old are they?"
"They're seven, eight, and ten. Two girls and a boy. But this is an elaborate idea."
"It's forming in my head. We take them to Disneyland. Call their mother. See if they can go this Saturday."
"I don't know."
"Listen. I'm making plans. That is a rare event. I like this idea. We're doing it. You'll see. You'll have so much fun." I rub my hands together and laugh at her reservations. "You haven't been before. You don't know why they call it the happiest place on Earth."
"No. I don't, but…"
"So, you need to find out. This is important. We'll go this weekend."
She shakes her head. "You're crazy."
I take her cheeks between my palms, and she looks up at me with those eyes that say she trusts me to take her to new places, even when she's worried. "I'm crazy in love with you."
"What?" Her eyes flare and brighten.
"I love you and everything about you." The words have never come out of my mouth before, but right now it feels like the most absolutely truthful thing I could say to her.
Her chest is heaving and she's gasping for air like she just ran a mile. "I love you too. I think I always have."
"Good." We seal the deal with a hot tender kiss on the bluff, with her father looking down on us. There's one more thing I need to tell her.
"I know of a job opening you might be interested in."
"You do? I can't be a cop anywhere now. No one will hire me with my baggage."
"Not a cop position."
"What is it?"
"It's a bounty hunter position with a privately owned small company."
"Oh, is it now?" She smirks up at me and squeezes me in a hug.
"The CEO heard Leona Hart is the hot new thing coming up the ranks. He wants her on his team. Bad."
"Oh, does he now? Could he possibly be the amazingly gorgeous bounty hunter every girl has at the top of her bucket list?"
I chuckle and hold her tight. "You know the joke about the bucket-list brothers?"
"Oh, it's no joke. It's like a life board topper for all the girls in town. They're all chomping at the bit to land the drop-dead gorgeous, brave, and strong Hawaiian Jesus."
I pull her closer and she falls on top of me. "Really want to fuck you on the hood of this car."
She gasps. "Me too."
We work it out with our clothes so I can sink my hard dick into her scorching heat. It's not easy, but it's fantastic. She releases the lion and growls as she comes hard. I follow her over and press my forehead into her neck as we catch our breath.
Mace and Loralei. A team meant to be.
I guess even a tumbleweed made of razor blades can find its match.
Chapter 22 Roller Coaster
Loralei
Mace followed through on his plan. It took a few weeks to find a day all the kids had off school and sports, but Mace handled all the details. Watching Mister Spontaneous try to plan ahead was funny, but he pulled it off. We flew with Remy and Sutton, Cutter and Cass, and Maisey and Henry down to Santa Ana to pick up a van and my three half-siblings.
When we got there, I was shocked to see Mila and Foster plus Mace's other younger siblings; Blaine, Sequoia, Harley, and Marshawn.
I hug Mila and laugh. "What are you guys doing here?"
"We didn't want to miss out on the fun."
Mace pays for all the tickets. We could have bought a small car with the fee, but he's smiling as he puts his wallet in his back pocket.
As we wait in line for Star Tours, Mace totally geeks out. "Did you hear about the Wookie cookie?"
"No. What?"
"It's a little Chewy."
"Oh my gosh. That's awful." I smack him in the stomach and hug him. His inner child is very happy at Disneyland and he looks incredible in his jeans with a chain hanging from the hip and a torn T-shirt. I like watching him walk with the kids, towering over them with his heavy gait like a casual Godzilla.
After the ride, which was totally exhilarating and fun, he takes the whole group to the roller coaster in the park next to this one. It's a long walk, and we passed a bunch of attractions on the way, but he insists we have to do the roller coaster next.
He's smirking as we get into the front carriage and our family files in behind us.
"We got the front seat!"
He twists his lips and stifles a laugh. Something is off with him. He's extra goofy today.
His hand grabs mine as the old-fashioned wooden coaster clicks and gravity tries to tug us down to the ground, but we're climbing high. "I love you, Lola."
"I love you too, Mace." Odd time for him to say it, but I never get tired of hearing it.
"I want to ride the roller coaster of life with you."
That makes me chuckle. "Okay."
We're climbing higher and the view is fantastic. The warm breeze brushes my cheeks as we look down on Disneyland and Southern California. I'm so incredibly lucky to be here today with this amazing man and both of our families. We've been through some losses and challenges to get here, but it's all worth this moment right now.
We're about to crest the top and the clicking slows, my belly flip-flops in eager anticipation of the fall to come.
"Lola?"
"Yeah?" When I look at him, his eyes are misty and his smile lights up his face.
"Marry me."
"What?"
"Hurry and say yes before we go over the edge."
Oh my God. He wants to… He brought me here? Oh my God.
Gravity is wreaking havoc in my ribs as we crest the top.
Click. Click. Click.
This is it. We're about to go crashing down and spinning out of control.
And I love it.
"Yes!" I manage to blurt it out as the wind whooshes past my ears. We're in freefall. My heart leaps up into my throat, and forces my mouth open. I have no choice but to scream at the top of my lungs. "Yes!"
He's smiling and laughing as the coaster thrashes us from side to side, twisting and turning and threatening to drop us over the edge.
"Awesome."
After another out-of-my-mind two minutes, the ride comes
to a stop and we're both high and happy as we exit the carriage. He's still holding my hand when he drops down on the platform.
On one knee!
He pulls a ring box from his jacket pocket and opens it for me. A gorgeous pear-shaped diamond sparkles up at me.
"Be mine forever, Lola."
"Oh my God. That's…"
My throat clogs and my heart explodes. I get to be with this sexy, beautiful, brilliant, imperfect person for the rest of my life.
He puts the ring on my finger and I can barely speak. He stands and lifts me up to my tiptoes as he kisses me. Our families and everyone on the platform clap, including the employees. The kiss is deep and hot and wet.
"You surprised me," I say after the kiss.
"Be ready for lots of surprises if you're gonna marry me."
"I can't wait."
"You're going to be Mrs. Mason Twist."
"There's no one else I'd rather be."
***
"I sent out the invitations today." I drop it casually when it's anything but casual.
Mace and I are in bed, cuddling side-by-side after an early morning round of who can tease who the longest. He won. This is the best time to talk to him because he's open, his mind is focused, and he's too worn out to fight me on anything.
"Mmm?"
I pick up the square invitation with vibrant purple orchids and tea leaves decorating the edges. He glances up at it then does a double take as his eyes widen. His pupils read the lettering and his mouth drops slowly open.
His gaze turns to mine, and he looks like a boy who's just caught Santa kissing Mommy under the mistletoe. "You sent these out?"
"Yep. It's a done deal. No changes. It's a small guest list. Most of them live right here."
"Lola." He smashes his palm to his forehead. "I cannot believe you did that."
"What? You said you haven't been to Hawaii because your family is here. Your family will be in Hawaii when we get married there."
His arm snakes out and circles my waist. He smirks and tugs me up onto his chest. "We're getting married in Hawaii?"
"Yep. It's time for you to go. The waves are calling you. Your family and I will stand by your side as you face down your memories. Then we'll all go surfing."
He lifts his head to kiss me and smiles through the kiss. "I love you, my lioness."
"I love you too, Volcano."
He chuckles.
***
On the bluffs of Oahu, overlooking a pristine Hawaiian sea, Mace and I hold hands as our families form an arch around us. The wind whips our hair and clothes and random papers and napkins fly over the cliff, drawing a chuckle from the guests. Mace looks stunning in his ecru linen suit with an embroidered white dress shirt, open at the collar. I found a dress that looks better than leather pants on me. The sleeves fall slightly off the shoulder and the long mermaid train swishes behind me. You can't tell at first glance, but the lace is leopard print. Mace loves it.
Per his wishes, we didn't invite his biological father or anyone from his Hawaiian family. The Twists have a rule that you don't bring your past up the mountain, so he didn't want it up on this bluff today. He only wanted the people who love him unconditionally and allow him to love them back.
Cutter looks gorgeous at Mace's side as his best man. Cass glows in a flowy pastel-pink maid-of-honor dress. Wayne is performing the ceremony, and everyone smiles as he tells embarrassing jokes about Mace. In my head, my dad looks down on us and gives us his blessing. He'd be proud I tossed my life board and followed my heart. And he'd be happy I stopped trying to prove myself to everyone else. When the love around you makes you confident, you don't need to prove it to anyone else, you're too busy enjoying it and savoring each moment.
Wayne glances to the back of the rows of guests. Mace and I both look. Helix walks in late, shoulders hunched forward, head down, and sits in the back row. He's trying to look inconspicuous, but he's a tall man wearing a retro gray suit that stands out against the blue Oahu sky. Mace raises his eyebrows at me, and I smile. I told him I'd invited Helix, but I didn't expect him to come. The invitation was a sign of goodwill that we trust him after all that happened. Besides, he looks like someone who needs to be part of something else, so he's a welcome part of our wedding. He's our friend.
Mace and I return to our vows and promise to love, honor, and cherish each other through sickness and health all the days of our lives. Mace's knee bobs and his fingers squeeze mine as Wayne pronounces us husband and wife. He hoots and picks me up, swirling around as we kiss. Never in a million years could I have dreamed of being so happy, so in love, and so totally excited about the road ahead. With Mace by my side, it's going to be a glorious ride.
Chapter 23 Seger
Mace
"Hey, yeah, I'm driving around your neighborhood. I have a package for… James Acosta, but the address is wrong."
"You got a package for James?" The voice on the other end of the line is cautious.
"Yeah. I need a signature. Can I get the correct address?"
"Who's it from?"
"It's a package from Virginia Acosta. Looks like a birthday gift?"
"Yeah. Um. I'll sign for it. Bring it to 20145 Greenbriar."
"Thanks, man."
I end the call and smile at Lola. "Got him."
"Did he say James is there?"
"No. But I think that was him I was talking to. He was pretending to be someone else. He wants his package from his mom."
She nods and smiles.
We pull up to the address the skip gave us and scope it out. It's a trailer in downtown Stockton. It's run down as hell, broken windows, weeds growing up through the porch. One story.
"That's his car." She points to a rusted red sedan in the driveway.
Lola straps on her vest and checks her weapons. She's wearing her fugitive recovery badge and a black shirt that says "Agent" down the sleeves. We'll take tasers and pistols.
"Be careful, baby."
"No problem. Let's get this loser."
This asshole was arrested for abusing his kid and skipping out on child support. He was released on bail and failed to appear in court. This is exactly the kind of scumbag I love to bring to justice.
Lola loves it too. She's got her game face on and her eyes are lit. She's sexy when she's ready to whoop some ass. I lean in and give her a kiss. We exit the car and approach the house with me taking the front position.
She goes around the back and peeks in the windows. She holds up a finger. One person inside. Excellent.
The door feels paper thin when I knock on it. I could easily kick this thing in. We'll give him a chance to open it first. "Delivery."
When he doesn't answer, it's time to let him know what's up. "Fugitive recovery agents. Open up."
I hear some movement in the house and the kitchen window opens. He throws an empty bottle of Jack Daniels at me. It misses.
"You throwing shit at me, asshole?"
Oh I love it when they fight. The energy between Lola and I hits the roof. We're both on full alert now. He could run. He could have a weapon. We have to be smart. "Open the door, James, or I'm kicking it down."
"Fuck you," he replies and tosses some trash out the window at me. If he's throwing papers, it's pretty safe to assume he doesn't have a weapon. I give her the signal to enter from the back. A quick kick at the knob level and the door swings open and ricochets back so I have to kick it again.
He's standing in the hallway between the front room and bedroom. There's one closed bedroom door next to him. He's dirty and his hair is oily. His pupils are dilated and he matches the picture. It's him.
"You're coming with me, James. Got some warrants out for your arrest." I take a step toward him. He's unarmed.
"No. I don't got no warrants."
"You do. Beating the crap out of a little kid? Not paying child support? Any of that ring a bell?"
Lola steps into the hallway from the back entrance. His hands shake. He has no way out.
He pushes the bedroom door open and rushes inside. He tries to get the window open, but he can't. He reaches down and grabs… a baby by the arm. The baby cries out. His long curly hair hangs in his eyes. His dark skin is filthy and only a pair of thin shorts covers him. He looks exactly like me when I was a baby.
The day Wayne came in and arrested my dad, I was almost exactly the same age.
James's grimy hands grab the kid by the neck. "I'll kill him."
I'm frozen solid. Seeing that kid. I can't move. If I move, I'll kill a man. If I move, I'll pull my gun and start shooting and I could hurt that kid.
Lola steps up behind me. She gasps when she sees the child.
When I don't respond, she takes over. "Is that your child, James?"
"Bitch said it's mine and left it with me. I don't know for sure. Gonna get a DNA test but it cries all the fucking time. I hope it's not mine."
The baby wails and it pierces my ear like I'm standing in front of a siren.
My hands ball into tight fists. I can barely hold back. Lola places one hand on my arm to steady me. She knows the day Wayne saved me was the most important day of my life. She knows everything I do stems from that day. Everything I do is making sure that kids who need to be saved have a hero. Because nothing is worse than being stuck in hell and no one comes to save you. It just takes that one person to care and make a difference.
"Put the baby down." Lola speaks for me because I'm still locked up.
James holds the kid like a football and uses his other hand to mess with the window lock. "Stay back."
"You're not going anywhere. Put the baby down." Lola points her taser at the guy.
She won't shoot while he's holding the kid, but she's trying to scare him. White hot rage erupts in my chest. He's using a baby as a shield? What kind of asshole does that? The kind of asshole that beats his kids, doesn't pay child support, and doesn't show up for a court date. It's an innocent baby stuck in the mess of his father's chaos.
"Put the baby down right now or you're getting shot," Lola says. She's keeping her cool, but her muscles are strung tight and her voice is strained.
"I'll kill the kid."
That snaps me out of my haze, and I whisper quickly to Lola, "I'll nail him, and you take the baby."