She surrendered, let him take it all away while he worshipped her body, her heart, her soul. He wanted nothing more than to make her a permanent fixture in his life.
Her body might have been lax, but she curled around him. He’d helped her find some peace in a fucked-up situation. He knew the investigation would be hard, and it wasn’t over, but it would be. Even in the best case, it would be a week or two.
Didn’t matter that Marissa never wished anyone ill. Other than trying to put space between her and those she didn’t want to waste time on, she was caring and compassionate.
And Ashton loved her already. She welcomed him, made him part of the conversation, and honestly enjoyed his company. The first thing Ashton wanted that morning was to see Marissa smile after she’d had a tough day.
God, his son had turned out amazing, even after his mother had chosen a man who would never see him for the wonderful kid he was. He pitied Jeanette. She made one bad decision after another. But he had her to thank for their son.
If he had his way, Ashton would never have a single day of feeling anything less than loved by the people in his life. Metcalf lay beside Marissa, watching her sleep. He didn’t have the heart to wake her when the phone had rung earlier.
Besides, it didn’t sound like she wanted to talk to Chelsea or Carson. He didn’t blame her, but at the same time, she was going to have to talk to them eventually. Though waiting until after the investigation might be smart.
He caressed her side and kissed the top of her head.
“Mmm, thank you,” she murmured, placing a kiss over his heart.
“For?”
“Making today better. I was headed down a dark path. You pulled me onto a better one.”
“My pleasure. I missed you last night. I would have loved every inch of you if you had come over.”
“I couldn’t. I’m sorry.”
He pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “It’s okay.” Though, if they lived together, she couldn’t have hidden. And maybe she wouldn’t have fallen so low.
“I don’t want to leave you alone for a while. I don’t like worrying about you, Marissa.”
She burrowed closer. “You could both stay here. I have more room. You’d be here. Ashton would be.” She swallowed hard. “And if you mean it about us being permanent, you could move in.”
He caught her face and pulled her head up to meet her gaze. “As much as I love that idea, wait on that. Let’s get you through this. I don’t want you to feel stuck.”
A smile graced her lips. “You don’t lock me down. I don’t remember ever being this happy. And yeah, life is going to be messy for a while, but you’re the one who makes it better. And Ashton.”
“I’ll make you a deal.”
“What’s that?” she whispered.
“Let me get Ashton through the funeral Friday. Then, if both you and Ashton haven’t slipped into sadness, we’ll discuss it, the three of us.”
She nodded. “Okay.”
“And tonight, if you want, we’ll stay here. He likes it here.”
Marissa smiled. “He can change anything in that room. I don’t mind.”
He kissed her forehead. “I never thought I’d be so full of happiness. Between you and Ashton, I have everything I ever wanted.”
A hint of sadness clouded her eyes. “Same,” she whispered.
“What’s that look for? What are you missing?”
She blinked and shook her head. “Nothing.”
“What? Don’t shut me out. Tell me.”
Her eyes closed. “Sounds selfish.”
“Talk to me,” he insisted.
“I always…I—shit.” She rolled from the bed and walked to the bathroom.
He followed and found her twisting the shower on. “Marissa, tell me.”
“I’ve always wanted a baby,” she whispered so softly he almost didn’t catch it. Then she stepped under the water.
He followed, turning her to face him. “Who says we can’t?”
“Aren’t you worried I might treat Ashton differently?”
“No. I’m not. You have so much capacity to love it isn’t even a question.”
“You want another kid?”
“Always wanted another. Ashton wants a brother or sister. Honest, Marissa. Why not?”
Her mouth parted as she stared up at him. “That’s a big commitment.”
“One I’ll happily make. Don’t tell me it’s fast. We were good eleven years ago. We’re better now. And all I know is life is too short to waste it on regrets. I wanted you yesterday, I want you today, and I’ll want you forever.”
“Dave…”
Combing his fingers into her hair, he stared into her eyes. “I’m not crazy, Marissa. I could have lost you yesterday. So, I’m going to hold on with both hands.”
Her eyes closed.
“Tell me how to prove it.”
* * * *
Her heart slammed against her ribs as her lids flipped open. Honesty stared back at her. She could hardly breathe through the surprise.
“You have. And after the funeral, we’ll talk to Ashton.”
“Love you.”
She smiled up at him. “I love you, Dave.”
Kissing her, he slipped a hand down her body and lifted her leg over his hip. He slid into her, pushing away the last remaining fear.
She went from having the worst day of her life to having the best. He didn’t come until she did, then he whispered against her ear, “We’ll get through this, together.”
“I wish I could have been there for you before.”
He kissed her shoulder. “Shh. Don’t do that.”
“I’m trying not to.”
“I’ll have to think of ways to stop you.”
“If they are anything like this morning, you can bet your ass I’m on board.”
He nipped her bottom lip. “So am I.”
Chapter 36
Two weeks later, Marissa had gone back to work. It didn’t feel any different, which was a relief. She worked herself up over nothing.
Her arm was healing. Carson had fully recovered. Chelsea had too and told Carson everything. It only bound them tighter. And things weren’t as strange with them anymore.
Seemed the day she saved Chelsea got through to her. She stopped worrying about what could have been and accepted what was.
Killing Madison had impacted Marissa, but she came to the same conclusion everyone else had. She saved another woman’s life. She stopped a woman from murdering a defenseless victim. She did her damned job.
She decided to keep seeing Doctor Eisman weekly. There were too many issues hiding in her past and she finally found the strength to work through them, instead of running.
The fire investigation had concluded a couple days after the shooting. Pete gave a full confession, detailing how and why he started the fires, including the one in Portland. However, Patrick Tershaw had been out. He came forward with interesting information about Madison and her motives. Then there was the recording of Chelsea’s phone call with Madison detailing everything she’d done.
Dave was seeing Doctor Eisman twice a week. Ashton was still enjoying the Rainbow Program.
Marissa stood in her closet, getting ready for work. Dave wrapped his arms around her from behind. “I do love a sexy woman in uniform,” he murmured in her ear.
“Hmm, is that what it is?” She turned and leaned up for a kiss. “Should I be worried about the new woman on your team?”
He chuckled. “Oh, hell no. You’re the only woman I see.”
“Good, because I was thinking, we should ask Ashton if he wants to move in here.”
He nodded. “I was hoping you were ready for that. Would make everything a lot easier if I didn’t have to figure out whose home we were going to. But I don’t want to rush you.”
“Hey, we had to get him through the funeral. And I needed to sort my head out. But I’m ready now.”
A smile spread across his face. “Then we’re going ou
t tonight. You, me, Ashton, just the three of us.”
“Sounds perfect.” She took another kiss and turned around. “Now I really need to get to work.”
* * * *
After Marissa drove away, Metcalf climbed into his truck. Isandro hurried over. “Are you going to visit Gavin?”
“Yeah. Want to come?”
“Yeah. It’s weird going there alone. I was never as close to him.” He shoved his hands in his pockets. “I want to make sure he’s okay with Jenny being in the wedding.”
“You ready now?”
“Yeah. Why? You have other plans?”
Metcalf rubbed his neck. “Yeah, I need help picking something out. Oh, and we’re officially moving in. So, your ass needs to learn to knock.”
“I have, I have.” He held his hands up with a laugh. “Though I’ll forever have that image stamped into my head.”
“Not my fault you barged in.”
“Should have locked the damned door.”
They continued to banter until he pulled up at the hospital. Metcalf looked over. “Did you all feel like this when you came to see me?”
“Nah. We knew you were coming back. Figured it would take time for you to work your shit out. But you came back and are ten times the firefighter you were before.”
“Thanks. Wish he were coming back, but without his leg, I don’t see how that’s happening.”
They made their way through the hospital. It stopped feeling like hell the more he visited.
Isandro rapped once and opened the door.
Cadence stood up and combed her fingers through her hair. “I’m glad to see you. I could use a break.” She glanced over at Gavin and back before whispering, “Does it make me a bitch to need a little woman time?”
“No. Especially when he’s low. Go on. We’ve got you covered. Besides, you’re going to a wedding tomorrow.”
Cadence hugged Metcalf, then Isandro. “I won’t be long. Just a mani-pedi. Maybe an hour?”
“Take your time. Relax,” Isandro told her.
“Yeah, get out of here,” Metcalf added.
She slipped past and hurried to the hall.
“Hey, Gav. How are you holding up?”
He grunted. “My wife hates me. I’m an asshole. And my foot itches like crazy even though the damned thing isn’t there.”
“She doesn’t hate you,” Isandro answered.
“She couldn’t get out of here fast enough.” He rubbed a hand over his face. “I fucking hate this.”
Metcalf walked over and leaned down in his face. “Hey, asshole. Stop being a bear for a second and listen to me. She’s been here every single day for most of the day. Cadence loves you, and she’ll get you through this. Sometimes, she’s going to need a break when you’re being an asshole.”
He laughed bitterly. “Yeah, but that asshole I stole her from in high school is my doctor, and he can’t stop talking to her.”
Metcalf shook his head. “Yeah, but Manning has a wandering eye, and he’s married. Let him look all he wants. Cadence’s only interest in him is to find out how you’re doing. So, remember that. And if the asshole smarts off, point out that your wife is here with you, not slobbing his knob.”
A slow smile spread on his face. “Shit, you’re right.”
“Yeah, I am. So, relax. It’s not as bad as you think.”
* * * *
Marissa walked into her home and found Ashton dressed in slacks and button-down shirt. “Hey, buddy, where are we going?”
“Have to ask Dad. He didn’t tell me.”
“Where is he?”
“Your room. Getting ready.”
“Oh, well, I’ll be right back.”
She stepped into her room to find Dave in a suit. “Oh, you look really good.”
He grinned. “Thanks. Now, I suggest you put on a dress, so we can take you to dinner.”
One corner of her mouth tipped up. “What do you have in mind?”
“Anything but that golden number that will get me in trouble.”
She laughed. “Okay, give me a minute.”
He kissed her quick and left the room.
* * * *
Metcalf sat down beside Ashton. “What do you think about Marissa becoming your stepmom?”
“Really? I’d love it!” He hugged his dad.
He laughed, sitting him back. “I haven’t asked her yet. Going to as soon as she comes out here. Well, right after she asks you something.”
His face scrunched up. “What is she going to ask?”
“You’re going to have to wait to find out.”
Ashton nodded but his brow pinched. “Do you have a ring?”
He reached into his pocket to make sure the box was there. “Yeah, I do. Isandro helped me pick it out earlier.”
“Awesome.”
Marissa came out, her brow arched. “What are you two conspiring about?”
Ashton giggled. “Nothing.”
She looked at Dave. He nodded.
Marissa walked so she was in front of them. “How do you feel about moving in here? Both you and your dad?”
Ashton hopped up and ran to her. He threw his arms around her. “Think Isandro will let me keep Roar?”
“Yeah, I think he’d be fine with that. We can ask tomorrow.”
Dave stood and took her hand. Then he dropped to his knee. Her mouth popped open in surprise.
“You’re the missing piece of my heart. Say you’ll be my wife.”
Before she could answer, Ashton sank to his knee and took her other hand. “And be my stepmom?”
Tears burned Dave’s eyes. He put an arm around Ashton and kissed his temple.
“Yes, to both of you.” She tugged them both up and enveloped them in a tight embrace. “I love the two of you so much.”
“How does Lourdes Bistro sound?” Dave asked.
“Oh, you are good. Of course, that sounds great.”
Ashton’s head cocked. “Where’s that?”
“Not too far. We’re having French food tonight.”
“Oh, we learned all about France in school!”
“Come on, kiddo. Let’s take our woman to dinner.”
* * * *
The next night was Isandro’s wedding. Metcalf sat at the wedding party table with his fiancée and his son. He couldn’t remember ever being this happy. Arianna and Isandro joined them at the table.
“Oh my God! When did you do that?” Arianna asked Metcalf, then practically dove over the table to grab Marissa’s hand, checking out the diamond. “And when are you two getting hitched?”
“Dave proposed last night. We haven’t discussed dates.” She looked over at him. “Though I’m hoping for a small wedding. I don’t need all of this.” She motioned around.
“Our closest friends and family,” Dave promised. He didn’t need everyone in the world there. Just the people he cared about. “Hopefully by then, Gavin can come.”
“Yeah, hope so,” Marissa answered. “The crew isn’t all together without him.”
He pulled her closer. She got it. “Can’t wait until you’re mine by law,” he whispered in her ear.
“Neither can I.”
Epilogue
Six months later, Marissa went back to work after a quick appointment on her lunch. As soon as her shift ended, she’d be on vacation for her wedding and honeymoon.
Brian looked up as she walked past. “Cortez, what’s wrong? You look pale. Cold feet?”
She shook her head and sank into a chair. “Nothing wrong. No cold feet. Just shocked.”
“Why?”
She pushed the ultrasound picture across her desk.
Brian rolled over and took a look. “Congra—holy fucking shit, are there two of them in there?” He nodded at her stomach.
She swallowed hard. “Um, yeah. Took me by surprise too.”
“Happy about it?”
That didn’t cover what she felt. Ecstatic, excited, a little terrified. “I’m in my thirties. Better to get bo
th out of the way at once, right?” A small laugh escaped.
“Wow, congrats. And way to look at the positive.”
“I hope he’s happy. What if two is too many?”
Brian rolled his eyes. “You could have a litter of twelve and Metcalf would be the happiest man alive. If it involves the two of you, he’s happy. Relax.”
She nodded slowly. “Hope you’re right.”
* * * *
Later that day, Metcalf was at the tux rental place with Gavin. Metcalf was ready for tomorrow. Felt like he had been forever.
Gavin was still getting used to the prosthetic leg. But he was up and getting around. Things were looking up for him. He’d been a bear in the beginning, but the more time passed, the more he settled into the teaching classes he started. He’d always loved kids, and he was damned good with them. Seemed like a natural choice once Mila talked him into it.
She was Kyle’s wife, and also a high school chemistry teacher.
Finally, Gavin stepped out and ran his hands down his jacket. “Sorry about the shoes, dude. I don’t know what to do about that.”
“Hey, I just want you there. You’re my best man.”
He slapped Metcalf on the back. “No, you’re my best man. If it wasn’t for you, I don’t know where I’d be.”
“You would have made it through. Maybe not as fast.” Metcalf took a couple steps and gave him a hug. “Look, I know things aren’t perfect, but you’ll figure it out.”
He rubbed his neck and looked down. “Yeah. Still miss working with you all.”
Metcalf nodded. “Hey, you know all of us are here for you whenever you need.”
“Yeah, and Marissa and Cadence have gotten close. She’s an amazing woman. I’m glad you’re marrying her. You need that stability in your life.”
“Yeah. She’s everything to me.”
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