A Caldwell Wedding (Serenity Springs)

by Sullivan, Dawn

  After a moment, Sloane collapsed on his chest, breathing heavily. Creed slowly slid his hands from her hips, and began to caress the soft skin on her back. “I love you, Sloane Murphy,” he told her quietly.

  “Love you back,” she mumbled, snuggling into him. It wasn’t long before he heard the soft sound of her snoring, and he grinned. He would get to hear that for the rest of his life. Placing one last kiss on the top of her head, he let himself drift off to sleep holding Sloane close to his heart.

  Chapter 10

  Creed sighed as he signed off on the last document on his desk. Sloane was waiting for him at his parents’ house. He had told her that he would meet her there at noon, and he was already two hours late, but he was finally finished with everything that needed to be done before they left on Sunday. He still hadn’t told Sloane about the honeymoon. A slow grin spread across his face when he thought about how excited she would be. She’d told him just a couple of months ago that it was her dream to visit Hawaii, to see all of the beauty it held. He was glad he would be the one to share the experience with her.

  Opening his desk drawer, he dropped the pen in it and slammed it shut. That was it. He could finally leave, knowing Katy was more than capable of handling everything in his absence. Pushing back his chair to stand, he stiffened when the cell phone in his pocket rang. Fishing it out, he frowned when he looked at the caller ID, not recognizing the number on the display. It had an out-of-state area code that he thought might be Arizona, or maybe California, but he wasn’t sure. “Yeah,” he answered shortly, rising to leave. He needed to get the hell out of there before Sloane called looking for him.

  “Creed,” a soft voice responded after a moment.

  He recognized it instantly, and walked quickly over to his open doorway, motioning to Katy to come to his office, before returning to his chair. “Claire,” he growled, “where the hell are you? I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”

  “I know, and you have to stop!” she said urgently.

  Creed froze at the fear in her voice. “Dammit, Claire, tell me where you are and what’s going on,” he ordered, glancing up to see Katy walk in, followed by Jace and Cody. “Claire,” he tried again, “tell me where you are. Let us come and get you.”

  “No. You will only make things worse. You have to stop looking for me.”

  “We can help you, Claire, whatever it is.”

  “I know,” she replied, “and when I am ready for that help, I will call you. But, right now, this is something I have to do on my own. It isn’t safe to pull more people into my situation. You are just putting us in more danger.”

  “Us?” Creed jumped on the word. “Who is us?”

  Ignoring his question, Claire said, “I will call you as soon as I can.”

  “Claire, wait. You have to give us something. We are all worried about you.”

  Claire hesitated before responding, “I left something there for Cody.”

  Creed’s eyes flew to the young deputy standing just inside the doorway, watching him closely. “Well, he didn’t get it.”

  “I know. I hid it. It’s in my middle drawer, taped underneath. I have to go.”

  “Claire,” he said quickly, “you still work for me, for the Serenity Springs Police Station.”

  “I hope so,” she whispered.

  “You do,” he replied. “I don’t know what kind of trouble you are in, but if anybody asks you, you tell them whatever you need to. You understand me? Use your position here to your advantage if you have to.”

  “I’m just a receptionist,” she said wryly, “I don’t think that is going to help me much.”

  “No, as of right now you are one of my deputies. You hold on the line while I swear you in.”

  “But, I haven’t finished my schooling.”

  “It doesn’t matter. You have your gun?” He knew she had a gun. The office had given her one for her birthday the year before, and she’d taken the mandatory classes to carry it at all times.

  “Yes.”

  “You are a full-fledged deputy once you take the oath.” It was the only way he could help her right now. It wouldn’t be much, considering she would not have any real jurisdiction where she was, but it was something. Covering the phone he glanced back to Cody, “She left you something taped to the underside of her middle desk drawer. Go get it.”

  Cody’s eyes widened in surprise, and he was out the door in seconds. Creed had just finished swearing in Claire and hung up the phone when Cody returned. In one hand he clutched a thin, gold heart necklace. One that Claire had worn every day for several months now. In the other hand was a letter. “What does it say?”

  Cody dropped the letter on the desk in front of Creed in silence, before turning and leaving the room. Creed watched him go, debating on calling him back, when Katy picked it up and opened it, reading it out loud.

  Cody,

  If you are reading this letter, that means that they have found me. It’s not safe for you or any of the others if I am in Serenity Springs. I thought long and hard about where I would go if I had to leave, but there is only one place that I can go. There is someone that needs me. Someone I need to protect. I hope you understand.

  I will contact you as soon as I can, but I need to find her first. Just know, no matter what happens, I will always love you.

  Claire

  Creed swore softly. He had known there was something going on between his deputy and receptionist, but had not realized exactly how close they were. He did not have any rules against no fraternizing in the work place. He didn’t care who did what, as long as the job got done, but he’d never actually told his people that. Whatever relationship they had, they’d obviously kept it a secret.

  “They’re in love,” Katy said softly. “I didn’t know.”

  “I did,” Jace told them.

  Creed’s head snapped toward his deputy. “You did?”

  Jace nodded. “Cody let it slip once.”

  “Why didn’t they say anything?”

  “Claire didn’t think it was professional. They didn’t know what you would say.”

  “I don’t give a shit,” Creed said, rising from his chair, and stalking out of the room. His eyes landed on Cody, where he sat at his desk, staring down at the locket in his hands. Walking over to him, Creed rested a hip on the side of the desk, and clasped Cody on the shoulder. “Are you okay?” he asked quietly.

  Cody popped open the locket, turning it to show Creed. “I bought this for her,” he said hoarsely, “just two months after we started dating.”

  Creed looked down at the picture of the two of them together. They gazed into each other eyes, smiles on their lips, and their faces glowing with love. How could he have missed what was so obvious in the one small picture? Tightening his hand on Cody’s shoulder, he promised, “We will get her back, Cody.”

  Cody raised his eyes to meet his. “Only when she is ready. We won’t be able to find her otherwise.”

  “Well, when she is ready for our help, we will be here,” Creed promised, “And if needed, we will go after her, guns blazing. She’s family, Cody. Caldwells take care of their family, you know that.”

  Cody swallowed hard and nodded, before looking back at the locket. “Who knew love could hurt so much?”

  “It can kid,” Creed told him roughly, “but it’s worth it.”

  Chapter 11

  Sloane glanced around the large Morton building, a satisfied smile on her face. Turning to Jersey, she barely resisted the urge to jump up and down in excitement. “It all looks great! Thank you so much for all of your help. I honestly don’t know what I would have done without you.”

  Jersey had spent the past week helping her get everything organized for the wedding. She was the one who contacted the town hall about renting tables and chairs, and she had also worked with Caiden helping him build the arch for the ceremony, painting it white and decorating it with beautiful flowers when he was done. She’d been at the ranch all day, pitching in where ne
eded, whether it was helping clean out the building, carrying in the tables and chairs, or decorating the building where they were going to have the reception. Sloane had so much fun decorating, and Jersey came up with some great ideas. Ryder and Rayna had shown up just after noon to help, and Katy and Creed were there later in the afternoon. She was slightly upset at first, because Creed was supposed to take half the day off to help, but after hearing about Claire there was no way Sloane could stay mad. She was worried about the woman. She did not know her very well, but she knew how much everyone at the station loved her. And from the sounds of it, one deputy in particular.

  “It was my pleasure,” Jersey said, interrupting Sloane’s thoughts. “I will be here early tomorrow morning to make sure everything gets set up for the ceremony the way you pictured it.”

  “I can stop by after we go to the salon.”

  “No, you can’t. I don’t want to see you here until just before the wedding. I will handle everything.”

  Sloane hesitated, “Are you sure?” After everything Jersey had already done for them, it did not seem fair to ask for more.

  “Yes,” Jersey replied, giving her arm a quick squeeze. “I haven’t had this much fun in a long time. I promise, everything will be perfect.”

  Sloane looked past Jersey at the sound of a vehicle coming to a stop in front of the house. The door opened, and Linc stepped out. His gaze went from the house, to the barn, to the large Morton building that was across from the barn, several yards away. He raised a hand to them and turned to run lightly up the stairs to the house.

  “Who’s that?” Jersey asked, her gaze never left Linc, even as he opened the front door.

  Smiling secretly to herself, Sloane replied, “That’s Creed’s younger brother, Linc. He follows the rodeo, riding bulls, and has been gone for over a year. He’s back for the wedding, but won’t be staying long.”

  Jersey turned back to look at her, after the door shut behind Linc. “Nice.”

  A giggle slipped out, one that turned into full blown laughter when Jersey gave her an answering grin, cocking an eyebrow. “What?” she asked. “Just because I’m a minister doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate the male form just as much as anybody else. And that boy has a nice one. I’ve always been partial to tattoos.”

  Sloane just shook her head. Jersey sure wasn’t like any other minister she had ever met. But she was right. There was no reason she couldn’t check out a sexy cowboy if she wanted to. She could even fall in love and get married. The only thing Sloan was pretty sure the church would frown on was sex before marriage.

  “Sooo,” Jersey drawled, with a quick look around to make sure no one was near, “what’s his story?”

  Sloane bit her bottom lip, worrying it with her teeth before she finally responded. “I really don’t know a lot about Linc,” she admitted. “Not much that I can share anyway.” There was no way she could tell Jersey that Linc worked for the FBI. She could not tell her that the man lived a dangerous life, one that no minister should be around. So, all she said was, “He’s a good man. As far as I know, there is no one special in his life. But, if you are looking to possibly hook up with one of the Caldwell brothers, I’m not so sure he is the one for you.”

  Jersey nodded, but did not respond, as her eyes wandered back to the house when the door opened again. Linc walked out and started towards them. As he got closer, Sloane watched his gaze settle on the beauty standing next to her, his eyes roving over her curves before coming back to her laughing green eyes. But just before he reached them, Ryder called out to him from the barn, where he and Caiden were discussing something that had to do with one of the horses.

  After giving them one of his signature, slow and sexy smiles, Linc tipped his Stetson at them and turned to jog to the barn. She heard Jersey sigh beside her, and Sloane chuckled softly. Caiden would be a much better choice for her new friend, but it wasn’t up to her.

  Everyone went out to dinner that night at Rippley’s Steakhouse in Silver City. The evening was filled with laughter and joy. There was only one person missing, and it still upset Sloane that she was unable to get Justice to come. She wanted Creed to have all of his family at the wedding, but unfortunately that didn’t look like it was going to happen.

  “He’s a good man,” her father said from where he sat beside her.

  Sloane’s gaze slid to where Creed stood on the other side of the room talking with his brothers. “Yes, he is. The best.”

  Her father leaned over, taking her hand in his and holding it gently. “Sloane,” he began quietly. “I am so sorry that I failed you in the past.”

  “Stop,” she interjected, squeezing his hand tightly. “There was nothing you could have done.”

  “I should have known.”

  “You couldn’t have known, Dad. I hid it from everyone.”

  “I know, but as your father, I should have…”

  “There was nothing you could have done,” she reiterated firmly. “Nothing.” She smiled when she felt a hand on her shoulder, and she looked up into Creed’s dark gaze, his eyes full of love and concern. Grasping his hand with hers, she turned back to her father. “That part of my life is over, Dad. Creed is my present, my future. I am very happy.”

  Her father’s gaze went from Sloane to Creed, searching for something he must have found, because he gave a short nod. “Good.” Patting her hand, he stood and leaned over to kiss her forehead. “It looks like everything is winding down now. I’m going to pay the bill, and then take your mother back to the ranch to get some rest.”

  “You don’t have to do that, Sir.”

  “Yes, I do. You and your family have done everything so far. I want to contribute to my daughter’s wedding,” Jack insisted. “I will pay for tonight.”

  Sloane rose and hugged her dad close. Knowing he would not budge on this, she whispered, “Thank you, Dad.”

  Jack patted her back, before responding gruffly, “I love you, baby girl.”

  Sloane’s mom pushed back her chair, standing and slipping an arm around her waist. “I will see you tomorrow, sweetheart.”

  “When do you leave on Sunday?” Sloane asked, wishing her parents could stay for a longer visit, but knowing they needed to get back home. She’d been so busy getting everything finalized for tomorrow, she had forgotten to ask when their flight left.

  Her mother looked up at Creed, her eyes filled with uncertainty. Before she could respond, Creed replied for her. “They are actually staying here for a couple of weeks, Sloane.” Removing something from his pocket, he handed it over to her. She gasped when she saw they were airline tickets. “You and I are going on a honeymoon.”

  “Hawaii,” she whispered in awe, clutching the tickets tightly in her hands.

  “Your parents will stay at the house with Cassie while we are gone, and your mother will take care of your bookstore.”

  Her gaze lifted from the tickets to the man standing in front of her, and she whispered again, “Hawaii.”

  “Yes, that’s where you wanted to go, right?”

  Sloane let out a squeak of excitement when it finally sunk in. They were going to Hawaii! The only place she’d ever really wanted to vacation, but had not been able to. Wrapping her arms around Creed’s waist, she hugged him tightly to her. “Yes! Yes!”

  Creed chuckled, holding her close and running a hand down her back. “That’s what I thought.”

  Sloane was vaguely aware of her parents leaving, but her mind was on the wedding and honeymoon. She could not believe it was all really happening. Feeling a small hand slip into hers, she glanced down at Cassie and smiled. Soon, she would be this little girl’s mother. Nothing could make her happier. Pulling her close, Sloane kissed her softly on the cheek while Cassie chatted about how she was going to get her hair fixed the next day.

  It was just twenty minutes later when the party began to break up, and everyone began to head home. Jersey stopped by their table to say goodbye, and once again promised to have everything ready for the n
ext day. Linc walked over, tugging lightly on Jersey’s ponytail before giving her a heart-stopping grin. “You want to give me a lift home, Red?” he drawled. “My parents left already, and I don’t have my car.”

  Before Jersey could respond, Caiden appeared out of nowhere, clapping a hand on Linc’s shoulder. “Lucky for you, little brother, I happen to live where you are staying.”

  Jersey’s eyes danced as she looked from one to the other. “Well, now that we have all that figured out, I’m heading home. Night, boys.”

  Both Linc and Caiden watched her walk away, and Sloane chuckled softly as their gazes lowered to where her hips swung back and forth seductively. Clearing her throat loudly, she waited until they both tore their eyes from Jersey’s ass to look at her. “You do realize she’s our minister, right?” she started. When they nodded, she went on, “Then I expect her to be treated with respect.”

  “Oh, I respect her,” Linc promised, glancing back just as Jersey walked out the door.

  “Me too,” Caiden promised, giving Linc a shove to get him moving. “Let’s go.”

  Sloane laughed as they walked away. Looking around the almost empty room, she sighed. “I suppose it’s time for us to leave too.”

  Creed would be staying at the ranch that night, in the bunkhouse with his brothers. He didn’t want to, but she was trying to stick as close to the normal wedding rituals as possible, and there was one that said he was not to see her before the wedding. She also knew his brothers had a night of fun planned for him. They’d set up a poker table in the middle of the bunkhouse, and some of their friends were coming over for the bachelor party he hadn’t had. There would be no strippers, they promised her, but her fiancé would be able to spend some much needed time with his brothers and friends.

  Cassie was staying at home with her, and they would be getting up early to go into town to meet Sloane’s bridesmaids at one of the salons where they were going to get their hair, makeup, and nails done. The little girl was so excited, and so was Sloane.