“Mamma?”
The quiver in Marissa’s voice had Kendall stepping between her daughter and Mr. Patterson. She moved her arms behind her so she could touch Marissa, reassure herself that her baby was out of Mr. Patterson’s line of sight. Kendall nearly lost her balance as she recalled her mother doing much the same on that fateful day in the convenience store all those years ago.
“Why didn’t you take care of my boy like you’re doing now with your little girl?”
“Mr. Patterson, I can’t imagine how difficult the last few days have been for you.”
“That’s right, you can’t.”
“But this isn’t going to help or change anything,” she persisted, trying to keep her voice calm and soft. “And I know you’re not really going to do anything to hurt Marissa. No one who has raised Robbie the way you have could be that cruel.”
Taking a chance along with a breath, Kendall turned around and knelt down to Marissa’s level. She lifted her hands to Marissa’s shoulders to reassure—and used the motion to activate the two-way radio at her shoulder.
“Marissa, I need for you to be extra good and go into your room.”
“But—”
“No buts,” Kendall interrupted, hoping to convey as much information as possible before Mr. Patterson lost all patience. “Go to your room, Marissa, and you stay there. Mr. Patterson and I are going to be right here in the kitchen.”
“You said no one is supposed to touch your gun.”
Kendall nearly cheered at her daughter’s inadvertent revelation.
“That’s right, and Mr. Patterson and I are going to talk about that. Okay now?” Marissa nodded. Kendall leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead. “You go on then. You stay in your room, no matter what, until I come get you.”
Praying she’d be able to do just that, Kendall rose and, not wanting to irritate Mr. Patterson any further, turned back to him rather than watch Marissa walk away. That’s when she suddenly thought of Audra. If her friend came into the house now, Kendall didn’t know how Audra would react. Then she remembered Audra mentioned running an errand before she had to babysit Marissa tonight.
So, for now, it was just her and Mr. Patterson. And, hopefully, whoever might have picked up on the events through her radio.
“Mr. Patterson, there’s no reason for you to continue holding my gun on me. I’m not going to go anywhere. Why don’t I get you something to drink?”
“You stay right where you are.”
LOGAN TOOK HIS first sigh of relief in several hours. Turning in his military resignation, hell, even facing down enemy gunfire, had nothing over picking out an engagement ring.
But he’d found a beauty, one he thought Kendall would like. He was going to enjoy seeing her face light up in surprise and love when he got down on one knee tonight. It felt right, the decisions to turn in his resignation, the purchase of the ring, getting married, being a father, and the uncertain path of growing a new business. Yeah, it felt damn right.
He shifted when his cell phone buzzed in his pocket. “Montgomery,” he answered, pulling out into traffic.
“It’s Rhonda.” Before Logan could make any response, the dispatcher continued, “Patterson’s holding Kendall and Marissa hostage at her house.”
“Patterson? Why?”
“Based on what we’ve heard over Kendall’s radio, it seems he was walking home from the hospital, ended up in her backyard, and just . . .” Rhonda drew in a breath. “Well he’s going on how Kendall should have protected Robbie.”
“He has both Kendall and Marissa?” Logan asked, forcing his mind away from everything that could go wrong and concentrate on the details. “Where in the house are they?”
“Kendall managed to get Marissa into her room. She and Patterson are in the kitchen.”
Even as he felt relief at hearing Marissa was out of the direct line of action, Logan worried about how that left Kendall as the sole center of attention.
While he drove, bypassing the speed limit, Rhonda transferred him to Sheriff Owens. They put together a plan, agreeing that Owens and his men would surround but not approach the house until Logan arrived in town. As he sped past a slow moving truck, he noticed a Sheriff’s car, lights flashing, leading and clearing the way for him.
He prayed Kendall could hold off Patterson for a little longer.
KENDALL WATCHED the sweat roll down Mr. Patterson’s temples. The man’s skin looked pale, and his breathing labored between long, rambling statements. She wondered when he’d last eaten or slept for more than a quick nap.
“Mr. Patterson, you don’t look as if you’re feeling well.”
She glanced at the clock on the microwave, shocked to see only ten minutes had passed since they’d come into the kitchen. So far, nothing she’d said had gotten through or convinced him to put down her gun. And while Marissa might be out of his direct line of sight, Kendall didn’t want to do anything that would remind him of her presence in the house.
“Please, Mr. Patterson.” Kendall bit down on her bottom lip. “Think about what you’re doing. Robbie is going to need you when he gets out of the hospital.”
“He wouldn’t be there in the first place if you had done your job.”
Kendall let him fling accusations for another ten minutes as he paced the small space. Calling on every minute of hostage training she’d had, she remained as non-confrontational as possible.
Finally, Mr. Patterson grew silent as he came to a stop with his back to the screen door. Even though his hand trembled a little, he kept the gun pointed at her. Believing this would be her best chance, fearing this couldn’t go on much longer without something terrible happening, she started forward only to draw up short. Through the kitchen screen door she saw movement in the backyard. She spotted Sheriff Owens and several other officers standing ready along the edge of her house.
Her knees buckled slightly when she saw Logan.
She thought this must be how he’d looked when he’d attempted to rescue his friend. He wasn’t wearing military fatigues, but he wore a headset so he could hear whatever came through her radio. He stood with his feet braced apart, looking every bit the Army sniper as he stared through the scope mounted on the rifle he held.
Some rational part of her brain argued that it was impossible, but she would have sworn that, through the magnified lens, their gazes met and held. But mostly, she felt in her soul the promise that he’d given her with every kiss and touch and look.
He was here. He would always be here.
How foolish she’d been to consider, for even a second, he would leave her. He’d promised she could count on him, and his presence here proved his determination to protect his family. This was the man who’d risked his life, and suffered an injury, to assist a friend. He was an honorable man, one you could depend on—whether on the battlefield, a hostage situation, or in everyday life.
Pride and love gave her courage and faith. She shifted her face, somehow still managing to keep her gaze locked on his, as she talked into the radio at her shoulder. She spoke slowly, clearly, her voice filled with trust.
“I love you. I need you to do whatever you think is best.”
At her words, Mr. Patterson spun around. Then he cried out when the bullet ripped through the screen door. She saw the jerk that told her he’d been shoulder shot, smelled the metallic tang of gunpowder and blood. Kendall stepped on Mr. Patterson’s wrist, heard the sickening sound of bone breaking, and bent down to retrieve the released gun. She then turned and sprinted through the living room. In the hallway, she tossed the gun onto her bed, shut the door, and went to Marissa’s door. When the knob didn’t turn, she nearly dropped to the floor.
“Marissa.” Breathing heavily, she called out, resisted the temptation to pound on the door with her fists. “It’s Mamma. Open up baby.”
When the door cracked open, she pushed it further and reached for Marissa, cradling her in her arms. “You’re okay. Everything’s okay.”
“I stayed in my room,” Marissa said. “I was scared, but I did what you said.”
“You’re so brave,” Kendall corrected. “You’re my brave girl.”
And safe. Through the radio on her shoulder she heard the confusion of voices issuing orders, calling for updates, the code for an ambulance. When she heard footsteps pounding down the hall, she turned, prepared to do anything and everything necessary to keep Marissa safe.
Before her frantic mind could clear, Logan dropped to his knees, his arms coming around her and Marissa. “I’ve got you. You’re okay.”
“You’re here,” she said, her voice muffled due to being held so tightly against his chest.
His eyes were gentle when he pulled back enough to look at her. “I’ll always be here for you. How could you think otherwise?”
“I didn’t, not once I saw you.” She shook her head. “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry I didn’t trust you, Logan. But, when I saw the papers, I just didn’t know what to do.” She lowered her head to his chest.
“What papers?”
“The papers with the bird on them,” Marissa supplied when Kendall couldn’t find her voice.
“Grant,” Sheriff Owens interrupted as he entered the room behind them. Safe and secure within Logan’s arms, Kendall looked over. “You okay?” His gaze moved to travel over Marissa. Kendall stroked a hand down her daughter’s hair.
“We’re both fine. You heard everything on my radio?” she asked.
“Yes, we recorded everything. Good job.” He looked at Logan. “You too.”
“I’m sorry,” Kendall said. “I didn’t secure my gun when I arrived home. This never would have happened if I had.”
The sheriff looked back at Kendall and shook his head. “Where is the gun now?”
Kendall explained her actions after rushing from the kitchen.
Sheriff Owens spoke into his radio, instructed an officer to secure Kendall’s gun in an evidence bag. “I’m the one who should apologize,” he told her.
“Why?”
“We were so focused on the possibility of Lloyd Miller coming after you that I never considered Patterson would.”
“Why would you? I don’t think he planned to do anything. The past few days caught up with him, a combination of exhaustion and fear and love for his son. Marissa and I happened to be outside when he walked by and . . . I think he just snapped.” Now that she and Marissa were safe, she could feel more compassionate toward the man. “How is he?” she asked.
“On his way to the hospital. Under guard. Paramedics said it was a clean shot, right through the shoulder.” With a nod of approval for Logan, Sheriff Owens stood. “Patterson will be fine. Even though we have the recording of the events, we need to take you down to the station, get an official statement.” He glanced back over his shoulder. “Process everything here.”
Sheriff Owens led them back down the hallway, Logan carrying Marissa in such a way that he shielded her from seeing into the kitchen. He kept an arm around Kendall. Her home, she thought, and felt tears brimming as she spotted officers gathering evidence, dusting for prints, snapping photographs. Would she ever feel safe here again?
Kendall shivered.
Inside the cruiser, Marissa frowned. “There’s no car seat,” she said, her arms folded over her stomach in a protective gesture. “I’m not ’pose to ride without a car seat.”
“It’s okay, baby.” Kendall looked at her daughter tucked within Logan’s embrace. She smiled. “Your daddy will keep you safe.”
At the station, Rhonda took Marissa under her wing, promising the little girl all the soda she could drink. At first, Kendall didn’t want to let Marissa go, but Logan assured her that Marissa would be safe with Rhonda. He added it was probably best if Marissa didn’t have to listen to Kendall’s report. It helped that through the glass wall of the Sheriff’s office she could watch Marissa where she sat laughing at Rhonda’s desk. Kendall also took strength in the fact that Logan stayed by her side during the entire interview.
Finally, when everything had been recorded, Sheriff Owens rose. “I’ll get this typed up and ready for your signature.” She nodded. “Take a few days off.” He smiled a little at her wince. “I know you’re tired of hearing that, but it’s for the best. Counseling is available if you want or need it.”
“I’ll be fine.”
“You know you can’t go home yet. Is that going to be a problem?”
“No,” Logan answered. He covered her hand with his. She could do nothing it seemed but stare down at their hands.
“Kendall.” Sheriff Owens placed a hand on her shoulder. He waited until she looked up at him. “You need anything, anything at all, you let me know.”
“Thank you.”
“Take as much time in here as you need.” With a nod for both of them, Sheriff Owens turned and walked out.
No longer needing to present a professional front, Kendall wrapped her arms around her waist. A form of delayed reaction she knew but couldn’t stop her body from trembling. She imagined tears wouldn’t be far behind.
“Kendall,” Logan softly said. “Look at me.” When she couldn’t seem to do what he asked, he gently pried her arms free and lifted her onto his lap. His arms were solid and warm around her.
“How could you think I would leave you and go back into the Army?” he asked.
“I . . .” Her throat felt so raw. And the tears she expected flooded her eyes. “I know you didn’t come back here planning to stay. Then you found out about Marissa.”
“Haven’t you listened to me at all? I love you, Kendall.” He pressed a kiss to her temple. “Yes, learning about Marissa might have tipped the scales, but I asked you to marry me because I love you. I want to build a life with you.”
“I was so afraid. I love you so much, Logan, that I was afraid to believe you might need me the way I need you.” She made herself meet his gaze, pleased that her tears had stopped. She needed to be clear-eyed at this moment, wanted to make sure that he saw her heart in her gaze.
“Then, when I stood outside watching Marissa laugh and run around the barriers like you’d taught her, I knew I’d jumped to the wrong conclusion.”
“A defining moment?”
Kendall smiled, her first fully relaxed and easy smile in hours. “Yes, exactly. I love you, Logan.” She leaned forward and kissed him, not caring if anyone outside the glass wall saw them.
“Well then, I think this defining moment deserves to be followed by another.” Logan shifted slightly, pulled a box out of his pocket.
Kendall went stock-still as he flipped the lid to reveal a simple square cut diamond centered on a band of tiny rubies.
“Marry me, Kendall. Love me, need me, share your life with me.”
Kendall brushed away new tears and smiled at the man she’d loved her entire life. Once he’d slipped the ring onto her finger, he lifted his hands to cup her face and kiss her. “What do you say we get our little girl and go home?”
“Just one problem.” She hiccupped out a brittle laugh. “We don’t actually have a home to go to right now.”
“Goes to show what you know.” He made a small nod before he leaned forward to kiss her again. Kendall heard the door to the office open and then her little girl’s giggle.
“Mamma. Daddy.”
When Marissa climbed onto his lap, Logan looked at Kendall. “Who needs a building?” he asked, and her heart thudded at the tenderness in his gaze. “As long as we’re all together, we’re home.”
Epilogue
SOME OF HER fatigue gave way to anticipation as Kendall drove up the drive and her home came into view.
The charcoal
gray walls were softened further by the white shutters and porch railing. Summer flowers in the hanging pots flanked the column where an American flag proudly stirred in the gentle breeze. Providing backdrop to the house was the red barn and corral where orange barrels stood in the necessary arrangement. She picked out Logan and Marissa and wasn’t surprised to also spot Carter. In the past year, she felt the brothers seemed more at ease with one another and spent quite a bit of time helping out at each other’s ranches. Then her pleasure increased as she realized Audra stood at the fence. Kendall sighed and thought of how perfect it all looked and felt.
For the first time in her life, she had a home of her own, one she’d built with Logan, parts of it with their own hands. In this home they shared the joy and responsibilities of raising Marissa. In this home they’d loved for the last three months of the eleven they’d been married.
On that defining day almost a year earlier, Logan had told her they didn’t need a building to be a family. While she believed he was absolutely right, she had enormous pride in their house, his business, and the life they’d built together. Kendall drove around the house and parked.
“Hey,” she called out as she walked toward the fence. “I didn’t expect to see you still here.”
“I hadn’t planned to be,” Audra affirmed. “But when I brought Marissa home from school, Carter was here helping Logan work on that addition to the barn.”
“Oh?” Kendall grinned and hip bumped her friend. “Something you want to tell me?”
“You mean other than you’ve got that still-a-bride romantic streak going?” Audra shrugged. “I’m determined to talk Carter into letting me rent his old barn to use for a pottery shed.”
“That would mean Carter actually said more in a conversation than a single word.”
“All he has to say is yes.”
Kendall looked at Audra and saw a tenacious set to her features that hadn’t been there a year ago. The two friends talked as they watched the training exercise.
Cowboy On Her Doorstep (Montgomery Brothers Book 1) Page 18