by Clare Revell
Tamlyn tilted her head as he hung up. “Well?”
“Your father has reported you missing. The captain knows you’re here. He asked me to keep you with me.”
“Thank you.”
Martin nodded. “We can’t keep you hidden for long, but at least until we know whether you were drugged or not. I’ll call the court house in a bit and check to see if you or someone else filled out a marriage license in your name.”
“Then what?”
He ran his thumb over the back of her hand, his soft touch sending ripples of warmth through her. “One step at a time.”
“OK.”
He smiled. “Let me help with the cleaning and then we’ll have that conversation you wanted.”
Tamlyn nodded. “OK.” She had no idea how to phrase what she wanted to know, but hoped he’d be able to help.
Finally, the small apartment was gleaming, even the bathroom, and Martin carried two coffees into the lounge.
She smiled as he sat down. “You haven’t used your cane once since we’ve been here. Why do you only use it outside?”
“Honestly? Fear, mainly. I got hurt on the job.”
She sipped the coffee. “But you’re good at what you do. You don’t have to go back into protective services; you could work traffic. It’s not actually medical retirement at all, is it?”
He shrugged. “I handed in my resignation, but then I failed the PT.”
“Deliberately?” She held his gaze, noting the small nod with satisfaction. “Martin, you can’t spend the rest of your life hiding because one numpty bested you.”
“Is that all you wanted to talk about?” His eyes flashed ice then fire.
She’d gotten to him. “No…I wanted to ask about your faith.”
Martin sat stiffly on the sofa, his hands frozen around the cup. “Go on. But I warn you; if you’re just gonna nag me to death…” He left the sentence hanging.
Tamlyn shook her head. “No, I’m not. You’ve got something I haven’t. Your faith is real to you. More so than mine ever was to me. But I don’t know why. I’m missing something important and I have no idea what it is.”
He looked at her. “Did you ever accept Jesus as your Savior as a conscious decision?”
“Religion is just something I’ve always done. When I was a kid, Mum took me to church. When she died and I moved in with Dad, church was a way to escape on a Sunday morning—even if Raleigh did have to come with me. It got me out of the house, and away from Garth for a couple of hours. I know Jesus died for our sins, and I believe in God, and I pray sometimes. I’m just not sure…”
Martin put his cup down. “Tam, religion and faith are very different things. Faith has to come from here.” He gently touched her heart and then her head. “Not here. Faith is taking what the Bible tells you and believing it. Let me get my Bible and show you.”
Tamlyn leaned back on the couch and watched him cross to the book case. “You keep your Bible in here?”
“I have another one by my bed—though that’s still in your hotel suite.” He sat, stretching his long legs out in front of him. “So, growing up in a church, you know we’re all sinners and that Jesus was born and died to take the punishment for our sin. And that sin is everything we do wrong, not just the big things like murder and assault. Its little things like lying, cheating at cards, not being honest on your tax return, speeding—”
“Deliberately failing a PT test,” she said quickly.
“OK, yeah, that, too.” He held her gaze for a moment. “But all we have to do is ask and believe and we’re forgiven.”
“It’s really that simple?”
“Yes, Tam, it is.” He opened his Bible and read. “In First John it says ‘If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness’. Again in Romans ten ‘if you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved’. Finally in John ten, ‘My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of My hand’.”
She looked at him and took a deep breath. “I want…”
Martin covered her hands with his. “Don’t tell me, Tam. Tell God.”
“What do I say?” she asked, tears falling unrestrained. “Help me.”
Martin nodded. He began to pray and Tamlyn echoed every word from the depths of her heart. As she prayed, real peace filled her for the first time in years. No matter what happened over the next couple of days, God was on her side and in her corner.
As was Martin.
12
Tamlyn raised her face, tears still on her cheeks, and smiled. She felt so different, it was amazing. “Thank you.” She hugged him.
He hugged her back. “You’re welcome.” His fingers gently wiped away her tears. “Now I’ll go make those phone calls. And then see about some lunch.”
“You’re going to mess up my tidy kitchen?” she teased.
“Whose kitchen is it, again?” He laughed as he reached for the phone.
“Tell you what; I’ll go make coffee while you’re on the phone. You can tell me what I need to know when you’re done. And this way I get to mess up your kitchen.” She shot him a cheeky grin and headed from the room. As she made coffee, her mind wandered. How did he feel about her? Even if he did like her, he wouldn’t make a move while he was protecting her. Which was a shame given the way he’d kissed her.
Martin leaned against the kitchen doorway and cleared his throat. “You don’t have a marriage license issued in your name. Your father and Daniel Haynes tried to register the marriage without you, but without your agreement in person it’s not valid.”
“Explains why they reported me missing.” Tamlyn took a deep breath.
“Yeah, it does.” He moved over to her. “And I got the tox report, too. Even if they had tried to get you to sign anything, the meds in your system would render it null and void.”
“You know it’s a shame I can’t marry someone else, scupper their plans for good.”
Martin raised an eyebrow. “Do you have someone in mind or are you going to pluck some random guy off the street?”
She reached out with a hand, running her fingertips down his face. His eyes darkened as she slid her fingers down his chest to his waist.
Martin’s fingers closed over hers, his touch electrifying and his voice deep and smoldering. “What are you doing, Tam?”
Her cheeks burned. “Sorry.” She hurried to the door.
Martin moved fast and pushed the door shut as she opened it. His hands appeared on either side of her, trapping her against the door. “I asked you a question, Tam.”
Tamlyn turned towards him. “Let me go.”
“Not until you tell me what you want.” His intense gaze left her nowhere to hide.
“It...it was a stupid idea. I thought if you married me, then it solves the problem.” She turned away. “Maybe you’re right. I should go back to the hotel, stand up to Dad and tell him no. I can’t keep running away forever. Forget I said anything.”
“Tam.” Martin’s voice sent shivers down her spine and his soft touch on her arm conducted heat through her body. Before she could answer, Martin’s hand cupped her face as his lips sought hers with an urgency she didn’t expect. His other hand curled around her waist, holding her firmly.
Tamlyn slid her arms down his back, holding him tight. She closed her eyes, letting him take total control as his kiss became deeper, more powerful, his lips threatening to devour her whole, and his light touch setting her whole body aflame.
Finally, he pulled back.
She held his gaze, trying to remember to breathe. “Am I right in guessing that’s a no?”
His grin lit up his eyes. “No, I won’t marry you, Tam, because I was brought up to believe a guy should do the asking. And only after at least one date.”
“Ohhh...” Tamlyn turned away. He’d been t
oying with her, playing her for a fool.
A soft hand on her cheek turned her face back towards his. Dark eyes filled with desire swallowed her whole. “I consider that picnic in the rain to be a date. Will you marry me?”
She nodded. “Yes.”
“Then we’ll go to the courthouse and pick up a license. But we’ll keep the marriage in name only.”
“Are you sure about this? You’re not doing it because you’re meant to be protecting me and this is the best way to do it?”
Martin rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m sure.” He paused. “Oh, wait a second.”
Tamlyn stood still as he disappeared into the bedroom for an instant, then reappeared, holding something out to her.
“This was my grandmother’s engagement ring. She told me to keep it for someone special.” He slid it onto her finger.
It was beautiful, gold with three small diamonds. “I’ll keep it safe.”
“You better.”
She nodded. “We’ll need wedding rings.”
“There’s a jeweler’s on Seventh. We’ll stop off there.”
Tamlyn glanced down at her jeans. “I have nothing to wear. All I have is what I am wearing right now. Everything else is in the hotel suite.”
“Hey, you’re in Vegas.”
“What about my necklace?”
“I’ll get my partner to look into it. That OK?”
Tamlyn nodded and hugged him. “Thank you.”
13
Having picked up the license and booked a wedding chapel for later that day, Martin kept hold of Tamlyn’s hand as she tried to find a dress that she liked. He’d never known a woman to be so picky about her clothes, but then he hadn’t been clothes shopping with a woman before. She’d picked up a lot of stuff, ranging from lingerie and shoes, to simple stuff like a hairbrush, toothpaste, and toothbrush. How much more did she need?
His soul flamed with passion and love for the woman next to him, but he kept reminding himself he was working. His head told him he should have contacted the captain about this marriage, but his heart insisted Tamlyn would be safe at his side.
I know that’s what I’m doing, Lord. Protecting her from being forced into marriage against her will, but I can’t deny how I really feel. I love her. That’s why I’m marrying her properly. In Your sight. Given the chance, I would love her for as long as You give me the opportunity to. I’d love her, honor her, and remain faithful…but what can I offer her? I can’t give her children.
He squeezed her hand. “At this rate you will be getting married in jeans.”
“It’s just weird having the groom help pick the wedding dress.”
Martin winked. “There is nothing normal about our marriage. What about that one?”
Tamlyn turned in the direction he pointed. “It’s lovely.” She ran her fingers over the fabric and glanced along the rail, picking out a couple to try in different colors. “Be right back. And no peeking. There has to be some surprise in this.”
Martin made a quick phone call as he waited outside the changing rooms.
Tamlyn came out, holding something behind her back. Her eyes sparkled. “Give me the basket, and I’ll go pay for it.”
He slid his hand into hers. “I’m coming, too.”
“Fine, but you mustn’t look. You can scan the perimeter or whatever cops do, while she wraps the dress.”
Picking up the bags a few minutes later, she gave him another dazzling smile. This Tam was so different from the spoiled brat he’d met a couple of days ago. He liked this one. “What do we do about witnesses?”
“All the chapels have witnesses on hand, but I called Vance while you were trying the dress on. He and Peggy will come to the chapel with us. We’re going to change at their house.”
****
Tamlyn glanced at the framed family portraits lining the hallway of the Wicks family home. She’d never had a close family like this, and it didn’t seem right to deceive them, but if Martin felt comfortable doing it, who was she to argue? After all, he was doing this for her.
Vance thumped Martin on the back. “Hey, bro. Peggy’s just coming.”
“Nice to see you too, Vance.” Martin said, returning the bear hug.
“Martin!” A small, dark-haired, pregnant woman ran down the hallway, her arms outstretched. “You’re looking better than you should be after totaling your car.”
Martin hugged her back. “Thank you, I think.” He pulled back and grabbed Tamlyn’s hand, pulling her closer. “This is Tamlyn. Tam, this is my sister Peggy and her husband, Vance.”
Tamlyn blushed as she became the center of attention. “Hello.”
Vance pulled her into a hug, playing his part to perfection. “Well, you’re a pretty young thing and no mistake. What’re you doing with a reprobate like Martin?”
Tamlyn shrugged as Peggy hugged her. “Nice to meet you.”
“And you. I can’t believe he didn’t tell us about you before now. Or bring you to meet us. He’s lucky I have something to wear.”
Martin’s arm slid around Tamlyn’s waist, pulling her close to him. Did he realize exactly what that did to her? How the heat from his touch ran straight to her core, making her want to melt at his feet?
“Sorry, sis.”
Peggy smiled. “I called Mom and Dad. They’re on their way over.”
Martin stiffened. “Why did you do that? I asked you not to.”
“I’m sorry. But you’re getting married. They have to be there.”
Martin humphed.
Tamlyn turned to look at him, startled by the anger in his eyes. “It’s OK, hon. Just because my father can’t be there, doesn’t mean your parents can’t be, either.”
Martin’s gaze held hers for a moment and her knees threatened to give way with the intensity of the stare. “Are you sure, babe? It doesn’t seem very fair.”
She nodded, kissing his cheek. “I’m sure.”
He moved his face and caught her lips with hers. The kiss was soft, with none of the passion he’d shown earlier. Maybe she misread the signs. She rested a hand on his waist as she kissed him back.
Vance grinned and shook his head. “Good grief, man, that’s how you kiss your sister, and I should know, because I’ve watched you do it.”
Martin’s face flushed as he let Tamlyn go. “Yeah, well, not everyone likes showing emotion in public, Vance.”
“You’re not in public and if you can’t show the woman you’re marrying in a couple hours how much you love her in front of family, then there’s no hope for ya.”
Martin scowled at him. “Mind if I hang our things up in your room?”
“Sure.” Vance looked at Peggy. “Go make Tamlyn some coffee, baby. We’ll be there in a few.”
****
Martin watched the women head down the hall, and then let out a deep breath. “Why did you let her bring Mom and Dad into this?”
Vance lowered his voice. “Did that bump on the head from the accident take away all your senses, man? You’re meant to be protecting her Ladyship, not marrying her.”
“That’s exactly what I am doing. We are going into this with our eyes open. I need you to help me, here. If anyone finds out this marriage is in name only, then it’s all for nothing.”
“Peggy will be hurt. She’s really happy for you.”
“I know and I hate lying to her, but I have no choice. Someone killed Raleigh, and then tried to kill us. Until I get to the bottom of this, I want things done this way. Are there any leads on the necklace yet?”
Vance shook his head. “No, I don’t know where it is, but it’s worth a whole lot more than you think it is. I’ll show you what I’ve discovered. The file’s upstairs.”
Martin followed him and laid Tamlyn’s dress, still in its carrier, and his suit on the bed. He took the file and opened it. “That’s it,” he said looking down at the photo. Then he took a deep breath, his jaw dropping and eyes widening. “It’s worth how much?”
“Keep reading. The estate is
almost insolvent. Several bad investments over the years have left Lord Bradshaw almost bankrupt, even with Daniel Haynes buying half the estate. That gold cross would clear the rest.”
“It belongs to Tamlyn, not the estate. She wants it back.”
Vance nodded. “You marry her and you’re a bigger target than you are protecting her. They already tried to kill you once, Martin. They won’t hesitate to do it again. You can’t go through with this.”
“I have to, Vance. I know I’m working, but, so help me, I have fallen for her. If doing this protects her, then that’s what I’ll do.”
“Even if it kills you?”
Martin looked straight at him, not skipping a beat before answering. “Even if it kills me.”
****
Tamlyn grabbed Martin’s hand in relief as he reappeared.
Vance smirked. “She’s got it bad for you, bro.”
Martin scowled. “Maybe you scared her. So what time are Mom and Dad arriving?”
The doorbell rang. “About now.” Peggy headed out, Vance behind her.
Tamlyn glared at Martin. “Don’t you leave me, again. Your sister wanted to know how long I’d known you.”
“What did you say?”
“I said a while.”
Martin nodded, forcing a smile as his parents came into the room. “Mom, Dad.” He hugged them and rolled his eyes over their shoulders at his sister, then pulled back. “I’d like you guys to meet Tamlyn Bradshaw, my fiancée. Tam, honey, these are my parents, Hank and Casey Ames.”
Tamlyn found herself hugged by two more total strangers. What was it with Martin’s family and hugs? She’d had more hugs in the space of an hour than in the past ten years. She listened as Martin skillfully wove a plausible back story. His whole family seemed to have taken to her, his mother in particular. She’d break their hearts when this ‘marriage’ ended.
“So how are you wearing your hair?” Casey’s voice dragged Tamlyn out of her thoughts.