Oh great. This was so not what she needed right now. “I’m fine. The window’s open. You startled me. Is something wrong?”
“Yes. You’ve been in there for an hour. If you’re sick, I’ll take you to Doc.”
“I’m not sick. No need to worry so much.” She’d been sick this morning, briefly.
Beyond the apartment bathroom she could hear the buzz of saws and slamming hammers. Reconstruction of Enchanted Treasures had begun. It was a long way to completion, but the frame was up and Ethan, Alex and Phalen made sure the crew remained true to the original construction.
“Morgan, open the goddamned door or I’ll take it off,” Phalen insisted.
Over the construction sounds, she heard the telltale squeaks of the hinges.
“Wait!” Gathering up the tests, she shoved them under the sink, keeping one stick and tucking it into the pocket of her multicolored skirt.
She wore a pair of brown leather boots and a feminine forest green sweater. She was suitably dressed. By the time Phalen took the hinges off and removed the door, she stood there calmly.
“Hi, Phalen, you didn’t have to take the door off. What would you have done if I wasn’t dressed?”
“Same damn thing, but I’d have closed my eyes until you were decent. I’ve been sent to get you.”
“Sorry, who sent you? Ethan’s at PT.”
“Why don’t you come outside? The fresh air will do you good. I’ll get your coat.”
“Hang on one second,” she said, rushing back to the sink to check her face. She’d brushed her teeth after she’d gotten sick, so her breath was minty fresh.
Her makeup was in place. Her hair was relatively straight, with the sides pulled back into a braid down the back. Her favorite earrings were in place. She looked the same as she had when she came in the bathroom.
But she wasn’t the same. She was staring at a mother-to-be.
Feeling shaky all of a sudden, Morgan took a deep breath, wondering at the tiny miracle within her. Except for the time she’d been struck down by a migraine and Maura Andrews with a flashlight, she hadn’t skipped taking the Pill. It was low dose and she’d been on antibiotics.
Given that, one of Ethan’s potent little sperms met up with one of her eggs and life found a way.
“Darlin’, I’m not going to ask what’s going on with you. Thanks to Cassie, I know the signs. Ethan will be thrilled. Hear what I’m telling you?”
Phalen came into the bathroom with her, drew her to him and held her with brotherly affection. It was so nice, she relaxed.
“I love Ethan so much. He’s my anchor,” she admitted against his big chest. Damn, up this close and personal with Phalen Maddox made her very aware that he was a huge man. How on earth did Maddox men get so freakin’ big?
“He loves you too.”
“Thanks, your hugs are nice. His are better.”
“I should hope so,” Phalen said, laughing softly. “When you’re ready, talk to Cassie and take the next steps. Promise?”
“Yes.” She finally stepped back and let him lead her out of the bathroom. Phalen stopped to get her long coat off a rack and placed it on her shoulders.
“Hard to believe Thanksgiving is coming up,” Morgan commented.
“Do they make veggie turkey?”
“Probably, but that does not sound appealing.”
“What does sound good?”
“Stuffing, old-fashioned stuffing, mashed potatoes made without the chicken broth and sweet potato casserole, with tons of marshmallows. And pumpkin pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.”
“No apple pie?”
Morgan groaned. “Maybe someday I’ll eat it again. I can’t though, not when the smell of apples makes me sad for Jenna Bailey.”
“What happened to her and her family was terrible. But you can’t look back with regrets or sadness. Jenna is in a better place, where her stepfather and aunt can’t hurt her or anyone again.”
Not sure if it was hormones or Phalen’s words, Morgan got all teary and flustered.
“Great, I’m going to cry, dammit. This may sound horrible, but I hope demons in hell are putting Spencer Bailey and his twisted bitch through the same torment they subjected their victims to.”
“Much as I agree, I never thought you’d have a potty mouth,” he teased.
“This is nothing. You’ve never heard me when I’m having…never mind.”
“Good call, best not to finish that one. Plus if Taran found out, he’d tease the shit out of Ethan.”
“I happen to love Taran very much.”
“So do I, never doubt it.”
“You think he and Samantha will get together? I thought for sure she was giving in at the hospital.”
“Taran needs to be patient. She’s got a defense shield around her that seems impenetrable. But he already knows which buttons to push and loves when she pushes back.”
“She’s what he needs, a challenge. She’s been hurt before, Phalen, deeply and in ways she may not admit to anyone.”
“Yeah, I figured as much. She talked to Alex about joining the club without Taran’s permission. That’s going to lead her into trouble. She’d better be prepared for it.”
“Taran’s a sweetheart. So are you.”
“Thanks, darlin’. Don’t let Taran fool you. Growing up, his dating life made mine and Ethan’s look eligible for sainthood.”
“He erased every other woman except Samantha’s number from his contact list, making her number one. I think they’re soul mates. And Taran has every ounce of Maddox honor that you and Ethan have. He’ll heal her, wait and see.”
“Then he’s going to have to figure out if he can compromise and switch. He’ll have to if he wants to keep Sam.”
Phalen and Morgan got quiet after that. Honorable gentleman he was, he walked her down the steps and around to the front of the tattoo shop. That was when Morgan realized construction had stopped.
No one was hammering or sawing or talking. It was weirdly quiet and the parking lot was deserted.
“What in the world is going on? Where are the cars? Where are the patrons for the diner and members of the dojo?”
“Cassie and Alex had everyone move their cars,” Phalen answered.
Just when she’d have asked why, a dog barked, drawing her attention to the diner. The main door opened up. Cassie, Alex, Ryan, Taran and Avery Grant walked out.
A half second later, Ethan came around the side of the diner leading a huge dog, who’d decided to play, leaping up a little and revealing it was a male. A gentle command from Ethan calmed him back down.
Right then and there, Morgan fell in love. The dog was a handsome black and tan mixed breed that looked to be mostly Labrador and Bernese Mountain Dog, but with a Bloodhound’s floppy ears.
“Oh my, Phalen, look, he’s gorgeous.”
“Go on, darlin’…” Phalen urged her forward.
Being certain she didn’t run or frighten the dog, she kept her pace even as she approached them. Ethan walked confidently, with only a minor limp in his stride that would surely be gone soon.
Heart pounding nervously, she met them in the middle of the parking lot. “Is…is he ours, Ethan?”
“He is. Read the note,” Ethan answered, gesturing to a small package that was strapped to the dog’s leash. A tag on a badass spiked collar read Guinness.
“His name is Guinness?”
“He’s black and tan and a Maddox. I had to name him after my favorite Irish stout and pale ale. The shelter folks called him Elvis.”
“Why?”
“He’s handsome and part hound dog. Morgan. Read the note. Open your present.”
She knelt down before the dog, offering her hand. He licked it right away. Smiling, she raised her eyes to Ethan. “I have something for you too.”
Ethan lifted a brow, waiting. Morgan scuffed Guinness’ head. “Aren’t you a fine-looking puppy? I just want to bury my nose in your fur and hug you.”
“He’s
three and weighs eighty-five pounds. He’s not a pup.”
“He’s always going to be a puppy to me. I love him already!”
She couldn’t help it. She let Guinness give her welcoming kisses. It was sloppy and he smelled like a dog, but it wasn’t unpleasant. He was freshly groomed and his fur was silky soft.
After Guinness settled down, Morgan removed the package and stood up, opening the note first. It was an adoption paper from the shelter telling her all about Guinness’ extensive mixed-breed lineage. Across the front was a message.
Hello, my name is Guinness. I’m lovable, house trained, good with kids and need a family. Will you marry my daddy and be my mom?
“Oh my, does this mean what I think it does?”
“Open the box, honey,” Ethan insisted.
Morgan obeyed. Nestled inside the velvet box was a gold and emerald Claddagh engagement ring. It was simple and lovely.
“Marry me, Morgan, today.”
Morgan blinked up at Ethan. “We can’t. We need to get a license, call my mom and stepdad, pick out wedding bands…arrange a wedding.”
“If I already got the license, have the bands in my pocket and made arrangements for the ceremony, would you marry me? Your parents are on a cruise. I called to let them know my intentions. If you want to wait until they return, that’s okay, as long as you say you’ll be my wife.”
Morgan looked around. Her friends watched in awe. They were as much her family as her mom and stepfather, perhaps more so. Guinness sat down on his haunches, his fluffy tail flopping happily as he watched them.
“You need to know something before I give an answer, Ethan.” Taking the test stick that spelled out pregnant from her pocket, she handed it to him.
Ethan read the stick, let out a belly-whopping whoop, caught her around the waist and hoisted her right up in the air, spinning her around. Guinness jumped and barked and played around them.
Tangled up in the dog’s leash, she didn’t try to get away because Ethan was kissing her. His mouth was warm and temptation incarnate.
At some point she might never recall, he set her down on her feet, untangled Guinness, grabbed her left hand and offered the ring.
“You’ve made me a happy man, Morgan. I’m proud to have a baby with you. So let’s do it. Marry me. Say you’ll be my wife and Guinness’ mama.”
“Today?”
“Yes. The ladies are going to take you to a spa and shopping. Meet me at Druid Creek Castle by five o’clock. Cassie’s dad agreed to do the ceremony.”
“Yes, yes, I will be there.” Ethan slipped the ring onto her finger. A second later, she was engulfed in his arms as more kisses rained down upon her mouth.
Guinness decided he wanted to play and insinuated himself between his new parents. She had to reassure him that they were keeping him, not that she’d have chosen otherwise.
Kneeling down, she embraced him, letting him give doggie kisses to her chin until he calmed down. “Yes, Guinness Maddox, I will marry your daddy and be your mom.”
“Guess Morgan said yes,” Taran chimed in. “How about letting the rest of us meet the newest Maddox?”
Everyone came over to introduce themselves to Guinness. On instinct, the dog immediately recognized the top dog of the crowd. Not Phalen, as Morgan expected, Taran.
To his credit, Taran was inherently patient. Before long, the dog was licking his palm and wagging his tail. Phalen withdrew something from his pocket and quickly became the favorite uncle when Guinness accepted a doggie treat.
“Where’d you get the treat?” Morgan asked her soon-to-be brother-in-law.
“A little bird gave it to me,” Phalen answered, gesturing to Cassie. “We’ll be glad to keep Guinness for you anytime you two need.”
“Chances are Samson and Delilah won’t be thrilled about having a dog for a cousin. When he’s over at your house, best keep him away from Delilah’s claws,” Alex warned.
Samantha knelt next to Guinness, patting his adorable head. “He’s so handsome, Ethan. And big! He’s definitely a Maddox.”
“Uh-oh, hope he’s neutered,” Cassie teased.
“He is,” Ethan said. Tucking Morgan under the protection of his arm, he placed his free hand against her tummy. “He’s not the only Maddox you all should meet. We’re having a baby.”
“What the fuck, Ethan? Ever heard of a condom?” Taran demanded. “Phalen taught us better than that.”
Morgan looked at Cassie, who was just beginning to show. She looked so happy and Phalen was so obviously proud to be a father. It would be fun to go shopping for baby clothes with her sister-in-law.
“Be happy for us, Taran,” Morgan insisted. “Babies are little miracles.”
Taran came over and hugged her. “I am happy for you two and proud as punch to be an uncle. I’m just reminding my block-headed brother about responsibilities.”
“I took Phalen’s advice to heart,” Ethan interjected. “When you find the right woman, you stay with her. Condoms are a must, I’ll grant you. Since I’ll never be with another woman, Morgan and I were able to find more creative uses for them.”
“Ethan!” Morgan shouted, flushing and elbowing him at the same time.
“Congrats to all moms-to-be. So many weddings lately,” Samantha said. “It looks as if we’ll have plenty of baby showers too. Wonder who’s next to walk down the aisle?”
“You,” Taran stated. “And me.”
“Whew, glad it’s not me. I’ve sworn off men,” Avery Grant stated firmly. “Fuckers are nothing but trouble.”
“Avery, don’t compare all men to Timothy,” Alex replied. “And you will remember to watch your tongue.”
Avery stuck her tongue out at her brother, waving him off.
“Who’s Timothy?” Morgan asked, looking at Avery. Alex’s sister was a far prettier version of her older brother. Her shoulder-length honey-blonde hair had just the right amount of wave and she wore a professional gray pantsuit.
“The man my daddy thought I should marry,” Avery answered. “Let’s just say he pretended to be the world’s most boring man. In reality, he was a rat with a penchant for fucking law clerks. It’s best not to think about him now.”
“Girl, you and I are going out for drinks after the wedding tonight,” Samantha insisted. “Let’s prove to men that we don’t need them.”
“No. You’re going out with me tonight,” Taran corrected.
“Funny, pretty boy, I don’t recall being asked. And I’ve got plans. Isn’t that right, Avery?”
“That’s right,” Avery agreed.
“Running scared, Samantha?” Taran challenged.
Sam stood tall, kept her hand on Guinness’ leash and stared right into Taran’s eyes.
“You. Do. Not. Scare. Me. Keep messing with me, Taran Maddox, I’ll face plant you in the dirt and fuck you doggie style. Understand what I mean?”
“Is that the worst you’ve got, baby doll? Maybe men are intimidated by the badass tomboy thing. I’m not. The next time you promise to fuck me, you’d better damn well do it. We’ll see which one of us ends up on top.”
The two engaged in a staring contest that left everyone in the parking lot speechless. Guinness lowered his head to his paws in deference to the pack leader in complete control right then. Samantha followed suit, averting her gaze to the parking lot.
Calmly, Taran caught her chin, tilted her head back and leaned in close enough to kiss Samantha. Only after she sighed and swayed on her feet did he swipe his thumb over her lips in silent victory and walk away.
Guinness trailed after him, wagging his tail.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I do believe we have a wedding to prepare for,” Alex reminded them. “Sam and Taran, you two are firmly separated until after the wedding. If you two argue or give a repeat performance, I’ll kick your asses.”
“I love it when you get bossy, Alex,” Ryan declared, making them all laugh.
Morgan was so happy. Ethan’s ring was on her hand. They were going t
o get married in a matter of hours!
“We have got to go,” Cassie stated. “Morgan, we’ll get you all prettied up for the ceremony.”
The women surrounded her. “I don’t want to leave Guinness so soon,” Morgan objected.
“He’ll be at the wedding,” Ethan promised. “Don’t worry. We’ll both see you in a few hours.”
“Yes you will.” Morgan waved. She wanted to kiss him again, but if she did, she’d miss the five o’clock deadline.
* * * * *
Ethan tried not to pace as he waited for his bride to come down the aisle rolled out in rich red carpeting along a gleaming wood floor. Ryan and Alex had worked a miracle, making the dining room of Druid Creek Castle look like a church, complete with an altar, autumn-colored flowers and classical music playing overhead.
Rows of chairs had been set up for the wedding guests, consisting of Phalen’s in-laws, Captain Morrison and his wife Sierra, Remy Sinclair and Evelyn Stratham. Eve’s glossy light-brown hair was drawn back in a severe topknot and she wore a navy-blue skirt, pale-blue blouse and navy jacket.
Once he’d gotten to know Eve in recent weeks, he considered her a friend now that Remy had resumed shooting his ghost hunting reality TV show and Morgan was part of the team. Three other ghost hunters were there, sound techs and equipment techs.
Ethan honestly didn’t remember their names. He would remember later, after Morgan got there. It was five o’clock.
“She’ll be here, Ethan,” Phalen promised.
“Soon, I hope,” Taran added. “I want out of this suit.”
Taran was more comfortable in casual clothes. For the wedding, he wore a charcoal suit that he’d normally wear to court. Phalen had on a dark-gray suit and silver tie.
Ethan wore his Sunday best. Black suit, white shirt, black tie, shined black shoes. Ahead of him, Cassie’s father stood with a bible in hand.
The main doors squeaked open, echoing through the restaurant, footsteps paraded in. Alex and Ryan intercepted them, becoming wedding planners as they arranged Samantha, Cassie and Avery in a line.
Sam walked down first. She looked real pretty in a knee-length black dress. Her honey-blonde hair was all tangled up in some kind of topknot thing that left a few strands falling down to her high cheekbones. She wore makeup and her mouth was painted a rich dark red.
Cuff Master Page 37