by Paige Hill
If it were possible, I fall a little more in love. With both of them.
Getting shot looks bad ass in the movies.
They lied.
It is really emasculating to need help getting off the couch. However, there was one upside—Teagan. We have spent the last several weeks helping each other heal. I’m healing from a gunshot to the stomach, she’s repairing years of emotional damage. She is truly the most resilient person I know. Now that I know the love she brings to my world, I never want to imagine life without her.
And I don’t plan on it.
The last couple of months have been a whirlwind. Watching Teagan come into her own has been the highlight of a lifetime. Like the majestic Falcon, she was never meant to be held captive. Once she was given the chance to spread her beautiful wings, she soared.
The State of Florida chose not to press charges against her, ruling Mark’s death as self-defense. Being that she was in fact, his wife, Teagan inherited everything. He may have been a terrible excuse for a human being, but Mark was a business man. Smart enough to separate his personal finances from that of his father’s. He lived on his father’s money and invested every cent he earned. The government seized all illegally gained money, leaving Teagan with a small fortune.
Using that fortune, she has managed to turn something so tainted into a source of hope. Hope for abused women seeking help. With the assistance of an anonymous partner, Teagan started Fighting for Freedom, a non-profit organization designed to help women find a safe place in the world—whether it be needing help leaving an abusive husband, security if they feel threatened, help getting clean, or simply help getting back on her feet. She is a much better business woman than she gives herself credit for.
She owned that business plan.
Since my team had eyes and ears on the factory standoff, and with Teagan’s testimony, Governor Langford is going to be persecuted for his crimes. No cushy white collar minimum security for him. Nope, federal pound me in the ass prison.
My case is officially closed, and tonight, the President of the United States is presenting the entire team with service medals. They very graciously looked over the fact that I harbored a fugitive because it turns out, we took down the leader of the largest drug cartel in the United States. He’s going down for more than drug smuggling. Our investigation opened a world of human trafficking, domestic terrorism, and treason. Personally, I think whatever happens inside that prison isn’t enough punishment for what those women endured.
I can’t stop smiling as I finish buttoning my uniform. Crisp and pressed, there has always been something gratifying about wearing it. I like knowing it represents something good. You can’t have the light without the dark, and I am proud as hell to be the man with the lantern.
Patting my breast pocket to make sure it is still there, a feeling of utter contentment washes over me.
“Sunshine, are you ready?” I call into the other room.
“As I’ll ever be.”
Her smile is radiant as she crosses the hotel carpet, closing the distance between us. She is stunning, and it takes my breath away.
I honestly lose all verbal abilities.
She has on a black, floor-length satin gown that hugs her every curve. Her ruby red lips tip up as she turns slowly for me to see the full effect. The dress is backless, but still classy and her hair is done in perfect soft waves down her back.
I can’t fight my smile. She reminds me of Jessica Rabbit.
A shiny black limo delivers us to the White House. Teagan nervously chatters with Grandma Martha beside me, most of it nonsense to keep her mind busy. I can’t help but notice how nervous I am not. Tonight is huge, life changing, but I’m more than ready.
The ball room, if one can call it that, is immaculately decorated in shades of cream and gold. A string quartet plays in the background, the sound reverberating from the impossibly tall ceiling. Finely clad people mingle around the room, reminding me of a charity gala crowded with rich people you would see on TV. Round tables litter the room. Each one holding ornate center pieces, dripping with elegance.
Each of us are called to the stage before the ceremony begins. Teagan and my grandmother are seated in shiny gold chairs at the front, each one beaming with pride. Grandma’s hand is clutched tightly in Teagan’s, the sight fills a hole that’s remained vacant since my mom died. I have everything I could possibly want.
Or, I will.
“Good evening and welcome to the White House. We are here to honor the men and women responsible for bringing the most notorious leader of domestic terrorism to justice. This group managed to cross two separate situations, creating the key that unlocked deceit unlike any before it. Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to present each of them with The Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor.”
The room explodes into a series of applause.
Ramos, Briggs, myself, and the rest of the crew each step forward to receive our benediction.
They requested someone from the team give a speech and Ramos asked me to do the honors. It couldn’t have been more perfect.
Standing in front of the podium, hundreds of eyes watch my very move, expectantly.
Here goes nothing.
“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for being here today. These men and women bravely followed me into a factory with no inside information. They risked not only their lives but also their freedom. All because I was in love.” The crowd laughs and awes before I continue.
“It is because of these people, I get to live my future.” Looking at Teagan, her hand rests on her chest as I continue.
“Teagan, Sunshine, will you come up here?” Her eyes go wide as saucers before giving me the cutest little ‘you’re going to get it’ glare as she elegantly makes her way onto the stage.
“You’d storm a building for her, too, wouldn’t you?” I ask the crowd, waving in her direction. The crowd erupts into laughter and I’m positive I hear at least one cat call. Turning back toward Teagan, I get down on one knee and pull my grandmother’s Claddagh ring from my pocket. Her hand comes to rest over her mouth as my intentions become evident.
“Sunshine, you’ve spent so much of your life giving love to those who didn’t deserve it. I want to spend the rest of my life trying to be worthy of your love. Will you marry me?
6 Months Later
As I stand here, looking at myself in the mirror, I think about everything it took to get me here. Running a hand over the bodice of the white beaded dress, I fight back happy tears. No way in hell am I screwing up this makeup today.
“Who would have thought he’d be the one to save me.” I smile to myself, unaware of Martha’s presence.
“Posh! You saved yourself, Sweet Tea. All you needed was the confidence to believe you could. That’s the gift my Declan gave you.” Her eyes meet mine in the mirror. “You never needed a man to save you. You needed a man who wanted to save you.” Her eyes bore into mine, holding me in place.
Before I can form a response, Celeste bursts through the door, her heels clacking on the marble floor. Light filtering through the beach house’s floor-to-ceiling windows highlights the fury in her eyes.
“That man is so pig-headed! I don’t understand how one person can be so infuriating! Ugh!” She huffs but her irritation wilts as she takes in my dress.
“Teagan, you look absolutely radiant. Declan’s not going to know what hit him.” She smirks, pulling me into a huge hug. “Maravilloso.”
“You can’t call me things if I don’t know what they mean.” I smirk at her.
“Chill, home slice, it’s your wedding day. Even I’m not that vile,” Celeste says with a pointed look.
Martha’s soft chuckle fills the room before she poorly attempts to cover it with a cough. She loves giving Celeste a hard time. Both women are equally feisty, and it makes for very comical family get-togethers.
Celeste’s smile borders on maniacal, but I expect nothing less from my best friend.
“Thank you for b
eing with me today.” My voice shakes with the emotion I’m trying to veil.
“You really think I’d be anywhere else? I’m nothing short of flattered that you chose me to be the one on your side as you take this step. You’re a living romance novel!” She beams. “Besides, you’re fucking insane if you thought I’d let you pick anyone but me.”
A soft knock sounds at the door before it opens slowly, and Manny’s dapper frame fills the doorway.
“You ready Baby G—…” His words are cut short as he takes in my bridal get-up. “Hermosa, mi hija.” His eyes mist as he tags me into a comforting embrace. “The most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen.”
“Thank you, Manny. I couldn’t have picked a better father if I’d tried.” I take his outstretched arm, my heart warming with affection.
Manny walks me out to the pier, Celeste and Martha right on our heels. Stopping just before the trees open to the ocean, the spot Declan took me for our first date, Martha kisses my cheek softly.
“Sweet Tea, you once called Manny and I the closest thing you had to family. Today, we become family. If I know one thing, it’s that you will never be alone again.”
Those are her parting words as she smiles at me and continues on to find her seat for the intimate ceremony. Every nerve in my body tingles as years of loss, pain, and despair exit my system. No longer holding back my tears, they flow freely. I smile through the mist, each drop a memory I no longer want.
Come Away with Me by Nora Jones pipes through the speakers as Celeste, very reluctantly, takes Aiden’s arm and they begin their decent down the aisle.
It’s time.
Manny grips my arm tighter in solidarity as I put one foot in front of the other. Clearing the line of trees, I suck in a breath. Of their own accord, my eyes zero in on my future. Declan stands before me, smiling as if he were standing at the pearly gates of Heaven.
My stomach flips, reminding me that this really is the beginning.
This morning I was given the greatest gift, one I have yet to share with Declan. They told me I had a better chance of winning the Florida State Lottery.
Guess I better buy a ticket.
It’s a powerful feeling to know you carry life when everyone tells you it’s impossible. Slowly, I am finding Mark didn’t take anything from me but what I allowed him.
Now when I give my love away, I am not afraid. My love will never again be used to manipulate me.
Reaching the end of the aisle, I search Declan’s face for any sign of nervousness. Not that I’m afraid he has cold feet, he just looks adorable when something manages to rattle him.
All I’m met with is sheer awe. Like he can’t believe he’s going to have me for the rest of his life. Now that gives me butterflies.
The officiant speaks, but I tune him out, choosing to focus all my energy on the man before me. His expression takes on a devilish quality as he leans forward, whispering in my ear.
“I can’t wait to be on the fucking beach, watching you drink fruity little cocktails in a bikini.” His voice is low and gravelly. “After I spread you out like the best fucking buffet I’ve ever had.”
My thighs tighten, trying in vain to quell the sudden pressure. I force myself to shake the very good visions he’s painted.
“I can’t drink,” I whisper.
“Huh?” His face scrunches in confusion.
“I. Can’t. Drink.”
A knowing smile takes over my face as I watch him. His expression slowly morphs from confusion to suspicion before his eyes land on my stomach. He stares in awe for several seconds and I watch his Adam’s apple bob as he swallows thickly. His eyes travel north, the skin around them, rimmed in red. His incredible green irises shine with unshed tears. He says nothing, but his eyes beg me for confirmation.
I nod my head once and a rogue tear streaks down my cheek.
His face splits into a huge grin at the same time I hear someone clear their throat. My eyes snap back to the officiant, who’s looking a bit annoyed.
“As I was saying, do you, Declan O’Connor take this wom—“ he continues, but is immediately interrupted when Declan’s warm hands take over my face.
“I do.” He growls, taking my mouth in a desperate kiss—one I am positive was not meant for public consumption.
Looking into the eyes that hold my heart, it feels like I’m finally coming home. Where I was always meant to be. A place I now know I deserve.
If you fight hard enough, you just might get what you need in life. The journey to happiness is riddled with pain and sacrifice, but the struggle makes the reward that much sweeter. I managed what I once believed to be impossible. I fought. And now…
I am alive.
I am free.
I am loved.
The End.
Thank you so much for taking a chance on an unknown author. It means the world to me. Teagan’s story is painful, heartbreaking, and one that far too many women have experienced. Abuse comes in many forms, and scars are not always physical.
This story is deeply personal and took me several years to get the courage to share it with you. I’m excited for what the future holds! Until next time…
The National Domestic Abuse Hotline
www.thehotline.org
1(800)799-7233
You are beautiful and worthy of all this life has to offer.
If you had told me two years ago that I would be a published author, I would’ve volunteered to make your tin foil hat. But, with the help of some pretty awesome people, I turned a pipe dream into reality.
Special thanks go out to:
My readers—Without you, my dreams would have nowhere to go.
The friends and family who beta read my book baby, even if the content made you blush. *Cough, cough, Emily*. You guys are the hardest ones to share my stories with. But you are endlessly supportive, and I couldn’t imagine my life without each and every one of you.
The book bloggers who took the time to carefully read and thoughtfully review my work. You are the unsung heroes of the indie publishing world.
Kamaryn Kretz at Kamaryn with a K Editing for taking a chance on the newbie!
Tracie Douglas at Dark Water Covers for producing a beautiful, emotionally gripping cover. Your work is the face of mine. Working with you was a blessing.
Ena and Amanda at Enticing Journey Book Promotions for handling my cover reveal and release like a boss.
Stacey Blake at Champagne Book Design for tolerating my lack of knowledge and formatting this beautiful book.
Trenda “T-Bird” London for being more than a content editor. We were strangers when this process started, but that sure as hell didn’t stop you. You held my hand when I didn’t know what to do and gave me encouragement when I was too frustrated to see the finish line. Without you, this story wouldn’t be the same. You also introduced me to Kimi Flores, who gave my poor little soul the map to success. I can’t forget Anne Conley, with out her, I never would have found you.
My daughter Emaline for giving me a reason to follow my dreams. The only closed doors in your life are the ones you choose to close. I’m proud to be your mom. I love you, Sweet Pea.
And finally, my husband, Robert. This book is only possible because of you. You support every hair-brained idea I have and love me through every mood swing. Thank you for every spaghetti dinner you made, every load of laundry you folded, every bedtime story you read, and the endless hours I spent holed up in my office. I couldn’t have done it without you.
Paige typically spends her days surviving on copious amounts of coffee and fantasizing about the day she becomes a full-time writer. Because even Batman needs a day job, her morning hours are spent buying drugs (the legal kind), as a pharmacy purchasing coordinator for a growing health system. When she isn’t buying drugs, she’s dreaming up hot alphas and the strong women that test them.
Paige lives in eastern Oklahoma with her husband, daughter and two furry body pillows known as “dogs”.
Fun Fact: She is
the pickiest eater you will ever meet and a firm believer that the real food groups are coffee, wine and Mexican food.
Coming Soon
FATE SERIES
Fall—Book #2
Found—Book #3
Freed—Book #4
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