by Lavada Dee
“I think he’s in St. Joseph’s.” Nancy looked drained. “You said Galynn’s safe? Where is she?”
Cooper told her she was working in a little café in Wyoming. “We’re heading there as soon as we are through here.”
Her husband cleared his throat. “I think that’s about it. Nancy’s been frantic wanting to let her know what happened.” He took a business card out and wrote a number on it. Handing it to Cooper, he said, “That’s my cell phone. You have the house number. Please keep us posted. It’s getting late, and even though I’m not sure how much sleep she’s going to get, I’d like to get Nancy home.”
Cooper reached for the check. When Nancy and her husband stood up, he shook her husband’s hand but turned and hugged her. “Thank you. There are no words to tell you how much I love Galynn. We’ll call you before we leave Atlanta, and as soon as I see or talk to her, I’ll have her phone you.”
They exited the coffee shop together, and Nancy and her husband were almost to their car when Cooper uttered, “Shit!” He raced after them. “What is Mick’s full name?”
“Mitchell Adams.” She spelled the last name out for him and told him not to hesitate to call the cell phone. “I’ll keep it on and with me so you can reach me anytime.”
They’d parked the car in front of their room, and Cooper headed directly for it, taking the driver’s side. “Whoa, where are we going this time of night?” Grant didn’t make a move to join him at the car.
“To the hospital.” Cooper impatiently waited for Grant to get in the car.
“Do you realize the time? It’s just past ten o’clock. We’re not going to accomplish anything going to the hospital tonight.”
Cooper accepted what his brother said. He didn’t like it, but Grant was right. It was too late to do anything tonight.
Grant opened the passenger door. “Oh, what the hell! He’s no doubt in ICU, and they never keep regular hours.” He smiled over the top of the car at Cooper. “Besides, you aren’t going to sleep tonight if we don’t at least try. But”—he held up his forefinger—“I want you to know I’m keeping count, and if you don’t kill us, you’re going to owe me big time.” Mumbling under his breath, he repeated, “Real big time!”
It didn’t take them long to find the hospital, but the front entrance was closed. Grant suggested they go around to the emergency entrance. When they got there they didn’t have any trouble seeing the sign pointing them to the ICU. When they passed the waiting room, there were a number of people in it. Cooper stopped. “Isn’t it a little busy in here for this time of night?”
Grant said, “Not necessarily. Operations can run late, and there are always accidents and emergencies. Why don’t you sit out here and I’ll see if I can find anything out.”
Cooper took a seat away from the two groups in the waiting room, but their voices floated over to him. In another one of those surreal happenings, he realized that the one group of four people was Mick’s family, and that they were discussing disconnecting life support. Notwithstanding what Mick had done, this was a family in pain. Cooper got up and walked down the hall to the entrance of the ICU. What had gone so wrong that a man, obviously loved, could have done the things Mick had done?
When Grant came out, he shook his head and motioned for Cooper to follow him. Silently, they walked back down the dimly lit hall and out to the parking lot. When they got to the car, Grant leaned up against it. “I could use a drink, a strong one. You realize that his family was in the waiting room, don’t you.”
Cooper nodded, not taking his eyes off Grant. “I didn’t until I overheard their conversation.”
“Then you know he’s on life support and brain-dead.”
Cooper didn’t trust his voice and again nodded. “Yeah, I got that much. Did you find out what happened?”
Grant hesitated for a second. “He was body building and taking steroids like Galynn suspected. Then he compounded his condition by drinking. He was a walking time bomb. It makes me shudder to think what might have happened to Galynn if she’d left a few months earlier. He no doubt would have gone after her. By the time she left, the only dangerous place for her was living with or close to him. He certainly wasn’t in any condition to find anyone. ” Grant paused and looked over at Cooper. Opening the car door, he said, “He ended up with a massive stroke. If someone would have listened to Galynn and gotten him help? Who knows…”
Grant didn’t finish what he was saying, and the car filled with silence as they drove back to the motel.
As soon as they got in the door, Cooper grabbed his bag.
“Whoa, where are we going now?”
“To the airport, we can probably get an earlier flight out.”
“I don’t think so. And even if we don’t sleep, I’d rather be laying on a bed then sitting on the seats at the airport.” At the look on Cooper’s face, he quickly added, “But if it makes you feel better, I’ll call and try to get us booked on the earliest flight out.”
Cooper didn’t like it, but Grant was right. There probably weren’t any more flights out tonight.
A few minutes later Grant hung up. “Eight thirty tomorrow morning. We’ll call Nancy to let her know, but not tonight.”
Cooper nodded and flopped down on the bed, fully dressed. The last thing he heard before his body and mind shut down was Grant mumbling that he was never ever going to fall in love.
Chapter 18
Galynn poured herself a cup of decaf and walked around the end of the counter. She’d just slid into a booth when Ginger joined her. “Tired? I told you it’d pick up after winter.”
“Not really, but I’ve gotten into a habit of taking a nap when I get off shift. Probably just lazy.”
Ginger stirred her coffee to cool it. “You get up early. A nap is a good thing. And the baby is growing.”
Galynn looked down at herself. She’d finally broken down and bought a couple of maternity outfits. She could still get into her clothes but couldn’t zip or button her pants, and these were so much more comfortable. She looked out toward the room that only a half hour ago had been filled with lunch customers. There would be a lull now until around four when early dinner people would start coming in. Ruby’s cafe not only caught the locals, but also tourists as they entered the picturesque town. For some reason the trip she’d made with Cooper to Kalispell popped into her mind, and she felt the familiar pain she’d learned to live with.
Ginger reached over to take her cup. Getting up, she motioned for Galynn to do the same. “Go on up and take a shower and get the stinky kitchen smell off you before you lay down. When you get up, come on down and we’ll take a walk. You need to walk more. It’s not that you don’t get exercise in the kitchen, but it isn’t the kind you need to make it easier for you and baby when it’s born.”
“Yes, Mother.” Galynn laughed and took off for her apartment.
The sun coming through the window was lower than she expected. Galynn stretched, feeling rested. What time was it? She rolled over on her side so she could see the bedside clock and couldn’t believe it. Three o’clock. If she was going to get in a walk with Ginger, she would have to hurry before her friend got busy with the dinner crowd. She always woke up with an everything’s all right with my world feeling and knew that it was because in her dreams Cooper was with her. If only she’d listened to him and stayed and fought. She knew what her life would be like on the run, never being able to put down roots. She couldn’t and wouldn’t let her and Cooper’s child live this way. She would have to wait until her baby was safe before confronting Mick head-on, but she knew she was going to do it. Maybe it was too late for her and Cooper, but her baby would have a family and be safe and secure and loved. Even if she didn’t survive, the Blackhawk family would take care of their baby.
How could she ever have thought for a minute that she wouldn’t go through with the pregnancy? She put a protective hand over her stomach and was rewarded with a strong kick.
* * * *
Grant pull
ed up to the curb just down from Ruby’s café. He turned off the motor and rested his wrists across the top of the steering wheel. Weariness was etched in his face as he turned to his brother. “I’ll wait here, but find her or not, we’re checking into a room for the night. I’m beat, and you don’t look like you’re doing any better. Hell, you probably look worse.”
Cooper opened the car door. He was stiff from the drive down from Butte and the long flight before that. Their flight had gotten into Butte late, and they had checked into a room for what was left of the night. Cooper had tossed and turned, unable to sleep. He’d waited until the first traces of morning before waking Grant.
Cooper stretched his hands above his head. Now that they were here, he hesitated. What if she didn’t want him? What if she’d found someone else? At that thought, he took a deep breath. He held up his hand to let Grant know he’d heard what he said about getting a room for the night and started down the street toward the café. He had almost reached the door when he saw her come down a flight of steps. When she got to the curb, a breeze blew the full blouse she wore against her body. It outlined her rounded stomach. He sucked in a breath. He had never seen anyone as beautiful. Her hair was longer, just below her shoulders. She looked almost glowing, like an angel. He couldn’t move.
Then she turned, and their gazes locked. Her eyes widened with surprise. She hesitated and looked down. Could she be having the same doubts about him?
He didn’t realize he’d even moved until he had her in his arms. He couldn’t get close enough, even with her pressed against him. His voice broke. With a moan, he held her closer. When she raised her mouth, he took it, hungry for her taste. Still, he couldn’t get enough, as emotions held in check for months pushed all conscious thought from his mind.
She was breathing as hard as he was when she pushed away enough to take his hand and lead him back up the steps. Her hand shook as she unlocked the door and pulled him in behind her.
“We have to talk.” His voice sounded husky, and he tried to lighten it. “Baby, I have things to tell you…”
She took both hands and cupped his face, pulling it back down to hers. With a moan, he pulled her into his arms and took her mouth with his. Her lips parted, and he was inside. She made light whimpering sounds that were driving him over the edge.
He angled his body so he could run his hands over hers. In seconds, he had her clothes off and was lowering her to the bed. She’d gotten his shirt unbuttoned, and he quickly shed it and his pants. He moved over her and rested his arms on the bed so he could look into her eyes. He saw his own need reflected in hers.
She ran her hands over his shoulders. When she reached up to find his mouth, he moved slightly away. “Look at me and promise you’ll never leave me again.
Tears ran down the side of her face. She moved her finger across his lips, and he pulled it into his mouth. “Promise!” he whispered.
She nodded. “I promise to never leave you that way again.”
If Cooper heard her exact words, they didn’t register, maybe he didn’t want them to. His arms were shaking as he tried to gain control. Need took over. It was more than sex. It was the need to unite and be one, to be complete, that drove him. He kissed her mouth and moved down to her breasts. They were fuller than they had been. When he reached her stomach, his lips moved over the baby, and he felt a surge of awe and love so deep it took his heart.
He softly whispered words of love as he joined them together and started the rhythm of the ages. “I love you, with all of me. I’ll love you forever.”
Galynn held nothing back and arched up to meet him. Passion and loved filled the room. In perfect harmony, they climaxed together.
Cooper rolled to the side, taking her with him. He had so much to tell her. Then they had plans to make, a wedding, a future. He closed his eyes, feeling complete and whole.
* * * *
When Grant saw Cooper and Galynn connect on the street outside Ruby’s, he started the car and drove to the nearest motel. He doubted Cooper would give him a second thought, and, after all, he wasn’t a kid. He could check himself in for the night. As he drove off, he felt a sort of yearning for the something that Cooper had. Maybe it was time to take a second look at bachelorhood.
It was almost eight o’clock when Grant woke from a nap. As soon as he’d gotten into the motel room, he’d run out of steam and had let exhaustion take over. Now, his stomach rumbled. He was only a few blocks from Ruby’s. Mumbling to himself, he grabbed the room key. “What the hell, maybe those two have joined the real world enough to seek out dinner.”
As soon as he entered the café, he spotted them. They were both sharing the same side of the booth and facing the door, though he doubted they’d see King Kong if he walked in. Damn, they looked good. A smile on his face, he slid into the opposite seat. “Hey!”
Galynn absolutely beamed at him.
“Grant, thank you. Cooper told me what happened in Atlanta.”
Cooper signaled Ginger for another cup of coffee and mouthed, “And a menu.”
“Sorry about leaving you on the street like that. You look like you might have gotten a nap.”
“Wellll, that’s a no-brainer. It’s only been three hours, Coop.” His smile softened his words. “So, you two get everything sorted out?”
Galynn answered, “Yes, everything is so perfect. I’d plan to stay here for a couple of weeks to give Ginger time to find someone for my job, but she wouldn’t hear of it.”
Ginger put a cup of coffee and a menu in front of Grant. Waving her hand over toward Cooper and Galynn, she said, “Do you think she’d be worth much if she stayed behind?”
Cooper’s laugh rang out. “You think I’d have left? Not in this lifetime.”
Ginger winked at Grant before turning to Galynn and Cooper. “And like that would be better?”
Cooper turned serious. “I’m going to try to talk Galynn into letting me pack her up tonight. That way we can get an early start tomorrow morning.”
“I don’t have very much that I need to take. The apartment was already set up with everything, and I’ve bought very little.”
If possible, Cooper looked even happier. “So, Grant, let’s get ourselves fed and start packing.”
Grant turned the menu toward Ginger and tapped his finger over the rib steak. “With all the fixin’s. Looks like I’m going to need my strength.” He looked over at Cooper and mumbled, “You are so going to owe me.”
During the meal, Galynn filled the two brothers in on what she’d been doing. “I finally came to my senses and planned to fight back. I couldn’t let Mick know where I was, but I found out I could start some things without him knowing. I contacted a lawyer, and he started the eviction process.”
She looked down at her hands, and Cooper quickly covered them with his. “I guess that what I did caused Mick’s stroke, or whatever he had.”
Grant shook his head. “It was only a matter of time. Anything or nothing could have set off that final attack.”
Even with packing looming, they lingered over coffee. When Cooper started playing with the salt shaker, Grant looked over at Galynn and winked. “Come on, honey. Let’s get you packed before this guy has half the salt on the table.”
True to her word, Galynn still traveled light, and it only took a couple of hours to pack and clean the apartment. “So do we load the truck in the morning, or do you want me to go get it and do it tonight?”
Cooper shook his head. “Let’s call it a night. How about meeting downstairs for breakfast? That’ll give Galynn a chance to say a last good-bye.”
* * * *
The clock glowed three o’clock, and Galynn pulled herself up on the pillow so she could watch Cooper sleep. Long, black lashes that were nothing short of beautiful, full, sensuous lips that were slightly parted, he was the most beautiful man she had ever seen, and he was hers. She snuggled back down against him. He pulled her closer. Morning would be here soon, and in his arms she was already home.
Grant stood on Cooper’s deck, looking out over the lake. It had been a whirlwind couple of weeks. Today, a wedding. He felt like instead of the bride being given away, he’d given his brother. Not that anyone had really performed the ritual of giving the bride away. Cooper and Galynn had chosen to have their wedding here at their house. They walked up together and gave themselves to each other. Hearing the vows they’d written, the women were all teary eyed and the men noticeably were swallowing and shifting their feet way before the minister pronounced Cooper and Galynn man and wife.
It was winding down now. It wasn’t a big wedding, but the guests were special. Old friends reunited and new ones being made. Nancy and her husband were here. At the last minute, Ginger had left the café for her kids to run and pulled her husband into the car for the trip. Thankfully, they’d held rooms for everyone at the lodge.
Grant could see Cooper, his hand at Galynn’s waist, ushering her out the front door. At the last minute, as if he felt Grant’s gaze on him, he turned. The sun was setting, and one of the last rays of the day bathed Cooper in golden light. He looked like a dark-haired angel, radiant with happiness. Again, like the night in Johnson, Grant felt a tug on his heart.
The moment passed, and Grant lifted his glass in a salute. Cooper answered with a wave.
THE END
WWW.LAVADADEE.COM
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lavada Dee writes Contemporary and Romantic Suspense. She has always loved to read and gained an early love of the romance genre from sneaking her mother’s True Confessions from under her bed. That was many, many, many years ago, and she has advanced into reading just about every genre out there. Her love of reading naturally evolved into writing. Lavada says, “I’ve always told myself stories. Lying in bed, doing household chores, and gardening leaves my mind free to dream up characters and build a life around them.”