by Lily Marie
“I’d slap you, but I might throw up if I do.”
His grin disappeared. “We’ll go slowly. The doc is just down the street. I can send someone for him if you don’t think you can make it that far.”
“I’ll be okay. I think.” She lowered her head to his bare shoulder. “Thank you,” she whispered. “How did you know?”
“I felt you.” He kissed her forehead, moving across the trashed dining room. “I’m so sorry for what she did.”
“That was all her crazy, Elijah. Did I hear you right? She’s married?”
He nodded. “Poor Phil. The man knew her obsession when he married her. I thought it would finally get her to back off, and for a long while, it did.”
“Until you got involved.”
He frowned down at her. “How—”
“Something she mentioned. Did this potential girlfriend leave town?”
“She got a job and…” His voice faded, and he shook his head. “Maisie?”
“According to her, yeah.”
“Son of a bitch.” He stepped out to the sidewalk, ignoring the group of tourists across the street. “Keep your eyes open for me, sweetheart.”
Kaylee opened her eyes, not aware that she’d closed them. “Here.”
“Stay with me, Kaylee.” He sounded like he was talking through glass, his voice low and muffled. “Come on—stay with me.”
She floated into the darkness, his urgent voice chasing after her.
Nine
Elijah had just started another round of pacing in the clinic’s waiting room when Jed stepped in his path.
“She’s going to be fine, little brother.”
“You didn’t see her, Jed. She was dead white, and she just faded away, right in my arms.” He scrubbed at his face, his throat tight. “I can’t lose her.”
Jed draped one arm across his shoulders. “This would be the perfect opening for a tease, or an I told you so. I’ll save it for your wedding. Hey,” he shook Elijah. “If she survived your enthusiastic advances, she’s one strong woman.”
“Hilarious.” Elijah gave his brother a one-armed hug. “Thanks. For being here.”
“I wouldn’t be anywhere else. And you’re better off hiding in here, with all the rumors of a crazy naked man running around Main Street.”
Elijah choked out a laugh. “I had other things on my mind.” He looked up at Jed, one of the few men he knew that was taller. “I can’t live without her.”
“You won’t have to, son.” Dr. Simon strode into the waiting room, a chart in one hand. “She’s going to be just fine. Maisie did some damage, yes, but nothing that a few weeks of bedrest won’t cure.” He clapped one hand on Elijah’s shoulder. “Go in and see her. She’s asleep, but I know you need to reassure yourself. She’s going to be here for a few days—just for observation, so don’t get your tongue in a twist.”
“Thank you, Doc.”
“I had one of the best meals of my life last night.” He winked. “I’d really like to have another. I’ll take you back.”
Elijah followed him, his heart pounding. The last time he saw Kaylee, she had been unconscious, and so pale he had been afraid she was dying in his arms. By the time Dr. Simon showed him into Kaylee’s room, he was ready to sit.
She was asleep, her blonde hair in a ponytail. Some kind nurse had washed the blood out. Elijah took Kaylee’s hand, relieved that her skin was warm. She had color in her face again, but she still looked so fragile.
He lowered his forehead to her hand, tears burning his eyes. He’d come so close to losing her, when he’d just found her—
“Hey.” Her quiet voice brought his head up. “You look terrible.”
He choked out a laugh. “I wasn’t nearly beaned with a baseball bat.” Just saying it out loud drove home his worst fear. “I nearly lost you,” he whispered, his voice raw. “I wasn’t there to protect you. I didn’t—”
“Elijah.” She twined their fingers together, her hand so small in his. “You were there when I needed you.” She squeezed his hand, and he looked up, surprised at the smile on her face. “I enjoyed meeting my bear shifter.”
“It was instinct. When I knew you were in trouble, it was the fastest way to get to you.”
“No need to explain—and never apologize for what you are. I fell in love with all of you, Elijah, the second you roared through the door of my restaurant.”
His heart skipped a few beats as he took in her words. All of him. Fell in love. Not falling—fell.
“Marry me.”
She blinked at him, her smile fading. “Elijah—you don’t—”
“Yes, I do. Marry me. Today.”
“I’m in the hospital for the next few days. You don’t mean…” She studied him. “You do.” He waited, his heart laid out for her to destroy, while she decided the rest of his life. “Your mom is going to kill you.”
He let out a shaky breath. “Is that your way of saying yes?” Please, God, let it be yes.
“Yes, you impulsive, beautiful man. I’ll marry you.” She laid her free hand on his chest when he leaned forward to ravage her mouth. “Tomorrow. Give your mom a little time to do something for her baby boy’s wedding.”
“Okay. Can I kiss you now?”
“Yes, please.”
They were both smiling when Elijah captured her lips.
***
It snowed buckets the day of the wedding.
Elijah didn’t care if he had to climb over every drift in town. He was getting married today.
Roman strode into his bedroom, and clapped him on the back. “Ready, little brother?”
“More than ready.”
Roman laughed. “You’re one lucky man. A gorgeous woman who can cook like a dream, and she likes you, too. Bonus.” He ducked when Elijah swung at him, flashed a smile. “Thanks for taking the heat off Jenna, at least for a day. Mom’s been playing back seat grandmother since the day the twins arrived. Jed also sends his thanks—you gave Mom enough time to make whirlwind plans. He’ll never live down eloping, but at least she’ll have some kind of wedding for her baby boy.”
“So glad I could help.” He’d gotten his own earful. Lindy Black was not happy about the last minute wedding—but Elijah knew she was happy about his choice of bride. He had a feeling Mom had chosen Kaylee for him, just like she drew Jenna to Pine Heart. He grabbed his wool coat off the bed and shrugged it on over his suit. A pair of high top boots waited in the mud room. “Let’s head out. I don’t want to be late.”
“We thought you were chasing your girlfriends off, so Mom couldn’t play wedding planner. When your last one moved out of town in the middle of the night, we were sure of it.”
Elijah halted—and connected the dots. Maisie.
He understood why she left now, and the fact that he hadn’t been all that hurt told him one thing. He’d been waiting for Kaylee.
Giving a silent thanks to the universe, he followed Roman outside.
When he saw how high the snow drifts were, Elijah was glad he’d followed his instincts to move into town. If he had stayed in the spare room at the family ranch, he’d miss his own wedding. The rest of his family had also stayed in town, Jed’s uncanny ability to gauge the weather giving them some advanced warning of the overnight storm.
Roman led the way, and they trudged along the partially cleared street, family members joining them as they headed toward the clinic. Dr. Simon waited in the lobby, and Elijah’s heart jumped.
“Don’t worry, son.” He laid a hand on Elijah’s shoulder. “I’m here as greeter and director of wedding guests.” He waved at the group behind Elijah, consisting of his brothers, and assorted dates. Jenna and Isabelle had arrived earlier, to help Kaylee get ready. “You all go ahead and get seated. Elijah will be coming with me.”
He guided Elijah down a hallway, stopping next to the last door.
“Doc—”
“I’m going to congratulate you, and give you a warning. The first sign that she needs her bed, and I�
��m taking her. Even if the vows aren’t done.”
“Yes, sir. I requested a short ceremony.”
“Good. Let’s go get you married, son.”
The clinic had a small but beautiful chapel, for the family of patients. Today it was filled with smiling, laughing people, including a good portion of the staff.
Elijah walked to the front of the chapel, joining Roman and Jed at the railing. He didn’t have time to do more than smile nervously at them when music started playing over the speakers.
Jenna walked down the aisle, wearing a soft blue dress, her hair in a braided crown. She looked amazing, and Elijah heard Roman’s sharp breath. Isabelle was next, wearing the same dress, her dark hair in the same braided crown. Mom worked fast. Jed cleared his throat, and Elijah smiled. She was a stunner, so tall and elegant as she walked down the aisle.
The music changed, and he tensed. Kaylee stepped into the chapel, on Mom’s arm. She was walking down the aisle.
Every muscle bunched, ready to spring forward if she faltered. But she made it, smiling up at him as Lindy handed her over. Elijah wrapped one arm around her waist and tucked her into his side.
“Okay?” he whispered.
“After you loosen your grip, I’ll be good.”
He grinned, and eased off, his hand spread across her back. His mom had found a white dress, somehow. The low neckline accentuated Kaylee’s perfect breasts, and the dress nipped in at her waist. Her hair was in a braided crown, like Jenna and Isabelle, but she had flowers wound into her hair, and stray tendrils had been curled around her face. She looked incredible,
She also looked flushed.
“Kaylee—”
“I’m fine. Let’s get married, my beautiful shifter.”
They turned to the minister, and Elijah realized he didn’t have any rings. Panic shot through him when the minister asked for them.
“I don’t—”
“Here you go, little brother.” Jed handed a small velvet bag to him. “Courtesy of Mom.”
Elijah opened the bag, his fingers shaking, and let the contents fall into his palm. Tears blurred his vision when he recognized the rings. Dad’s wedding ring, a thick silver band etched with a line of stylized bear paws. And the first ring Dad gave to Mom—a square cut emerald, set with two small, round diamonds on a silver band, etched with the same bear paws.
He turned to her, speechless. She stood and moved to him, wrapping her arms around his waist. “Your dad would have wanted you to have them. I know he would be as proud of you as I am.”
She stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek, then wiped at the tears he wasn’t afraid to show. Not here, with all the people he loved most in the world.
“Thank you, Mom.”
“I love you, honey. And it’s time those rings took another couple through life together.” She dabbed her face with a tissue, and kissed Kaylee’s cheek before drying her face. “Take good care of my son.”
“I will. Thank you.” Kaylee hugged her, and they held on to each other for a long minute.
When Mom finally let go and sat down, half the wedding guests were wiping their eyes, and smiling.
The minister cleared his throat. “Shall we get started?” Elijah took Kaylee’s hand and faced him, holding out the rings. “You hang on to those, my boy. This is the quick version, so we’re going straight to vows. If that’s all right with you?”
Elijah nodded, and laughter filled the small chapel. He didn’t think he’d been so obvious about his attraction to Kaylee.
She smiled up at him, clearly amused. “I’m good with the quickie version.”
“All right.” The minister gestured to her, and Elijah handed her the silver band. “Do you, Kaylee Jackson, take this man to be your husband, good times and bad, even when he drives you crazy, until the end of your days?”
She smiled, not surprised at the vows, and Elijah knew she’d had that bit added. “I do.” She slipped the ring on his finger. It fit perfectly.
“Do you, Elijah Black, take this woman to be your wife, good times and bad, even when she doesn’t feel like cooking for you, until the end of your days?”
He smiled, loving her for personalizing their vows. “I do.”
He slipped the ring on her finger. It was a little big, but they’d take care of it, if necessary. She’d lost weight in the clinic, and he had plans to feed her back to her curvy self, one decadent bite at a time.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife. Kiss your bride, my boy.”
Elijah closed both hands around her waist and gently lifted her up. Kaylee cradled his face, smiling as he kissed her.
Cheers echoed through the small chapel as their kiss deepened. He finally eased back, meeting her clear, sparkling green eyes.
She was his, for now, forever.
Ten
Kaylee paced the room in the clinic, anxious to be gone.
Dr. Simon had kept her here for three weeks, when her headaches refused to go away, and would not release her until she was headache free for at least three days. She was afraid she’d spend Christmas in that hospital bed.
But she had managed three full days without even the hint of a headache, and day four was today. Christmas Eve.
Finally, today, she was going home. To Elijah.
He appeared in the doorway, so big, so beautiful, and all hers. “Ready to go home, Mrs. Black?”
She touched the emerald on her left hand. “More than ready.”
He strode forward and lifted her off her feet, kissing her until she couldn’t see straight. “God, I missed touching you.”
“I missed being touched. I hope you have plans to make up for lost time.”
He grinned, and winked at her. “Many, many plans.” He set her on her feet, took her hand, and picked up her suitcase. “I hope you don’t mind, but we need to make a small detour to the restaurant. I haven’t had time to get all your clothes packed up. We’ll just take long enough for you to get a few things.”
“Sounds good.” She wanted some clean clothes, and a chance to check her restaurant. She just hoped that being closed for three weeks, after her grand opening, and right in the middle of the holiday season, wasn’t the beginning of the end for Kaylee’s Kitchen.
They drove the short distance to the restaurant, at Elijah’s insistence, and he helped her out of the huge SUV he had driven to the clinic. Kaylee unlocked the front door, her heart pounding at what she would find on the other side.
She pushed the door open—and froze in shock.
The dining room had been transformed. All of the broken furniture and pottery was gone; in its place stood beautiful new tables and chairs, all of them topped with a rich red glass vase and dark green holly branches.
Every inch had been decorated for Christmas—including a huge, beautiful tree near the window.
“How…”
Elijah wrapped one arm around her waist. “I had help.”
People poured out of the swinging doors that led to the kitchen, shouting and laughing. Before Kaylee could take it in, she was surrounded by her new family, and people she suspected would become friends.
She answered the same questions repeatedly, and didn’t mind at all. There had never been so many people in her life who cared to ask. She was overwhelmed, and so grateful. Finally, a combination of emotion and exhaustion had her teary.
Elijah noticed right away. “Okay, everyone—you’ve showered her with enough holiday cheer and best wishes. Time for her to take a nice long nap.”
Whistles and catcalls answered him, the loudest from his brothers. More than one woman slapped the Black brother they were with, in the closest available spot.
“Thank you, so much,” she said. “You have no idea how much all of this means to me.” Tears edged her last few words, but she refused to be embarrassed. She wanted her new family, her new community, to know just how much their care meant to her. “Christmas dinner will be served here for anyone wanting to join in.”
“Kaylee.” Eli
jah leaned in to her. “You don’t have to—”
“I don’t. Which is why I want to.”
Lindy pushed her way to the front of the small crowd. “One last thing, my dear daughter, before we all leave you and Elijah to your nap.” She winked at her son, and he blushed. “Since my proud-to-the-end sons never allow me to do anything for them, I exploit holidays like Christmas and give the gifts to my new daughters.” She took Kaylee’s hand. “You have made Elijah happier than I have ever seen him, and I can never thank you enough for loving him, and giving him that joy. This is a start.”
She handed Kaylee an envelope, and freed her hand so she could open it. Kaylee’s heart nearly stopped when she opened the sheaf of papers.
“Is this—” She met Lindy’s smiling brown eyes. “Is this the deed to my restaurant?”
“You now own it, free and clear.” Lindy cradled her cheek. “I know you’ll be a success, sweetheart. Now you have the space to make this restaurant your own. Make it shine.”
“I can’t—” She covered her mouth when Lindy shook her head. “Oh, my God.”
“Say thank you,” Elijah whispered, loud enough for everyone to hear.
“Thank you.” She wrapped her arms around the woman who had taken a chance on her when she was a stranger with only a dream, and not much of a credit history. “Thank you so much. I won’t let you down.”
“Of course you won’t.” Lindy kissed her cheek, then stepped back. “Okay, everyone, let’s clear out. Time for the newlyweds to actually be newlyweds.”
“Thank you, Mom.” Elijah gathered her into his arms, kissing the top of her head as he embraced her. “I love you so much.”
“I love you right back, son of mine.” Lindy eased out of his arms and wiped at her eyes. “One word of my emotional state from any of you, and you never see my vengeance coming.”
Her sons laughed—until Lindy looked at each one of them. Then the wives smiled, before they each led their big, stunned man out the front door. Kaylee’s business neighbors followed, leaving her and Elijah alone.