“Ouch. That hurt.”
Maddy laughed. “You big fake.”
He sat up against the headboard, pulling Maddy with him. “The FBI wants to recruit you for the JTFF.”
A surprised Maddy looked closely at his face. “The Joint Terrorism Task Force?”
“Yeah, they want you to go to Quantico.” He tried to sound detached and unaffected by the pressure building in his chest. He lifted her off and placed her next to him and then stood. He couldn’t have her close, delving into his raw feelings.
Maddy immediately grabbed his arm, coming to her knees. “Hunter, stay and talk to me. We have to deal with our next assignments.”
He sat back down, facing away from Maddy. He couldn’t look at her understanding eyes. He didn’t want to be a needy jackass. Maddy would be great in the FBI with her language and combat skills. He needed time to separate his feelings as an abandoned teenager from Maddy leaving him.
Maddy pressed her warm curvy body against his back. “Hunter, I’m as afraid as you are. My parents were killed, leaving me alone. I don’t think I could live if anything happened to you. And damn it! You’re a Marine going off to where? Syria, Afghanistan, Niger?”
The agony in sweet, tender Maddy’s voice was too much. He turned and lifted her onto his lap. He tightened his arms around her. “I’m always coming back to you, Maddy. Always. I will never, never leave you alone.”
“But neither of us can know…”
He lifted her chin to look into her eyes. “Maddy, you do know. You know how determined I am. I’m always coming for you.”
She clasped the sides of his face between her hands. “And you know how determined and loyal I am. I’m never going to desert you. Never.”
He wanted to believe. “But military marriages suffer from the long separations. My parents are a perfect example. With my dad gone most of the time, I think my mom got tired of waiting.”
“I’m not naïve about military marriages. They require work and trust. But from what little you’ve said and from what Angie has told me about your father, I don’t think it would have made any difference. Your mother left because your father was a bastard. Nothing to do with you or the military.”
Realizing the truth in Maddy’s words softened Hunter’s still-painful memories of his family life.
“We can’t change the past, Hunter. I’ve learned that by all the mistakes I’ve made. We can only change the future.” She pressed a light kiss on his lips. “Let’s make our military marriage the exception. I’m always up for a challenge, aren’t you, Hunter?”
The smooth lusciousness of Maddy and her faith in their future stirred deep in Hunter. “With you as my wife. Hell, yes.”
Maddy repositioned to cradle his growing erection between her legs. Facing forward with her breasts pressing against him, her face flushed. “I do think you are up for the challenge.” She moved against him, sending white sparks in front of his eyes.
He grabbed her sweet ass between his two hands, watching Maddy’s eyes darken.
Her voice got husky and throaty. “You know I don’t want to always be an active-duty Marine.”
He stopped his fingers from exploring. This was important. “No?” He would never impose on Maddy’s choices. She was too important to him.
“At some point, I’d like to use my language skills to help refugee women who aren’t on any watch list adjust to their new life.”
She stared into his eyes and her voice caught. Hearing the vulnerability in her voice, he pressed a kiss to the top of her hair and then smoothed the curls around her face. Maddy was leading the way into their childhood traumas. This brave woman was marching them through their past to the future.
“And I want children. More than one. I always wished I hadn’t been an only child. If only I had a sister or brother to share…”
He didn’t want to think of the frightened and lonely blond curly-haired teenager placed in foster care after her parents’ death. He kissed her tenderly, trying to take away the old hurt. He couldn’t love her any more deeply as the woman she had become. She had taken a tragic childhood and shaped a future of giving to her country. He was one damn lucky guy. He wished her parents could see their Maddy. He knew they would have been as proud as he was.
“With you as their mother, I want children too. Never thought I’d say it.” He pressed his erection against her. “Should we get started?”
Maddy’s husky laughter was all he needed.
Chapter Nine
Through the pane-glass windows, Hunter could see falling snow blanketing the Queen Anne neighborhood. Maddy’s wish for a snowy Christmas Eve wedding had come true. The enchantment from his bride now spread to the sparkling outdoors.
The festive house was brimming with excitement. Bouquets of large white flowers filled every empty space. The flowery fragrances of the burning white candles blended with the smell of pine from the giant Christmas tree standing in the front window. The tree was decorated with white roses and white bows that matched the bows on the chairs lining the living room. Billowing bouquets of scented flowers hung from each aisle seat.
Directed away from the flurry of activity by Aunt Aideen, Hunter now stood with Colonel Dawson, his commanding officer, in front of the fireplace in the library, waiting to be called for the wedding ceremony. His best friend Drew, with his back to the men, was at the window.
Hunter tried to keep the conversation going with the Colonel, but all he could think about was Maddy. Was she excited, nervous? He hoped she hadn’t seen the decorated house. He wanted to be the one to see her eyes light up with the magic and splendor of the holiday wedding.
“Sir, it means a great deal to Maddy and me that you were willing to come on Christmas Eve to perform this service,” Hunter said.
“I’ve got a special spot for Maddy. She is the daughter we never had. My wife would’ve loved to have had a daughter. Three sons, three Marines. Maddy’s happiness means a lot to me. You’ve heard the FBI wants Maddy to continue her work, translating for refugees and looking for links to possible terrorist cells?”
Hunter swallowed hard. Not today. God, not today. He didn’t want to lose this unfamiliar feeling of happiness on this day.
Colonel Dawson slapped him hard on the back. “By the look on your face, I’ve made the right decision.”
Hunter couldn’t breathe, as if he’d sustained a kick to his solar plexus. “Sir?”
“I pulled in a few favors. Maddy will be heading to Quantico.”
His training as a soldier did him great service that he was able to hide any reaction from his commanding officer. “She’ll be a great asset.”
“You’ll find it gets easier with time.” Colonel Dawson’s voice warmed, losing its clipped, commanding tone.
Hunter searched the Colonel’s harsh face. He would never find it easy to be separated from Maddy.
“Needing the love of a woman is hard for us men to accept. But it’s the making of a good man into a great man. And you’re a good man, Hines. I couldn’t be more pleased with Maddy’s choice. You’ll be going to D.C. with Maddy. The paperwork hasn’t gone through yet. But you’ll be with DIA at the Pentagon. Your experience on the ground will be a great help to the intelligence agency.”
It took a moment for the words to sink in, excitement slowly coiling through his chest. He grabbed the Colonel’s hand and pumped it up and down. Hunter knew he was grinning like a monkey, but he didn’t’ care. “Thank you, sir. I can’t tell you how much this means.”
“You make sure you make my little Maddy happy, or you won’t like your next assignment, Hines.”
Hunter grinned. “It’s my number one priority.”
Colonel Dawson glanced at the snow falling outside. “I’m sorry I can’t stay for the celebration. But I know how Seattle closes down when it snows.”
With their new assignments, Hunter wouldn’t be spending nights without Maddy. He couldn’t wait to share the news with her. It had been only twenty-four hours since he kissed Maddy
goodnight before she spent her last night as a single woman with Angie and he missed her.
Hunter checked his watch again. He didn’t want to admit it, but he had the same nervous tension building that he experienced before a dangerous operation, in spite of the fact that this wasn’t an assignment and there was no threat. This was the beginning of his mission to protect and care for Maddy for the rest of his life.
He could hear Aunt Aideen’s commanding voice directing the guests to their seats in the living room. Two bars were set up on each side of the library, where the twenty-five guests would gather after the ceremony. While the guests had drinks and appetizers, the staff would remove the chairs from the living room and set up tables for dinner. Everything had been orchestrated as flawlessly as a well-organized military operation by James and Aunt Aideen.
James entered the library in a black tuxedo with a white rose on his lapel. The debonair man looked like he had just stepped out of a James Bond movie. “You’re one lucky man. Maddy is more gorgeous than I’d anticipated. Maddy and Angie are both spectacular women, so I have to admit they made my job easy.”
“Is Maddy okay?”
“She’s more than okay. She is radiant and eager and pleased as can be that it snowed.”
It didn’t sound like Maddy was having bridal jitters. He might be more nervous than his bride. What had happened to the cool-under-fire Marine? Maddy Jeffers. And he couldn’t be more grateful for the remarkable woman who soon would be his wife.
“Colonel, I’ve arranged for a car service to take you to the airport,” James said.
“Thank you. I’m sorry I can’t stay, but I can’t miss Christmas with my grandkids.”
James stiffened and looked at Drew who had joined the men in front of the fireplace. “May I have a private word with you?”
Hunter alerted to the abruptness of James’s voice.
Drew, in his Army Ranger formal dress uniform, was leaning against the wall next to the window. Hunter and the Colonel wore their Marine dress uniforms, as did all his buddies. The only Marines not in uniform were Maddy and Angie.
Drew laughed. “No need. I truly can handle the ring business.”
James’s dark eyes narrowed. “I’m not worried about the ring. It will only take a minute.”
Drew shrugged his shoulders. “Sure.”
James gave a slight bow of his head. “Gentleman, excuse us.” He looked at his watch. “Only seven minutes before you take your places.”
James walked away with Drew following.
The Colonel looked at Hunter. “Drew’s in trouble again. And why do I think it’s about a woman?”
Hunter watched the two men standing outside the door talking. James was definitely incensed about something. His face was red, and he was poking his finger into Drew’s chest. Whatever had James hot under the collar, he didn’t care about the consequences of provoking Drew—or he had a death wish.
If Drew had offended one of Maddy’s friends last night at the rehearsal dinner, Hunter was going to kick his ass—after the wedding, of course. Except Drew was a smooth player and wouldn’t push any boundaries that a woman didn’t want pushed.
The ultimate alpha, Drew—who outweighed James by fifty pounds—stepped back and nodded. The Colonel winked at Hunter, amused by Drew’s submissive response.
James looked again at his watch then stepped back into the library. “Are you ready to take your places? Colonel, you will go out first. Is there anything you need?”
“Nothing. If you or Aunt Aideen want to join the Marines, I’m always in need of good sergeants.”
James rubbed his chin, pretending to contemplate the possibility. “I would get so tired of wearing the same uniform over and over again.”
The usual humorless Colonel responded with a loud guffaw.
James looked directly at Hunter. “Give the Colonel and Aunt Aideen a few minutes, and then come out.”
Hunter’s heart kicked against his chest. He was finally going to make Maddy his wife.
The Colonel slapped him on the back. “This is a great day for my little Maddy. Never officiated a wedding where both the bride and groom were Marines.”
Aunt Aideen, in a billowing emerald green dress, marched into the room. “It’s our time, Colonel. Let me escort you to your spot.”
The Colonel offered Aunt Aideen his arm. “My pleasure, my lady.”
Aunt Aideen fanned her face. “I always did have a soft spot for a man in uniform.”
Drew waited at the doorway while the Colonel and Aunt Aideen exited. He looked at Hunter. “Are you ready?”
Hunter shook his head. “We’re supposed to give them a few minutes. Just enough time for you to explain what that little side conversation with James was about.”
“Nothing to concern you on your wedding day,” Drew said laconically.
“What did you do to get James riled up?”
“I think the wedding planning has gotten to his nerves.”
Hunter grabbed his arm. “Spill it.”
“It really isn’t anything. Your sister didn’t like me joking with some of the guys about getting hitched.”
“That’s it?”
“She got all fiery about defending you.”
“That doesn’t sound like Angie. She’s really easygoing.”
Drew stopped. “No, she’s not. She’s…”
Hunter would have to finish this conversation later. He needn’t worry about his sister; she could take care of herself. Besides, it was time to marry Maddy.
Chapter Ten
“Let’s go.” Hunter’s heart raced, and his palms were sweaty. He looked straight ahead as he took his spot next to the Colonel in the packed living room. Drew followed and positioned himself next to Hunter.
Everything happened in a swirling blur. The Colonel nodding to him, Angie coming down the aisle, stunning all in red. Hunter didn’t really know much about music, but Angie moved gracefully with the music, despite her impressively high heels.
And instead of turning to her place, she walked straight to Hunter and hugged him tightly. She whispered, “I’m so glad to have you as my brother.” Tears were in her eyes as she stared into his. Eyes that looked just like his and his father’s.
Thank God for his sister, or he would never have met Maddy. He hugged Angie so tight that he felt her breath tighten. “Me too.”
Angie stepped into her spot across from him. They all waited until the church music changed to “Love is All Around.” Everyone in the room stood and faced the foyer.
And then Maddy emerged. She was magnificent in a white princess-like gown. Layers of material floated around her ankles as she walked while her blond curls bobbed. From across the room, he could see her blue eyes focused on him. His heart swelled with possessiveness and love.
James held her arm as they started toward him. The song matched the feeling in the room. Love was all around because of Maddy. She was love incarnate. Her eyes sparkled like the snowy night outside the windows. She took her time coming down the aisle, smiling first at her VA group, then at Dr. Walters and her parents, and finally at Aunt Aideen. He understood. Everyone was under her spell. He hadn’t been to many weddings and didn’t know how brides were supposed to act, but Maddy’s genuine joy enveloped everyone.
James had tears in his eyes when he presented her to Hunter. He felt a bone-deep primitive satisfaction when James placed Maddy’s hand onto his. “Take good care of my princess.” James’s voice broke. He turned and sat next to Aunt Aideen in the front row, dabbing at his eyes with a handkerchief.
Hunter took Maddy’s arm, pulling her next to his side. She never took her eyes away from his face. James was right. Maddy didn’t look like a tough Marine. She looked endearing and joyful, and she now belonged to him.
He didn’t care that he was supposed to wait to say it. He didn’t care what anyone thought. “I love you, Maddy, now and forever.”
Maddy’s blue eyes softened. “Now and forever, Hunter.”
&nb
sp; ~ The End ~
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~The 13 Authors of Romancing the Holidays~
BOOK 12
One Step Over the Mistletoe Line
by
Carmine Valentine
Where to hang her single stocking was all that Claire McNaughton wanted to think about as she made her getaway to a cabin for Christmas in hopes of avoiding her boyfriend’s proposal. It’s hard to say yes to one man when you’ve fallen for another. But her holiday escape plan goes from perfect to complicated when the other man she’s avoiding, her handsome neighbor RJ St. George, shows up in the middle of a snow storm. There’s potential for trouble at this cozy cabin with bear skin rug and hot toddies aplenty. As if a Christmas Eve in the Cascade Mountains couldn’t get any more dangerous, there’s a bad Santa afoot.
Copyright © 2017 Carmine Valentine
All rights reserved.
A shorter version of One Step Over the Mistletoe Line was previously published in 2013 in the Christmas by Candlelight anthology (Cajunflair Publishing).
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events are purely coincidental.
Trademark disclaimer: The author acknowledges the trademark status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks are not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.
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