Zane and Jess sat down with them after the meal. Mia was enamored by the love they shared. Zane’s eyes gleamed when he looked at his fiancée and spoke about the house they’d live in and the children they hoped to have one day. Mia’s heart did a little tumble. How lovely to see two people so blessed by love. Her mother had never had that. And Mia’s track record with the opposite sex wasn’t all that good, either. She’d met too many men like her father. Flakes, liars or losers. She’d weeded out quite a few, and what was left in the dating pool hadn’t been all that inspiring.
From under the table, Adam’s hand sought hers and he entwined their fingers. It seemed like such a natural move and yet it meant something monumental. She glanced at his strong profile as he bantered with Zane and clung on to her hand, his thumb absently stroking over her skin.
Sweet, amazing sensations whipped through her. Somehow, after their arguments, their intense lovemaking and their time spent with Rose, after pranking those teens on the beach, kissing under the moonlight and holding hands under the table, Mia had fallen fully and deeply in love with Adam Chase.
She loved him. There wasn’t anything she could do about it.
She’d put up a good battle. She’d tried to talk herself out of it. She’d tried to keep her distance, falling short of her goal a time or two, but it was no use. Adam wasn’t a flake, a liar or a loser. He was pretty wonderful. And she was about to give him the one thing she hadn’t given another man. Her full trust.
“Well, it’s time for me to punish y’all with a song or two,” Zane was saying. The sun had set and glass lights slung from tree to tree lit the night. “We’ve got a fire going. Come on around to the fire pit and bring the baby, too. I’ll sing her a lullaby.”
“I’ll round up our guests,” Jess said “Mia, I’ll come sit with you in a while.”
“I’d like that.”
Adam helped her up and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “What was that for?”
“Just because,” he said and squeezed her hand before he let her go.
Could he be feeling the same sentiment and mood as her? Was being outdoors under the stars with all the talk of love and marriage getting to him?
With darkness came cooler breezes, and Mia shivered a bit. “Rose is going to need a sweater,” she said.
“I’m right on it.” Adam reached into the basket under the stroller and gave her a choice of a blue knit sweater or a black-and-pink sequined Hello Kitty jacket.
“Such a good daddy.”
“Unless you think it’s too cold for the baby,” he added. “If you want to head back to the hotel, I’m fine with it.”
“And miss a private performance by Zane Williams? Not on your life.” She nabbed the jacket out of his hands.
Adam laughed.
It was such a beautiful sound.
* * *
Adam laid the sleeping baby into the play yard, her own personal bed brought from home. Mia loved the way he handled Rose now, confident but also so tenderly it made her heart sing. Standing together in the hotel bedroom, they watched her take peaceful breaths. Adam reached for Mia’s hand again, and their fingers naturally entwined. She could stay this way forever, in the quiet of the night, with the man she loved and their little bundle of sweetness.
“The party knocked her out,” Adam said.
“It’s been a long day.”
“Are you tired? Should I leave you, so you can get some sleep?”
“No, stay.” The night had been perfect and she didn’t want it to end.
“Let’s have a drink.” He lingered one more second over Rose and then led her into the living room. “Have a seat,” he said, leaving her by the sofa. “I’ll get us something from the bar.”
Instead Mia walked over to him and laid her hand on his arm. “Adam, I don’t need a drink.”
He turned to her, his brows lifting. “You don’t?”
She shook her head. “I don’t,” she said softly, staring into his eyes.
His lids lowered, and his arms wrapped around her waist. “What do you want, sweetheart?” he rasped.
Mia rose up on tiptoes and pressed her lips to his. She’d taken him momentarily by surprise, but Adam was fast on his feet, and she loved that about him. He drew her up, cradling her body to his, deepening the kiss and letting her know with deep-throated groans that he wanted her as much as she wanted him.
Their kisses led to the shedding of their clothes and the two of them falling onto the sofa cushions. Adam’s hands roved her body, his touches eliciting white-hot sensations that brought her to the brink of ecstasy. She cried out quietly, muting her sighs with closed lips. Adam was an expert at drawing her out. And when he coaxed her to do the same to him, she didn’t disappoint. Her caresses led to bolder moves as she explored his body and made love to him in every way she knew how.
She gave him her whole self, holding nothing back. Making love on a sofa brought out Adam’s inventive side. He positioned her in ways that heated her blood and made her ache for more. Mia was happy, so happy she didn’t want to think about where this would lead. She shut her mind off to anything but good thoughts and as she climbed higher and higher, Adam wringing out every last ounce of her energy, each powerful thrust brought her closer to completion. And then it happened. His name tumbled from her lips over and over and her body splintered.
Adam wasn’t far behind, and as he held her, his face inches from hers, his eyes locked on hers, he bucked his body one last time and shed a release that brought them both earth-shattering pleasure.
He collapsed on top of her, and she bore his weight. Her hands played in his sweat-moistened hair as his mouth found hers. His kiss was gentler now, easy and loving. “Are you okay, sweetheart?” he murmured.
“Mmm.” She was humming inside, feeling wonderful, filled with love.
Adam rolled off her, taking her with him so she wouldn’t fall off the sofa. It was a tight fit, but there wasn’t anywhere she’d rather be. “Mia, we’re good together.” He kissed her forehead.
It was hardly a declaration of love, but if it was the best he had to offer, she’d take it. “We are.”
A cool blast of air made her shiver. It was hard to believe since Adam’s body was a hot furnace. But the air conditioner was running and the room was growing chilly.
“You’re cold?”
“A little.”
“Let me get the sofa bed ready, Mia. I want you with me tonight. Will you stay?”
“I’ll stay.”
“Good.” She was lifted off him and kissed soundly on the lips. “You go check on Rose. I’ll only be a minute.”
She grabbed Adam’s shirt, fitting her arms through the sleeves and scooted out of the room. The baby was still peaceful and sleeping on her back, her cheeks as rosy as ever, such a pretty sight. She was plenty warm in her sleep sack.
When she returned to the room, the bed was made up and Adam was waiting. He patted the spot beside him and she climbed in next to him. The back of the sofa as their headboard, they used pillows to prop up. Adam put his arm around her shoulders and she snuggled in, bringing a sheet over them. “Better?” he asked.
“Much. The baby is still asleep.”
He kissed her forehead. “I haven’t been this happy in a long time.”
She let those words sink in. “Since when, Adam?”
He was silent for a while. Had he been thinking out loud? Did he regret revealing that much to her and had she overstepped again, trying to get information out of him? He let go a deep sigh, and her breath caught. Then he spoke. “I was almost engaged once. I thought we were perfect together. Her name was Jacqueline.”
“What happened with her?” she asked in a whisper.
“She broke it off. Pretty much broke my heart. I thought we were crazy in love, but it turned out I’d been wrong about our relationship. I’d never been poleaxed like that before. You know, it was like a sucker punch to my gut.”
“I’m so sorry, Adam.”
“Th
at’s not all. About a month later, I called her. It was late at night and I couldn’t sleep. I’d been rehashing everything and it all seemed so wrong. I thought surely she was having doubts about the breakup. It was all a big mistake. I can still remember the shock I felt when I heard my brother’s voice on the other end of the phone. For a few seconds, it didn’t quite click. I thought I’d dialed the wrong number. And when it hit me, my head nearly exploded. I’m surprised I didn’t grind my teeth to the bone. Of course, Brandon made all sorts of excuses, but he didn’t deny the fact that he and Jacqueline were together.”
“Oh, Adam. Really? Brandon and Jacqueline? That was the ultimate betrayal.”
“I thought so. Believe me—I wasn’t happy with either one of them. I didn’t speak to Brandon until they broke up three years later. He cheated on her, and she finally wised up and dumped him.”
“Wow. So that’s what you have against him. I get it now. You must’ve loved her a lot.”
“It was years ago, Mia. I’m over her, and Brandon is who he is. My mother has been after me for years to mend fences. Somehow it’s my fault all of this happened. She believes Brandon didn’t go after Jacqueline until after she broke up with me. I can’t blame Mom. She wants us to be close like we once were.”
“What happened is clearly not your fault,” Mia said. “But you have forgiven your brother, haven’t you?”
“There’s a difference between forgiving and forgetting. I’m not holding a grudge. But I can’t forget who Brandon is.”
“Is that why you warned me about him?”
She set her hand on his chest and stroked him tenderly, sliding over his skin, hoping to soothe him, calm him, make the pain go away. He reached for her hand and lifted it to his lips, placing a kiss on her palm. They were finally connecting, finally making headway.
“If he goes anywhere near you, there’s no telling what I’d do to him.”
Warmth spiraled through her body, a slow flow of heat that surrounded her entirely. “You don’t have to worry—there’s only one Chase I’m interested in.” She kissed his shoulder, and he gazed into her eyes. There was no mistaking the gratitude and relief she found in them.
“I’m glad.” He sighed heavily as if relieved of his burden. “I feel like I’ve been given a second chance with my life. I don’t want to blow it again.”
“Adam, what do you mean, second chance? Are you talking about your sister? Is it about Lily?”
His eyes closed then, as if the pain was too much. He shook his head. “Yes, but I can’t talk about Lily now, Mia. I can’t talk about my sister.”
“Okay.” There was enough force in his voice to make her a believer. “You don’t have to tell me.”
“Thank you, sweetheart.”
Adam was trying. It was all she could ask of him.
* * *
The old barn was decorated with wildflowers, lilies and white roses. Sprays of color splashed over haystacks, and snowy sheer curtains were draped from rafter to rafter overhead. Hundreds of flameless candles cast romantic lighting over the entire interior of the barn and lanterns on pickets defined each row of white satin chairs tied with big bows.
“It’s beautiful,” Mia said. She sat beside him in the last row. A precaution, she’d said, in case the baby fussed, she could duck out and make a quick escape.
“You’re beautiful,” he whispered. “The place is okay.”
The jade in her eyes brightened, and he winked playfully. Mia wore a stunning pastel-pink dress that met her waist in delicate folds, accented her sexy hips and flowed to her knees. Her hair was down and curled, and her olive skin absolutely glowed. Rose looked cute as a button. She wore pink, too, her dress a mass of fancy ruffles. A big matching bow wrapped around her forehead. She was smiling now, her eyes gleaming as she took in the candles and colorful flowers surrounding her.
Adam knew a sense of peace. This moment in time couldn’t be more perfect. He reached for Mia’s hand—he’d been doing that lately, sometimes without realizing it—and held it on his knee.
Violins began to play, and people milling about promptly took their seats.
Zane appeared, walking in from the side entrance, wearing tuxedo tails and his signature cowboy hat, looking happier than he’d ever seen him. Zane took his place next to the minister at the back of the barn. A ray of sunshine poured over him from the loft window—he had his own personal spotlight—as he searched the aisle for signs of his bride.
And then the orchestra kicked up, playing a classic version of “Here Comes the Bride.”
A hush fell over the barn.
Jessica stepped up and all eyes turned toward her. Chairs creaked and shuffling sounds echoed against the walls as everyone rose to their feet.
“I love her dress,” Mia whispered.
Ivory and satin, with lace everywhere, Jessica made a lovely bride.
She’d been jilted at the altar once before, but if Adam knew Zane, he was more than going to make up for that.
Jessica made her trip down the aisle, smiling, her face beaming, the bouquet of star lilies and gardenias trembling in her hands.
She reached Zane, and everyone settled back into their seats.
The minister gave a lovely speech about second chances, and something hit home for Adam as he reached for Mia’s hand again. He’d liked waking up with her this morning. Almost as much as he’d enjoyed taking her to bed last night. And afterward, he’d managed to give her a glimpse into his life. He’d told her things about Brandon and Jacqueline he’d never shared before with another human being. He’d shared his heartache with her, the betrayal that ruined him for love.
He’d been over Jacqueline for a long time. But he’d never get over Lily. Mia hadn’t pressed him last night about her, and he’d been relieved. He kept those memories buried.
Rose began to kick in her infant seat. She had a shelf life of about twenty minutes, before things got out of hand. Her complaints started quietly and Mia took out a long-necked giraffe teething toy. She handed it to Rose, and that seemed to settle her.
Zane and Jessica exchanged vows, making mention of the woman they’d both loved and lost, Janie Holcomb Williams, and promised to do her memory honor by living a good and happy life. Adam had never met Zane’s first wife, but he knew the heartache her death had caused to both Jessica and Zane. It was a touching moment, and even Mia shed a tear or two.
Now the minister was asking if anyone knew a reason why the couple shouldn’t be joined in holy matrimony, and Rose’s mouth opened as if on cue. A belch blasted from her lips, so loud it was hard to believe the uncouth sound had come from such a tiny person.
The entire assembly laughed. Zane and Jessica glanced over their shoulders and chuckled, too.
Mia gasped and looked at Adam in wide-eyed shock, but then a slow grin spread across her face and they both burst out laughing, like everyone else.
The minister made a joke about that not counting, garnering a few more chuckles and he proceeded with the ceremony.
After the wedding, the barn was transformed into a reception hall. The orchestra was replaced by Zane’s country band, and a dance floor was laid down. Appetizers were passed around and a bar was set up. It all flowed smoothly.
Mia had the baby out of the infant carrier now and was swaying to the music. Rose was cackling, making those little sounds of happiness that ripped into his heart. He wound his arms around both of them, Rose sandwiched in between, and swayed with them, rocking back and forth to the music. It seemed as long as Mia was present, his finicky little daughter would tolerate him.
“Now that’s a sight to behold.”
Adam turned to the smiling groom. “Hey, buddy. Congratulations.” He shook his hand and gave him a light slap on the back. “Great ceremony.”
“Thanks. Thanks. We did it. Jess is a beautiful bride, isn’t she?”
“She is.” Mia stepped up to give him a hug. “Congratulations. I feel honored to have been invited.”
“Hey,
well, you and this little one are part of Adam’s family now.” Zane smiled and playfully wiggled Rose’s toes. “She even participated in the ceremony.”
Mia’s gaze shot up. “Oh, gosh. I’m sorry about the disruption. You never know what these little ones are going to do. Leave it to Rose to make her presence known,” she said.
“She’s a glutton for attention. She doesn’t get that from me,” Adam said.
“Oh, so you’re saying it comes from my side of the family,” Mia teased.
“Hey, we didn’t mind. Honestly,” Zane said.
“Not at all,” Jessica said as she joined Zane, slipping her hand in his. “It was just what the ceremony needed, a little levity.”
Jessica’s appearance brought another round of hugs and congratulations. And shortly after, the announcement was made that dinner was ready.
Halfway through the meal, Adam’s phone vibrated. He pulled it out of his pocket and frowned when he saw the name lit up on the screen. He wanted to ignore the call and finish his meal with Mia, but something told him he needed to answer his brother’s call. He kissed Mia’s cheek, breathing in her intoxicating scent and rose. “Excuse me. I’ve got to take this call. Are you going to be all right?”
“We’ll be fine. Rose needs a diaper change. I was just about to take her.”
“Okay, I’ll meet you back here and we’ll finish our meal.”
He walked out of the barn and strode toward the construction site, away from the music and conversations and picked up on the fifth ring. “Brandon, it’s Adam. I’m at a wedding in Texas. What’s up?”
“Adam. You need to come home right away. Mom’s had a heart attack.”
Eleven
Adam held his mother’s pasty hand, gazing into her soft blue eyes. A pallor had taken over her skin as she lay in the hospital bed. She was hooked up to IV tubes and oxygen, yet she managed to smile. “Hi, Mom.”
“Adam, you came.” Her voice was weak.
“Of course I came.” He squeezed her hand. He’d flown half the night to get back to Los Angeles, hoping he wouldn’t be too late. He’d had a limo waiting at the airport and had come first thing. Mia and the baby were driven to Grandma Tess’s home so she could spend time with Rose.
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