Midnight Rendezvous (Fortress Security Book 3)

by Rebecca Deel

  “What are you going to do while I’m trying on an endless number of dresses?”

  “Resting and making honeymoon arrangements.”

  She leaned closer, though careful not to put too much pressure on his injured side. “Care to give me a hint?”

  “Nope. You might want to pick up several casual outfits, though.” He kissed her. “We’ll be gone a while. I want you all to myself.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “What kind of clothes?”

  “Mild climate.”

  No hint from that, either. She would have put up a token protest if Remy didn’t look as though the trip to Texas had sapped some of his energy. Brent had arranged for the Fortress jet to fly them here, but Remy still wasn’t close to being one hundred percent no matter what he’d told Emily or his own family. At least if he stayed here, Remy would have some downtime before the craziness exploded in the Higgins household.

  No matter what her stepsisters said, the next twenty-four hours was going to be chaotic.

  “Come on, sweetness.” Remy turned Lily toward the door. “If we don’t hustle to Elaine’s room, she’ll come hunt us down. She needs to save her energy for tomorrow.”

  In the pretty bedroom, Elaine was waiting for them. As soon as she saw them in the doorway, she smiled. “I’m so happy for the two of you. Remy, how are you feeling?”

  “Healing fast.” He leaned down and kissed Elaine’s cheek. “Can’t do anything less with Lily taking such good care of me.”

  Her attention shifted to Lily. “Welcome home, baby.”

  Lily choked up. She had waited so long to hear her mother say something like that. “Thanks,” she whispered as she leaned down and gave her mother a hug.

  “You sure you weren’t hurt in Mexico?”

  “Positive. In fact, Remy was the only one hurt on that mission.”

  “I didn’t move fast enough.” He smiled. “Believe me, I won’t make that mistake again.”

  He didn’t say he wouldn’t make a similar choice if the circumstances dictated. Fortress operatives had each other’s backs. Their jobs were hazardous and they depended on each other to survive.

  “Lily, we’re ready to go,” Emily said from the doorway.

  “Where are you going?” Elaine asked. “Lily just arrived.”

  “The wedding is tomorrow, Mom. Lily needs a dress.”

  “Oh, my. Go on, baby. Have fun with your sisters.”

  Right. She reached up, kissed Remy, and left him with her mother.

  Though she hadn’t known what to expect, Emily was right about the shopping trip. The sisters took Lily to a boutique in town owned by a friend of the Higgins family. The manager asked Lily some pointed questions, got a sense of her dress preferences, and brought four for her to try.

  Lily’s eyes widened when she saw the fourth choice. Her fingers brushed the silky fabric. If she had to wear that one on an op, she would have room to move freely. The question was, would Remy like it?

  CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

  The morning of the wedding dawned bright, clear, and comfortable. Remy glanced at his watch. Only a few minutes before he and Lily would become husband and wife. He cast another glance up the street in front of the house. The Higgins women had banished him from the house an hour ago. The Doucet clan was milling around the backyard, arranging food on the long tables set up under shade trees.

  Remy shook his head. He didn’t know how Elaine and the girls had pulled this off. Lily told them she didn’t expect anything but their presence. Apparently, Elaine had other ideas in mind and was determined to see them become reality. His future mother-in-law was a four-star general in disguise. She might not be able to get up and do things herself, but her mind was sharp and her organizational skills amazing. The whole Higgins family pitched in as well as Remy’s clan. It was mind boggling to watch things fall into place so fast.

  Aside from the honeymoon plans, Remy had one more surprise for his almost wife. If the surprise arrived on time. An ill-timed traffic accident might mess everything up. Maybe he could delay the wedding.

  To his relief, a silver sedan pulled up and parked in the driveway. A tall man with blond hair wearing a conservative suit and tie climbed from the car and opened the door for his wife. The two of them approached the porch where Remy waited.

  “Remy Doucet?” the man asked.

  He shook the extended hand. “Thank you for coming.”

  “I’ve missed everything else in her life. I couldn’t let this opportunity pass. Thank you for calling me. Does she know about me being here?”

  Remy shook his head. “I wanted to surprise her.”

  A chuckle from the other man. “We’ll be lucky if she doesn’t hand both of us our heads on a platter.”

  “It’s time to get started if Lily’s ready. I’ll tell Ray Higgins you’re here.”

  “You’re sure he’s okay with this? Ray’s a good man and we don’t want to hurt him,” the woman said.

  “Yes, ma’am. He was ready in case you two didn’t make it.”

  The man drew in a deep breath. “Well, then, I guess I should go in and introduce myself.”

  “Actually, Lily’s stepfather thought it best if he introduced you. Is that all right?”

  A nod. “Let’s go. I’m sure you’re anxious to put your ring on her finger.”

  Remy led the couple to the backyard and waved Ray over. “I’ll leave this in your hands. Tell Lily everything is ready whenever she is.”

  Ray shook hands with the couple. “Remy, why don’t you escort Meredith to her seat.”

  He draped her hand over his arm and helped her across the grass to a seat in the shade. “Will you be comfortable here?”

  “I’ll be fine, Remy. You concentrate on what’s important today. Your Lily.”

  Remy drew in a deep breath and prayed he hadn’t made the biggest mistake of his life in inviting this couple to the wedding.

  Lily smoothed the soft purple dress and twisted to glance at herself in the mirror. She still couldn’t believe how beautiful the dress was. Even better, it was the only dress she’d tried on at the boutique. The dress was perfect as were the matching shoes. She grinned. If she hadn’t been on that shopping trip yesterday, she’d never have believed it would be so easy to find the right outfit for this special day. The fun company was a great bonus. Lily didn’t know when she’d laughed that much with anyone other than Remy’s family.

  The Higgins sisters shared many stories with her. It was strange, but nice, to be accepted so quickly. They didn’t seem to resent her presence in their lives and that was more than she’d dreamed possible. Now, this family would witness her marriage to her soul mate. And maybe, just maybe, she could finally tell people who asked that she did have a family of her own.

  A knock sounded on the door. “Lily, are you ready?” Ray called through the closed door.

  She crossed the room and swung open the door. “I’m ready. Is everybody here?”

  “There are Doucets all over the backyard, sweetheart. The girls and Cal are out there. Elaine is seated in a nice cushioned chair in the shade.”

  “You sure you don’t mind walking me to Remy?” Lily’s face heated. “It’s okay if you’d rather not. I would understand.”

  Ray paused. “Actually, there’s someone here who wants that privilege if you’ll let him.” He stepped to the side.

  Lily’s gaze skated to the blond man waiting a few feet down the hall.

  He smiled at her. “Hello, Lily. I’m Troy Stanton. I’m so glad to finally meet you. You look exactly like your mother when she was in high school.”

  Her breath froze in her lungs. Her father had come? “How did you know I was getting married today?”

  “Remy.”

  She closed her eyes a moment. Of course. Who else would have figured out exactly what she needed to make this day complete but the man she loved with every beat of her heart? “Thank you for coming.”

  “I’ve missed everything else in your life, baby girl. I�
��m sorry for not being there for you for the last thirty years.”

  “You were sixteen, too young to be a father.”

  “But foolish enough to let teenage hormones cloud my thinking. Elaine paid the price for that and so did you.”

  “What do you say, Lily?” Ray asked. “Would you like Troy to escort you to Remy?”

  “I would love that. Thank you.” She stopped, frowned. “What do I call you?”

  Troy took her hand in his. “Troy is fine. Your stepbrother and sister call me Dad. It’s your choice, Lily.”

  She blinked away the sting of tears. “Dad, then.”

  He smiled, joy shining in his eyes. “Your future husband is probably very worried right now. You’re late.”

  Lily’s gaze dropped to her watch. Oh, man. He was right. “We’d better go. I’m not letting Remy Doucet slip through my fingers.”

  When they reached the back door, the Higgins’ pastor motioned for the Doucet and Higgins families to stand. Remy waited near her mother. Oh, goodness. He looked like a male model in his tuxedo. She might have to carry a weapon or two on her honeymoon to keep the women away from him.

  As they walked the grassy aisle, individual family members smiled or winked at her.

  Troy stood beside Remy until the minister asked who was giving the bride away. He said in a loud, clear voice, “Her mother and father.” Troy leaned down and kissed her cheek before placing her hand in Remy’s.

  Her gaze locked with his. At his worried expression, she cupped his cheek with one hand. “Thank you, Remy. You’ve given me a gift I will always treasure.”

  He leaned down and shared a long, lingering kiss with her. When he drew back, the minister said, “You’re rushing me, son. That’s the finale.”

  Their families laughed and the minister proceeded with the short, simple ceremony she and Remy had agreed upon. Finally, Remy wrapped his arms around Lily and they shared their first kiss as husband and wife to the cheers of their audience.

  As the women swarmed the food tables to uncover various dishes and complete the final touches, Remy hugged Lily tight against his chest.

  “Will you tell me now where we’re going for our honeymoon?” Lily asked. She’d been racking her brain, trying to figure out where he might take her.

  “We’ll make our rounds with our families for the next two hours. After that, you’re all mine. We have a plane to catch to Hawaii.”

  Shock rolled through Lily. “Hawaii?”

  “That’s for the first week. The second week, we’re going to the Great Smoky Mountains. The third week, we’ll travel to Florida. The fourth week will be in the Poconos. We’ll spend our last two weeks of leave combining households. We can move your stuff into my house until we decide together where to live. If you like the house and the neighborhood, we’ll stay. If not, we’ll sell and find something we both want.”

  Tears trickled down her cheeks. “How did I ever get lucky enough to have you in my life?”

  Another soft kiss from her new husband. “Stop crying, honey. Your father and mine are giving me death glares.”

  “Can’t have them decking an injured man, can we?” Lily swiped the tears from her face. “Looks like the food is ready and I’m starving. I was too nervous to eat this morning.”

  “Same here.”

  Together, they crossed the yard and loaded their plates. They sat side by side at the long table, members of both families ranged along either side and across from them.

  The food was incredible. Lily couldn’t believe her mother and stepsisters had pulled this together so fast. As she and Remy made the rounds before leaving for the airport, Troy took Lily aside for a moment.

  “Thank you for letting me be a part of this special day, baby girl.” He pressed a business card into her hand. “Here are the numbers to contact me. I want to know my daughter, Lily. I’d love to be part of your life if you’ll allow me that privilege.”

  She smiled. “I’d like that.”

  “After you and Remy are settled, Meredith and I would love to spend some time with the two of you.” He cupped her cheek with a gentle touch. “I know I haven’t been there for you and now you have a husband. But I want you to know I’ll be available if you need anything, even a shoulder to cry on, just as I am with your stepsister and brother. You’re part of my family now, sweetheart.” He enfolded her in a hug, something Lily thought she would never experience.

  “Thank you,” she murmured. “Mom has my contact information. Remy and I will be traveling for the next month, but after that you can reach me on my cell phone.”

  He nodded. “I’m looking forward to learning who my daughter is. Enjoy your honeymoon, baby.” Troy released her and glanced at Remy. “You take good care of my daughter, Remy.”

  “Always.” Remy held out his hand to Lily. “It’s time to go, honey.”

  Together, they walked to the SUV where their luggage was already loaded. Once enclosed in the vehicle, Remy leaned over and kissed her. When he drew back, he smiled. “I’m so looking forward to spending the rest of my life with you, Lily Doucet.”

  “I love you, Remy.” Life had turned out to be sweet. A mother and father. Three families where before she’d had none. A husband with whom to share the future. Children someday. Two weeks ago, she had nothing. Now, Lily had everything.

  About the Author

  Rebecca Deel is a preacher’s kid with a black belt in karate. She teaches business classes at a private four-year college in Nashville, Tennessee. She plays the piano at church, writes freelance articles, and runs interference for the family Westies. She’s been married more than 20 years and is the proud mom of two grown sons. She delivers monthly devotions to the women’s group at her church and conducts seminars in personal safety, money management, and writing. Her articles have been published in ONE Magazine, Contact, and Co-Laborer, and she was profiled in the June 2010 Williamson edition of Nashville Christian Family magazine. Rebecca completed her Doctor of Arts degree in Economics and wears her favorite Dallas Cowboys sweatshirt when life turns ugly.

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