“For as long as I live,” he said. “I’m yours.”
“I’m the luckiest woman in the world.”
“I’ll spend the rest of my life making sure you still say that,” he said. “And making up for everything you had to give up. I’ll fill it with family, Kara. Our family. Our friends who are like family. You’ll never be alone again.” He smiled as he brushed the hair from her cheek. “You may wish you were a little more alone by the time we’re done with you.”
“Never. I’ll never be tired. All I’ve ever wanted was a family. A real one.”
“Be careful what you wish for. I come with an eccentric pretend sister, two moms, and four Dogs.”
“Don’t forget one fickle cat.” Happy tears soothed her puffy eyes. “I’m grateful for each one of them.”
As the last of day’s orange rays of sun slipped into the ocean, they sealed their love with a kiss.
Chapter Thirty-seven
Brody
The first few days after they returned from the surprise trip to Oregon, Brody and Kara clung to each other. He didn’t think it was possible to enjoy someone’s company for days on end, but the moment Kara was out of sight, he wished she’d return.
Before they left for home, Brody had called his mother to tell her Kara had accepted his proposal. His mother, after exclaiming her delight, told him that she and Doc were leaving for a rendezvous of their own. As ambivalent as he was about his mother and Doc, he was happy to have the house to himself. He wanted to do nothing but spend time with Kara. Still haunted by the moment he woke to find her gone, he vowed to do whatever it took to keep her safe. She must never feel frightened enough to leave him ever again.
During the next few days, they made meals and watched movies in the game room, tangled up in each other and a blanket. Both nights they stayed up late talking about their pasts and their hopes for the future. A family. A home where their friends and extended families felt welcomed and comfortable. A marriage like his parents had had.
In every precious moment, Brody wondered how he had gotten this lucky. What had he ever done to deserve this woman by his side?
He would never let her go. He would cherish her. He would do whatever it took to keep her safe. It was a tall order—one he couldn’t take lightly by merely hoping for the best. Honor would help. All he had to do was give her the instruction to hire the best security people for anytime they ventured out of Cliffside Bay. Ones who would break noses and cameras if they tried to take Kara’s photograph. But money would not ensure her safety. They needed the help of their friends and family. And that would require some amount of full disclosure.
That morning they sat at the kitchen counter, sipping their espressos and reading. Fog limited their view to the backyard. If only it was as simple as keeping Kara here in their bubble of fog. He had to keep her safe.
He needed his Dogs to help him do so.
“We need to talk,” he said. “About keeping you hidden from public view.”
She nodded, her brown eyes frightened. He’d noticed over the last three days that anytime she remembered the reality of her situation a haunted expression washed away her innate exuberance for life, for him.
“I know we can’t ever tell anyone the exact truth.” He covered her hands with his own. “But, the Dogs and Honor—my mom and Flora—we have to tell them enough that they understand the urgency behind our requests. We have to explain why you can’t go to football games.”
“Or why we can’t ever announce to the world that we’re married,” she said.
“That’s right.”
She nodded again and nibbled on her bottom lip. “I think of it as half-truths. That’s what I’ve done all along. It doesn’t feel great. You’ll have to understand that going in.”
“I know, baby. I get it.” His heart twisted. This is what she’d had to live with all these months alone. “But I know the truth. We’ll always have that, no matter what.”
“What do we say to them? What’s our half-truth?” she asked.
“We simply explain that we can’t share the details, but it’s urgent they comply with our requests. You talk to Honor and Violet. I’ll talk to the Dogs.”
“What about your mom and Flora?” she asked.
“We can talk to them when they return from their romantic excursions.” Brody rolled his eyes, which made Kara laugh. If he could make her laugh, everything was going to be all right.
“I’ll text the girls now and see if they can come over for wine and snacks,” Kara said. “Maybe you could invite the Dogs to play poker?”
“That’s my pragmatic girl.” He kissed her as the scent of espresso wafted between them. “It’s going to fine. I promise.”
“As long as you’re by my side,” she said.
“That’s a promise.”
Brody texted his Dogs.
Emergency poker game. I need your help. My house at 5. Can you be here?
They could. Of course they would come, no questions asked. Thick and thin, like they’d always promised.
BRODY SAT IN HIS USUAL spot at the counter, watching Kara bustle around the kitchen as she made appetizers. He’d asked if he could help, but she’d shooed him away. Veggie platters, mini quiches, fancy cheese, and overpriced crackers Flora would disapprove of already lined the counter. “This is a little fancier than our chips and salsa I usually make for our poker games,” he said.
“Don’t tell Flora what you spent on these crackers,” Kara said.
“I was just thinking the same thing,” he said.
“The girls and I will stay in the kitchen out of the Dogs’ way. I’m excited to see them, and I can’t wait to show them my ring.” Kara flashed him a sheepish smile as she waved her hand under the lights. The ring’s sparkle was almost as bright as his fiancée’s eyes. His fiancée, soon to be his wife. How was it possible to be this happy?
“Does that sound superficial?” she asked. “I hope I don’t turn into one of those ladies.”
“Not at all. I’m glad you like the ring.”
“How could I not?” Kara twisted the ring around her finger. “It’s going to take me a little time to get used to all this.”
“This?”
“This wealth,” she said.
“It’s just money, not who we are.”
“You know I want to work still. I have to,” Kara said.
“How else will you keep me in the manner to which I’m accustomed?”
“A nurse’s salary won’t do that,” she said, laughing.
“As long as I have you, nothing else matters.” He took her into his arms and kissed her. Their lips were chapped from all the kissing over the past few days, but that didn’t seem to deter them.
“Still, I’m glad you’ve given up this nonsense about leaving football. I can’t wait to watch you play.”
“Even though at this time last year you still thought I had a stupid face?”
“Stop it. That was just football fan talk.” Her cheeks flushed the prettiest pink in the world. He really needed to keep these thoughts to himself or the Dogs would skewer him with ridicule.
“And we’ve agreed you’re giving up this misguided love of the Philly Raptors?” He twirled a section of her silky hair between his fingers.
“I don’t know. Depends on how you guys do next season,” she said.
“You’re a rough crowd, Kara Eaton.”
“I was thinking about something,” she said. “About my last name.”
“What’s that?”
“I’m an independent woman and all, but since Eaton’s not really my name anyway, I thought I might as well become Mrs. Mullen.”
It surprised him how the sentiment pierced his chest. He hadn’t realized until this very moment that he wanted her to share his last name. “It would mean a lot to me.”
“Really?”
“I didn’t know until you said you would,” he said. “That’s the thing—you constantly surprise and challenge me. You make me a better
version of myself.” He laughed. “I sound like one of those sappy movies we keep watching.”
“I love it when you sound like a sappy movie,” she said.
“I don’t just love you. I like you.”
“I like you too, Brody Mullen. Resting douche face and all.”
The doorbell rang and foiled another chance for a kiss. Fortunately, there was later tonight and all the nights to come.
A FEW MINUTES LATER, he gathered with Jackson, Kyle, and Zane in the game room. On one end of the masculine room, a round table with five chairs served as both as a poker table and an area to set gameday snacks. A large wraparound sofa and coffee table faced a flat screen television. He’d had the room designed primarily for their poker games and watching sports, with no idea how much he would love snuggling with Kara and watching sappy movies. Another thing to keep to myself.
Jackson divided poker chips into stacks. Kyle shuffled cards. Zane opened beer at the bar. If only Lance were here. His little brother’s presence always steadied him.
When Zane had settled in his chair, Brody spoke. “Before we start playing, I have something I want to talk to you guys about.”
“What’s wrong?” Jackson asked.
“Stop worrying,” Brody said to Jackson. “Everyone’s fine.”
“I wasn’t worried,” Jackson said.
“Not you,” Zane said. “You’re never worried.”
“It’s nothing to worry over, but I do have something to tell you guys.” Brody took a deep breath. “I know it may seem too soon. And I’m sorry I didn’t tell you guys beforehand, but I’ve never felt so sure about anything in my life. I asked Kara to marry me.”
All three of the other Dogs let out some utterance of pleasure.
“Dude. Awesome,” Kyle said. “Even though this means the end of our bachelor era.”
“Thank God you came to your senses. I fully thought you were going to blow it with her,” Zane said. “Seriously. Kara’s the best. And I totally knew you guys were perfect for each other.”
Jackson got up from his chair and pulled Brody up into a hug. “Best news I’ve had in a long time. We all love her. If she’s willing to put up with you, then God bless her.”
“When’s the wedding, and will I have to wear a suit?” Zane asked.
“Probably this summer, and yes,” Brody said. “But it’s up to Kara. Whatever she wants, she will have.”
“Including your sorry butt in a suit,” Kyle said to Zane. “I’ll hook you up with my personal shopper.”
“I don’t need help buying my own suit,” Zane said. “Unlike yourself.”
“Where will you take her on the honeymoon?” Jackson asked. “Somewhere special. It has to be extraordinary, like Kara.”
“She wants to go to Europe,” Brody said. “She’s never been.”
“Nice,” Zane said.
Kyle leapt up from the table. “This calls for a toast. Champagne or Scotch?”
“Not champagne. Scotch. We’re men, for God’s sake. Get the good stuff,” Brody said. “If there was ever an occasion, this is it.”
When Kyle returned with glasses and a bottle of Macallan scotch, Brody placed his hands on the table to steady them. How could he explain Kara’s situation without alarming Jackson or awakening Kyle’s relentless curiosity? Only Zane would agree with no questions asked. Like Honor. They would just say yes and tackle whatever the problem was with a zealous intensity.
He waited for Kyle to pour them all a drink before he started. “Before we toast—there’s something else. I need help. A big favor, actually,” Brody said.
“Zane already agreed to wear a suit.” Kyle’s dark eyes glittered with humor.
“As much as it hurts,” Zane said.
“It’s about Kara.” Brody moved his scotch glass from one hand to the other. He wanted to tell his friends everything, but it was against the rules. He and Kara were the only two people in their lives who could ever know the complete truth. “Kara does have a secret. It’s a big one.”
“Is she in danger?” Zane’s relaxed hands turned to fists.
Brody almost flinched under Zane’s scrutiny.
“She isn’t. As long as she stays hidden.”
“Hidden?” Jackson asked. “What do you mean by hidden?”
“It’s not just a crazy ex, then?” Kyle asked.
“No, something far more dangerous.” I’m no good at this. Telling half-truths to people you loved was hard. How had Kara done it so well for all these months?
“Brody, tell us what’s going on. You’re scaring me,” Jackson said.
“She’s safe and she’ll remain so,” Brody said. “As long as no one from her past ever finds out where she is. We can’t post her photograph or talk about her on social media. She can’t come to my games or any of my functions. She can’t ever be seen with me, other than in this town. No one can ever know we’re married, other than those in our inner circle.”
“What the hell? Is she like in witness protection or something?” Kyle asked.
Brody blinked and studied the contents of his scotch. Stay cool. Don’t let them know the truth.
“Brody?” Zane asked. “Is Kyle right?”
Brody looked around the table. “You guys are my brothers. There’s never been anything in my life that I couldn’t share with you. But this...this is something I can’t talk about, other than to ask for your help.”
“Is Kyle right?” Zane asked again. “Is Kara in witness protection?”
Brody started shaking. How had Kyle guessed so easily?
“I can’t talk about it,” Brody said.
“But she is, isn’t she?” Kyle asked.
“Don’t ask me anymore questions,” Brody said. “Please.”
“Jesus,” Zane said. “No wonder she’s always so weird about her past.”
“I’m scared out of my mind,” Brody said.
“And she runs smack dab into one of the most famous guys in the country,” Kyle said. “How’s this going to work?”
“She can’t ever be seen with me in public. You know how the paparazzi are.”
“But that sucks,” Zane said. “How are you guys supposed to ever go anywhere?”
“We just have to be very careful,” Brody said.
“But what about Europe?” Zane asked.
“I haven’t talked to Honor yet, but if anyone can figure out the best security team in the world, it’s her. We’ll have to travel without anyone knowing it’s me.”
“Is that possible?” Jackson crossed his arms over his chest. Brody knew his friend was going through all the worst-case scenarios in his head.
“I believe so,” Brody said.
“What do you need us to do?” Kyle asked.
“I need you guys to have her back, like you’ve always had mine. I need you to sit in this room with her and watch my games on television because she’ll be sad she can’t be there. I need you to keep a close watch on her when I’m away during the season. I need you to come to our wedding and not take any photographs.”
“We’re family,” Kyle said. “Your wife is our wife.”
“Now you just made it weird,” Jackson said.
They all laughed.
“I can’t imagine what she’s been through,” Jackson said. “No wonder she resisted getting together with you. It’s the worst-case scenario for her to fall in love with someone as famous as you.” Brody was momentarily taken from his own problems. Jackson always assumed everything was the worst-case scenario because that is exactly what happened to him when he was only eighteen years old. He lost his mother to cancer and the love of his life to a car accident.
He said a silent prayer. God, please send Jackson the right woman to love. The one who will take the sadness from his eyes. The one who’ll make him believe in miracles again.
“She’s been through a lot,” Brody said out loud. “But it brought her to me. To us. They sent her to a little town no one has ever heard of on purpose. We’re her new family
. The one she was supposed to have,” Brody said. “She can hide here without fear of discovery and have a full life.”
“Let’s keep it that way,” Zane said.
“We will keep it that way.” Kyle raised his glass. “To family.”
“To friends who always have your back,” Zane said.
“To soulmates,” Jackson said. “Long may you live.”
“To Dogs,” Brody said.
And they clinked glasses.
Chapter Thirty-eight
Kara
Kara showed Violet and Honor into the living room. She’d turned on the fireplace and opened a bottle of white wine and set out the platter of cheese and crackers. Honor and Violet sat together on the couch as Kara poured them all a glass. She’d taken off her ring before the other ladies had arrived. She wanted to surprise them. Her hand already felt naked without it.
“You’re glowing,” Honor said. “And I know why.”
Violet shushed her. “Don’t be crude.”
“Since when was having awesome sex crude?” Honor asked.
“I have something to share,” Kara said. “You’re the first to know.” She pulled the ring from her jeans pocket and slipped it onto her left hand where it belonged. “Brody asked and I said yes.”
Honor let out a decidedly unlike herself squeal. “I knew it. I saw his search engine was on ring sites. I’m so happy for you.”
“Does this mean you’re staying for good?” Violet asked with a shy smile. “Because I’ve been holding back from getting attached to you.”
Kara smiled back at her. “I understand. But yes, I’m staying for good.”
“I’m glad. Very, very glad,” Violet said.
“Of course she’s staying. This is where she belongs,” Honor said. “Just like the rest of us.”
“There’s a little complication,” Kara said, “that I want to share with you. A complication I need help with.”
“Anything. You know that,” Honor said. “Unless it’s being a surrogate. I’m short. The minute I get pregnant, I’ll expand like a balloon.”
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