by Cali MacKay
There was suddenly so much that needed to get done. But today wasn’t one of those days. I watched as the doctor swiped the ultrasound wand over the slight swell of Emie’s belly as a rapid beat sounded out. “That’s the baby’s heartbeat. It sounds good…strong and steady.”
Emie looked over at me with a smile as I squeezed her hand, knowing she’d been concerned. Her doctor then switched to a different wand, rolling it over her slick belly as an image came in and out of view on the monitor.
There it was…our child.
“Looks like you’re right around ten weeks.” Dr. Reeves gave us a smile, pointing out several other details, before finally wiping the gel off Emie’s belly. “We won’t be able to tell the sex of the child for several weeks more, but everything looks good.”
It was a huge relief, especially once I found out that Emie had taken a punch to the gut. But that was all behind us now. Things between us had never been better. And though I’d been worried about trusting her back when I’d first seen her again, before Stubbs grabbed her, that was no longer the case. Once I’d found it in me to forgive her, everything fell into place.
Emie had become my all.
There was just one tiny detail that needed to get sorted.
We headed home, where Bear was eagerly waiting for us. He still had some healing to do and his injury had slowed him down some, but that was to be expected given that he’d been shot just weeks earlier.
I wrapped my arm around her waist and kissed her neck, sidling up to her from behind as she put the ultrasound picture of our baby up on the fridge. “I was thinking… We don’t have to stay in Seattle if we don’t want to. We could go anywhere, Em. Hell, we could even move to Ireland if we wanted to. My brother and his wife are there with their children.”
She turned to face me, slipping her arms around my neck and pressing her lush curves against me as I tightened my hold on her. “Is this because of what happened with my family…with us?”
“I just thought it might be easier for you. I want you to feel comfortable at home, and not haunted by everything you’ve been through.” Not that I was necessarily in any rush to leave Seattle. I honestly didn’t know if any other place could feel like home more than Seattle did, but I’d leave it all in a heartbeat if it meant making Emie happy. And in the end, as long as I had her in my arms, location didn’t matter.
“No matter where we go, I’ll be home as long as you’re by my side. But if you want to stay in Seattle, don’t feel like you need to move on my account. Though I’ll never forget my family, I’m finally moving on—and that’s all because of you. In a way, staying in Seattle just serves to remind me that every day is precious, and not to be wasted.” She leaned in and pressed her lips against mine. “I love you, Locke. You’re my everything.”
“I love you too, Em.” I deepened our kiss, my heart hammering inside my chest. I loved her so fucking much. I knew now that I couldn’t live without her, and it went well beyond us having a baby together. She was my whole world.
Taking her by the hand, I led her toward the back deck, where the sun was just starting to set, painting the sky in pinks and purples, while the fairy lights that were strung about the deck twinkled in the dimming light.
She slipped into my arms, looking up at me with a smile on her lips. “It’s gorgeous here, Locke. I don’t think I’ll ever want to leave.”
It really was perfect. “Then this is where we’ll stay.”
Bear followed along, but he had a role to play as I put my plan in place. “Fetch, Bear.”
Bear immediately turned on his heels and bolted to where I’d hidden the envelope, grabbing it before quickly returning, his tail wagging as he sat before us.
Emie looked at the two of us, looking curious as she took the envelope from Bear’s mouth, her name scrawled across the envelope. “What are you two up to?”
She opened the envelope and pulled out the paper, reading my note as I got down on one knee behind her, my heart hammering away as I held up the diamond ring I’d bought her. And then she turned to face me, her eyes wide with surprise and shimmering with tears.
“I love you, Emie. I know we’ve had our ups and downs, but those have only made our love stronger. I hope you know by now that you’re my very heart, and I’d be honored if you’d marry me.”
She nodded, smiling at me as tears of happiness filled her eyes. “I’d love nothing more. I love you so much, Locke.”
Her hand trembled as I slipped the ring onto her finger, before standing to pull her into my arms and spinning her around as she laughed and pressed her lips to mine. “You make me one hell of a happy man, baby.”
We’d be getting married. And the sooner I made that happen, the better.
I wanted to make this official. But there was more… I wanted to get married before Dane took off for the job Stubbs had roped him into. I didn’t know if he’d have to go dark or not, nor did I know how long he’d be gone for, and I wanted him at my wedding.
But for now? I needed to make love to my fiancée. “Come on, sweetness. We have some celebrating to do.”
She squealed with laughter as I scooped her up and carried her to our bedroom, her smile intoxicating. “I most definitely like the sound of that.”
As I walked down the aisle on Dane’s arm, the moment was bittersweet. This was my wedding day, and it was supposed to be my father and mother at my side, and my sister was supposed to be my maid of honor. Yet, I couldn’t let my heartache take hold on what was supposed to be one of the happiest days of my life.
Because I was happy. Happier than I’d ever been. And I was getting married to an amazing man.
Damn, Locke was handsome. He stood there with his brothers at his side, and when he smiled at me and took my hand in his, it was like I fell in love with him all over again.
When I took his hand, he leaned in and whispered in my ear. “You look gorgeous, love.”
I felt gorgeous in my silk flowing gown, the fabric gently skimming over my baby bump. I was four months pregnant, and just starting to show, my breasts fuller than they’d ever been—something that hadn’t escaped Locke’s notice. He’d always been attentive, but with my body changing daily, he took his time exploring all the changes that occurred, pausing in between to talk to our expected daughter.
But it was more than that. Locke made me feel special…despite everything we’d been through.
Memories of our time together filled my head as we exchanged our vows, and though some may say our time together had been too short to be significant, they’d be mistaken. Every moment we’d spent together was cherished, as if our time apart and the problems we’d had to overcome had given us a new appreciation of what we truly had in each other, especially when sacrifices had been made to ensure my safety, and Dane may very well pay a steep price.
And even though I knew there would be many more memories to come, I memorized every heartbeat of this memory as he became my husband and I became his wife, knowing that each moment I had with Locke was precious.
I hope you enjoyed Vengeance!! As always, reviews are greatly appreciated! Dane’s story, Scorch, is the next book in the Blackthorn Brother's Series, and is now available for pre-order. To stay updated on new releases and sales, please sign up for my newsletter.
Wishing you all the best. — Cali MacKay
Book Series by Cali MacKay
The Blackthorn Brothers Series
Forced
Shattered
Vengeance
Scorch
The Billionaire’s Seduction Series
Passion
Obsession
Scandal
Temptation
The Billionaire’s Temptation Series
Seduction and Surrender
Submission and Surrender
Love and Surrender
Deception and Surrender
Ravage and Surrender
Forbidden – The Townsend Twins Series
Part 1 – 4
&nbs
p; Also available as a box set
The Silver Moon Pack Series
Greyson
Part 1 - 4
Also available as a box set
A Maine Island Romance Series
One Sweet Summer
For Love or Treasure
Sweet Danger
The Highland Heart Series
The Highlander’s Hope
A Highland Home
A Highland Heist
Also available as a boxset (The Desired Collection)
The Pirate and the Feisty Maid Series
Part One, Two and Three only available as a boxset
Jack—A Grim Reaper Romance