by King, Dean
“No. I'm saying to give me time, that's all. Time to come to grips with things.”
He nodded reluctantly and stepped towards her. Then turned his face into her palm, he kissed its tender flesh. “Take all the time you need. I understand.”
*****
Two weeks. Fourteen long days.
Rafe sat at his desk and toyed with some papers that needed signing. He was ready to pull his hair out. The waiting was driving him crazy. Seeing her every day. Wanting her and yet afraid to push her. He could feel her pulling farther and farther away from him and there was nothing he could do about it. After he’d taken her home that evening two weeks ago, he and Frank went to the police station. He was surprised to see Peter, Ben’s cousin, sitting with his hands cuffed as he glared at Rafe.
“What’s this about, Peter?” Rafe thundered.
“It’s a mistake!” Peter cried. “It’s all a mistake. I don’t know why I’m here.”
“If that’s so, then how do you know it’s a mistake?” Frank sneered.
“Because I haven’t done anything!”
Rafe turned to Sweeny. “What’s this about?”
“We caught him trying to run Ms. Manchester off the road.”
“What!”
“I swear I wasn’t,” Peter cried. He avoided the fierce fire in Rafe’s eyes.
Sweeny continued. “She wasn’t hurt and continued on her way. At first we just followed him to see if he’d do it again. He didn’t, but he did follow her. Just as he was about to park, we pulled him over and brought him in here.”
“Why don’t you tell us what this is about?” Rafe growled and Peter shrank away.
“I dropped my cell phone, I was trying to pick it up when I must have swerved, then I couldn’t find it so I stopped to search for it. I can’t help it if some woman was going the same way I was.”
Sweeny nodded to Rafe. “I need to see you out here.” Rafe motioned for Frank to follow. In the corridor, Sweeny shook his head. “Rafe, I’m sorry but we are going to have to let him go.”
“What? You can’t do that.”
“I have to, they can’t hold him. They have nothing to hold him on. He didn’t do anything.”
“But he will if you let him go.”
“No,” Sweeny shook his head. “Now that he knows we’re after him he’ll tuck tail and run.”
“And you have no idea why he was after Nina and her family?” Frank said, his tone incredulous.
“He won’t talk,” Sweeny said.
“I’ll make him talk.” Frank pushed up the sleeves on his shirt and grabbed the door handle.
Rafe grabbed his arm, halting him. “You can’t do that. I’ll be bailing you out of jail if you start beating on him.”
“What do you suggest?”
“I say we talk to Ben. He maybe able to shed some light on things.” Frank released the doorknob and nodded.
“When are they releasing him?”
“As soon as we’re done.”
“I still have my men stationed around Nina’s house, so they should be okay.” Rafe said. “But if anything happens to them, I’ll hold the whole police department responsible.”
Now Rafe stared at the papers in front of him with zero interest. The talk with Ben had yielded nothing. The fact that Peter matched Nina’s description of the man who attacked her didn’t help matters. Only thing to do was sit back and wait. He seemed to be waiting on everything these days. Nina still hadn’t forgiven him. She showed no sign of trusting him, and he didn’t know what his next move should, or could, be.
His office door suddenly opened. His head snapped up with disappointment.
“Oh for Christ sake, Rafe, when’s this gonna stop?” Frank shouted as he barreled into the office.
“Don't, Frank. I'm not in the mood right now.” Rafe grumbled.
“You’ve fucked up my life, Rafe!” Frank leaned over the desk, his hands planted wide apart as he glared at his brother.
“I haven't screwed up your life any worse than I've done my own or mother’s,” Rafe stated.
“That’s what I mean. Mother won't rest until I close the doors on the club! She’s on me night and day! I can't take much more of this.” Frank threw himself down in an empty chair, his hands over his eyes.
“Why don't you just stay at the club? You could avoid her.”
“It's not that simple!” Frank snapped pulling his hand from his bloodshot eyes to stare at Rafe. “She had me closed down ever since you got rid of that woman of yours.”
“You leave Nina out of this,” Rafe growled. He stood up, fists clenched.
“You should've left her out of it a long time ago!” Frank stood to face him. “It’d do me a lot of good to have mother happy and occupied again. Why don't you stop being a wimp, and go get your woman?”
“Oh, so now I'm being a wimp?” Rafe lifted one black brow at that. “I’m just respecting her wishes.”
“Her wishes? Fuck her wishes! You don't want me to tell you what I really think.” Frank turned, about to walk away.
“No, wait. Why don't you tell me what you really think...?”
Frank deliberately turned to face Rafe, the corner of his lips turned up in a smirk. “I think you're the same little punk you always were. How can you let some bitch keep you dangling?” Frank ran through the door with Rafe's bellow ringing in his ears. Hurrying to the elevator, Frank franticly punched the buttons. Rafe was just barreling through his office door when the elevator door open and Frank darted in. Turning, he faced Rafe as he hurried towards him with fire dancing in his eyes. Frank shouted. “If you care that much, then go get her!” The doors closed, leaving Rafe to bang on the steel with all the repressed fury inside him.
Rafe slowly returned his office. Frank is an ass, but he’s right about one thing: I need to do something, anything, to end this. The telephone rang.
“Montoya here.”
“Rafe, it's Wayne. I think we have a problem.” Rafe didn't like the tension he heard in the man's voice.
“What is it?” He sat at the edge of his desk as he waited for Wayne to elaborate.
“It's Ms. Manchester,” Wayne said hesitantly. “She's packing her things. I think she just quit.”
Rafe felt his stomach drop to his feet. “Alright, do what you can to keep her here for an hour.” He hung up, his mind set.
Nina fussed around her office picking up her belongings. She put all her plants and photos into a large brown box. A single tear made its way down her cheek. She lifted her hand for the hundredth time and wiped it away. It was so hard knowing Rafe worked just down the hall. The constant thought that he’d toyed with her because she was available wouldn't leave her. She made it easy for him by falling into his arms, but right now she needed him to come and tell her everything would be okay. In all this time he hadn't come to her. He'd even past her in the corridors as though she were a stranger. What hurt most was watching him speak with other female employees and wondering if she’d been replaced.
Nina picked up a photo of Beth and sadly smiled. Beth wanted to call Miranda, but was afraid to. Things around the house had been very quiet as Nina battled with her inner pain. Beth could hardly speak to Miranda without looking away. It seems they had all lost, in this game of lies.
She frowned. Turning towards the door, she listened intently. Music seemed to drift in from all around. It sounded like violins. Setting the picture down, Nina walked to the door and opened it. Her eyes widened with shock; hundreds of flowers of every shape, size, and color littered the doorway. Some were in water, while others lay wrapped on desks and scattered across the floor. Exiting her office, Nina felt roses crunch under her feet. She saw three men playing violins, all of her co-workers standing nearby, she gasped as she watched Rafe come to her. Her trembling hands rose to cover her mouth in wonder. She stared in near-disbelief as he dropped to one knee in front of her and the whole office. Nina heard gasps spread throughout the crowd.
“Nina, I know what I did was
wrong. I know I shouldn't have lied to you. Yet, I can't undo any of it. I can't live without you, either” He paused to take her left hand in his. “I don't want to live without you.”
Her throat tightened, her eyes stinging they filled with tears.
“I apologize with all my heart, baby. Now I ask you, please Nina, be merciful, save my life. Will you be my wife?” His eyes captured hers.
Nina looked around the room. The music had stopped. There were a few sniffles and many in attendance nodded. She smiled through her tears. “Yes, yes, I'll marry you,” she declared.
Rafe slid the ring on Nina’s trembling finger and rose. Taking her into his arms, he kissed her deeply. Loud cheers were heard and corks popped as everyone celebrated. Rafe lifted his fiancé in his arms and headed for the door, oblivious to the cries of congratulations which followed him.
*****
Nina stretched in Rafe’s bed. She luxuriated in quiet contentment; Rafe had called Miranda and asked her to go get the kids and let them stay the night with her. Nina hoped Beth stayed true to her word and let Miranda talk to her. That was the only reason Nina had let her go with Miranda and Frank. They needed to talk things through. So, with the kids taken care of, she could relax for as long as she desired. She knew she wouldn’t be leaving tonight.
She watched as Rafe went into the kitchen. He returned with lit candles and a cold bottle of wine. There were so many questions she needed answers too. The most important of which was why the need to lie in the first place. But that could wait for later, right now she had one thing on her mind.
Nina slid out of bed. Walking up to him, she slid her arms around his neck and pulled him close. She rained teasing kisses along his jaw, then nibbled the edge of his lower lips until he moaned and dropped everything onto the chair beside them. Rafe then carried her in his arms towards the bed. She smiled as she caressed his handsome face. If nothing else, life with him would be very interesting, but life without him was unthinkable. Nina had known she’d accept his proposal; her heart wouldn't let her refuse, and where it would lead them only time would tell.
On the bed, Nina curled up in his arms, her back against his broad chest. She whispered, “Rafe, I can’t marry you unless the children say its okay. You know you’ll be their father?”
“I’m more than ready to be a daddy.” His hand caressed the smooth exposed skin of her hip. “I feel up to the challenge.”
“What if they say no?” Nina bit her lower lip.
“Since you said yes, we can wait to be married until they change their minds. I won’t give you up, Nina. Not for anything. They'll just have to come around.” Rafe tilted her chin until she was looking at him.
“Okay, but I talked to the Nun’s at the orphanage the other day. They have a one-year-old whose mother and father were killed in a car wreck. He has no family.” Nina felt him stiffen. She leaned further back to look into his eyes.
“Are you serious?” Rafe asked.
“Yes, the nuns asked if I could take him.” Her green eyes pleaded with him. “He has nowhere else to go. I know we’ll be busy with work and all, but I thought I would put him in daycare. I’ve never had a baby around, so I’ll be learning.” Nina stopped. Rafe’s face seemed to close. She lifted her hand to his jaw, turning him to her. “What is it? Tell me what you think...”
“You do what you must,” he said quietly.
“Rafe, listen to me. If we’re going to be married, I want to know what you think. If you don’t want me to take him, I won’t. I want nothing but honesty between us.”
Rafe caught her chin in his hand. “I know this means a lot to you, Nina. I would never stand in the way of the children’s happiness. But I would like to have children of our own some day. I know that sounds selfish.”
She placed a finger over his lips. “No, not selfish, never selfish. I understand. I want to have your children, too. I’ll tell you what, little Joshua will be our last addition unless it comes from my body. Deal?”
“You have a deal.” Rafe grinned from ear to ear. “I can’t wait to see if our daughter will look like you. God, I hope so.” He then caressed her creamy amber cheek.
“I hope our sons look like you. If they do, I’ll have to beat the girls away.”
“Let’s get dressed. I want to talk to the kids as soon as possible.” Rafe was already up, holding out his hands to her. Nina felt a warm glow at his words. She slipped her hands into his, allowing him to pull her to her feet. He truly wanted to marry her.
*****
Nina was surprised to see Frank in her yard as they pulled up. “Is he actually playing with the boys?” She wondered.
“Looks like it.” Rafe grinned as his brother played catch. “I wonder why they aren’t at mothers?”
Entering the house, Nina walked into the living room expecting the worst. But the sight of Miranda and Beth hugging calmed her fears. She hurried to them and threw her arms around them.
Miranda lifted her head, watery eyes focused on Nina. “Can you ever forgive me, Nina? I’m so sorry. I just wanted to be your friend. I never knew it would get so deep...”
“I love you, Miranda. You’re the best friend I could ever have,” Nina cried.
“I'm just sorry, it turned into such a mess,” Miranda cried, squeezing her tight, “I wish I could change things. I wish I hadn’t lied to you, but…”
“Ssh,” Nina pulled away, looking into her eyes. “Rafe told me the whole thing. Believe me, he will pay for what he did.” She smiled, her eyes shooting to Rafe where he stood in the open doorway. “He'll pay for the rest of his life,” she whispered softly, love shining in her eyes.
“Frank, you and the boys come on over here,” Rafe shouted from outside.
Frank said something to Sam and Danny. The boys then came barreling across the yard and bound up the stairs and into the house.
“Everyone come here.” Nina stood up to address them. “Rafe, Ms. Miranda, and Frank are looking for a family. They want to become part of ours. Would that be okay?”
Danny was the first to yell. “No! They can’t sleep in my bed.”
“No, honey, Rafe has asked me to marry him. He would be living with us. But Miranda and Frank would be part of our family too.”
Beth stared in amazement. “He asked you to marry him?”
“Yes, and I’m asking you if it’s alright.” Nina sent a silent prayer that everyone would say yes.
“I’d like Mr. Rafe to stay with us. He’s fun,” Sam spoke from his seat on the edge of the couch.
Nina looked at Rafe. One down, two to go. She crossed her fingers.
“I don’t want him unless he brings Mr. Frank with him, and sometimes Ms. Miranda,” Danny said, his wide golden eyes scanning everyone present.
“They’ll come sometimes, but I’ll be here all the time.” Rafe volunteered.
“Well, I guess it’s okay. You have some pretty funny stories,” Danny commented, nodding his curly blond head. “Will I have to call you daddy?”
Rafe went to him, kneeling in front of the boys, “I won’t make you if you don’t want to.”
The boys looked at each other, then back at Rafe. “We’ve never had a daddy,” Sam said.
“Yeah, kids at school all have daddies,” Danny agreed.
“Yes, well, now you’ll have one too, if you like.” Rafe was touched when they nodded.
Attention then turned to Beth. Her blue eyes raked everyone over, but then she smiled. “Ms. Miranda explained some things to me while you were gone.” Beth darted a look at Frank. “I’m still not sure about that one, but I think it would be okay for you to marry Rafe. But I’m not calling him daddy!”
Nina turned to Rafe beaming. Rafe held up a hand for silence. Dropping to one knee, he spoke the words in his heart. “I vow to take your children as my own. They will never want for anything, Nina. You stole my heart with your smile, your gentle ways, and your heart as big as Texas. Not to mention you wheeled a mean upper cut.” He grinned when she blushed.
“I give my heart to you. Hold it in your small and delicate hands, be gentle.” He kissed the ring on her quivering finger.
Cheers filled the silence around them.
Nina reeled from the intense happiness racing through her. She cupped his beloved face and sealed his lips with a tender kiss for all the sweet promises of tomorrow.
No one noticed narrow blue eyes peering in through one corner of the living room window...
*****
Nina fell into an exhausted sleep. Two month had past since she and the others had agreed to become one family. Her days were now spent at the office, but instead of working on the books, she and Miranda planned what was turning out to be an unexpectedly large wedding. Nina had never been so happy, so content. Every night she fell into the same exhausted slumber, dreaming of wedding cakes and dress fittings.
Nina jerked upright in her bed. Rubbing her eyes, she blinked at the brilliant clock glowing in the darkness. It was two in the morning. Frowning, she pushed the blankets aside, careful not to wake Rafe. She didn’t want the kids to see him there. Something had awakened her, but she couldn’t think of what. A low moan then penetrated the darkness from the hallway. One of the kids must be sick. Nina climbed out of bed, and opened her door. In the hallway’s dimness, Nina found herself staring into icy blue eyes! A gasp tore from her throat.
“Stop where you are or I’ll break her neck!” The voice chillingly ordered.
The breath rushed from her as her eyes fell on Beth standing beside him, her face pale with terror. One large hand was wrapped around her small neck.
“Let her go,” Nina whispered, her voice strangled by fear. The man's grip tightened. Beth gasped. Nina took a step forward. With all the calmness she could muster, she walked towards them.
“Are you going to make me?” The man threatened snidely, taking pleasure in taunting her.
Nina licked her lips. “Let her go,” she said loudly, praying Rafe would hear them.
“I suggest you follow me, woman, and don’t forget you have two little boys sleeping in their beds. I wouldn’t want to have to put them to sleep permanently,” he warned.