by Faith Gibson
Connor smiled up at his Uncle. “I think I do.”
The adults laughed, and Dane’s phone rang. Seeing it was Sixx, he said, “I’m sorry, I need to take this.”
“Go ahead. We’ll go back down and check in with your mate,” Jonas said. “Connor and I will make sure she’s going to be fine.”
“Thanks, Dad,” he said before answering the call. “Sixx? Please tell me you have some good news.”
“I do. The house is yours. The realtor will meet you at the hospital with the key, and I’ve already signed the paperwork on your behalf electronically.”
“How did you manage that?”
“I may have had Julian produce documentation stating I had power of attorney in your absence. I was also able to get the price reduced by fifty thousand. That’ll go a long way in furnishing your new home.”
“Thank the gods for you and Julian. I really appreciate this.”
“You’re welcome. It’s what family does.”
“How’s Desirae?”
“Sick as a dog. She and Simone both are pregnant.”
“Wow, that’s wonderful. Congratulations. Tell Desi and Simone I’m happy for you all.”
“I’ll do that. I missed out on all of this when Rae was carrying Desi. I’m excited and sad at the same time. I look at my son and regret how much time I missed out because I was such a fool.”
“I’ve learned life is too short for regrets, Brother. For a split second, I considered not mating with Marley. I waited because of Alistair, and when he was taken down, I thought we were in the clear, but then this thing with the Unholy and the Greeks here in New Atlanta happened, and I was worried this was going to be her life. Always at risk of being attacked because of who and what I am. Then I took one look at her and knew I couldn’t live without her. I’ll have to be more diligent in keeping her safe. What I’m trying to say is forget what you didn’t have with Desi back then and enjoy what you have with him now. Going through this experience with him will probably bring you closer.”
“You’re right. He’s a great son, and I have no doubt he’ll be an even better father. Now, I hear my mate retching, so I’m going to go hold her hair for her. Good luck with your home.”
“Good luck with the retching,” Dane joked. “Thanks again.”
Dane headed down to the morgue where Trevor was working on a body. “Hey, Boss Man, you got good news yet?” Trevor asked as he turned off the saw and slid the safety visor on top of his head.
“I do. The realtor is stopping by in a few with keys. I want you to take Cammie by the house so she can see how it’s laid out, and then I want you both to find furniture to fill it up. Everything except the master bedroom. I’ll take care of that myself.”
“You got it, Chief. By the time you get to the new house with your woman, it’ll look like a home. We’ll leave the walls for you to fill with pictures of your families.”
“Sounds good. Thanks, Trevor. Maybe when I get her home and settled, you and Jasper can come over, and we can play a round of video games.”
“Aw, you miss the Trev, don’t you?”
Dane laughed. “I do miss the Trev. I’m going to get back upstairs to Marley.”
“Call me when you have the key, and I’ll come get it.”
“Will do.”
The saw was whirring before Dane got out the door. He had always thought Trevor to be an odd one until he really got to know the kid. What he found was an insecure young man with a heart of gold. He used his quirkiness as a shield, but once you got Trevor to let that guard down, he was one of the best friends you could ask for.
Loud voices were coming from the direction of Marley’s room, and Dane already knew what he would find when he got there. Jonas’s quiet voice was being drowned out by Merrill’s loud one. Lucinda’s pleading and Lynette’s anger mixed together. When Dane entered the room, he stepped between his and Marley’s fathers. “Out, all of you. Now,” he seethed.
“Like I tried to tell this one,” Merrill pointed at Jonas, “I’m not going anywhere.”
“If you don’t leave, I will arrest you.”
“You can’t do that.”
“I can, and I will. Not only am I the chief of police, my father is chief of staff of this hospital. His word is law around here, and I have no problem backing him up. Dad, call Tyrus.” Dane didn’t have his handcuffs with him, and Ty might help intimidate Merrill, since Dane obviously wasn’t. Jonas left the room, calling security as he did.
“I don’t know why you’re hell bent on staking your claim on a daughter you don’t show much regard for. Hell, even my nephew was able to see that in you. But let me make something clear right now; Marley is going to be my wife sooner rather than later. She is no longer your responsibility. If your attitude toward her doesn’t change, you won’t be part of her life. At all. You’ve already had too much sway over her as far as I’m concerned. As you have seen today, Marley has more than enough family, including my father, who loves her just the way she is. You are doing nothing but upsetting her by being here. So, I am asking you nicely to leave. If you continue to resist, I’ll not only have you tossed out of the hospital, but I will take your ass to jail.”
Dane didn’t have to look to know that Tyrus was standing in the door. The women’s eyes widened, Lynette’s mouth dropped open, and Merrill flinched. “Let’s go, Lucinda,” Merrill huffed as he strode toward the door.
Marley’s mother looked to Dane, and he knew in his heart she didn’t want to go. “You and Lynette are welcome to stay,” he said softly.
“Mom, Chase and I can get you home,” Lynette offered.
“I’d like that. Let me go talk to your father.” Lucinda headed toward the hall, but stopped, placing a hand on Dane’s arm. She said, “I’m sorry you had to meet your new family this way.” She excused herself with Tyrus following behind, and Dane went to Marley, who had managed to remain asleep through the chaos.
“So, you know about Grace?” Lynette asked, stepping up to the other side of the bed.
“Yes. Marley and I have no secrets between us. The only things I haven’t told her about myself are the things I saw and did while serving in the military. She understands those are horrors best left alone. Marley doesn’t think it’s fair for her to have any more children since she gave Grace to you. I tried to tell her that’s not true, but I won’t push her on the matter. Having Marley in my life is enough, but I would hope that you would allow us to keep Grace some weekends. I would love to get to know her better.”
“I’d like that. One day, Grace is going to want to know where she came from. She already knows she’s adopted, and I promised Marley I would tell her the truth when the time came. I think if she spends enough time with my sister, Grace won’t feel like she was abandoned like some kids do. I’ve studied the psychological effects of adoption to better aid me in helping Grace understand it when the time comes.”
“I might be able to help with that. I’m adopted.”
“So Marley’s doctor isn’t your real dad?”
“Oh, he is, and Isabelle is my biological sister. I only recently reunited with my birth family, but it’s been wonderful. The truth was a little hard to swallow at first, but the more I’m around my dad, the more I understand the kind of man he is and why he did what he thought was best.”
Dane brushed Marley’s hair off her face before leaning over and kissing her forehead. “I’m here, Sweetness. I’d really like to see those gorgeous eyes of yours,” he whispered.
“Wow,” Lynette said so softly Dane wouldn’t have heard her if he wasn’t part Goyle. When he looked at her, she wiped a tear. “I can actually feel how much you love my sister. That’s all I’ve ever wanted for her. She has such a beautiful soul. I was so jealous of her when we were younger. She had so many friends. I thought it was weird at first. She wasn’t the prettiest girl, the popular cheerleader, or even an athlete. Marley was just Marley, yet she had all these friends, and I couldn’t figure out why. Chase explained it
to me one day after I accused him of being in love with her instead of me. He said Marley’s like a ray of sunshine on the dreariest of days. She always had a smile for everyone. People flocked to her. I realized he was right.”
“I do love her, but it’s more than that. Marley and I have a bond that goes beyond the norm. She and I will be together until the very end. I would like for all of you to be a part of that. Everyone except your father. My purpose in life with regards to your sister is to make sure she has everything she needs to be happy. I want to wake up to that magical smile, and I want to go to sleep knowing it never left her face all day, every day. I won’t allow Merrill to take that away from her. A man should strive to make his family feel safe and secure. Wanted and worthy. Whether he’s a husband, father, uncle, or brother, it’s a man’s duty to provide, and that includes the intangible as well as the tangible.”
“You are an amazing man, Dane. I couldn’t ask for a better husband for my daughter,” Lucinda said as she came back in the room. “No offense to Chase,” she added.
“None taken. I might have Dane give my husband lessons,” Lynette said with a wink.
“Speaking of Chase, when is he bringing Grace by to see Marley?” Dane asked.
“Do you think that’s a good idea? I mean, after yesterday…”
“I know Marley’s confused, but she needs to be surrounded by the good in her life right now. I won’t go into the details, but she suffered a traumatic experience, and I want to counteract that. Grace is your responsibility, and if you don’t want to risk Marley slipping up again, I’ll understand.”
“No, I brought her here because she loves Marley, and when she found out she’d been in an accident, she begged me to bring her. I think deep down my daughter knows Marley is more than just her aunt. I’ll call Chase and have him come here after they leave the aquarium.”
“Thank you.”
The nurse Jonas had found to replace Ms. Tucker knocked on the door. “Chief Abbott, there’s a woman here to see you. Something about a key?”
“Thank you, Janine. I’ll be right out.” Dane explained, “I bought Marley a house. That’s the realtor bringing me the keys. If you’ll excuse me…”
“He bought her a house,” Lynette sighed as he walked out of the room. Marley’s father might not like Dane, but he had a feeling her mother and sister were going to be around a lot in the future. He wanted that for Marley. Even if they didn’t come see her often, they at least approved of Marley’s mate.
“Mom? Is that you?” Marley blinked several times, willing her eyes to adjust.
“Yes, it’s me. Lynette’s here, too.” Marley’s mother smiled down at her.
“Why are you both here? What happened?”
“You were in an accident, Honey.”
“No, that’s not right. Dane’s the one who was hurt. Oh, god, where is he? Where’s Dane?”
“I’m right here, Sweetness.” Dane appeared on the other side of her. “I’m here, my love.”
“But you were hurt. All cut up and bleeding. I saw you,” Marley cried.
“Lucinda, please go get the nurse and ask her to call for Dr. Mooneyham.” Dane took Marley’s hand and told her, “No, Baby, you had a bad dream is all. I promise you I’m fine. Just relax, okay?”
“But what’s wrong with me?”
“You fell and got a nasty cut on your head.”
Marley looked at Dane closely. He wasn’t hurt. But he could have been. He was part Gargoyle after all. If he’d been hurt, he would have healed up, and he might be lying to her, but he’d told her he’d never lie.
Marley looked around for her father. She could have sworn she heard his voice earlier. She had been trying to wake up, but her body wouldn’t cooperate. “Help me sit up,” she said to Dane.
Dane raised the head of the bed so Marley wasn’t lying flat. It helped her focus, but it also made her realize he hadn’t been lying about her head. It hurt like a bitch. A kind-looking man walked into the room, smiling. He had the same cerulean eyes as Dane. “Hello, Marley. You’re looking beautiful this afternoon,” he said.
“Right. I can only imagine how I must look.” If she had a cut on the back of her head… “My hair?”
“I’m sorry about that, Dear. I had to shave a small section of it to patch you up. The good thing is it’s in a spot where your other hair will cover it until it grows back. Now that you’re awake, I want to take you down for a scan.”
“Okay. Can Dane come with me?”
“Of course. Let me call down to imaging so they know we’re coming. Since you’ve only just woken, I’m going to leave you on your bed instead of transferring you to a wheelchair. This won’t take long at all.”
Soon, the doctor was wheeling Marley down the hall, and Dane was walking beside her. Why was a doctor transporting her instead of a nurse or technician?
“Because you are special to Dane, therefore you are special to me,” the doctor answered.
Crap. She had wondered that out loud.
“Sweetness, I’d like to introduce you to the Chief of Staff, Dr. Joseph Mooneyham, better known to those in our family as Jonas Montague. Jonas is my father.”
“Father?”
The doctor stopped to press a button for the elevator. When he turned to Marley with a smile as bright as Dane’s, he told her, “Yes, and I want you to call me Dad.”
Chapter Ten
Marley couldn’t believe how well Dane’s father was treating her and the personal care he was taking with her. He patiently asked her questions about everything she remembered. Not once did he make her feel stupid or odd the way her own father did. The one thing Marley didn’t understand was why Joseph looked older. Dane had explained how the Gargoyles stopped aging in their mid to late thirties.
When he wheeled her back into her room, Grace was waiting on her.
“Aunt Marley, look! I got an otter. They’re my favorite.”
“I thought dolphins were your favorite.”
“They were, but now I like otters. You wanna hold it?” Grace asked as Jonas rolled her bed back in place.
“Sure.” Marley took the plush toy from her niece. Images of a nursery in Dane’s apartment flashed through her mind, but it must have been from a dream. Dane didn’t have children. Everything was still a muddled mess. At some point, she even imagined a boy around Grace’s age speaking to her silently, telling her to trust Dane and his Grandpa.
“I’ll be back to check on you in a little while,” the doctor said, patting Marley on the arm.
“Thank you, Dr. Mooneyham.”
“Now, what did I tell you to call me?” he chastised with a wink.
“Thank you, Dad,” Marley amended.
“Dad?” Lucinda asked.
“Marley’s family now,” Jonas said. With no further explanation to her mother, he left the room.
“You have two daddies like I do,” Grace said.
“So do I,” a little boy added as he entered Marley’s room after knocking softly. Even though she’d never met the child, Marley knew he’d been the voice in her head.
“You do?” Grace asked him.
“Yes. I’m Connor,” he said, holding his hand out for Grace to shake.
“I’m Grace.” The two kids shook hands like they had just made a secret pact.
“Lots of people have two fathers. That just means we’re extra special.”
“You think so?” Grace asked, thoroughly enthralled with the boy.
“Yes. I’m glad to see you awake, Marley. You’ll be feeling better soon. Nice otter.”
Marley offered the toy to Connor, and he took it over to where Grace was sitting. As he handed it to her, Connor rattled off random facts about the sea creature she doubted many adults knew. Grace was enraptured, not once interrupting.
“Where’s his mother?” Lucinda asked.
“Probably down in the morgue with her husband. Dante is the Chief Medical Examiner for New Atlanta,” Dane explained.
“There sure
are a lot of chiefs in your family. Is Isabelle a chief of some sort?” Lynette asked.
“No. Izzy’s a doctor like our father.”
“Wow, brains run in your family,” she said.
Marley relaxed against her pillow as much as possible. The pain was easing even though she hadn’t been given any pain medicine in a while. She was still unclear as to what happened to put her in the hospital in the first place. Since she couldn’t remember, it was either something horrific or she’d bashed her head good.
Dane’s father hadn’t said when she could go home, but it wasn’t something she was looking forward to. She loved Cammie, but Marley would rather have Dane taking care of her. He had an important job to do, so he probably wouldn’t be able to look after her much longer. He had stayed by her side unless he had a call to take. She was enjoying being around him, and she was glad she wasn’t alone to deal with her family. It didn’t surprise her that her father wasn’t there. If he had been, she figured he would be telling everyone how to do their job. He and Dane would butt heads, and Marley didn’t want her fiancé subjected to that. She had seen the ring on her left hand, and she remembered Dane proposing. Everything after that was vague. She did remember his words of love, and his actions proved what he’d said was true.
Looking into his face, Marley felt that love. If she never found out what caused the predicament she was in, Marley would be okay as long as she had Dane in her life.
Watching Connor interact with Grace had Dane longing for a child of his own. Until he started dating Marley and a future with his mate was imminent, he’d never given much thought to being a father. Now, it was forefront in his mind. First, he needed to get Marley better so he could take her home. He had bigger things to worry about than whether or not they eventually had children.
Speaking of home, according to Trevor, all that was left for Dane to do was purchase his and Marley’s bedroom suite. Their clothes as well as all of their personal items had been moved. Jasper and Nikolas had refused to let the mates do all the work. If Dane knew Nik and Sophia, the two had fussed the whole time – Sophia insisting she wasn’t working too hard and Nik insisting his daughter was going to arrive into the world arguing with him, too. Since Sophia was a half-blood, she thought she was practically invincible.