by Vella Day
When Amber took a seat on the leather chair opposite the desk, Zoey pulled her cushy chair off to the side and opened a folder. “I know this is a little awkward since we’re friends but what you say here, stays here.”
“I know.” Zoey took her oath very seriously.
“From what your supervisor tells me, you seem to be handling all of your crises very well. I’m curious how you’ve dealt with Ben’s betrayal.”
Zoey certainly got right to the point. Jamie had been in to see Zoey, so Amber wouldn’t be breaking any confidences. “Ben was fragile. A few years ago, he lost his mother to a horrendous disease. According to Jamie, Ben had been with his mom every step of the way.” She imagined Jamie had already told Zoey this, but she wanted to make sure there were no misunderstandings. “His dad, too, hadn’t been in the picture since he was a kid.”
“Are you saying you understand why Ben did what he did?”
Amber leaned back. “In a way. You’ve heard me go on and on about my folks, how good it was until my dad left, and how my mother never really warmed up to me. I know what it’s like to need affection. I think Ben was like that, too. With his mom gone, he focused his life on Jamie.”
“I want you to know that Jamie has given me permission to speak freely to you.”
“She told me she had.”
Zoey steepled her hands. “Were you surprised when Jamie told you she didn’t love Ben anymore?”
“Completely. It might have been the trigger that set him off.” Jamie couldn’t say for sure, but it made sense. “Was it right for her to finally admit it after all these years?” Amber shrugged. “People change. Do I understand how Ben might want to do anything to regain her love? Absolutely.”
Zoey leaned back in her seat and made some notes. After a moment, she inhaled. “I have to say you have an amazing attitude. Many would be angry. In fact, I’ve seen women blame all men for what one did to them.”
“That was the old me. I’ve been leery of men because of Rich, but then Stone and Cade came along. I’ve realized a person doesn’t always get a second chance. I want to learn to forgive.”
Zoey jotted more notes. “Tell me what it was like to have that gun aimed at you. What went through your mind? And did you believe Ben would harm you?”
“I was terrified, but I didn’t want to believe Ben really wanted to kill me.” She tapped her chest. “He was always kind and gentle to me—or at least he used to be. I knew nothing about the breakup, and because Stone and Jamie were on their way, I prayed everything would be okay.” That might not be totally true. “Actually, Ben had turned cold, and he was no longer the person I knew. That was when I was really scared to death.”
“I believe Ben shot at you and missed. He hit Jamie instead. How did that make you feel?”
“It all went down so fast. I’m not sure if I’ve processed all of it yet.”
Zoey nodded. “That’s quite normal.” They talked about whether her relationship with Jamie had changed and how Amber was dealing with her newfound loves.
“I really feel good. Am I sad it happened? Absolutely, but I’m trying to find the silver lining.”
Zoey smiled. “If you experience any problems sleeping or have an excessive change in weight, please consult a medical doctor.”
She leaned forward. “I hate pills.”
“I understand.” Zoey made another short note. “I’m going to recommend you return in one month.”
Her time was up? That went by fast. “As much as I love chatting with you, why?”
“Will you come back?”
That was evasive. “If you think I need to.”
Zoey smiled and stood. “See you tomorrow at happy hour?”
“Wouldn’t miss it.”
As soon as she stepped out of Zoey’s office, she ran into Stone and Cade. “Hey. What are you doing here?” It was four fifteen, so Stone would be off work, but Cade never left the station this early.
“We spoke with your supervisor,” Cade said. “Tammy said it was okay if we whisk you away a little early.”
“What’s the occasion?”
Stone wrapped an arm around her waist. “Can’t two men in love want to be with their woman?”
She loved the “love” part, but they’d never really said those three little words to her. “Let me grab my purse from the locker room.”
They escorted her there. She picked up her bag and came right out. “Ready.”
Outside, they walked her to Stone’s truck where she piled in between them. She was about to ask if she could stop home and change out of her scrubs, but if they thought she needed to change, they’d probably suggest it.
Stone crossed under I90 and hopped on Gold Avenue. He drove straight through town. When he didn’t turn on SR25, she figured out where they were going. “Are we finally having the picnic where all three of us can be together?”
Stone grinned. “You are a smart one. I wanted to erase any bad memories you might have of Harmes River. Besides, I did promise you a rain check.”
“That you did.” But she’d considered the picnic on top of the mountain great compensation.
Ten minutes later, he hooked a right into the park. On a Wednesday, most of the place was deserted. Perfect.
He parked in the lot and Cade helped her out. From the back, Stone lifted a wicker basket. “It might be a little early for dinner.”
“I’m always up for eating.”
She helped them set out the sandwiches, chips, and drinks while Cade put out the plates. The rushing water, the birds chirping, and the balmy air created the most peaceful setting.
Just as she was ready to chow, Cade and Stone moved behind her, twisted her around, and pulled her up.
“I thought we were eating.” The delicious looking food had her stomach grumbling.
“We want to do something first,” Stone said. He picked up her hand. “I know how much you’ve been through this last month or two, but something wonderful has come from it all.”
She smiled. “I met you two.”
“And we met the woman for us.”
Stone’s voice actually wobbled a bit, causing a lump to form in her throat. When they both dropped to one knee, her heart nearly burst. The implication was almost too much to bear.
Cade pulled a small box from his pocket. “As the elder of the two, and by far the better looking, Stone and I wanted to tell you since you’ve come into our lives, we’ve learned what love is. It may take some sacrifice at times on your part to put up with us, but being with you has filled us with the kind of joy I’ve never had in my life.”
She never knew Cade was capable of such romance.
Stone nudged him. “Get on with it.”
“As is the way in Rock Hard, Montana, while a woman may want to be with two men, technically she can only marry one of us. That would be me, as I am the oldest and wisest, but I’m afraid you’ll be stuck with Stone anyway.” Cade grinned.
Stone shook his head in apparent disgust. “What my roommate is very badly stating is that we both love you with our whole hearts, and it would be the greatest honor on earth if you would agree to marry us. What do you say?”
Tears welled. After the fiasco with Rich, she honestly thought she wasn’t cut out to be loved. She glanced from Stone to Cade. “You really love me?” She’d never heard those words said with such sincerity.
Cade kissed her knuckles. “I love you more than you can know.”
A tear dripped down her cheek. Stone picked up her other hand. “But I love you more.”
She choked out a laugh. “Then yes and yes. I will marry you both.” Her heart swelled.
Cade opened the velvet box and slipped a beautiful diamond on her left ring finger. “I wish it were bigger,” Cade said, “but know this represents the tiniest fraction of our love.”
Words wouldn’t even form. Her love for them knew no bounds but putting that concept into a coherent sentence was impossible. She could face a man with a gun and speak quietly, but
right now she was too overwhelmed.
Stone nudged Cade. “She seems to be in a trance. I think a kiss is in order.”
Stone gently enfolded her in his arms and kissed her with tenderness, love, and passion.
She cleared her throat and then swiped a tear from her cheek. “I needed that.”
Cade lightly shoved Stone out of the way. “My turn.”
His kiss curled her toes and almost made her willing to strip and have her way with them right by the river. As luck would have it, a family of four chose that moment to drive up. Damn. “I guess we’ll have to celebrate big time tonight.”
Both men grinned.
* *
Three weeks later
Why she let Stone and Cade talk her into an engagement party she didn’t know, as she wasn’t good at throwing get-togethers. Jamie, bless her heart, had made a list of everything Amber needed to buy to make the party a success. Zoey and Melissa volunteered to bring the hors d’oeuvres. Because the men had asked her to move in with them, for the last week, Amber had spent every waking moment bringing over her clothes and a ton of her junk. She never knew she’d accumulated so much stuff in the year since moving to Rock Hard.
Between the hospital, moving, and trying to shop, she was exhausted.
Cade squeezed her shoulder. “Go get ready. Stone and I will make sure it’s all perfect.”
Amber glanced at the clock. “The guests will be here in thirty minutes. Yikes.”
They both chuckled as she rushed down the hall to the master bedroom. She’d been thrilled they’d replaced the king-sized bed with two queens bolted together. Now all three of them had plenty of room to roll around while they slept. Had she been in a cramped bed, she would have been impossible to live with.
Amber had already showered, so all that was left to do was change into her party attire and put on makeup. Zoey had insisted they go shopping for something really special. In a boutique shop in the Rock Hard Mall, they’d found a form-fitting top to go with a long, flowing skirt. Add in the pair of cute matching pumps, and she thought she looked pretty good. Her neck was bare, but none of her jewelry really went with her blue shirt.
After she put on her makeup and fixed her hair, she inhaled and joined the men.
“Stone.” Cade nodded toward her.
They’d been acting a little strange for the past few days, but she thought that was due to nerves. Getting engaged was a big step for all of them.
Both men approached. Because Stone had his hands behind his back, excitement flashed through her.
“Remember the birthday present Cade gave Katie?” he asked.
“How could I forget that necklace? It was beautiful.”
He brought his hand from behind his back and opened a case. Inside was a similar necklace, only the piece was a gorgeous, dark blue. “We thought this would look good on you.”
“Oh, my God. This is amazing.”
“Turn around,” Stone said.
He slipped the necklace around her neck and Amber fingered the smooth stone. Her pulse soared. She turned back around and hugged and kissed both of her men.
Stone’s cell rang. “Excuse me. It’s Mom.” He answered and paced over to the kitchen. “No problem.” He returned a minute later. “My family is running a little late. Seems Dad popped a button off his shirt, and Mom had to sew it back on.”
That was sweet. The loving relationship between his parents was what she yearned for.
The doorbell rang, and Cade and Stone exchanged glances. The party didn’t start for another fifteen minutes. So who was it? Melissa or Zoey bringing the hors d’oeuvres? Or had Jamie wanted to see if she could help? Her arm had healed, but she wasn’t supposed to lift anything heavy.
“I’ll get it,” Cade said.
She heard murmurs at the door. A second later, Amber’s mother appeared with a present in hand. “Amber.” Cade slipped the gift from her mom’s fingers.
Her heart dropped to her stomach. “Mom? What are you doing here?” Okay, her voice didn’t sound angry, but it was laced with a bit of shock.
“Your men invited me. I hope it’s all right to crash your engagement party.”
Stone and Cade had been in contact with the ice queen? She glanced at them, but they were only looking at her mother.
Something was wrong. Her mother had never given a hoot about her. Now that she was here, though, a bit of guilt surfaced. Amber hadn’t even told her about the big news. “Sure. It’s okay.”
Stone placed a hand on her mother’s arm. “What can I get you to drink, Mrs. Delacroix?”
“Call me Madelyn. After all, I’m about to become your mother-in-law.”
She almost sounded as if she approved. Where had the real Madelyn Delacroix gone?
“Wine perhaps?” Stone urged.
“White is perfect.”
Other than when she was with Thomas, Amber had never seen her mom be…nice. She could do gracious but only when she was in a roomful of doctors. “Come sit down, Mom.”
Amber was determined to find out what was going on. Her mom better not be here to try to talk her out of marrying Cade and Stone. She’d fail.
While Stone poured the wine, her mom sat on the sofa, her back straight, her fingers laced tight. “Thomas wanted to be here, but he wasn’t able to make it.”
“It was nice that he wanted to.”
She nodded. “I want to tell you that I’m happy for you.” Her mom swallowed hard at the “happy” word.
Now Amber knew an alien had possessed her mother. “Thank you.” Her mom fiddled with her watch bracelet, twisting it around her wrist, an action Amber had never seen her do before. “What’s going on?”
Stone set her mom’s glass of wine on the coffee table then moved over to the side behind the sofa. He appeared to be standing guard, waiting to intervene in case things got ugly, but not so close as to eavesdrop. She loved him even more for that.
Her mom looked off to the side then back at her hands. “After Chris died, Thomas reminded me how empty my life had become when your dad left.”
Her mom had never indicated Dad’s departure affected her. “We all suffered after that,” Amber said.
Her mother nodded and finally met Amber’s gaze. “I buried myself in my work and put myself above my children.”
She admitted that? Wow. Amber wouldn’t be petty and bring up the fact that she doted on Thomas and even seemed to put him above her job. But having faced the end of a gun had taught her one thing—it was better to leave some things in the past.
Not making eye contact, her mom’s chin trembled. Her watch seemed to be the object of her attention. “I’m willing to admit now that I wasn’t able to provide you with the kind of childhood a little girl needed.” She finally glanced up, and tears shimmered in her eyes.
Amber studied her mother. Damn, but her mom actually believed what she was saying, but she wasn’t ready to forgive her yet. “I think you’re a little confused, Mom. You were able to provide me with what I needed, but you chose not to. That was the problem.”
Her mom’s mouth opened slightly. She then snapped her lips shut and shook her head. “I didn’t provide for you, did I? I’m sorry.” Her mother picked up Amber’s hand, but the grip held little warmth. “But I do love you. You have to believe me.” She inhaled, but Amber couldn’t respond. “I want to know if I’ve lost my little girl for good.”
Did her mother not have a clue how lonely Amber’s life had become before she met her men? No matter how much her mom apologized, she couldn’t bring back Amber’s childhood.
“Mom. That ship sailed a long time ago.” She drew on her inner calm. “You know what I missed the most growing up?”
“No.” Her mother let go of Amber’s hand. “What? I want to know.”
“Getting to spend time with you learning how to cook, and not seeing the look of joy on your face when I hit a double at a softball game.”
“I never went to one of your games, so how could I?”
“Precisely.”
Her mom cast her gaze downward. “Oh.”
Amber sniffled. “I’ve always wanted to know if you believed I wanted to go alone when I shopped for my prom dress?”
She slowly shook her head, her eyes racing back and forth. “I never thought about it.”
“It’s something mothers and daughters do together. It’s a rite of passage.” And you were never there.
Her mom glanced at her hands for moment. “I remember you brought home a pretty pink dress.”
That was a small apology. “It was actually a blue satin dress with a pink sash.” Amber wanted to forgive her, but couldn’t. “If it was so pretty, why didn’t you want to take a picture of me standing next to Charley? He might not have been my dream date, but at least he bought me a corsage.” Amber turned to the side and swiped a finger under her eye.
Her mom’s lips pressed together. “I probably don’t deserve it, but if you have any forgiveness in your heart, I’d like to try to be more a part of your life.” She placed a hand on Amber’s wrist.
Her touch almost burned.
The image of Ben pointing that gun in her face surfaced, and how her regrets had flashed before her eyes. Was it time to let go of the past?
“You really want to be part of my life?” Amber didn’t think her mother understood what that meant. “Because whether you do or don’t, I’m going to be fine. I have a new life now with the two men I love.”
That doesn’t mean you can’t give her your love, too.
Her mother stared.
Amber inhaled. “But I’m willing to let you show me, if you can, that you want to share future milestones.”
I do love you, Mom. But it will take some time for me to show it.
“Tell me what I can do,” her mom said. “I’m listening.”
That was a first. “Our relationship has to be a two way street. It can’t just be me caring about you or doing things that are convenient for you. My whole life, it’s been about you and your career. Now it has to be about me and my two men, too. They’ve shown me what love is. I’m different now.”