Promise Kept

by Mitzi Pool Bridges

  “When we get home,” Donovan promised. The way he said home shimmered through her. As if the ranch were truly her home now, as if he thought of it that way. She couldn’t deny how the possibility of staying at the ranch made her feel almost giddy.

  “I’m leaving Agent Gibson at the ranch,” Powell told them. “Just in case.”

  Phyl went to him. “This isn’t over yet?” She couldn’t take anymore. Neither could the family.

  “We thought it might be over before this happened. We’re not taking any more chances.”

  “What about Ted?”

  “He needs some rest. He’ll take over tomorrow.”

  They walked out of the hospital doors and to their separate cars. “I’m taking Dugan’s cruiser,” Donovan told one of the deputies. “I’ll bring it in tomorrow.”

  “Fine with me,” Arnie said.

  Phyl buckled Mark into the backseat, gave him another hug. She couldn’t get enough of touching him, making sure he was okay, making sure she was.

  “I knew Donovan would bring you home,” Mark said again, his voice sleepy.

  Phyl looked over at Donovan as he started the motor and headed to the ranch. At the hard planes of his face, the set of his jaw, she knew how he felt. “You’re angry.”

  “Yep.”

  She knew it. All of the Callahans should be. “I can’t apologize enough, Donovan. I never should have come here. If I hadn’t, none of this would have happened, and Dugan wouldn’t be hurt.”

  It took every ounce of strength she had to finish. “As soon as the authorities are through with me tomorrow, we’ll leave.” She paused, her chest so tight she thought she might have a heart attack, but he didn’t say a word. She swallowed hard. She had to say this. “Ted has another safe house lined up. I won’t bring more horror on you or the family. You’ve all been too good to me and to Mark.”

  “I could strangle you,” he growled. “And not because of the reasons you just stated.”

  What did that mean?

  “You’re not going anywhere. Don’t you know by now that you belong here? Don’t you know how much we care about you?”

  “The family has been wonderful. They could easily blame me for Dugan being shot, for your mom almost dying. They should. But they didn’t.” She paused to steady herself. “They’ve been supportive and loving ever since we got here. But you know as well as I do that the FBI will be even more careful now. I won’t have anyone else hurt. I simply won’t. Besides, you weren’t that happy to see me in California.”

  “Not happy to see you! Mark told me you were leaving. I couldn’t wrap my head around it. I thought you felt something for me. That there was something between us.”

  Phyl massaged her forehead. “I told him we might have to leave. If you and the family didn’t want us we wouldn’t have a choice.”

  “Jeez!”

  She saw him look at her, wondered what he thought. He’d been through so much because of her.

  She clamped her jaw tight.

  He slowed the cruiser until all she saw in the distance were the fading taillights of Douglas’ SUV and Max’s car. “Dugan could have been killed,” Phyl said quietly. “I couldn’t live with that.”

  “But he didn’t. He’s going to be fine. We all are. You, me, Mark. We’re going to make it.”

  “What does that mean?”

  Donovan took a deep breath. “Let’s get Mark to bed. Then we’ll talk.” He picked up speed, and entered the gate at the ranch not too far behind the rest of the family.

  Minutes later, Mark in his arms, he headed upstairs, went to his room.

  “Where are you going?” Phyl asked, even as she realized the answer. Donovan had taken her son under his wing while she was missing. For that alone she would love him forever.

  She came over to stand behind him as he opened the door and went inside. He put Mark on his cot, tucked the covers around him.

  “Out like a light.” Donovan shut the door quietly, for all the good it did. Callahans were everywhere. Beds were scarce.

  She heard the FBI agent, China Gibson, say, “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be on the couch.”

  Her emotions a complete jumble, Phyl went into her room, turned on the light, went to the lamp and turned it on.

  Donovan shut the door. Going to the closet, he scrounged around until he found a box, took the gun from his pocket and put it inside. Then he put the box on the far corner of the top shelf. “Mark was frightened. He felt better sleeping in my room than in here by himself.”

  “I’ll never be able to thank you enough. He must have been scared to death.”

  “We all were. Do you think that’s enough light?” he teased as he flipped off the overhead.

  “You know I don’t like the dark.”

  He sobered. “I remember,” he said quietly. He sat on the bed next to her, pulled her into his arms and kissed her as if he never wanted to stop.

  She didn’t either. But the need to wash away the dirt, the tuna smell, Mateo’s evil, and this night of horror made her pull away.

  “Give me a minute. I can’t stand myself until I take a shower. I have to scrub off the filth.”

  “I’ll take the other bathroom and do the same.”

  When she came out she had on clean jeans and a T-shirt, her hair was damp and straight. She definitely felt better.

  Donovan sat on the bed smiling at her.

  “Where were we?”

  “I left the light on for you.” He indicated the lamp.

  She smiled her thanks. Was there ever a kinder, more considerate man? Every horrible incident over the last few days hadn’t brought out anger or disgust. Not even when his mother and his youngest brother could have been killed. Her gratitude for this amazing man would still be here fifty years from now.

  “I know how it sounds, but the trauma of that time hasn’t gone away. Maybe it never will. The room Mateo kept me in was pitch black. I thought I might have another panic attack. I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to sleep without a light.”

  “Nothing wrong with a nightlight,” he drawled.

  She grinned. “I didn’t think so. But I’m worried about Mark. He’s been through so much.”

  “Mark’s a realist. He knew you were okay, that it was just a matter of time before you were found and came home.”

  “It could have turned out so different. If you and Dugan hadn’t showed up when you did…”

  “You would have managed. How did you get away? Tell me everything.”

  For the next thirty minutes she did just that. Told him how frightened she’d been in the dark. How it was a miracle the bed was an antique with old-style springs and slats. How she’d hit Mateo on the head and ran. How terrified she was when he shot at her.

  The house grew silent around them. Still, they sat there talking.

  “You and Dugan got there just in time. How did you know?”

  He told her about the kids seeing the lights. How he was afraid Mateo would kill her and how devastated he’d be. “I can’t lose you, Phyl.”

  She leaned against the headboard, looked at the man she loved so much it made her heart ache. The strain of the past thirty hours showed. His eyes were bruised and hurt.

  “What did you mean when you said the three of us would make it?”

  “I told you about my paternity and how it affected me. What I didn’t know then was how Mark showed me how wrong my thinking was.” Donovan chuckled. “I grew to love him. And in the loving, realized how my dad felt.” He took her hand. “I realize I’m a Callahan, too. Maybe not by blood, but by love and connection. I have Mark to thank for that.”

  “I’m so glad,” she said softly, wishing for more. Wishing for the fairy tale.

  She looked at the clock. “It’s late. The FBI wants me in the office early in the morning.”

  He took her hand, looked into her eyes.

  “What?”

  “I…I love you.”

  This is what she’d dreamed of. And now it was ha
ppening. “Was that so hard to say?” she teased.

  “Yes.” He let out a pent-up breath. “You’re the first woman I’ve ever said those words to.”

  She squeezed the hand in hers. Loved him all the more for being so nervous.

  “I love you,” he blurted out again. “You can’t leave. I want you to be my wife and live on the ranch with me for the rest of our lives.”

  “I’m dumbfounded. I thought you’d want me as far away as I could get. Goodness knows you have reason.” Dozens of them. But she saw the truth in his eyes.

  “I’m asking you to marry me. Please.”

  “After all that’s happened, are you sure?”

  “More than sure. Marry me. Soon. I don’t intend to wait until some damned trial is over.”

  She laughed aloud. As proposals went, it lacked a certain finesse. But that was Donovan—straight and to the point. She put a hand over her mouth before she woke the family.

  “Hey! What kind of answer is that?” he groused.

  She flung herself into his arms, kissed him soundly. “Is that answer enough?”

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Donovan turned off the lamp, leaving only the faint light from the nightlight filtering into the room.

  “I mean it,” he whispered in her ear. “I’m not waiting. If you have bodyguards until the trial, so be it. They can be groomsmen. I won’t be without you.”

  She kissed his lips, his eyes, held his face in her hands, showered kisses over his face.

  He took her hand, laughed softly. “I want to make love with you.”

  “We can’t,” she said, her voice hoarse with passion.

  “I know, but that doesn’t stop the want.”

  So they held each other. Donovan swore he’d never let go. They were his, the two of them. His family. The thought made his heart soar.

  He told her how when the plane landed in San Antonio after his trip to California, he saw Cal and apologized, then consulted a therapist about his anger. He grinned. “Just like you told me to do. She helped me a lot. Now I have ways to cool down I didn’t have before.”

  She kissed him again. “I’m glad you’re so ready and willing to defend your family. There’s nothing wrong with that.” Curling up beside him, she put her arms around his chest.

  Donovan held on to his control as best he could. Having her here beside him was a dream come true. If they could stay like this forever it would be fine with him. He kissed the top of her head. “Now tell me where you’ve been and what you’ve been doing.”

  They talked into the night. She told him about the Bar-One ranch, about the two beautiful snow-white horses she and Mark had ridden. Told him how much she’d missed him.

  Finally, he said, “You have no idea how much I missed the two of you.” He paused long enough to kiss her again. “Thank God, you’re here now. Safe.”

  “I’ve always felt safe here. Even when I shouldn’t have. I don’t think I’ll ever get over the fact that I caused so much pain for you and your family.”

  “It’s over, Phyl. At least it better be. If it’s not, I promise to keep you safe.”

  She sighed deeply. “A U.S. Marshal will be here 24/7. How’s that going to work?” She turned to kiss him again. “I want you alone.”

  “Amen!” he said, and kissed her again, let the slide of desire carry him to that aching place. He played with her hair, nibbled on her bottom lip.

  She groaned, tightened her arms around him. When her mouth moved urgently under his, he pulled away.

  “Phyl?”

  “I know. But I want you.”

  “We’ll have to work this out. But, trust me, we’ll be together. Soon.”

  ****

  Donovan awoke early enough to go to his room before Mark woke up.

  “Mom?”

  “She’s in her room.” Mark jumped out of bed and ran. Donovan grinned as he followed the boy, saw him jump up next to Phyl. She grabbed him, hugged him close.

  “I missed you, Mom. Are you all right?”

  “I missed you, too. You don’t know how much. I’m fine, honey. Really.”

  They lay there and hugged for a long minute, Mark pulled away. “Do we have to leave?”

  Donovan lifted Mark, put him on his lap. “I’ve got a deal for you.”

  Mark’s brow wrinkled. “What kind of deal?”

  “Would you like to stay here all the time?”

  The light in Mark’s eyes lit up the room. “Yes!”

  “There’s something else. I love your mom and I love you, too. Would it be okay if we got married? If I was your dad?”

  Mark’s arms went around Donovan’s neck. “Can I call you Dad?”

  “What else would I answer to?”

  Mark wiggled out of Donovan’s arms to sit between them. “I’ve been wanting to for a long time, then Mom said we were going to leave.” He started to cry.

  “You don’t have to leave now, Mark,” Donovan explained. “You’ll stay here, have your own room. And you’ll be a Callahan. Just like me.”

  Just like me.

  Donovan’s heart expanded a few more inches.

  “I know,” Mark sniffed. “I can’t get used to it. It sounds so good.”

  Phyl wrapped her arms around his shoulder. “It does, doesn’t it?”

  Wiping his eyes, Mark laughed. “Can I tell everyone?”

  “We’ll tell them together. Give us time to change clothes, then we’ll go downstairs.”

  “Like a family,” Mark said, grinning.

  Thirty minutes later, arm in arm, they walked into the kitchen. It was bedlam. Mom and TJ were dishing up biscuits and eggs as fast as they could while Max poured orange juice into small glasses. The FBI agent, China Gibson, carried plates to the table. Lisa had a pot of coffee in hand while the rest of the guys set out cutlery and dishes.

  “You’re just in time.” Nellie broke into a big smile when she saw them. She walked over to Phyl. “It’s so good to see you here.”

  “Where she belongs,” Donovan added.

  Mark tugged on his arm. “Can I?”

  Donovan nodded.

  “We’re getting married!” Mark shouted. “Dad says the sooner the better.”

  For a moment there was total silence. Then the family came forward with smiles and congratulations.

  Nellie cried.

  TJ joined in, as did Lisa. Were all women alike? Must be, Donovan thought when he saw Phyl’s eyes brim over.

  Mark went to Nellie. “That means you’re happy. I cried, too, when Dad told me. And I was real happy.”

  She reached down, gave him a hug. “That’s exactly what it means.”

  “Me, too,” TJ choked.

  The guys backslapped and congratulated them until Nellie called a halt. “Breakfast is getting cold. Why don’t we talk about a wedding while we eat? Then we’ll go to the hospital and pick up Dugan.”

  “Good idea.” Phyl agreed. “Can I help?”

  Nellie gave Phyl a hug. “You’re home safe and sound. You’ve made my son happy. There’s nothing more I can ask.”

  ****

  Phyl’s hands shook as she picked up her coffee mug, sat it down again. How could she be so nervous now? After all she’d been through—after almost losing everything important to her; Mark’s life, Dugan’s, Donovan’s love…she could go on and on. It was as if she didn’t know how to deal with good fortune.

  Agent Gibson came over to her. “Congratulations,” she said. “I don’t want to throw a wet blanket on your enthusiasm, but have you given this enough thought? I talked to Agent Powell last night. You’ll have protection until the trial. That could put a kink in your plans.”

  “We’re not waiting until the trial is over,” Donovan said stubbornly. “Life is too short as it is.” He took Phyl’s hand. “We’re not wasting another minute.”

  “He’s right,” Phyl said. “When Mateo kidnapped me, I knew he would kill me at some point in time.” She took a deep breath. “By the grace of God I’m
still here. Regardless of the necessary precautions we’ll have to take, being together will be worth it.” She looked around. “No one should wait for happiness.”

  “You’re absolutely right,” TJ said. “Now we have to figure out when to have the wedding.”

  “Plus a few other things,” Nellie said. “I’ve thought about this for years, knowing that eventually Donovan would bring a bride home.” She turned to them. “You’ll move into my room because it’s larger and more private. I’ll take TJ’s. Mark can have yours, Donovan.” When she saw the look on Phyl’s face, she added, “He’ll be across from me and I’ll hear him if he needs anything.”

  “That’s a great idea,” Douglas said. “Since we’re all here, why don’t we make the move today?”

  “But we haven’t settled on a date,” Phyl said. “Wouldn’t this be too soon?”

  TJ laughed. “Who was it that just said you shouldn’t wait for happiness?” She stood, took her plate to the sink. “We’ll do it today.”

  “I want a date,” Donovan demanded. “The sooner the better.”

  “It’s two weeks until the Labor Day holiday,” Nellie said. “The family is going to be here anyway.” She turned to Phyl and Donovan. “How does that sound?”

  “It sounds great.” Phyl looked at Donovan. “Doesn’t it?”

  He nodded his approval with a smile.

  “Good.” Nellie stood. “Now that that’s settled, who’s going with me to the hospital?”

  They looked at each other. Phyl knew they all wanted to go, but they also wanted to work on the move. “I promised to sign a statement this morning, so I have to go anyway.”

  “I’ll take you,” Donovan said. “We’ll go in Dugan’s cruiser.”

  “I’ll follow,” Agent Gibson said. “You’re my charge until Ted relieves me.”

  “We’ll get started on the rooms,” Darin said. “Didn’t I see some paint in the barn? Maybe we can paint Mom’s room, make it fresh for the newlyweds.”

  “I don’t think so,” TJ argued. “Phyl will want to pick out her own color.”

  “Tell you what,” Phyl stopped the conversation. She didn’t like that mushroom color in the barn. “I know exactly what I want, I’ll grab it in town after I sign papers, then come back with whoever’s on guard duty today.”