“All right. We’ll talk to you soon.”
Still smiling, she handed him the phone. “I like your father. You and Rick obviously inherited his charm.”
He stole a hungry kiss. “Tell me what he said.”
“He’s planning to fly out next weekend.”
“Good. But that’s not the part I’m referring to. He said something that made you go quiet.”
His father had said a lot in a few words.
“He was letting me know how much your happiness means to him.” She turned toward him, putting her hands on his chest. “How did it go with my mom?”
His gaze narrowed on her mouth. “She invited me to stay at their home when you’re ready to fly out. I made her promise that she’d let me watch all the videos of you.”
“You’ll die of boredom.”
“She said the same thing, but told me it was for my own good. I needed to see what I was in for.”
Laurel chuckled, shaking her head. “That sounds like my mom.”
“I like her. I like her a lot.”
“You’ll like my dad, too. Let’s call him now.”
“She suggested we wait until this evening. He’ll want to celebrate and he can’t do that while he’s working.”
Her mother knew exactly what she was doing. At the office, the walls had ears.
“In that case, I want to see all the Hawkins family videos.”
“How do you know there are any?”
She held up her left hand. “Are diamonds blue?”
“You’ll be sorry. There are at least three hours of them.”
“That’s good. They’ll keep us out of trouble. Becky’s not being a very good chaperone right now.”
“I noticed, so I think we should get into all the trouble we can until she wakes up.”
“Nate.” She half moaned his name as he eased her down until she was lying against him. Then his mouth covered hers and there was no more sound except the heavy pounding of their hearts. They didn’t surface again until the baby started to whimper.
Laurel’s body throbbed from his touch. She ran her tongue over lips that were swollen from his kisses. When she rose to her feet to take care of Becky, she staggered slightly. Nate was there to steady her from behind. His hands caressed her hips and stomach.
“We’ve got to set a date, Laurel. I can’t take much more of this.”
“Neither can I.”
“Where do you want to be married?”
“Here in Colorado. It’s the first place that’s ever felt like home to me, other than Philadelphia.”
He whirled her around. “How soon will the doctor allow you to travel with the baby?”
“That’s really up to me and how I feel. And the baby, of course. After your father comes next weekend, we’ll fly out so you can meet my family. We’ll spend a week there, then we’ll come home and get married. How does that sound?”
His fierce embrace answered her question.
“I’m sorry,” he murmured when he finally released her. “You’ve just had a baby, but the minute I touch you, I forget. When we’re alone in this house, you’re too much of a temptation. We need to be around people.”
“You’re serious.”
She already knew he had a will of iron. It was in full evidence now, and it was one of the qualities she respected in him most.
“Look at me, Laurel. I’m trembling like a man with palsy. You can watch all the videos you want after we’re married. While you feed Becky, I’m going to clean up the kitchen, then we’ll drive back to Denver.”
“All right,” she said in a tremulous voice. “But you won’t leave me?”
“I’ll stay until Brent kicks me out. How’s that?”
She heaved a sigh of relief. “That’s all I needed to hear because it won’t ever happen.”
By now Becky had worked herself into hysterics.
Two and half hours later, they pulled into Brent and Julie’s driveway. The timing was perfect, because her brother-in-law was just getting home from work. He drove in right behind them. Joey was on the front lawn with his friend Kyle.
“Home so soon?” Brent opened the car door for her while Nate dealt with Becky and her car seat.
“Yes. I couldn’t wait any longer to show you this.”
Brent took one look at the shimmering blue diamond and let out an ear-piercing whistle. Their eyes met. She could read his mind. He was saying “You did everything right. Now look—you’re marrying the man you love.”
He hugged her hard. “Congratulations. He’s my idea of one great brother-in-law. When’s the big day?”
Nate came up to them carrying the baby. The two men grinned at each other.
“That’s why we came home. We need you guys to help us plan the wedding.”
“Wedding?”
Laurel beamed at Joey. “Yes. Nate and I are getting married.”
His eyes rounded. “Does Mom know?”
“Not yet.”
“I’ll tell her. Mom!” he shouted at the top of his lungs, running into the house with Kyle in pursuit.
That was what Laurel felt like doing. Shouting her happiness for the whole world to hear.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
NATE SAW the Blazer in the driveway. Pleased that Rick was back, he got out of the car and hurried into the house.
“Rick?”
“In the den!”
He found his brother seated at the computer.
“Give me one second to send this e-mail to Wally and I’m all yours.”
Wally Sykes had been Rick’s crew chief for the last four years. He’d trusted the man with his life, but Mayada owned the team that crewed for him. Even if they hadn’t found another race car driver to sponsor yet, they’d make Wally pay big-time to break his contract and go to work under Trans T & T’s sponsorship.
The new contract Rick was waiting for would have to make it worthwhile for Wally to defect. He had a wife and family to support, a pension to think of.
“Done!” He shut off the computer and stood up. “I saw the empty bottle in the wastebasket. Looks like the deed is done.”
He caught Nate in a bear hug like their father’s. “Way to go, man! Like I told you, if you hadn’t gotten there first…”
“You really had me going the other day, but the fake champagne made up for it.”
Rick grinned. “I’m glad. When’s the wedding?”
“We’re looking at three weeks from Saturday at the church here in Copper Mountain.”
Rick’s eyes grew serious. “That’s where Mom and Dad always wanted us to get married. She should be here.” His voice sounded raw.
“Agreed.” Nate cleared his throat. “Will you be my best man?”
“What do you think?”
“You’re waiting for that contract. You might have to leave before then.”
“I’m not going anywhere until I’ve heard my brother say I do.”
“That means a lot to me. Thanks, Rick.”
“You’re welcome.”
“I mean thanks for everything. You changed my life.”
“What are you talking about?”
Nate eyed his brother directly. “You knew me better than I knew myself. I wouldn’t be marrying Laurel if it weren’t for you.”
“One night years ago I saw into your tortured soul. I see a different man standing in front of me now. That’s good.”
“It feels good. It’ll feel even better when the pastor pronounces us husband and wife.”
His brother pursed his lips. “What are you worried about?”
“I don’t know. It all seems…too perfect.”
“She loves you. Hey, did I tell you Dad’s coming home next weekend to meet her?”
“You talked to him today?”
“He called me on my cell phone right after he talked to you. I don’t think I’ve ever heard him so happy.”
“You know why, don’t you? Laurel told him Becky might grow up to be an Olympic champion like her g
randfather.”
Rick threw back his head and laughed. “Wouldn’t that be something?”
“I suppose anything’s possible. Colorado Springs isn’t that far from Copper Mountain. While we’re on the subject, how would you like to drive over there with me in the morning? I need to look at houses for sale and collect some brochures to show Laurel.”
“Let’s do it.”
“We’re fitting in a week’s trip to Philadelphia right after Dad leaves so I can meet her parents. It doesn’t give us a lot of time to find a place to live.”
“You’ll be able to stay here as long as you want after the wedding. Got any ideas for a honeymoon yet?”
“Laurel’s sick of traveling. Frankly, so am I. Julie’s offered to keep the baby overnight. Maybe in late August we’ll get away to one of the beaches in Southern California.”
“You’re one lucky guy. All I can say is hang on to your happiness with both hands and never let go. I’ll see you in the morning. Are you coming upstairs?”
“Right behind you.”
LAUREL REACHED for a clean diaper. “You precious baby. Are you excited about going on a plane trip tomorrow? You’ve already met Grandad Hawkins who adored you on the spot. Now you’re going to meet Nana and Papa Hayes, and Grandma and Grampa Pierce.
“Let’s get you fed. Nate’s going to be here early in the morning. Then we’re all driving to the airport in Uncle Brent’s car. We love Nate so much and want to be ready for him.”
Twenty minutes later Julie poked her head around the door. Laurel motioned for her to come in. “Becky’s asleep now,” she said quietly.
“So’s the rest of the family. I think we’re all packed. We probably shouldn’t be taking the kids out of school, but they’ll be able to do some homework while we’re gone.”
“I’m glad everyone’s coming. So’s Nate.”
“Looks like you’re ready to go.”
“Pretty much.”
“Now we can talk.”
Both of them were dressed in their nightgowns. Laurel got under the covers and watched her sister stretch out on top of the bed.
“You won’t be able to do that much longer.”
Julie smiled. “You mean lie on my stomach? I know. Let me see that ring again.” Laurel complied. “You’re marrying into a wonderful family, you know. I really like Nate’s father too. He’s so modest about his medals.”
“Nate and Rick are just like him in that regard.”
“That was a wonderful meal at their house last night. And Brent had the greatest time talking sports with Clint and Rick. It was another exciting evening—even if you and Nate were in your own little world. On the drive home, Brent said you two were so in love it was fun to watch.”
“We can hardly keep our hands off each other.”
“It’s no wonder when your wedding’s still nine days away. I just got off the phone with the folks. They can’t wait for tomorrow.”
“Neither can I, but I’m still nervous about Reba and Wendell. Nate insists we visit them together. He wants them to know he’ll do everything in his power to make sure Becky is always part of their life.”
“I’m glad he’s going to be there to offer you moral support.”
“I am too, but it’ll be a little awkward when they ask why I didn’t say anything about Nate while they were out here last week.”
“You’ll tell them the truth, of course. Not only hadn’t he proposed to you yet, you weren’t even certain of seeing him again.”
“That won’t matter to them. They’ll be hurt that I held anything back about Nate. Let’s face it. This will be a huge shock.”
Her stomach tensed. She could picture Reba and Wendell’s horrified expressions when they heard she was getting married to their son’s best friend less than a year after Scott’s death.
“Whether you get married tomorrow or five years from now, be it to Nate or another man, their reaction would be the same. The good thing is, you carry the trump card. They’ll love their new granddaughter. When they realize you and Nate aren’t going to prevent them from having a relationship with her, they’ll heal in time.”
“I have to believe that. If they give Nate a chance, they’ll find out why Scott liked him so much.”
Julie got off the bed. “It’s a shame Scott’s parents are still in mourning. But don’t let their pain cloud the issue here. You’re not doing anything wrong in marrying Nate.”
“I know, otherwise I wouldn’t have accepted his proposal.”
“Nevertheless it’s a big step for you. I’m aware that Scott’s family has had your loyalty since you were a sophomore in high school. You’re afraid of doing anything to upset them. I don’t blame you. But please promise me you’ll keep one thing in mind.”
“What’s that?”
“Years ago you told me that you and Scott had talked about the possibility of his dying.” Laurel nodded. “Do you remember what he said? Because if you don’t, I do.”
Laurel bowed her head. Now that Julie had reminded her, Laurel recalled the moment as if it were yesterday. At the time, it had washed over her because she couldn’t imagine, refused to imagine, the reality of his death.
“He said he knew he was the best,” she said hoarsely, “but if he crashed and burned, I had his permission to find someone else as long as the guy could halfway measure up.”
“That’s Scott. Attitude to the end. The point is, he realized his career put him in danger. He didn’t want you to suffer forever.”
Laurel raised her head. “You’re right. Thank you, Julie. You don’t know how much you’ve helped me. I love you.”
“I love you. I love Nate for not taking you away. When I asked you to come and live with us for a while, I didn’t ask just for your sake. I was selfish—I saw an opportunity to keep my best friend with me. What’s so nice is that Brent’s crazy about Nate too. And Rick.
“Now I’m going to let you get some sleep. Becky’s three o’clock feeding will be here before you know it.”
When Julie had disappeared, Laurel lay back against the pillows. It was as if the last dark cloud had suddenly lifted and all that remained was glorious blue sky.
NATE HEARD A KNOCK at the guest bedroom door. He finished adjusting his tie, then walked over to open it expecting to see Laurel. Instead her father stood there.
John Hayes was a lean man with broad shoulders, the same height as Nate’s father. His brown hair revealed streaks of silver. Though Laurel had inherited her mother’s Italian beauty and charm, her blue eyes had been bequeathed by her father, an intelligent and energetic man.
Since their arrival in Philadelphia, they’d spent the afternoon with her parents. They’d finished dinner and were now preparing to visit Scott’s parents.
“Laurel sent me to tell you she’s ready to leave for the Pierces. Take my car. I put the infant seat in back.” He handed Nate the keys as they started down the hallway.
“Thanks, John. Forgive us for leaving so soon. It doesn’t seem right to eat and run.”
“I’ll admit it’s a wrench to let you go when you’ve barely arrived,” John murmured. “However, I have to remember that the Pierces are just as anxious to get acquainted with their granddaughter.”
“I hope they won’t be too disappointed when I tell them I won’t be staying the night.”
Sylvia gave her daughter a reassuring hug. “Surely they’ll understand when you explain that you and Nate are engaged.”
“We’ll see you both later,” Nate said to Laurel’s parents.
“We’ll be back.”
John smiled. “I’m counting on it, Major. I’m looking forward to picking your brain.”
Laurel had warned him.
“And I was hoping to learn about the internal workings of one of the nation’s great newspapers.”
“I can see we’re going to need more than a week.”
They were both laughing as they descended the curving staircase of the large, gracious old Philadelphia home.
Laurel and her mother stood in the foyer. The two women were totally absorbed in the baby.
Nate found himself totally absorbed in his stunning bride-to-be, who was wearing a yellow suit with a snowy white blouse. Her face and figure were nothing short of a miracle, yet she didn’t have a vain bone in her body. He felt a tremor of excitement at the thought that she was going to be his wife….
She’d dressed Becky in the little white-and-yellow outfit he’d given her. They both looked springlike.
“You two are going to have to break this up.”
At the sound of her father’s voice, Laurel’s eyes darted to the stairs. Her gaze met Nate’s. The warmth of her smile reached out to him.
Sylvia passed him the baby. “Have a nice time at the Pierces’, then hurry back.”
“We will, Mom.”
Nate kissed the top of Becky’s head. She smelled of baby powder. “Come on, little sweetheart. Let’s go.”
Laurel held his other arm as they walked out to the driveway. As soon as everyone was strapped inside the car, he leaned across the seat to kiss the woman who’d become his whole world. She kissed him back with equal urgency.
He moaned. “You shouldn’t have done that. If tonight weren’t so important, I’d drive us to a justice of the peace right now.”
“All I think about is our wedding day.”
“You’re not the only one.” He started the engine. “Which way?”
“Go down the street two blocks, then turn right. They’re three streets over.”
Spade and Laurel had gone to the same high school. Their families came from the same neighborhood. When he drove up to the Pierce home, he recognized it from pictures.
He parked the car in the driveway to help Laurel with the baby. She looped an extra receiving blanket over her left hand and arm, hoping the Pierces wouldn’t see the engagement ring until it was time to break the news. Once he’d removed the carrier from the back seat, she took Becky to the house. Nate followed.
Before she could ring the bell, the front door opened. Spade’s parents ran out onto the porch to greet her. Nate waited, half-hidden by a lilac bush, to give them time to greet each other. Spade’s mother lifted the baby out of her carrier.
Another Man's Wife Page 20