“Did you get an owie?” Winnie’s face blurred and everything went black.
* * *
Bruce paced the court hallway. Three days had passed and he’d still not been allowed to see or contact Delaney. It was driving him mad despite news that she was recovering. The deputy he’d suggested be his human shield at the office building had taken over his protective detail until Andy’s trial, which had been rescheduled, given the “extenuating circumstances,” to today.
He’d done it. He’d finally testified.
Two court security officers flanked Bruce until Marshal Bradford exited through the tall wooden doors. “They’re sentencing him right now.” Bradford placed a hand on his shoulder. “You did well.”
Bruce gaped. “I thought the prosecutor wanted to give him a deal so he’d give up the CryptTakers.”
“The US Attorney didn’t tell you?” Bradford smiled. “They didn’t need to offer a deal. Justice will be served for Max’s death. The US Attorney had two individuals affiliated with the CryptTakers who hadn’t committed murder who were able to hand down every detail they had learned from the past two years in exchange for WITSEC. You are officially a free man.”
“Two individuals, huh? Do I happen to know them?”
“I can’t comment specifically, but you might.”
Bruce nodded. “I hope they’ll be happy together.” He surprised himself by actually meaning it. As Delaney had suggested, once he’d made the choice, forgiveness started to come easier. He was human, though, and the knowledge that he’d never have to see them again helped more than he wanted to admit. “So I can go home now?”
“One second. I need to page the deputy who is watching Winnie.”
The doors at the end of the hall burst open and Winnie, laughing, ran down the hallway toward Bruce. A gorgeous brunette with her hair down echoed her laugh, jogging at a slow pace behind her.
He’d never seen Delaney with her hair down. The way she looked matched how he felt—free. Her smile wide, her eyes lit, she was beautiful.
“Is she going to catch me, Daddy?” Winnie darted a quick glance over her shoulder and squealed.
Bruce got down on one knee and placed a finger over his mouth in case the people inside the courtroom could hear. She vaulted into his arms and he picked her up. Delaney slowed to a stop, but her smile didn’t fade.
Bruce glanced at her stomach. “Are you okay? Should you really be running? They wouldn’t let me see you at the hospital.”
Marshal Bradford chuckled. “I think she’ll be fine. It’s her last day here. Delaney, your last assignment is to take them home.”
Her professional exterior snapped into place. “Yes, sir.”
Bradford winked and turned to walk away. “I’ll let you catch up.”
Delaney relaxed again, and Bruce wanted to do whatever it took to keep that relaxed, at-peace smile on her face...for as long as they both shall live. He stepped forward.
“I thought you had given two weeks’ notice. Today is your last day?”
Her cheeks looked rosy. “Given the injury, Bradford suggested I go ahead and leave. I have a ridiculous amount of sick time and vacation days built up. I can take my time finding another job.”
“Perhaps in forensics, a field you actually want to work in?”
Her eyes warmed. “Perhaps.”
“Are you fully healed?”
“I’m a little sore from the impact and all the stitches, but I’m okay. I lost more blood than I’d realized at first, but the bullet didn’t penetrate any organs. It was a bad puncture wound, but it could’ve been much, much worse.”
“I owe your grandpa a big thank-you card for making you wear that vest.”
“I think he’d prefer you thank him in person by coming to dinner sometime.” She looked down and seemed shy all of a sudden. “I mean, if you want to. I’m...I’m staying with them until I get my own place in Ames.”
He stepped closer to her and reached for her hand. “I would love to.” He emphasized the word for Delaney’s sake without spelling it out in front of Winnie, a reminder that his feelings hadn’t changed a single bit. He knew they had a lot to sort out about how to handle the transition to Delaney being in Winnie’s life, but for Bruce’s part, he’d never felt so confident that pursuing Delaney was the right thing.
She eyed him. “Well, I would love to give you two a ride home.”
His heart beat faster. He glanced at Winnie. “Ready to go home?”
Her eyes widened in the same way Delaney’s did. “To our home?”
“Yes.”
“With my toys? And my bed? And—”
Bruce nodded as he laughed and set Winnie down. “Let’s see if you can race us to that door down there.”
She giggled and took off. Bruce couldn’t resist catching Delaney before she started running, as well. He pulled her close and kissed her. “I missed you. I can’t wait to spend time with you.”
“Me, too.”
“Hey, guys.” Winnie had turned around and had her hands on her hips. “Catch up.”
Delaney smiled. “She doesn’t need to ask me twice.”
They ran together toward the door, and Bruce couldn’t help but pray that they were also running toward a future together.
EPILOGUE
Two Months Later
Delaney honestly couldn’t remember when she’d had so much fun. Every day of the past two months seemed to top the last. And today was Winnie’s birthday. She’d initially balked when Bruce had suggested they take in a football game together—without Winnie.
“Are you kidding? It’s her birthday.” It especially surprised her since he’d been the one who had once told her that it seemed selfish to watch football when he could be spending time with his daughter.
He held her hand. “Yes, but we’re both learning to enjoy life. And your parents and grandparents would love the chance to spend some time spoiling her on her birthday.”
That softened her. “Of course they would.”
“So I suggested they get that time while I take you out on a date so we could cheer for our alma mater. We can meet them afterward and do cake and presents together.”
Joy washed over her so intensely, her breath caught.
“You know,” Bruce said as he bent down so she could stare right into his green eyes. “Maybe it’s time for you to tell her.”
“I’m...I’m not sure yet.” Bruce had been encouraging her for the last week to tell Winnie that she was her mom.
“She would be thrilled,” he insisted.
Deep down Delaney wanted nothing more than to share the news. Her parents and grandparents already knew, of course, but they respected that Bruce was Winnie’s father and didn’t want to cross any lines. Now Bruce was leaving the decision up to Delaney, and it terrified her.
“Things are going so well with us,” she said. She struggled to find the right words. “I don’t want you to feel undue pressure if I tell her. I can wait.”
His eyes softened. “Are you worried that I might reject you or that Winnie might reject you?”
Busted. She worried her lip. “Do I have to answer?”
He laughed. “So it’s both. Well, since I know better than most that actions mean more than words, I say you need a fun date with yours truly without having to think about anything other than your job interview on Monday.”
“Oh, thanks for that. Now I’m thinking about Monday.”
He laughed. “We both know it’s just a formality.”
She rolled her eyes for his benefit, though he had a point. She’d been told the entry-level forensics position was hers if she wanted it. After so many years of holding on to hurt and worry so tightly, it was hard to grab hope and love and joy without feeling guilty. She remembered her grandma’s words once more. If she could accept the biggest gift of
all from God’s love, then surely she could accept the smaller gifts in life, as well. “Let’s go watch some football.”
Three hours later, her mouth hurt from smiling so much. Bruce had held her hand during every moment of the game except when they’d jumped in the stands, pumping their fists with the other alumni. The Cyclones and Hawkeyes were neck and neck, but their team scored a touchdown in the last two minutes.
They took their time filing out of the stadium. She’d never been more relaxed in her life. Bruce glanced at his phone. “Your family took Winnie to Reiman Gardens. Mind if we join them there?”
“Of course not. We’re practically there already.” Delaney had a bounce to her step she couldn’t recall ever having before. “I have Winnie’s birthday present in the car.”
“Let’s save that for cake, if you don’t mind, and walk over. My legs could do with a stretch.”
Ten minutes later they entered the remarkably quiet gardens. The stark contrast to the chaos of the game was welcome, though, as she inhaled the floral scents. “The last time we were here together, we didn’t really get to enjoy it.”
He pointed down a path she didn’t recall. “I’d like to show you one of my favorite walks. I used to take this path a lot when I needed to think, pray and make big decisions.”
A sign on the right said Closed for Private Party. She groaned. “Sorry. Maybe we can come back another time.”
He stood on his tiptoes and looked out past the sign. “I’m sure whatever’s going on hasn’t started yet, and this won’t take long.”
She folded her arms. “Since when is Bruce Walker a rule breaker?”
He grinned. “I promise I’ll leave if asked.” He took her hand and pulled her underneath a rose-covered trellis. A podium stood in the center with an intricately cut crystal vase that held a single red rose. The sun streamed through the various grooves of the vase, projecting a dazzling prism of colors all around them. “It’s so beautiful.”
Bruce regarded it. “The rose looks different than the rest of the roses on the trellis. I wonder if it smells different.”
She felt her left eyebrow rise. His comment seemed odd. Bruce’s eyebrows and mouth twitched as if he was fighting off a smile. He lost the battle as he laughed and shrugged. “Just a thought to consider.”
Delaney humored him and walked over to smell it, but when she leaned over she saw that in the center of the rose rested a beautiful diamond ring. She fought back a gasp, but her heart sped up. She dared not assume. She straightened.
He tilted his head. “You didn’t smell it.”
“Someone’s planning to propose here, Bruce.”
He nodded slowly and gulped, all humor gone from his face. He picked up the vase, bent down on one knee and gently held her fingers with his other hand. “Delaney Elizabeth Patton, I fell in love with your integrity, your beauty, your compassion...”
She blinked rapidly, trying to see him clearly through the sheen of tears. Her throat closed so tight she feared she might not be able to breathe again. She’d never been loved and cherished in this way, never imagined it could be possible. She laughed as he continued to list things he loved about her. “Bruce, am I going to get a chance to list the things I love about you?”
He shook his head. “Only if you say yes.” He held up the vase higher. “Will you marry me?”
She bent over and kissed him firmly on the mouth, then pulled back just an inch. “Yes,” she whispered.
He set down the vase and slipped the ring onto her finger before he stood up and wrapped his arms around her. “Now, about those things you love about me...”
She kissed him again, a gesture of love she would never grow tired of. “I’m thinking we’ll write our own vows so you can hear them at our wedding.”
He pulled his chin back. “No fair. I’ve already used my best material. Although I could talk about how you saved our lives.”
“In many ways, I feel like you saved my life.” She froze as she heard a familiar giggle in the distance. “Are we really meeting Winnie here?”
“Yes.” He pressed his lips together and held both her hands. “I know this day was the hardest day of your life three years ago. I know I can’t erase those memories, but I’m hoping we can give you good ones from now on.”
His thoughtfulness overwhelmed her. Three years ago at this time of day, she’d been sobbing in a hospital, losing what she thought had been her last chance at love, at family. Bruce turned and led her past the rest of the rose garden, following the sound of bells and laughter.
Her parents, grandparents, and Stephen and Kathy Bradford stood around Winnie, who danced on metallic squares that produced the ringing chimes. They looked up expectantly at Bruce and Delaney.
Delaney held up her hand and they cheered.
Winnie, obviously thinking they were cheering for her, kept dancing. “Mommy, Daddy, watch me!”
The group collectively held their breath. Delaney glanced at Bruce. “Did you tell her?”
He shook his head, tears filling his eyes, as well. “No.”
Her heart nearly burst. She stood up on her tiptoes and kissed him before taking his hand. She turned to face Winnie, shedding her fear and worry, and ready to accept her new life with nothing but thankfulness. “We’re ready, sweetie. Mommy and Daddy are here.”
* * * * *
If you loved this story,
don’t miss these other heart-stopping romances
by Heather Woodhaven:
Countdown
Texas Takedown
Tracking Secrets
Credible Threat
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Keep reading for an excerpt from Accidental Eyewitness by Michelle Karl
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Dear Reader,
This was probably the hardest story for me to write thus far, though perhaps I think that of every book I’ve just finished.
During the writing of this book, my son’s recovery from a routine surgery became a nightmare. For a brief moment, I thought we’d lost him. I’ll never forget that night, and I’m abundantly thankful for the doctor who wasn’t even supposed to still be there and the on call surgery team that arrived impossibly fast during rush hour. After two weeks of little sleep, my son fully recovered and is doing better than ever.
Toward the end of writing, my sweet dog, and the inspiration for Tracking Secrets, collapsed in the living room and took her last breath. She’d been by my side for the past eleven years, usually trying to put her head on top of the laptop while I typed or flopping on my feet so I had no choice but to keep writing. I’m thankful I have nothing but fond and hilarious memories of her. She was the ideal dog for our family.
So my emotional rollercoaster may have seeped through the pages of the book. It served as a reminder that if you haven’t experienced some things yourself, you might not understand. Even with research. My apologies if I portrayed any aspect of the adoption journey incorrectly as I haven’t been part of an adoption personally.
Delaney’s journey compelled me. She could accept God’s forgiveness but had a harder time forgiving herself. I think everyone battles the tendency to some extent. Winnie has similar traits to my youngest and a certain precocious niece. She was a delight to write. And finally, Iowa is an amazing place to grow up. I’m glad I was able to set the story there. I hope to visit again soon.
Blessings,
Heather Woodhaven
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Accidental Eyewitness
by Michelle Karl
ONE
Ellen Biers used the edge of her T-shirt to wipe the sweat off her forehead, then stuffed the rag and bottle of lemon-scented cleanser from her other hand back into her caddy of cleaning supplies. In most of the massive luxury cottages she cleaned around northern British Columbia’s Schroeder Lake in the months leading up to cottage season, the air-conditioning remained off until the residents arrived, even though the enormous picture windows sucked in heat like a sponge.
She came to the cottages to clean and maintain the interiors during the off-season, preparing them for the arrival of urban vacationers. The owners of this particular cottage weren’t coming until after the May long weekend, but she’d spent extra time today making sure everything looked perfect so she wouldn’t have to rush the final cleaning the day before their arrival.
She waved through a front window at Old Hogan, the landscaper who maintained the exterior of many of the same properties she cleaned, as he climbed into his weathered pickup truck. When he pulled away, she scooped up her caddy and headed back to the second floor for a final check of each room to ensure she hadn’t forgotten to wipe down any surfaces or put all the knickknacks back in their places. In the master bedroom, she noticed a painting that hung askew—but as she adjusted it and stepped back to inspect the angle, a door slammed downstairs. Muffled male voices drifted upward.
Protected Secrets Page 18