Perfect Fit

by Taige Crenshaw

  Regina lifted her head, her green gaze meeting his then she held out her hand. He rose but sat again when a hand appeared out of the dark, then grabbed hers and wrenched her off the floor and into the dark. Most of the lights came up and Spencer stared as Dakota lifted and twirled Regina, holding her close as he moved. His white clothing was a stark contrast to her dark dress. The light for her dark, or the hope for her despair. Spencer was surprised to see him, although he shouldn’t have been. Spencer glanced at the others dancing along with the two in the middle. He should have expected them all. Regina’s old dance troupe, when they performed. It had been so long since he had seen them. They moved around Dakota and Regina as they continued to tell the story of the music, shifting from heartbreak to hope. Spencer laughed as the joy of it filled him. The couples twirled, their brightly coloured clothing contrasting with the white and black on the central couple. The last notes of the song rose, and Dakota twirled Regina fast, spinning her towards him, and she reached for Spencer. He held out his hand, but Dakota pulled her back, moving her into him then whirled before letting her go. She slid across the floor and out of sight into the still-darkened part of the studio. The melody cut off.

  “In my life there has only been one for me.”

  Spencer sat forward as Bella’s voice rose from the dark. The song seemed to hit him hard in the chest.

  “You are the other half of my soul. Into my keeping I take.”

  Shock filled him as Driscoll’s growly voice rang out. The light flashed, and Spencer stared at his brother and Bella as they sang his and Regina’s song—Perfect Fit. He’d written it with Driscoll especially for Regina for their wedding. Bella and Driscoll had performed it at the reception as his gift to her. Later, he and Regina had allowed Driscoll and Bella to record it and release it to share the joy of love and finding your heart. It had been a hit, and to this day was still talked about.

  “The breath that I breathe is because of you.” Bella moved closer to Driscoll.

  Driscoll stalked towards her. “My body must be near yours.”

  They met in the middle, and Driscoll pulled Bella against his frame. She cupped his cheek, singing into his face, “Take me. I am yours. Only yours. You are the one for me.”

  Driscoll lowered his head, singing, “With you I’m alive and on fire.”

  They swayed together, moving in a sinuous dance that Spencer wasn’t sure he should be watching. He’d seen the video of this song before, but seeing them perform it live made him wonder… They hadn’t done that at their wedding.

  Spencer saw something beyond them and he sat forward, staring in disbelief. The little boy in the mirror was a perfect mix of him and Regina.

  “Mommy had that same look,” a sweet voice spoke in his mind.

  “Oh, my God. I’m losing it,” Spencer said.

  “No you’re not.” There was a giggle.

  “Son?” he said cautiously.

  “Yes, Daddy.” The boy blew him a kiss and Spencer touched his cheek, swearing it was real. “I came to see you, since I saw Mommy. She wants to adopt a child. I convinced her to. A little girl at first.”

  “A girl.” He fought to not cry. “I love you, Son.”

  “Love you, Daddy. Uncle Charles says hi.” The boy waved. “I’ve got to go.”

  “Am I going to see you again?” Spencer whispered.

  “Only this once. But I will always be in your heart.” The boy put out his hand.

  Spencer jerked, thinking he felt him touch him over the heart.

  “I love you, Son,” he whispered.

  “They look like they want each other,” Regina spoke beside him, and he jumped, looking at her.

  He hadn’t heard her approach. When he looked back at the mirror the boy was gone. Spencer focused on Regina. She laughed then stepped in front of him and between his legs. Spencer pulled her into his lap, holding her.

  “Do you think there is something going on?” He inclined his head towards the singing pair.

  “Nope. They’re just good friends. They’re not right for each other. They have their fit out there and will find it someday.” Regina stared at him and he barely registered them singing. “I know a little something about finding the person that is for you.”

  “I know. We were fourteen, and although there have been rough patches, we always found a way.” Spencer hugged her tight. “I love you, Reggie.”

  “I love you, Spence,” she crooned softly. “You’re the perfect fit for me.”

  Spencer’s heart filled as she sang the line of their song. “You’re my soul and life forever. I give myself into your keeping,” he sang to her softly.

  They sang together, “The perfect fit.”

  He kissed her and she snuggled into him as they finished watching the performance. The others who had danced were sitting on the floor on either side of them as they watched Bella and Driscoll burn up the stage with their chemistry.

  “The perfect fit.” Bella and Driscoll swayed as they sung the line over and over.

  Spencer held the woman who was the perfect fit for him, and was thankful he hadn’t let her go.

  Also available from Total-E-Bound Publishing:

  Singleton: Hurricane

  Taige Crenshaw

  Excerpt

  Chapter One

  Julianne Locke shrugged her shoulders, trying to ease the tension in her muscles. It didn’t work. The trip that should have lasted two weeks had dragged on for over a month. It was a rarity for her company to take an event outside of Singleton but they had as a special request from one of their most frequent clients. The stressful combination of dealing with a hyperactive bride and working remotely had worn on her. Earlier today, when she’d finally got everything under control and the wedding planning on track, she had booked her flight back home to Singleton. Of course, there were flight delays too, which meant she’d got in much later than planned. She was supposed to have been in by three o’clock, which would have left enough time for her to stop in at the office and make it home at a decent hour. At least that had been the plan. Instead, night had already fallen by the time she’d left the airport.

  Blowing out a breath, Julianne made the turn from Woodbury Avenue, past the sign that read ‘Kindred Place’, onto the road leading to Moments, the event planning company she co-owned. As usual, her breath caught at the first sight of the open stretch of two-lane road that made up the area they had named Kindred Place.

  Since it was night, the recessed lighting along the area lit everything so visitors could see clearly. It created an almost surreal atmosphere.

  In the middle of the two lanes, a profusion of flowers circled the beautiful trees. Periodically, there were breaks that enabled a driver to turn into one of the businesses that shared the roadway. Along her side, there were also trees and flowers, and additional driveways led to more businesses.

  “One brief stop for the Gary file and then home.” Julianne picked up her cell and entered her code to alert security that she was on the premises.

  Replacing the cell in the drinks holder, she drummed her fingers on the wheel of her SUV. She really wanted to head home, but needed the paperwork to make sure she was ready for her meeting tomorrow.

  Absently, she glanced out of the window at the various signs directing drivers as to the location of surrounding businesses. At the head of several roadways stood even more elaborate signs, showcasing the logos of several places.

  Within moments she was at the last turn-off before her destination, which was over the slight incline. Although there was no sign yet to announce their business, it had already been custom ordered. Once the sign was in place, it would say ‘Moments Deuce’ with the address—number eight-one-seven-nine Kindred Place. Since it had been built last, the numbering would be inconsistent with the rest of the businesses. Julianne debated between continuing on or checking out the almost complete, more modern building she and her partners were having constructed.

  “A quick look.” Julianne made the turn
.

  Although the land belonged to them, getting the permits and approvals to build had taken a lot of time. Clearing the area then paving it for their needs had taken even more manoeuvring. After almost two years of getting everything worked out, the construction was almost finished. In approximately three weeks, around the beginning of May, they would be able to get in their interior decorator to put their plans in place. It should take no more than two months to get everything finished. Then they would have their staff—that had been hired specifically to handle any events for the building—set up their own offices and various other things, giving them about two weeks of intense readying.

  Once complete, Moments Deuce would be a place to hold events for their clients who wanted a more modern feel to their celebrations. They already had lots of events booked, starting in mid-July. They would be cutting it close, but she expected everything would be finished in time.

  Julianne noted the landscaping was coming along well. When the building came into view, she smiled. She stopped along the drive to get a feel for how it looked at a distance. Exiting her Espresso Black Nissan Armada Platinum, Julianne stretched, then brushed her hands over her burnt orange skirt and smoothed her pale orange shirt.

  She reached into the vehicle to grab her cell, notebook and spring jacket, but returned that to the seat, deciding that the night was warm enough and she could go without it. Slamming the door, she turned to look at the building once again.

  The large, six-floor structure looked beautiful in the night. The stone face gave it an edgy yet comfortable feel. An arched entrance spread mid-way on either side along the first floor and front of the building was made of natural stone mixed with pieces of coloured, cut glass. They’d designed the entryway so that it would be large enough for the flow of traffic in and out of the building. Although a different set-up than the main building for their company, everything in this new, spacious and modern, state-of-the-art building of Moments Deuce was made to give the same feeling of effortlessness when any event was held there.

  Julianne clipped her cell to the waistband of her skirt and glanced around. They had finished up the parking areas. On each side of the building a road led to the lots, which weren’t close to the main structure, yet not too far away. The parking attendants would know where to place each car based on the event the person was attending.

  With sure strides, she went towards the left of the building, pulling out her keys. In moments, she’d opened the area they had for people who were waiting for the valet to bring them their cars. She could envision how it would look once furnished with comfortable couches and seating areas. Walking around the room, she noted it was slightly larger than they’d expected. Opening her notepad, she made a note to have them put in additional seating. She left the room, locking the door behind her, and headed to the main entrance.

  She stayed close to the windows, occasionally peeking inside. Her heels echoed on the cobblestone as she walked. With three steps, she stood in front of the large stained-glass doors that would open automatically during events. For now, she unlocked the door and pushed it open. With just enough space, she went in. The ring of her cell made her pause. Glancing at the display, she accepted the call and put the phone to her ear.

  “When you punched you were on site, we had a bet if you would go to the Moments Deuce.” Harmon Selleck’s deep baritone came over the line.

  “Which way did you bet? What are you doing here so late, anyway?” Julianne touched the light switch, illuminating the lobby.

  “Need you ask, Jules? And I had some paperwork to do,” Harmon sounded smug.

  “You know me too well. I can’t believe that you got someone to take that sucker bet. Who was it?” Julianne laughed.

  “Anthony.” A voice too low for her to hear was grumbling behind Harmon.

  “Anthony should be ashamed of himself.” Julianne couldn’t keep the smile off her face.

  “He should. I’ll be coming out to join you in a moment.”

  “That’s not necessary. I’m not going to be here that long,” she protested. She wasn’t a child.

  “That’s our job, Jules. And Jordan would have my ass if anything happened on my watch. Now, would you want me to be sans butt?”

  Julianne snorted. “That’s something I really don’t want to think about.”

  “See you in a bit.” Harmon disconnected.

  Julianne put her phone back at her waist, knowing it was useless to call back. Harmon was right—Jordan Locke, her cousin, would have his ass. She was co-owner of HJC Security Specialists along with Harmon and Carlton Bunnell. It was Harmon’s job, as part of the security firm that was headquartered on their land, to protect all the businesses in Kindred Place. It was the arrangement they had made when she and her partners, along with the other five businesses, had built their companies. Julianne, as well as some of her siblings and cousins, co-owned the land itself, while each business along Kindred Place was owned by one of them along with their own set of business partners.

  Julianne decided to leave the door unlocked for Harmon and continued on. In quick strides, she headed right towards the set of offices. At the door leading to them, she noted the palm plates were in place. That meant the security firm was already working on securing the building. Testing it, she tapped in her code, smiling when the lock clicked open. Pushing through the doorway, Julianne left the door open behind her as she went down the short hall. Exiting into the main area, she was pleased to note the set-up was similar to the one at the main Moments office.

  She checked out a few of the various offices and conference rooms. At one of them, she stepped back, then walked past the conference room and into what would be the manager’s office. She could see that they were still working on it—there were tools and other things littering the ground. Going to the wall of floor-to-ceiling windows and a mosaic glass door, she glanced outside—she knew, at least in this area, that the glass was actually one-way—for you to see out, but no one to see in. The starry, balmy night was beautiful and the pathways outside the new building were subtly lit. With a turn, she studied the room, imagining how it would look once the interior designs had done as they had planned.

  Sounds she couldn’t identify made her return the way she had come, and when she smelt something strange she covered her nose as she drew closer to the hall. As she passed through the doorway, she stared, shocked, at the flames licking along the walls. They flared, then crackled. Stumbling back, she frantically glanced around.

  Out. Get out. Julianne ran down to the office she’d just left, the sound and smell following behind her. Frantic, she searched for the knob and realising there wasn’t one, Julianne pounded on the door.

  “Help me. Help me!”

  She coughed as the smoke reached her. Breathing shallow, she tried to think of a way to get out. Her thoughts screamed with urgency. Turning, she spotted a sledgehammer leaning against a bench of tools. Rushing to it, she picked it up before running back to the glass door and swinging as hard as she could. The hammer reverberated against the reflective surface, but nothing happened. The sound of crackling drew closer as smoke filled her nose. Glancing back, Julianne could see the fire racing towards her.

  Why is it moving so fast? She pushed the thought away and focused on breaking the door. Pulling back, she swung with all her might. The glass shattered. Dropping the hammer she kicked the shards of glass from the frame, sending the remaining glass to the ground, and ran outside. The heat from the fire licked at her back. A sound like thunder came, then she screamed as she was lifted off her feet and thrown. She seemed to fly through the air for forever, but it must only have been moments. With a crash, she hit the ground. Moaning, Julianne tried to roll over. She felt hot.

  “Jules!” Frantic hands grabbed her.

  They patted her, then turned her over. Blearily, she glanced up at the concerned face of Harmon. His bright blue eyes surrounded by thick black lashes studied her. With huge hands, he cupped the side of her face.

/>   “Stay with me, Jules.” Harmon’s voice was soft, calm.

  She opened her mouth to speak, but couldn’t form the words. Harmon’s lips moved, but she couldn’t seem to hear what he was saying.

  I can’t die here. I can’t leave my baby. She blacked out.

  * * * *

  Keenan Callaghan pulled up to the fire scene at Woodbury Avenue, eight-one-seven-nine Kindred Place. Exiting his black Chevy Durango Crew Lux, he shrugged out of his spring jacket, throwing it into the back seat. For the second week in April, it was a fairly warm evening. He stood staring at a captivating building. From the call he’d received, he knew it was the future home of Moments Deuce—although, other than the name of the company, he didn’t know much else about what sort of business they did here. It seemed classy, yet comfortable.

  Surprisingly, the fire hadn’t done much damage to the front of the building. Grabbing his kit from the passenger side of the car, he closed the door and went around to the back hatch. Studying the contents of the stocked bay area, he was again glad he had recently decided to use one of his own vehicles for work. The Singleton Fire Department let the fire marshals use their own vehicles, as long as they registered them with the department and the cars met certain criteria.

  He decided to just take his larger kit until he knew what he was dealing with. Keenan retrieved it and pulled the strap over his shoulder. He strode towards the firemen putting out the last bits of the fire.

  “Callaghan.” A voice he hadn’t heard on a scene lately interrupted his trek.

  “Colby. This isn’t your usual sort of call. What are you doing here?” Keenan shifted his kit and shook Colby’s hand.