A Marshal's Promise

by Dora Hiers

  She had saved enough money for a down payment. With house values at record lows in Florida, it was a good time to buy, but something held her back.

  Gunner was right. Florida had lost its appeal. She missed North Carolina too much. Maybe it was time to think of moving back.

  Regi walked back into the room, rubbing her hands together. “Where do you want us to sleep, Gunner? I want to change into something warmer. I had forgotten how cold it gets here in November.”

  “Mina, you and Tessa take my bedroom. Regi, you can have the guest room to the left of the bathroom. I’ll take the couch for the week.”

  “Thanks, Gunner. But you know I like to stay up later than you. I don’t mind taking the couch.”

  “No need, Regi. There’s a TV and a recliner in the guest room, so you can stay up as late as you want.”

  “Wow. What do you know? All the comforts of home. Thanks, Gunner.” Regi tugged her suitcase in the direction of the bedroom.

  Gunner walked over to stand next to her just as Tessa picked up a framed photo off the shelf. Willow tilted her head to look at it and sucked in a sharp breath.

  It was a photo of them. From their first Thanksgiving together at his parents’ house. Gunner’s arm casually draped around her shoulders while he kissed her cheek. Anyone could see the love shining from her eyes as she smiled at Gunner’s mom snapping the picture.

  What happened to the big dreams of forever in her heart?

  Gunner’s break up. That’s what happened. She blinked, the sudden pain all but blinding her.

  “Mom, you and Gunner were together?” Tessa cast incredulous eyes at her.

  She bit her lip and stole a glance at Gunner. He was smiling, the cad. No help there.

  “Yes. We were together while I was in college.” She exhaled and tapped her fingernails against the frame. Counted to ten.

  Why did he still display this picture front and center on his entertainment console? He broke up with her. One would think he would have gotten rid of all their pictures. Why hadn’t he?

  “Together? We were inseparable.”

  Willow glared at the man. He wasn’t helping. “Really, Gunner? That’s how you would describe it? Inseparable?” Willow tried not to let pain seep into her words, tried to keep the tears from swelling. She didn’t want to influence Tessa’s opinion of Gunner. But “inseparable?” How could he use that word when they hadn’t seen each other for ten years? And how about engaged to be married?

  Gunner cleared his throat. “Tessa, how about dressing in some warmer clothes? We need to be ready to leave here in about thirty minutes.”

  Tessa’s confused eyes settled on Willow then switched to Gunner. Great! That’s all she needed. For her daughter to formulate tons of questions. Questions for which she had no answers. Maybe she should defer Tessa’s questions to Gunner.

  “Where are we going?”

  “It’s a surprise. Do you like surprises more than your mother?”

  Tessa scrunched her face. “I don’t know. You don’t like surprises, Mom?”

  Gunner laughed. “She likes to pry the information out of me in advance. If I tell her what the plan is beforehand, then it’s not really a surprise, is it?”

  Why was he talking in the present tense?

  “What kind of surprises did you give Mom?”

  Gunner flashed a conspiratorial look at Tessa. “I can’t tell you right now. Maybe later tonight.”

  “Ah-ha! Must be this is something you’ve surprised me with in the past.” Willow brandished her forefinger.

  With mock disgust, Gunner slapped a palm to his forehead and shared a wounded expression with Tessa. “Do you see what I mean?”

  Tessa gave Willow a stern look. “Yes, I do. And Gunner, I like surprises. So whatever you do, don’t tell me, okay?”

  “You’ve got a deal, sweetheart. Now, go change. Wear something warm.”

  Gunner waited until Tessa closed the bedroom door to tug Willow into a hug. With his arms wrapped around her waist, he rested a cheek against her head. “I’m sorry.”

  “For what? Leaving us wide open to Tessa’s questions?”

  “For my callous choice of words,” he whispered against her hair and sighed. “I can see why you would take it the wrong way, but the truth is ‘inseparable’ is the right word for me. You’re never far from my thoughts. You still hold my heart in the palm of your hand. So, in my mind we were — are — inseparable.”

  A tear slipped from one eye. She sniffed. “Why, Gunner? If that’s so, why did you break up?”

  He pulled back. Pain clouded his eyes. His words came out hesitantly. “Mina, you blamed me for your mother’s and brother’s deaths. Then, for your father’s abandonment. Not me, necessarily, but my job. But that’s who I am, what I am. I can’t be anything else. Not even for you.”

  She shook her head. “I never blamed you.”

  “You don’t remember trying to talk me into getting a second major? Something to fall back on, as you put it? Or the many times you tried to convince me to choose a different path?”

  Her breath caught in her throat. Guilty as charged on all counts. “Oh, Gunner. I’m so sorry. I never meant—”

  Gunner cupped both of her cheeks in his hands, his touch warm and tender. “I know you didn’t mean to. You couldn’t help it. Their deaths were still too fresh, too raw, for you to really hear and accept what was on my heart. But I couldn’t live with your rejection and your resentment of my job. I did what I thought was best for both of us. We would have only ended up causing each other pain. But that doesn’t mean I’ve ever been able to disconnect from the love we shared.”

  She couldn’t say anything. Guilt slammed her in the chest, remorse over the lost years, the bitterness she’d allowed to seep into her heart crashing over her like a rogue wave.

  15

  A cool breeze swirled dried leaves around the parking lot of the hockey arena. She breathed in the pleasant aroma of charcoal and grilled meats, tantalizing sausage, steak and chicken.

  Clusters of folks settled in lawn chairs around grills as smoke spiraled skyward. An occasional football soared and beanbags landed on cornhole boards. The hum of voices and laughter filled the air.

  Willow shivered but not from the cold. More from excitement and anticipation of getting to know this new and improved Gunner.

  And losing a chunk of her heart to him more every day.

  “Wow, Gunner, I can’t believe you actually managed to pull off a surprise.” Willow tried to keep the amusement out of her voice but failed.

  He narrowed his eyes, shot her a mock frown, but he didn’t fool her. Not with the crinkles around his eyes and that alluring curve to his lips. “Funny girl. We know better, don’t we, Tessa?”

  Tessa only nodded at Gunner, her cheeks bulging with food.

  “You guys did a great job with this steak. It’s fabulous. Just the way I like it, medium well.” Willow dipped the last piece in sauce and popped it in her mouth, savoring the flavor. Better than the sirloin at her favorite restaurant, which she didn’t get to enjoy often. Only when Regi finally convinced her that she needed a night out. She swallowed and glanced at Tessa sitting beside her. “How’s yours, sweetie?”

  “Epic.” Tessa gobbled a row on her ear of corn.

  Chuckles came from all around the fold-up table.

  “Thanks for inviting me along for this culinary masterpiece, although I’m not so sure about the game they play inside there. Or rather, the fighting.” Regi rolled her eyes in the direction of the arena.

  Chad grinned and tossed his empty plate into the trash bag. “The players don’t get away with fighting like they used to. You might find you actually enjoy watching hockey.”

  “May I have another corn on the cob, please?” Tessa handed Gunner her empty plate.

  “Coming right up.” Gunner grabbed the tongs, pulled an aluminum foil-covered cob off the grill, and placed it gently on Tessa’s plate.

  Smiling, Willow stood and walke
d over to the back of Chad’s SUV. She reached into the large container of goodies and dug around.

  “Looking for these?”

  She whirled around at Gunner’s soft voice close to her ear. “What?”

  He dangled a king-sized bag in front of her.

  “Wow! The giant size.” She placed a hand across her chest. “A man after my heart.”

  “You could say that.” The laugh lines that normally lingered around Gunner’s eyes were nowhere to be found. What? A serious Gunner at a hockey game? That wouldn’t do.

  She tugged the bag from his grasp. “Thanks, Gunner. You thought of everything. But I think I’d rather keep these to snack on later. When we’re snug, uh, sitting around at your place. Would you mind?”

  The grin reappeared, and one dark eyebrow lifted. “Mind? Nah. Not when you talk like that.”

  Feeling her face flame, Willow buried her head in the container. She finally found the plastic wrapped package of brownies and waved it in the air. “I thought I saw these in there earlier. The brownies will work for now.”

  Gunner followed her to the table. She offered everyone a brownie then dropped a piece in her mouth. She sighed. Just what she needed. A bite of rich dark chocolate to finish off that delicious meal and chocolate-covered peanuts for later. Yum!

  “Chad, did you make the brownies?” Regi brushed the crumbs from her hands.

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “They’re delicious.”

  “Thank you.”

  Regi flashed Willow a conspiratorial grin. “A man who knows his way around a kitchen. Imagine that.”

  “Mom, may I have a brownie, please.” Tessa threw her empty plate in the trash bag, her face a splotchy mess of corn kernels and greasy butter.

  Chuckling, Willow pulled out a wet-wipe for her daughter. After Tessa swabbed at her cheeks and mouth, Willow handed her a brownie.

  Chad flashed a quick, expressive look at Gunner. “Think I’ll take a walk. Work off some of these calories.”

  Translation. He planned to check for any signs of trouble.

  “I’ll stay here and mind the hot grill.” Gunner nodded to his friend.

  Regi popped a grape into her mouth, grabbed a water bottle, and bolted off the chair. “Hey, Chad. Would you mind if I tagged along?”

  Chad stopped and waved her forward. “Actually, I’d appreciate the company.”

  Regi twisted over a shoulder and winked at Willow. “Save the cleanup for when I get back, you guys, and I’ll help.”

  Willow glanced around the campsite, taking note of what had to be done before they could leave for the arena. “Not much to clean up, Regi. We’ll find a trash container, but everything else we’ll just have to pack back in the SUV.” She smiled at Chad. “Nice setup you have here, Chad. Pretty compact and transformable.”

  “Thanks. I do a lot of tailgating. But usually it’s at the football stadium.”

  “Which team?” Excitement widened Regi’s eyes as she grabbed a sweater off the back of her chair and fumbled with trying to slide her arms into the holes.

  Chad took Regi’s sweater from her and held it out. “Charlotte’s team. My brother is a linebacker.” He looked to Gunner. “We’ll be back in a few minutes.”

  Regi grinned and waved. She loved football. The two sauntered away, Chad’s head continually moving in all directions, scanning their surroundings.

  “Uh-oh.” Gunner groaned and snatched another brownie from the container.

  Willow snapped her head in his direction. Why would he have a problem with Regi and Chad walking together? “What’s the problem?”

  “I think Tessa’s finally slowing down.”

  Willow glanced at her daughter, understanding the glazed look on her face. “Honey, is everything okay?”

  “I’m not sure, Mom. I think I may need to go to the bathroom.”

  Willow nodded and stood. “Do you know where the nearest restroom is, Gunner?”

  He picked up the trash bag and tossed in the empty plates and cups. “Yeah. They have port-a-potties close by, but the nearest actual restroom is inside the arena.”

  When Tessa groaned, Gunner dropped the full bag on the ground and leaned over Tessa’s chair, concern edging into his voice. “Are you feeling sick, sweetheart? Do we need to go back to my apartment? We brought two vehicles, so don’t worry. It’s not a problem.”

  Tessa gripped her stomach and scrunched her face. “I think I just ate too much too fast. I’ll feel better after a visit to the restroom.”

  “A little carbonation might help too.” Willow reached into the cooler for a cola and popped the lid.

  Tessa took a few sips.

  “You’d probably rather go inside to the restroom, right?” Gunner hoisted the trash bag into the back of his truck.

  “Yes! Better than a port-a-potty. Yuk!” Tessa nodded and sipped more cola.

  Willow had to agree with her. She helped Gunner load the chairs and the cooler into the back of Chad’s SUV.

  Gunner closed the back hatch and mashed the lock button. “Ready?”

  Willow nodded and grabbed Tessa’s hand. “Yeah. Let’s go watch some hockey.”

  ****

  Gunner grinned, glad that his surprise brought a little extra sparkle to their lives today. He slipped his phone from the holder and brought up Chad’s number as they walked through the parking lot.

  “Colburn.”

  “Hey. We loaded everything into the back of your SUV. We’re heading inside.”

  “So soon? We still have forty-five minutes before the puck drops.”

  “Yeah. The ladies have to make a pit stop inside. You have your tickets on you?”

  Gunner heard static on the other end, probably Chad fumbling around in his pockets. “Ten-four. I haven’t seen anything unusual. Just a bunch of hockey fanatics having fun.”

  Gunner laughed. That was the plan. Blend in with the crowd. Malcolm would never find them in a stream of people of this magnitude. If he was still looking for them. Gunner had his doubts.

  “Keep an eye on Regi?”

  “With pleasure.”

  Gunner smiled at the satisfaction lacing Chad’s voice. “I hear you. We’ll see you in the arena.”

  “What did Chad say to make you smile like that?” Mina asked.

  “I can’t reveal his deepest secrets.”

  She gave him a playful swat on the arm, and he tugged her close, breathing in her spicy perfume, gratefulness filling and expanding his heart.

  With his other arm tucked around Tessa’s, he escorted them through the crowded parking lot to the arena, only surrendering their closeness when they had to pass through security. Another reason he’d decided this was a good outing. Plenty of security. And no weapons allowed.

  He ushered them to a restroom in a secluded section of the arena. “Hang on for one more minute, please, Tessa?”

  Tessa’s pasty white face unnerved him, but she nodded.

  “Housekeeping. Anybody in here?” He knocked on the door then peeked his head around the entrance.

  No response. He issued another warning, giving another opportunity for stragglers or for someone to make him aware of their presence.

  “Go on in but check all the stalls first. I’ll keep everybody out.”

  “What service. Thank you, Gunner.” Chuckling, Mina winked as they headed into the restroom. “Tessa. Your own private bathroom, thanks to Gunner.”

  He watched them open every stall door until Mina nodded the all clear. In a nearby closet, he found a “Restroom closed for cleaning” sign and planted it in front of the entrance. Then he parked himself, arms crossed, right next to the sign.

  A few minutes later Tessa practically danced out of the room, Mina following at a more sedate pace.

  “Thanks, Gunner.”

  “You’re welcome, sweetheart. Feel better?” He didn’t need to ask. Rosy cheeks graced Tessa’s face again.

  “Yep. Can we go find our seats now?”

  “Don’t you w
ant to look around first? Maybe pick out a sweatshirt to take home with you? A gift from me.”

  Her eyes widened. “Really?”

  “If your mom says it’s okay.”

  Tessa tugged on her mother’s arm, her expression pleading. “Mom?”

  A smile curved Mina’s lips. “Tessa, honey, tonight’s game is against Tampa. Do you really want to get a North Carolina team sweatshirt when you live in Florida?”

  Longing shimmered from Tessa’s brown eyes as they flitted from Mina to him. His niece stared at him for a full thirty seconds, her gaze unwavering, eyelashes unblinking. Finally, she lifted her chin and announced, “I would very much like a North Carolina shirt, Mom.”

  Gunner squelched the deafening roar that threatened to erupt from his chest but nothing could stop the full-blown grin that stretched across his face. This was more than a shirt. Tessa had chosen him. Could Mina see that? It wasn’t just his imagination, was it?

  Mina nodded and flashed him a dazzling smile before drawing Tessa into a one-armed hug. “That’s fine, honey. Tonight you can be a North Carolina hockey fan.”

  “No, I’m a North Carolina fan from now on. Because that’s where Gunner lives.”

  He chuckled at Mina’s shocked expression. “Oops. Sorry, Mina. But it’s all good. You have more than a few roots here too.”

  Tessa and Mina found matching sweatshirts in the first souvenir shop. He paid for the shirts, and then they bought popcorn and drinks before heading to their seats. He refused to leave them alone to get snacks.

  Gunner pulled the ticket stubs from his pocket. They located their section and started up the stairs as people filed in from all directions. Music blared from the speakers.

  He leaned close to Mina’s ear so she could hear him and gestured. “Here we are. We have these three seats, starting at the aisle. Regi and Chad will be sitting in the row directly in front of us. Looks like Chad got some good seats.” He’d given Chad instructions to buy tickets high enough so that the walls didn’t block the view but close enough to feel the action.

  Mina smiled. “They’re perfect, Gunner.”

  He motioned for Tessa and Mina to scoot in first, and he took the aisle seat. Mina put the popcorn on the seat and the drinks in the cup holders and helped Tessa into her sweatshirt before donning her own.