Rushing In: A Small Town Family Romance

by Claire Kingsley

  Smiling, I leaned in to kiss him again. “It’s one of my favorite things about you.”

  “I love you, Sky.”

  “I love you too.”

  And I did. I loved him so much. I never wanted to be without him, and now I’d never have to.

  43

  Gavin

  Icy rain pelted the football field, soaking through my clothes. Not that I cared. This was football weather in the mountains. And tonight was the big Bailey-Haven game.

  It was fucking on.

  Technically, I wasn’t supposed to play tonight. But as far as I was concerned, some minor burns weren’t enough to sideline me. If we’d been playing anyone but the Havens, Jack probably would have made me sit the bench. But we were playing the Havens, which meant all bets were off. And a mildly injured Gavin was definitely taking the field.

  The Bailey team had played a great season, both with and without me. We hadn’t lost a single game, not even to the Montgomerys, who’d beaten us last year.

  Of course, the fucking Havens were also undefeated.

  For now. We were going to kick their asses tonight.

  I stood on the sidelines with my brothers, waiting for the fourth quarter to start. It was a tie game, and they had the ball, but I was confident we were going to walk out of here with the win.

  We had to. Bailey pride demanded it.

  Glancing into the bleachers, I waved at my girl. Sky was bundled up in a thick coat and wore a light blue knit hat someone at Stitch and Bitch had made her. Gram had started teaching her to crochet, which was so fucking cute. Asher and Evan hadn’t told me how awesome it was to see your girl bonding with Gram.

  She waved back from beneath the big umbrella that covered both her and Cara. Grace and Fiona shared another one next to them. They were troopers, coming out here on a stormy night to cheer on their team.

  Bunch of cute little badasses is what they were. I loved those girls.

  Especially Sky.

  No one had been all that surprised when we’d told everyone we were engaged. I’d expected a bunch of lectures from my brothers about not rushing in. But they’d just congratulated me with slaps on the back and Bailey bear hugs. Like they trusted me to make this big decision about my life and not fuck it up.

  Maybe they just realized that I knew. Sky was it for me. It was as simple as that.

  Grace was so excited, she’d brought me a t-shirt that said, Soon-To-Be Trophy Husband. She’d gotten it from her brother Cooper.

  I was wearing it under my sweatshirt.

  “How you feeling, Gav?” Jack asked. “If you’re hurting—”

  “I’m good.”

  He nodded. “I want you all over Zachary Haven. Rush that damn pass.”

  “With pleasure, Coach.”

  Logan nudged me with his elbow and nodded across the field. “Look at those dicks.”

  Theo and Garrett were glaring at us from the other side of the field.

  “They’re still pissed about the drive-in,” I said with a chuckle. “Is it weird that I can’t wait to see what they do to try to get us back?”

  Logan laughed. “Yeah, you are weird, Gav. By the way, I bought Princess Squeaker a pink cat bed I saw in the window at Happy Paws. It’s totally her new favorite place to sleep.”

  “Where is it? I didn’t even see it.”

  “It’s in my room.”

  I shoved him. “Stop trying to steal my cat.”

  “I’m not. It’s not my fault she likes me better than you.”

  “Whatever. She’ll always love her mommy best.”

  The Havens took the field so I popped my mouth guard back in and tossed a wink over my shoulder at Sky. I was cold and tired, but it felt great. My leg was getting stronger, and I was about to get all up in Zachary Haven’s face.

  Levi and Logan were playing both sides of the ball with me. Asher and Evan were on offense, waiting on the sidelines for us to get the ball back for them.

  Adrenaline lit me up from the inside as I stared Zachary down. Even though I was obligated to hate him, I had to admit, Zachary was a great quarterback. He was quick and had a good arm. Our eyes met and his narrowed, so I grinned at him.

  We took our places and I vibrated with excitement, waiting for the snap. My fingers twitched and I ground my teeth into my mouth guard.

  They hiked the ball and I took off like a rocket, heading straight for Zachary. He pulled back for a pass, but I didn’t give him time. I squeezed through two defenders and forced him to throw it away.

  Hell yes.

  Levi gave me a high five on my way back to the line of scrimmage.

  Second down. My feet kicked up mud as I flew forward. Theo knocked into my shoulder, trying to keep me away from Zachary. I spun, letting my momentum carry me around, and two seconds later I was rushing Zachary again. He got off a pass but it was incomplete.

  “Dude, did you hear I’m getting married?” I asked Zachary. I pointed out Skylar. “That’s my girl, right there.”

  His brow creased, like he was confused. “So?”

  “So, she’s one more girl you’ll never have.”

  “Fuck off, Gavin.”

  I laughed and went back to the line.

  The crowd cheered as the Havens set up for third down. If we held them here, they’d have to punt, and we’d get the ball back. Then Asher could go to work.

  I locked Zachary in my sights. We had this game. I could feel it.

  They hiked the ball and my legs ate up the distance between me and Zachary. He side-stepped, then planted his feet, setting up for a pass. Not on my watch. He released the ball, but I jumped, reaching for it. My fingers caught the bottom, tipping it away. Another incomplete.

  “Fuck,” Zachary bellowed.

  I did a little celebration dance and waved at Sky again. She was on her feet cheering for me while Cara held the big umbrella out of her way.

  The Havens had no choice but to punt, even though they were clearly pissed about it. We got the ball back and the energy of the game was definitely on our side. Three first downs in a row thanks to a pass to Evan, a pass to Logan, and a great run by Levi, and we were in scoring range. Two plays later, touchdown Baileys.

  Unfortunately for us, the Havens came back strong on their next possession. They were ready for me, doubling up coverage on the line. Zachary completed a few good passes. Then they surprised us with a reversal to Josiah, and he ran it in. Touchdown Havens.

  Fuck.

  Tie game again and the clock was running down.

  They kicked off to us and Levi ran it back to about the fifty-yard line. Great field position, but we had to take advantage of it. First down, Asher handed off to Levi. Not a bad run—about five yards. We ran the same play again, and this time I blocked for him. Six yards and a first down.

  Next play, Asher faked to Levi, then stepped back for a pass. Evan was wide open in the end zone. Asher threw a perfect spiral right into Evan’s chest. He caught it and the crowd went wild.

  Touchdown Baileys. After kicking the extra point, we were up by seven.

  But there was still time, and now the Havens would have the ball.

  We kicked off and Theo ran it back to the forty. If they could get a couple of first downs, they had plenty of time to score. We had to hold them here.

  I clenched my teeth around my mouth guard as we took our positions on defense. Excitement warmed me from the inside. Zachary’s eyes narrowed and I grinned at him.

  I’m coming for you, asshole.

  They hiked the ball and I launched for him, my feet digging into the muddy field. Incomplete. Second down he faked to Theo, but I wasn’t fooled. I went right for him and he had to throw it away. Another incomplete. Third down.

  This time, he did hand it off to Theo, rather than attempt another pass. Logan was on it, pulling Theo’s flag before he made it even five yards. Fourth down, but obviously they’d go for it. The game was almost over. It was their last chance.

  My fingers twitched as I took my po
sition. Zachary called out the play. They hiked the ball and I had one objective. Pull Zachary’s flag before he could lose the ball.

  A defender tried to get in my way, but I darted around him. My legs burned with the effort of my sprint—especially my left—but I kept pushing. Zachary planted his feet and drew his arm back, ready to throw.

  I dove for him, reaching for his flag. My hand wrapped around something and a second later, I hit the ground with a thud. Mud splattered in my face and dirt shoved up my nose.

  And in my hand was Zachary Haven’s flag.

  I held it up and Zachary tossed the ball on the ground.

  That was it. We won.

  The Bailey crowd cheered and my brothers ran over and hauled me to my feet. I was soaked, dirty, and freezing, and I fucking loved it. We’d beat those asshole Havens.

  We ran to the sidelines to exchange hugs and high-fives. Someone tossed me a towel, so I wiped the mud off my face.

  I turned, and there was Skylar.

  Her smile lit up the rainy football field. “That was amazing. Congratulations.”

  “Thanks, baby.” I grabbed her and pulled her in for a kiss.

  “You must be freezing.” Her eyes met mine. “Should we go warm you up?”

  I fake-shivered. “I’m so cold. I’ll need lots of warming up tonight.”

  She laughed. “Good.”

  Chief walked over and patted me on the back. “Nice job out there.”

  “Thanks, Chief.”

  “Listen, I don’t mean to take away from your victory, but I wanted to be the one to tell you. We suspect the fire at the Haven House was arson.”

  “No shit?”

  He nodded. “It’s not definitive yet. We’re going to need to do a full investigation. But there’s enough to make us suspect that somebody set that fire on purpose.”

  “Why would someone burn down the Haven House?” Skylar asked.

  “That’s what we’re going to find out. Whoever did this almost killed several people, including you. I do not take that lightly.” There was a hint of menace in his voice.

  “Let me know how I can help,” I said.

  “I will. Now go celebrate your win.”

  I opened my mouth to say, hell yeah, I’m going to go celebrate naked. But I was getting naked with his daughter and that just wasn’t the kind of thing you said to your boss. Even if he was cool with you marrying her.

  So I just said, “Thanks Chief,” and left it at that.

  But I really was going to go celebrate naked. And it was going to be the best thing I did all night. Even better than beating the Havens at flag football.

  Because there was simply nothing better than being with my girl.

  44

  Skylar

  Cara really did know how to throw a great party.

  She’d gone all out for this one, with a caterer, full bar, balloons, and a big sign that read, Congratulations Skylar.

  I’d told her she didn’t need to throw me a book launch party. But I’d discovered that trying to get Cara to stop doing something once she’d set her mind to it was pretty much impossible.

  Besides, this book deserved to be celebrated. It represented a turning point in my career. I’d written it after the worst bout of writer’s block I’d ever had. After losing my publisher, and my agent, and my then-boyfriend.

  I’d started it with Gavin nearby, his calming influence shoring up my confidence. I’d continued, and finished, with his encouragement, and his love.

  And that was the true magic. The real reason I’d been able to write at all. The essence of creative energy was love, and Gavin had unlocked a deeper love than I’d ever known.

  Even when we were both trying to convince ourselves we were just friends.

  I’d dedicated the book to him.

  So many of my family and friends were here. Dad and Mom held hands over near the bar while they chatted with Gram. She’d read an early copy of the book and said it had kept her up so late, she’d overslept the next morning and her peckers hadn’t been pleased.

  Evan and Fiona had brought me a cute little succulent as a gift. Fiona said its name was Beatrice, but I was welcome to change it if I wanted. I just hoped I’d be able to keep it alive. Cara breezed around the room, chatting and drinking, always circling back to Grace. Grace’s baby belly was just starting to show, and Asher kept absently rubbing it.

  They were so adorable.

  Logan seemed to have planted himself near the bar. He stood with a glass of whiskey in his hand, talking to Levi and Ginny.

  I was going to miss Ginny. She was checking out of her rental house tomorrow and heading back to Denver, where she was based. I’d read a draft of her piece on Tilikum and it was amazing. She’d woven the feud and unanswered questions from the past into a lively description of life in our quirky little mountain town. She’d really done it justice.

  Gavin brought me another glass of champagne.

  “I should probably slow down,” I said. “I think this is my third glass.”

  He tucked my hair behind my ear. “It’s your party. Have as much as you want. I’ll stay sober and make sure you get home okay.”

  Logan laughed loudly from across the room.

  “You might have to make sure your brother gets home okay.”

  “Yeah, I think he’s using whiskey to cope with his proximity to Cara tonight.”

  I laughed and took a sip of my champagne.

  Gavin took my left hand and brought it to his lips for a kiss. We’d chosen my engagement ring together—a silver band with a deep blue sapphire. I’d tried on a few rings with a diamond, but we’d both been drawn to this one. And as soon as I’d tried it on, we’d agreed it was the one.

  A little non-traditional, maybe. But it was perfect.

  “Have I mentioned how proud I am of you?” Gavin asked and kissed my hand again.

  “Thank you. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

  “I think you could have, but it wouldn’t have been nearly as fun.”

  “Definitely not as fun.”

  I’d decided to take the leap and publish my book independently, rather than going through the process of finding a new agent and shopping the book around to the big publishers. It had been a daunting prospect, but Gavin had helped. We’d learned a lot together. The book had gone live yesterday, and so far, the reception had been amazing.

  And doing everything myself was so empowering. I wasn’t at the mercy of a big company. The fate of this book, and all my future books, was in my hands.

  “Time for a toast,” Gavin said and winked at me. He stepped forward and raised his glass. “Hey, everyone. Let’s all lift our glasses to our resident literary genius, and my future wife, Skylar Stanley. She’s not only a talented author, she’s a beautiful person inside and out. And she has great taste in husbands, since she picked me. Congratulations, Sky. I’m so proud of you, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us. Cheers!”

  A chorus of, “Cheers,” went around the room. I raised my glass in thanks to everyone here and took a sip.

  Gavin hooked an arm around my waist and pulled me close for a kiss.

  The caterer served more food and the bartender was a hit. Sven, Cara’s massage therapist, showed up to give shoulder, neck, and foot massages. He looked like a huge Viking, with broad shoulders, a thick beard, and a blond man-bun. Cara said his hands were magic, and she wasn’t wrong.

  After Sven’s massage and more champagne, I was relaxed and more than a little bit tipsy. Gram and my parents went home, leaving Gavin and Grace as the only sober people at the party. Everyone else made multiple trips to the bar. The noise level rose, but for once I didn’t mind. Gavin and I laughed, and danced, and celebrated, and laughed some more.

  It was the best book launch party I’d ever had.

  Of course, it was the only book launch party I’d ever had. But that didn’t diminish its importance to me. In fact, that made it even more special.

  The night wo
re on and some of the guys started a poker game. There were mini cheesecakes and fancy chocolates, and more drinks. Cara gave me a cupcake she’d made herself. It was light and fluffy with delicious buttercream frosting on top. Gavin congratulated her on no longer sucking at baking. She laughed like that was the funniest thing she’d ever heard. Of course, by that point, she was pretty drunk.

  Eventually, I started to get sleepy. I didn’t even have to ask Gavin if he minded leaving. He knew without me saying a word. He said goodbye to the guys at the poker table and grabbed my coat for me.

  I’d lost track of who was still here and who’d left already. I didn’t see Ginny, but she’d probably gone home to finish packing. I was meeting her for brunch tomorrow, so we could say our goodbyes then.

  I thanked everyone for coming and waved goodbye. Gavin put his hand on the small of my back and led me toward the door.

  “Oh, wait. I wanted to thank Cara again.” I glanced over the people left, but didn’t see her. “I don’t know where she went.”

  “I don’t know, either,” Gavin said. “She probably went upstairs to pass out.”

  Still feeling tipsy myself, I leaned against him and giggled. “Probably. That’s okay, I’ll see her soon.”

  Gavin led me out to his truck and helped me in. It had been the best night. I was pleasantly buzzed, enjoying the success of my book, and the company of friends and family. I was engaged to the most wonderful man I’d ever known. It was hard to imagine being any happier.

  As bad as my life had been when I’d moved to Tilikum, now it was that much better, and more.

  We left Cara’s but Gavin didn’t head back to his place. Instead, he drove toward Gram’s.

  “Where are we going?”

  He glanced at me with a little grin. “I have a surprise for you.”

  We drove down the long private drive toward Gram’s house, but didn’t stop there. Instead, he parked outside the house next door, where Grace’s mom and stepdad, Jack and Naomi Cordero lived.

  “I’ve been talking to Jack,” Gavin said. “He and Naomi are building their dream home. It’s actually not far from Cara’s. I went out there yesterday, it’s amazing. Great view. Anyway, they’re going to sell this place and I kind of thought maybe we could buy it.”