by Elle James
Frowning, Sadie shook her head. “A woman’s wedding day is something she’ll remember for the rest of her life. You need to make it special.”
“How much do you actually remember from ours?” Hank asked.
Sadie blushed. “Well, the day was a blur. But I remember seeing you at the end of the aisle, waiting for me, and thinking I was the luckiest woman in the world.”
Hank tilted his head back and stared at her down his nose for a moment before grinning. “Good answer.” Then he kissed her. “As it is, I have a new recruit flying into Bozeman tomorrow. We can add him to our dinner celebration.”
Sadie nodded. “Then it’s a date.”
“What about Emma?”
“I’ll ask Chuck Johnson if he’d like to watch her for the day.” Sadie smiled. “He’s so good with Maya, and Emma adores him.”
“You can’t keep using my guys as babysitters,” Hank protested. “And Chuck’s only been out of the hospital for a day.”
Sadie straightened her shoulders. “Chuck offered. And he really is good with babies. I think he misses being with Maya all the time now that Daphne and Boomer are together.”
“Okay, but you really can’t rely on them. They have real jobs.”
“I know. But who better to protect our baby than a Brotherhood Protector?” Sadie smiled up at her husband.
He shook his head, though his lips quirked upward on the corners. “You have a point.”
Dallas glanced at Viper. If they were really in love and getting married, would they laugh and poke at each other so easily, like Hank and Sadie?
At that moment, Viper locked gazes with Dallas.
Heat rose in her cheeks, and she looked away. “I guess we should be going. We need to meet with the caterer.”
“Let me know if we can help you with anything,” Hank shot a glance at Viper. “Anything.”
“Thanks, but I think we’ve got this. With Daisy’s and Sadie’s help, this wedding will happen on time.”
“With a beautiful dress,” Sadie added, giving Dallas a pointed look. “Tomorrow. We’ll find one.”
Dallas smiled. “Thank you for all your help.”
Sadie laughed. “Don’t thank me until we bag that dress.”
Dallas led the way out of the house and down the steps.
Viper reached the truck before her and opened her door. He handed her up into the cab and closed the door once she was settled. He waved at Hank and Sadie standing on the porch and climbed in beside Dallas. “Think she knows we’re faking it?”
With a sigh, Dallas shook her head. “No. She thinks our relationship’s all for real.”
Viper glanced her direction. “Why the glum face?”
“I hate lying to her. She’s so helpful and cares.”
“She’d be the first to understand.” Viper backed away from the house and turned onto the road leading off the property then accelerated to the highway.
For the first few miles, Dallas sat in her seat staring at the road ahead. “They’re a nice family,” she said at last.
“What?”
“Hank, Sadie and Emma,” she clarified. “They make a nice family.”
Viper nodded. “Yes, they do.” He maneuvered the truck around a curve in the road. “What about you, Dallas? Do you see yourself married and with children?”
Dallas shrugged. “Up until now, no.”
“And now?”
She glanced out the side window, not wanting Viper to see the longing in her face. “I don’t know what I want. I never dreamed past the Army and being a Ranger.”
“I never thought past Emily and the baby. But life happened.” He snorted. “In my case, death happened. I guess I’m finally coming to terms with reality.”
Dallas rested her hand on the knee below which was her fake leg. “Me, too. Seeing Hank and Sadie with Emma…well…their life shows me other choices exist besides being a Ranger.”
Viper nodded. “Those choices can be equally important and life-shaping.”
“That Emma…” Dallas chuckled. “Can wrap you around her little finger in a heartbeat.”
“My daughter would have been five this year,” Viper said softly.
Dallas shot a glance in his direction. “I’m sorry. I don’t know how anyone gets over losing a child or a spouse.”
“You don’t. You just learn a new way to breathe. A new normal.” He looked her way. “You’ve lost friends. It’s not any easier.”
Her chest tightened. “No.”
They entered Eagle Rock and drove to the bakery where they were to meet with Melissa Fuller.
Viper pulled into the parking lot and shifted into Park.
Dallas opened her door before Viper could get out and do it for her. She was on the ground and rounding the front of the truck when the door to the bakery slammed open and a man backed out with his hands in the air.
Dallas ducked back behind the hood of the truck, her pulse racing.
“Damn it, Mel!” he said. “Put down that gun. We can talk this out.”
“Like hell we can,” a voice said from inside. The barrel of a shotgun emerged through the door, followed by the petite woman holding it. “I told you, I’m done. We’re divorced, and I intend to stay that way.”
“What’s going on here?” Viper asked.
The woman with the gun nodded toward the man she targeted. “That good-for-nothing son-of-a-bitch thinks he can waltz back into my life like nothing happened.” She snorted. “Well, I’m here to tell him, the divorce was final over a month ago. I don’t want you back, Tim. Get it through your thick skull.”
He shook his head slowly. “But you’re my wife. I love you.”
“Was your wife. I’m now your ex-wife.” She waved the shotgun at him. “Now get out of my life and stay out.”
“That’s my gun,” he muttered.
“Was your gun. I got it in the settlement.”
He pointed at the shotgun. “That weapon belonged to my grandfather.”
“I don’t care if it belonged to your Great Aunt Gladys, get out of here before I use it.”
“You don’t even know how to load it.”
“No?” She waved the gun again. “You think I didn’t load this before pointing it at your lousy ass?” She aimed the barrel at Tim’s feet. “Are you willing to take that chance?”
Tim backed away a few steps. “No. Of course not. What man would be stupid enough to go up against a crazy woman with any kind of gun?”
“Apparently you are stupid enough, if you don’t leave now.” She pointed to a truck with lettering on the side proclaiming it as Tim’s Party Rental.
“I’m going. I’m going,” he said and jerked open the truck door. “But we’re not over. I’m not giving up.”
“Idiot,” Mel called out.
“Crazy bitch,” Tim shouted as his tires spun on the pavement in his exit.
Once Tim’s truck disappeared down the street, Mel lowered her gun and smiled at Viper and Dallas. “Hi, you must be Vince and Dallas. Come on into the bakery. I’ve been expecting you.”
Dallas shot a glance at Viper.
He smiled back. “Like I was saying, life has a way of moving on. Some of us just need a little push.”
Dallas tried, but she couldn’t hide the smile spreading across her face as she agreed. “And some need a loaded shotgun as added incentive.”
Chapter 10
Viper held out his hand, anxious to relieve the woman of the shotgun. “Mind if I take that shotgun for now?”
Melissa Fuller sighed. “Not at all.” She ejected the shells, cleared the barrel and handed over the empty weapon.
Viper glanced around the shop with the glass cases full of tarts, cookies, cakes and pie. “Do you mind if I put this somewhere safe?”
“Not at all,” Melissa said. “Make yourself at home.”
Viper stepped behind the counter and into the back room where he leaned the shotgun into a corner. He returned to the front and inhaled the scent of confec
tionary sugar and cake.
Melissa planted her hands on her hips. “Tim makes me so mad I could spit nails.”
“Apparently,” Dallas commented. “What did he do that made you want to shoot him?”
“The son-of-a-” Mel covered her mouth with her hand. “Sorry. The fool proposed again.”
Dallas’s brows shot up into the hair hanging over her forehead. “He what?”
Melissa rolled her eyes and entered the bakery. “He asked me to marry him.”
“And that made you mad?” Dallas shook her head.
“Yes. The divorce has been final for over a month, and he came traipsing into the bakery, armed with flowers and my old engagement ring.” She turned back to Dallas and Viper, her eyes filled with tears. “What was I supposed to do? Say yes?”
Viper could think of better ways to let down the guy than to threaten him with a shotgun, but he kept his opinion to himself and let her continue.
“He accused me of cheating, something I would never do. If he knew me at all, he’d know it was the truth.”
“Why did he think you cheated?”
“Because I talked to my old high school sweetheart when he came back into town. We had dinner to catch up on old times. He was feeling down because his wife left him. I helped him through a rough patch. That dinner was it. The man isn’t interested in me any more than I’m interested in him. I’m married, for heaven’s sake.” She swiped at the tears slipping down her cheeks. “Was married.”
Dallas snagged a tissue from a box on the counter and handed it to Melissa. “Are you all right?”
Mel flung a hand in the air. “No, I’m not all right. The crux of the matter is that I still love the dumbass.” She sniffed loudly and blew her nose. “And to make matters worse…” Her bottom lip trembled, and more tears spilled from her eyes. “I’m pregnant.”
Viper started to ask if it was Tim’s baby, but he bit back the words. From what Melissa was saying, it was and asking her could possibly get him shot. “Does Tim know?”
“No. You two and my doctor are the only ones who know. I don’t know why I told you.” She frowned heavily. “Don’t tell Tim. I don’t want him coming back to insist I remarry him because of the baby.”
“But you just said you loved him,” Dallas pointed out.
“I do. But he hasn’t learned anything. I can’t take him back until he knows how important controlling his temper is. I won’t have my baby growing up in a house where we’re always yelling at each other.”
“Or pointing weapons at people we love?” Dallas said with a gentle smile.
When she looked at Melissa like that, she made Viper wish she looked at him. Who knew the tough Ranger girl could be as gentle and caring as she was?
Viper knew. He’d seen beyond the façade she’d erected to bluff her way past her male Army counterparts. But deep down, she was empathic, kind and caring. And she’d hate it worse than anything if he pointed out the fact.
Being raised by her father and then entering the Army, going through the extreme training she’d endured, made hiding that side of her second nature.
“Hey, come have a seat.” Dallas led Melissa to one of the bistro tables in the bakery. She urged the pregnant woman to sit on the small chair and then she sat across from her. “Has Tim abused you in any way?”
Melissa jerked back her head. “No, of course not. He beat up Rob, my old high school sweetheart after we had dinner. Rob suffered a few cuts and bruises but, thankfully, he didn’t press charges. Tim’s never raised a hand to me or hurt me in any other way than to call me a liar and a cheat.” She smiled through the tears. “If anything, I’m the one who could have hurt him.” She laughed, the sound catching on a hiccup. “Besides threatening to shoot him with a shotgun, I squirted him with ketchup one time when we got into an argument. The sauce stained his favorite shirt.” She looked at Dallas, her eyes rounding. “Oh, God. I’m as bad as he is. Maybe worse.”
The bakery owner buried her face in her hands. “Why am I such a mess?”
Dallas slipped into the one across from Melissa.
Viper sat beside the distraught woman. “You’re fine. And arguing isn’t a bad thing. My folks would have shouting matches at least once a quarter. If they didn’t, then we started to worry. They’ve been happily married for thirty-five years.”
“They shout?” Melissa asked, her tears slowing. “Loudly?”
Viper nodded. “Loud enough the neighbors once called the sheriff. They all had a good laugh later, after everyone calmed down.”
Shaking her head, Melissa sighed. “I didn’t cheat on him. But he never apologized for accusing me.”
“Will you take him back?” Dallas asked.
“Probably,” Melissa said. “I miss him. And I want my baby to have a father.” Her lips firmed. “But he has to apologize first.” She placed her hands on the table and pushed to her feet. “But now, you two are here because you’re getting married.” She smiled. “Are you sure you want to, after witnessing what marriage can make you do?”
Viper grinned. “We’re pretty committed to this adventure.”
Melissa wiped her face with the tissue, tossed it into the trash and squared her shoulders. “Then let’s plan the food for the reception. I promise I’m not a flake. I’m hormonal and weepy, but I can make a beautiful wedding cake and cook a mean brisket and barbecue ribs.”
Viper laughed, amazed the woman had the time to do both. “Those sound amazing.”
“Good. All I need is the number of guests you expect and what sides you’d like to go with the barbecue.”
The wedding guests would include all of the Brotherhood Protectors and their women, and the veterans from the Brighter Days Ranch. Hank had given him the list of names, and Dallas had added her list to come up with a total number that would make sense to anyone on the outside observing their efforts.
In between helping customers with cakes and cookies, Melissa worked with Viper and Dallas to develop a menu for the wedding reception. Then she handed them a book with pictures of wedding cakes and asked them to decide on one.
Viper let Dallas choose the design and was surprised when she chose the same one he’d been considering. The cake was simple but elegant, with three layers, buttercream frosting and white and pale, rosy-pink accent flowers.
By the time they concluded their meeting, the afternoon had waned.
Viper stood and helped Dallas to her feet. His cellphone vibrated in his pocket. When he pulled it out, he noted Hank’s name on the screen. He answered immediately.
“Need you at the Blue Moose as soon as possible,” Hank said without preamble.
“On our way.” Viper thanked Melissa and hooked Dallas’s arm.
Once outside, Dallas frowned up at him. “What’s wrong?”
Viper opened the passenger door of his truck. “Hank called. He wants us at the Blue Moose Tavern ASAP.”
“Did he say why?” she asked as she slipped into the passenger seat.
“No.” Viper closed the door and hurried around to the driver’s side. They could have walked, but he wanted his truck close in case they needed to leave quickly. Only a minute or two passed in the time it took to drive the short distance from the bakery to the tavern. Vehicles were parked all around the building and down the side alleys. “Looks like this is the place to be for dinner.”
“I’ve only been here a couple of times, but these are the most vehicles I’ve seen out front,” Dallas noted.
“I wonder what’s going on. Must be something important for Hank to want us here.” Viper got out and met Dallas at the front of the truck. He entered the tavern first. If there was trouble inside, he didn’t want Dallas hurt.
The inside of the tavern was dimly lit with lamps hanging over each table, making them more intimate.
The people gathered around the bar all had mugs of beer, but they were silent until Viper entered with Dallas close behind.
Then a loud cheer went up, and everyone in the room yelle
d as one, “Surprise!”
Viper shielded Dallas’s body with his for a full second until he realized Hank’s team had come together to celebrate his and Dallas’s upcoming wedding. His heart swelled at the thoughtfulness of the group of men he was just beginning to get to know. Not only were the men there, their women had come, as well.
Swede handed him a beer and winked. “Go with it,” he said. “Chuck had the idea to throw the party. Blame him.”
Chuck, the oldest of Hank’s men, pushed through the crowd, a dark-purple shiner marring his face and bandages covering one hand. He enveloped Viper in a bear hug. Then he swept Dallas into his arms and crushed her.
“We’re glad to see you out of the hospital already,” Viper said.
Chuck grinned. “Had to twist the doc’s arm to make him sign my release.”
Dallas laughed and pounded Chuck’s back. “I’m sure you’re exhausted. You shouldn’t have gone to all this trouble.”
“Maybe I shouldn’t have,” Chuck said with a wink, “but we can always use a good excuse to get together.”
She leaned back and studied his face. “Are you sure you’re up to all this excitement after nearly being killed?”
He shrugged and grinned. “Just another day in my life.”
One by one, the team introduced themselves to Dallas.
Boomer carried his baby girl, Maya, on his arm. “This is Maya, and you met my fiancée, Daphne, at Taz’s wedding.”
“I did.” Dallas shook hands again with Daphne and smiled up at Maya.
Kujo, former Delta Force, introduced his fiancée, FBI special agent Molly Greenbriar. His dog, Six, nudged his way between their legs, looking for attention.
Dallas looked to Kujo. “May I pet him?”
Kujo nodded. “Go ahead.”
Squatting beside the German Shephard, Dallas held out her hand for the dog to sniff before she ventured closer to scratch behind the dog’s ears.
Not only was she good with babies, she appeared to love dogs. Viper was having feelings for his partner that had nothing to do with friendship and more to do with the heat building in his loins.
He gulped down the beer and held out his hand for another. A long, cold shower was in his near future, or he wouldn’t get any sleep again that night.
