My Once in a Lifetime

by Nicole Vidal

  Connor retreats to his office before heading home to complete my delivery. I’m not nervous about her. I’m nervous about me. As if I called her, my gorgeous woman appears at the threshold of my office.

  “Hey, babe. Are you ready to go home or do you need more time?”

  “I need about an hour or so. I would prefer to finish here and not have to work at home.”

  “Okay, I’ll be next door planning. I want to rearrange the floor plan to add some more intimate reading spaces.” She steps around my desk and kisses me softly.

  “I’ll come over when I finish.” I consider adding a reminder to lock the doors, but she will. She’s still cautious even here.

  I rebury my nose in the pile on my desk. A few days off with my woman alone before the holiday sounds perfect.

  “I’m heading out. Merry Christmas, Jacob.”

  “Bye, Gemma. Safe travels home. Please say hello to your father for me.”

  “Will do.” She grabs hers tote and walks out the door.

  Turning back to my files, I hear something crash to the floor next door. Tank’s ears perk up, but he doesn’t alert. My brain races through the layout of the store and what could have possibly fallen. Coming up empty, I decide to walk over. Locking the Blackthorne office, I use my key to unlock the door to Norah’s store.

  A loud noise vibrates from the back room. I hurry to the back of the store. A wave of fear rushes over me when I see Norah fighting someone. The build would lead me to believe it’s a man, but her assailant is wearing a mask. Her kick hits the person across the face. Immediately, they crumple to the ground with a thud.

  “Norah.”

  She rushes over to me and collapses against me.

  “Are you hurt?”

  “No, I’m fine.”

  Securing Norah behind me, I take a few steps backward before pulling out my phone, my right arm curled behind me holding her close.

  “Captain Greenfield, this is Jacob Blackthorne. Miss Cavallaro was just assaulted at her store.”

  “I’m on my way.”

  Whoever entered the store hasn’t moved. Surprisingly, she isn’t shaking like I would expect. She’s unmistakably calm.

  “Tell me what happened.”

  “I came back here for the measuring tape. When I bent down to pull out the toolbox, whoever that is, wrapped their arm around my waist and pulled me away from the counter. I stomped on their toes and struck my elbow into their abdomen and scurried away. When they came at me again, I kicked them.”

  Sirens increase in volume, and flashing lights paint the walls.

  “Mr. Blackthorne. CBPD.”

  “Back here.”

  Captain Greenfield and a few officers flooded the room. Moments later, EMTs enter the space, which now feels immensely smaller.

  “Miss Cavallaro, are you hurt?” he inquires.

  “No, I’m fine.”

  Greenfield has Norah explain what happened. As she speaks, the EMTs work on her assailant who still hasn’t moved. She gasps when they remove the mask.

  Morse.

  I snap a photo with my phone and immediately dial Bishop.

  “Jacob, what can I do for you?” he answers on the first ring.

  “I just sent you a photo. How did he get here? Why weren’t we informed of his release?”

  I hear tapping on a keyboard.

  “According to our records, he’s still in custody in Massachusetts. Let me talk to the commanding officer on scene please.” I hand my phone to Greenfield and draw Norah closer to me.

  “I understand, Agent Bishop. I’ll secure him at the hospital until your team arrives,” I overhear Greenfield say to Bishop. The EMTs wheel Morse by us toward the ambulance. He’s stirring on the stretcher, but he’s restrained with handcuffs.

  “Are there functioning security cameras in this area of the store, Mr. Blackthorne?”

  “Yes, we can review the feed in my office if you would like.”

  “Thank you. The sooner the better.” Greenfield orders his officers to secure the store as we leave.

  Norah sits in my desk chair and moves to the side. The video feed depicts exactly what Norah described. It also shows how Morse entered the store through the basement. Greenfield reviews the footage back about two weeks before he’s satisfied that he knows all the details he needs.

  “Please send a copy of that to my office and to Special Agent Bishop for the last two weeks. Miss Cavallaro, I need you to come to the station to sign your statement in the next few days.”

  “I will. Thank you, Captain.”

  I escort him to the door and assure him the video will arrive today.

  Returning to my office, I see Norah hasn’t moved. I step in front of her, raising my hand for her to take. I tug her up into my arms. Her head rests against my chest, her hands flat on my back.

  “Watching the playback is almost as good as watching you kick his ass in person.”

  She laughs against my chest.

  “Are you okay?”

  “Frankly, I just reacted. Defending myself today was subconscious. When I first started training, it was simply because the other sports my mother suggested didn’t work for me. Tennis—bleh. Swimming—boring. Karate was the best option she offered me. Now, it likely saved my life. I didn’t know it was Morse until they removed the mask. I’m angry that he is out, but I can’t live in fear of him. Bishop will find the truth.”

  “He will. Ready to go home?”

  “Yes.”

  I smile inwardly. I would prefer not to put off my evening plans.

  Chapter 65

  Jacob

  The ride to our home is largely quiet. I love that. Our. Tank’s head is resting on the center console of Norah’s car. Honestly, I’m shocked she lets him in her car. After parking in the garage, we set our work bags in the office.

  “Are you up for a walk?”

  “Definitely.”

  I raise an eyebrow.

  “Truly, babe, I’m fine. This isn’t me just saying I’m fine so you’ll stop asking. He didn’t hurt me this time. Plus, the crunch of his face against my foot was gratifying, especially learning it was Morse.”

  I smile.

  Pocketing some flashlights, I take her hand before leading her to the barn. Connor already delivered the first surprise of the evening. I hear a small whimper from the back of the barn.

  “What was that?” she asks.

  “Go look.” I smile, following her a few strides behind.

  “You got me a puppy?”

  “I did. After today, I feel a tad more justified. You were able to defend yourself. I’m grateful to your mother, but some backup is never a terrible thing.”

  She leans forward, offering me a sinful view of her curves, to open the crate. Scooping up the furry bundle, she turns toward me.

  “Is it a boy or girl?”

  “A boy.”

  “Does he have a name?”

  “No, you can name him.”

  “I’m sure we can choose one. Did you bring a leash?” she asks.

  After I attach the leash to his collar, I lead them across the back lawn and out the gate. We walk hand in hand with our new puppy hustling to keep up.

  My heart is racing. Never did I ever think I would be in this position again. The last time, I planned each detail down to timing the sunset. Now I know that isn’t the important part. It’s the everyday. It’s knowing how she takes her coffee, her favorite cologne, even knowing all my hoodies will smell like her.

  The closer we get to my spot, the more nervous I become to the point where I release her hand. She’ll suspect something is wrong if she feels my hand shaking again, which it is, more than in the hay loft.

  As we crest the hill, I stop to grab the blanket in the box. Norah keeps walking a bit further, gazing toward the horizon, our new addition sitting at her feet. After spreading it out, I wrap my arms around her from behind, and her curves melt into my body.

  She turns her head, pressing her lips to my
cheek. “You’re shaking again,” she says against my skin.

  “I am. I made you a playlist so I could express my love for you in case I couldn’t say the words. For the past month, I have been working on the right words to say to you.”

  She turns in my arms and is facing me. I have seen the look before, precisely three times. She knew even then I was in love with her. She knew her soul speaks to mine, even before I told her about Mara.

  “I never thought I would be here again. I gave my whole heart away a long time ago. A few wise people reminded me that what I can give isn’t measurable. The depth is up to me. The walls around my heart were high and thick. For almost three years, you have been removing each brick carefully and with precision. I didn’t even realize it until your text. I knew from that moment, I wouldn’t be able to let you go.”

  I take a step back, taking her hands in mine and dropping to one knee. She gazes down at me with the deepest love in her hazel eyes. I pull the pavé set, cushion cut diamond out of the box.

  “Norah, you’re everything I need and some things I didn’t know I needed. Girlfriend doesn’t work for me. When you agreed, I knew it would never be enough. Fiancée will work for a brief time. Will you be my once in a lifetime?”

  “Yes.” Her response falls from her lips in a whisper.

  I slide my ring onto her finger before standing to kiss her slowly. Every shred of concern I had for saying the right words, gone. This amazing woman is my forever love.

  “I love you, Norah.”

  “I love you.”

  “Can we keep this to ourselves for a few days?” I plan to enjoy it before we tell the world.

  “Absolutely.”

  She bends down, lifts our unnamed puppy, and sets him in my arms. “Last one naked makes breakfast.” She throws a wink over her shoulder and takes off for the house.

  My sly woman has a decent head start because of the furball.

  I lose the race to the house, but I’m not complaining. After crating the puppy, I find my fiancée wearing nothing but her engagement ring.

  True to our agreement, we don’t share our news for a few days. Once we do, our phones are flooded with well wishes.

  Christmas is my favorite holiday. Bright and early, I take Tank and Sabre out for a quick walk, attempting some basic training skills for Sabre. He’s making great progress. I’m sure it has something to do with Tank following my commands as well.

  When we amble back into the house, Norah’s in the kitchen with her back to me. Her hair is piled on top of her head, and her silky robe is tied at her waist. Sliding my arms around her, I nip the curve of her neck.

  “Merry Christmas, gorgeous.”

  “Merry Christmas.”

  I take the cup from her hand, setting it on the counter before I untie the sash of her robe. Guiding it to her elbows, I kiss a path over her exposed skin.

  “Jacob, we should—”

  A few hours later, after twisting our sheets into a tangled mess, we head to my parents’ for dinner. I should have anticipated our reception when we arrive. After seemingly short hugs, Mom, Jill, and even Joyce are gushing over Norah’s ring.

  “Did you help?” Jill asks.

  As Norah is shaking her head, Mom jumps in, “Jake, this is gorgeous.”

  “We’re so happy for the two of you,” Joyce adds before hugging me again. “She’s perfect, Jake,” she whispers.

  “She is,” I reply in a hushed tone.

  After the ladies finish swooning, the questions about the wedding start almost immediately. I lean over, kiss Norah’s temple, and move to the group of men. Connor hands me a drink.

  “We’re happy for you, Jake. To Jake and Norah.” My family raises a glass, and we celebrate again.

  After a delicious meal and some shouting at the television during the football game, Norah and I return home. Our first engaged holiday in the books, and it’s only the beginning.

  Epilogue

  Norah

  Two months later

  “Babe, are you ready to go?”

  He’s taking his time this morning. Normally, that wouldn’t concern me, but we need to run a few errands before our guests start arriving.

  “I’m ready. Let’s go.”

  “Hey, aren’t you forgetting something?”

  He stops and turns, drawing me against him before taking my mouth. This man seriously knows how to make my knees weak. Soon, it’ll be official.

  “Better?” he asks.

  “Much. Now we can go.”

  We spend a few hours readying last-minute details and picking up fresh ingredients that Kelsey requested. Kelsey, William, Nicholas, and Kelly will be arriving later today. The rest of the guests will arrive tomorrow morning. Kelly will bring my gown and dresses for Joyce and Connie. She also has my rehearsal dress—a replacement for my damaged dress but in ivory. Kelsey will be using our kitchen to finish our cake.

  Our friends arrive just before dinner.

  “I’m so happy you’re here!” I greet my friends when they arrive.

  “I want to see.” Kelly, whose ring is equally impressive, lifts my hand for inspection. “The picture didn’t do that justice. It’s gorgeous.”

  “Thanks. Hey, Kels. How are you feeling?”

  “I feel great! I have a few more weeks before the little bean joins our crazy family.” Pregnancy looks fantastic on her.

  “Thank you for enduring the car ride here. I’m sorry you couldn’t fly.”

  “It’s no problem. My husband is more protective than he was before.”

  The girls and I chat while we stash their luggage. The guys are talking on the back porch.

  “I don’t intend to bring you down, but is Gen coming?” Kelly asks cautiously.

  “No. It’s her choice, Kelly. She made a half-hearted apology just before Christmas. When I didn’t travel to Maine at her request, she got salty again. I just hope that Joseph and the boys come anyway.” What that choice might do to their marriage is on her, not me.

  The girls and I spend the evening chatting and drinking. Nicholas walks by with Nick in his arms, his gaze cast downward. He puts his son to bed in the guest suite and drops the monitor off near us when he rejoins the guys.

  “I can’t wait to see that,” Kelsey says softly.

  “What?” I ask.

  “My husband with his eyes cast down on our child.” Kelsey sets her hands on her belly and glances out the French doors toward William. He catches her eye and smiles.

  “Me too.” I add.

  “It’s amazing to see them change when a baby is born,” Kelly adds. Due to the long day of travel, the ladies turn in. I pad to our bedroom and curl up, gazing out the window. Not long after, the guys turn in as well.

  Despite her upcoming due date, Kelsey is up with the birds, buzzing around the kitchen. It’s mesmerizing watching her work. In the last few hours, she has constructed our cake and will decorate it later today.

  Our rehearsal dinner starts soon. Everyone has arrived except Joseph and the boys. If put in his situation, I don’t know what I would do. That isn’t true. I would choose Jacob, hands down. I sit in the chair to pull on my sparkly shoes.

  “You look stunning, almost Mrs. Blackthorne.” Jacob’s words pull me out of my thoughts.

  “Thank you. You look hot yourself.”

  Tonight, he’s wearing a new tailored suit. Tomorrow, a tux. I have seen Jacob dressed in a tux precisely once at the Ramirez wedding. Everything about us circles back to that day. That was the beginning of us. It took us some time to get here, but the wait was absolutely worth it. I set one hand on his chest and the other on his cheek. He leans forward, brushing his lips across mine.

  Someone clears their throat, but Jacob refuses to look away from me.

  “Sorry, but you need to get outside before the rain starts,” Connor states before walking away.

  Our rehearsal is short and sweet. Everyone finds their places and we move on to a low-key dinner. Hand in hand, Jacob and I move
around the house chatting and greeting everyone.

  “Mr. Cavallaro, it’s a pleasure see you in person. Mabel, it’s nice to see you again.”

  My father shifts on his feet. He seemed genuinely happy when I told him about Jacob.

  Mabel replies for both. “Congratulations, Jacob. Samuel and I are overjoyed for both of you.”

  My father takes Jacob’s extended hand. Mabel draws him into a hug.

  “Thank you, Mabel. Sir.”

  Jacob’s hand is shaking in mine.

  “Breathe, babe. Everything is fine. I’m not going anywhere.”

  After speeches from Connor, Cam, and Kelly, our guests start dispersing, and Kelly and I finish cleaning the kitchen.

  “Kel, did Dad freak out when you married Nicholas?”

  “Yeah, he gave us the cold shoulder until just before he walked me down the aisle.”

  “This is normal for Dad?”

  Kelly shrugs and leaves the room. Hopefully, all will be well in the morning.

  “Let’s go, Jake. You need to leave before midnight,” I hear Connor say from the doorway.

  Jacob nods at Connor. “Okay, I just need to talk to Norah for a moment.”

  Connor doesn’t move.

  “Alone, C.”

  He takes my hand, leading me to our bedroom.

  “Connor’s right, you know.”

  Jacob nods. “I know, but I have a gift for you.” He hands me a small box.

  When I open the box, tears well up in my eyes. “How did you…?” I pull my mother’s wedding band out.

  “Kelly. She carried it, so I thought you could too.” He kisses the tear that slides down my cheek. “I’ll see you tomorrow morning. I’ll be waiting to marry you.”

  “I’ll be the one wearing white.” I kiss him softly before gently pushing him out the door. I slip out of my dress and into bed. Tank and Sabre dutifully fill Jacob’s side of our bed.

  The dark morning sky isn’t lifting as the time approaches for me to step outside to marry my forever. Wind whips across the yard, angling the ribbons and tearing apart the flowers we placed out there. A loud crack of thunder makes me shudder. I’m pacing, holding the train of my dress up as I go. Kelly’s design is flawless and perfectly me. The French lace forms the straps and an elegant keyhole back. The fitted skirt has covered buttons down to a V-shaped, lace train. Kelly and Kelsey just left to check on some details with the catering.