by Ciana Stone
Bailey felt it was her fault and that gnawed at her. She didn't want to make him unhappy or feel that she wasn't overjoyed to be with him, but she'd been holding things inside ever since that day, and it was eating her up.
"I can't do this." She jumped up and walked into the kitchen, staring out of the glass of the back door.
"Baby, what's wrong?" He came up behind her and put his hands on her shoulders.
"We were here. Right here. Naomie was at the sink, topping strawberries and talking about her grandmother fixing strawberry cobbler when her voice just stopped. I looked at her, and she turned her head from the window over the sink, looking around like she was hunting for something.
"Suddenly she snatched up a butcher knife and ran toward the door. She'd just reached it when we heard Rusty scream for DeLyn. Naomie rushed out, calling you and DeLyn and I followed her.
"We only made it as far as the porch. Rusty had Minnie in his arms, and she was fighting to get down, screaming to beat the band. He was trying to hold onto her, but it was easy to see he was terrified and when we saw that cougar, I thought my legs would collapse.
"Honest to God, I was frozen. Frozen. I couldn't move, and there was Naomie trying to get Rusty to back up to her, and that poor child looked like he felt like me. Scared to death. When she told Rusty to run, and that cat leapt after him I nearly fainted. DeLyn put her arm around me, and we were both shaking like leaves on a tree in a tornado.
"Then suddenly you had your arms around that cougar and–" a sob cut into her words as emotion took control. "God, Mace, I was so scared. It was like I was watching you die, and I felt like I couldn't breathe out of sheer agony. By then I had Minnie in my arms and DeLyn was calling for help.
"Then Naomie, God bless her, she did what I couldn't. She dove on that cat like some superhero. Do you know, it's the oddest thing, but at night when it's quiet, I can still hear the sound of that cat's skull cracking as she planted that knife in it."
Bailey turned to look at him. "I wanted to save you, but I was a coward, Mace. I just stood there petrified while Naomie did what I should have."
"Don't you ever even think that," Mace took hold of her arms and when she looked down, spoke more gently. "Bailey, honey, look at me. Not everyone is a fighter. Some are teachers, and tenders and some are healers. You're a woman who heals with her words as well as her touch, someone who sees the beauty in the world and in the people around her and in doing so makes us want to live up to your faith in us.
"You're the most amazing woman, and I feel like the luckiest man alive that you care about me. I don't care if you're afraid of snakes or mice or bugs or fish, as long as you're not scared of me."
"God, I love you."
She hadn't really meant to come right out and say it that way. Not that they hadn't confessed to caring, or even to being in love with one another. But neither of them had ever come out and said those three words.
"You have no idea how many nights I've prayed I'd hear you say that."
"I do, Mace. So much it scares me. When I thought we might lose you – when I heard how you almost died on the way to the hospital – I can't stand to think about it. I–I don't think I could stand it if something happened to you."
"I love you, Bailey. I've never said those words to a woman and meant them, but I do now. In fact," he reached into his pocket and when his hand emerged he held a ring between his index finger and thumb.
"I planned on doing this during dinner, but now seems the right time. Will you marry me, Bailey? Will you be my best friend, my lover, my partner and the mother of my children?"
"Oh god, yes. Yes, yes yes!" She held out her hand, and he slid the ring on her finger.
"I love you," She put her hands on either side of his face and stood up on tiptoes to kiss him, taking care to be gentle when she wanted to throw her arms around him and squeeze tight.
Mace's arms went around her and held her tight, and the kiss turned passionate. Until her arm tightened over stitches and he grunted. "Sorry."
"No, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you."
"It's okay. I'll survive."
"Promise?"
"Darlin', I promise you that nothing's going to stop me from putting that wedding ring on your finger."
"Have I told you lately how damn sexy you are when you go all Texas good-ol-boy?"
Mace laughed. "And as soon as I'm healed up, I'm gonna go next level Texas good-ol-boy on you."
"Oooh, well, in that case, let's get to that dinner and then I have a special tea I made up for you. It'll promote healing, and I'm way past ready for you to be fully healed."
"Yeah? What's gonna happen then?"
"Well honey, I'm gonna show you."
"Then bring on the tea sugar and let's get this healing thing going."
Bailey smiled and kissed him again. She hadn't imagined her day ending this way but realized that if she could have written the script for her dream of Mace proposing to become real, she couldn't have done better than the way he did it, even if she did derail his plans a bit.
Mace loved her. She wanted to scream it to the world, but instead led the man she loved back to the table. And this time there was no lack of conversation or laughter, and for the first time she could remember she felt excited about the future.
*****
"Want me to take her to bed with me?" DeLyn asked as she stood.
"I'm sleeping on the window seat in PopPop's room," Rusty announced. "It's big and I can see the whole sky from there. Can I take a bath in your tub, PopPop?"
"Sure kiddo. You know where everything is and Minnie's fine where she is, Mom," Russell answered.
"Yes!" Rusty gave a fist pump and headed out of the room. "G'Night Gigi and Naomie!"
"Night Rusty," Naomie said and then addressed DeLyn. "I'll sleep here with Minnie." They'd made a nice pallet for Minnie on the floor, and she was sleeping peacefully.
"Honey you can't sleep on the floor."
"Then I'll sleep on the couch and will be just a touch away if she wakes."
"Okay then. See you both in the morning. I love you."
"Love you," Naomie replied as Russell said. "Good night Mom, love you too."
Russell turned off the television and leaned back on the couch, stretching his legs out in front of him. "That boy could talk the horns off a bull."
Naomie smiled. "Yeah, but he's the cutest thing. And so smart. Not to mention a terrific kid. Have you noticed how sweet he is to Minnie? He'd make a great big brother."
"You think he'll get the chance? Nash has been pretty committed to staying single after Rusty's mom took off."
"Well, who knows, he and Harley seem to be interested. At least for now."
"He's never let a woman meet Rusty before."
"I guess that says something."
"Indeed it does."
"I wonder if they're engaged yet?" Naomie lay back on the sofa, putting her legs over his lap.
Russell shrugged and ran his fingers up and down one of her legs. "He'd be a good father."
"I think so."
"You think they'll want children?"
"I'm sure of it. Don't worry, before it's over you'll have a whole houseful of new Walker kids."
"That'd be nice."
"It's always nice to have family around you close enough you can spend time with them and show them love."
"Speaking of family and I know it's probably strange to bring this up, but I've wanted to talk to you about it ever since I spoke with my brother."
"Oh?"
"It's about Amber."
"What about her?"
Russell continued to rub her legs. "You and she seemed to hit it off fast."
"Is there a question in there?"
"Sort of. You just seem a lot closer than people normally are who haven't known one another long and – hell, I don't even know what to ask. Rich is concerned. He said it's been years since he's had an idea who she is. She disappears for months on end, never seems to be involved w
ith anyone romantically, at least no one she's ever introduced to him or Shar and she doesn’t have a lot of friends, at least he doesn't think so. She never mentions any."
"And?"
"And he's worried that maybe she's into drugs or running with the wrong people or– hell I don’t know. He's worried. Do you think he should be?"
"Yes, I do." Naomie knew she was about to walk a tightrope and had to be as honest as loyalty would allow. "The assignments she takes come with potential dangers. She's digging into people and corporations whose concern isn’t with the environment and where big bucks are involved comes big risks."
"You think that's all he has to be concerned about? Not that what you said isn't of concern, but I guess he thought it might be something illegal or immoral or–"
"Something that could bite him in the political ass?" She saw the look of irritation that flashed on his face. "I'm not criticizing, just being pragmatic."
"I know, sorry. Old habits."
"I know. You're the warrior of the family, the protector who makes it possible for everyone to follow their dreams and aspirations."
"Is that how you see me?"
"Partly. And it's not a bad thing. You make them all feel like they can achieve their goals because they have you in their corner. And you make them feel safe because they've seen enough of your anger to imagine your wrath should someone hurt them. Then you become the darkness, that horror no one wants to face."
"I don't know whether to be flattered or horrified."
"Flattered." Naomie sat and then climbed onto his lap, straddling his legs. "I wish you could see yourself the way others do. Just once. Like that Donna chick at Cancun. She wanted to lick you like an ice-cream cone."
Russell laughed. "I swear to God I've never seen anything funnier or more wicked, I should add, than you with that eat-shit-and- die smile on your face as you grabbed her hair and slammed her under the water."
Naomie chuckled. "She deserved it."
"I particularly liked what you said to her."
"Mine?" She asked, taking his hands and moving them to her breasts.
"Yeah. Say it again."
"Mine," she said and leaned in to kiss him.
Within moments the heat level of the kiss was topping the red line. Naomie pulled back. "I miss Mexico."
"We'll have to go back there one day."
"I hope so. Just remember what my beautiful mama taught me. Don't use your life up saying one day because for way too many one day never comes. So live today like that one day is always today, and when the time comes for you to leave here you leave with the kind of memories dreams are built of."
"I think I need to meet your mother."
"I think so too. I need to see my mama and dad soon." She tapped her chest. "My heart feels the pull, you know?"
"I do. Maybe we could go together?"
"Yeah?"
"Yeah."
"That'd make me happy. Thank you."
"Naomie, I'd do just about anything to make you smile."
"Oh, Russ, sometimes you just take my feet right from under me."
"You're not standing."
"Smart ass."
"Hey, isn’t that my line?"
"It is. Now," she got off him. "Get up and go to bed or I'm going to want to jump you right here in your family room, and I'd purely hate to have your mama or grandson catch us."
Russell smiled, stood and pulled her to her feet as well. "Just in case I never made it clear. I love you, Naomie."
"You are my dream, Russell Walker. I love you. Sleep well."
"You too, baby." He kissed her softly then left.
Naomie sat on the couch, pulled the warm throw around her and for a few moments basked in the glow of hearing him say he loved her. Then thoughts of his questions about Amber intruded and thoughts of Petrov and suddenly the magic moment was broken, and her mind was once more focused on how to figure out if Petrov was behind all the trouble and if so, how to stop him.
Once and for all.
Chapter Twenty-Five
"I really hope she doesn't even bother to show up," Cici said as DeLyn zipped her dress.
"Oh, honey you don't mean that," DeLyn protested. "She's your only sister."
"Well, she's not acting like one. I talked to her yesterday, and all she did was bitch me out for Kal not taking the latest offer from Petrov. I don't know what the hell business it is of hers anyway. She's his decorator, for God's sake."
"Or maybe not just," Naomie said quietly. "Sounds like she has some kind of emotional bond to him that goes beyond business. Why else would it matter to her whether he gets what he wants?"
"Well, she can have him. And he can have her," Cici announced and at the frown from DeLyn relented a bit. "But today isn't about that, so I'll be happy she's here to see me marry the man of my dreams."
"Amen to that," Amber said and raised her champagne glass.
Since Cici was pregnant and couldn't drink, she raised her glass of juice. All the other women enjoyed the champagne. In fact, they'd enjoyed two bottles of it already. Naomie wondered if they'd be sober by the time Cici walked down the aisle.
She motioned to Amber as she stood. "I need to walk around. Want me to check on the guests and make sure everything's okay outside?"
"Oh, would you?" Cici looked around at her and smiled. "Thank you."
"I'll help," Amber volunteered.
"Thanks, come on." Naomie walked out and Amber followed. "How're things with your folks now?" She ask as they headed outside.
"Strained is the best description," Amber answered. "And while I'm grateful you let me know of their concern, it makes me a little paranoid. My dad has contacts and if he should decide to keep tabs on me–"
"That's not going to happen. Come on, you're a grown woman with a demanding career that takes you all over the world. You don't need a babysitter, and maybe if you just stayed in touch with them more and let them know about your assignments, they would feel more comfortable."
"You know, you're right. I could talk for hours about my assignments. They'd come to dread seeing my smiling face on their cellphone screens."
Naomie laughed. "Now wouldn't that be something? And probably the smartest solution. Come on, let's go make sure the groom is ready and the guests are seated. We have a bride eager to walk down the aisle. By the way, where are your folks?"
"With Uncle Russ, I think."
"I thought he was with Kal?"
"Who the heck knows. No, wait, there's Mom, sitting with Rusty. Unless you need me to do something, I'll go sit with her."
"Go ahead. I've got this." She pulled out her phone and texted Russell. Is everyone ready to get this show on the road?
His response came in just seconds later. You bet. Give the word.
Naomie then texted Cici. Your groom is eager to get this show started. Are you ready for me to send your dad?
Yes. Yes. YES!!
Naomie smiled and texted Russell. The bride is waiting for her father to walk her down the aisle so get your cute butt in gear.
My cute butt???
That's what I typed, so get a move on handsome.
Yes, ma'am.
Naomie texted Cici again. Your Dad's on his way. I'll let you know when everyone is in place.
She then walked over and stood behind the last row of seats. Only a few minutes passed before Kal walked out and took his place. Edward walked up beside her and smiled. She signaled to the DJ and when the music started, looked up at Edward. "Ready?"
"Absolutely."
She texted Cici. Here we go. Come on.
Then she smiled at Edward. "Let's go handsome."
They walked down the aisle, and Naomie took a moment to kiss Kal on the cheek before taking her position. The music changed, and everyone stood, turning to look behind them. Naomie had promised herself she wouldn't shed one tear, but when she saw Cici and Russell, tears welled up in her eyes.
Rather than the traditional man's arm bent at the elbow and bride's h
and holding on loosely, their hands were clasped, fingers entwined as they walked down the aisle, smiling at family and then looking toward the front.
Naomie had never seen Cici look so beautiful. Was it the pregnancy or was that simply happiness that made her glow? Whatever the case, she was breath-taking, and it was clear Kal felt the same. His eyes seemed watery as well as he watched his soon-to-be bride approach.
When Cici and Russell stopped, he raised their clasped hands, kissed her knuckles and then placed her hand in Kal's. "Be good to her. She's a handful, but she's worth it."
"I couldn't agree more, sir and I promise you I will."
Russell gave Naomie a smile as he took a seat beside DeLyn. The ceremony was short. There were no singers, no theme song being played, just Cici and Kal sharing the vows they composed and then being pronounced husband and wife.
A cheer went up so loud and boisterous that Naomie jumped, then laughed and cheered right along with everyone else as Cici and Kal walked down the aisle. Edward offered her his arm, and she took it. As they followed Cici and Kal, she noticed his attention being off to one side. She looked and stumbled.
"Are you alright?" He asked.
"Yes, fine. Sorry."
Once they reached the open lawn behind the chairs, Naomie turned around, scanning the people. When she spotted Amber, she waved and got Amber's attention. Amber hurried to her. "What's up?"
"Three o'clock from where I stand. Be casual and wave to someone."
Amber looked around and after a moment waved and turned back to Naomie. "Shit. I can't believe she brought him here. Today of all days. Damn."
"I can't stay here. I'm going to my cottage."
"I'll go with you."
"No, you stay."
"I said I'm with you. Come on."
Without wasting any more time, they hurried away, heedless of the eyes that watched.
*****
Russell searched the yard and house and couldn't find Naomie anywhere. He also couldn't find Amber. He headed back outside and ran into Harley. "Have you seen Naomie?"
"Yeah, a while ago she and Amber were walking down the drive. Looked like they were headed for Naomie's place."
"Thanks." He turned, intended to cut down the side yard and head for Naomie's. That's when Delaney stepped in his path.
