by Mari Carr
“Lane,” Tris said. “Turn around and look at me.”
James’ gaze landed on him. “Go ahead,” he instructed her. “Turn around and look at your lover. I want you to see the bullet as it goes in.”
“Freeze!” Aaron yelled from the top of the stairs.
Tris only had a moment to comprehend the cop had his gun drawn. Then the events surrounding him began to play out in slow motion.
James lifted one hand off the gun in a sign of surrender. Lane turned, yelling at Tris to get down as James fired the gun. Lane fell into his arms, pushing him to the ground as another shot was fired, and then another. He felt a burning sensation along his rib cage as he quickly rolled and covered Lane.
When the last shot was fired, he glanced over his shoulder to find James’ lifeless body crumpled at the foot of the stairs. Aaron was standing over him, his expression grim. Ewan rushed in, followed by more policemen. He heard someone call for an ambulance.
“You’re bleeding,” Lane said. Her voice sounded sweet and clear.
He looked down and saw a tear in his shirt. Apparently a bullet had grazed him. One quick look told him it was nothing more than a scratch. “It’s nothing. What the hell were you doing putting yourself between him and me?”
“I couldn’t let you die for my mistake.”
“The guy was a psycho, Lane. Maybe it was a mistake to marry him, but you got out.”
She was pale, her face white as a sheet. Tris feared she was going into shock over the ordeal. “Should have trusted you. Do trust you. Thought I would be safe…” Her words faded, her breathing harsh, labored.
“It’s okay, Lane. Everything is okay now.”
“Tris,” Ewan said. “Tris, the EMTs are here. They want to check you out. See where all this blood is coming from.”
Tris looked down and his heart stopped when he saw a pool of blood beneath Lane. He pushed off her, his hands dragging her shirt away from her. “The bullet,” he said.
Lane blinked, pain filling her face. “It went through my shoulder,” she whispered. “Still hit you. Unlucky.”
“Jesus.”
Ewan dragged Tris away as two EMTs applied pressure to her wound. He was vaguely aware of Aaron explaining to another cop about the kidnapping. He felt remorse for the pile of shit he’d landed the man in.
“You okay, bro?” Ewan asked. He knew his Ewen wasn’t talking about his wound. Tris couldn’t take his eyes off Lane as the EMTs placed her on a gurney. It was obvious she was in pain, but she didn’t shed a tear.
“She stepped in front of a bullet for me.”
“Helluva woman,” Ewan said.
“I said I would protect her.”
“You did, Tris. She was in danger and you broke in here like freaking Conan the Barbarian. Don’t mind telling you I had a heart attack when I saw you walking around inside the kitchen. Aaron freaked when I told him you were in the house.”
“Tris,” Aaron said, walking over. “We need to get a statement from you.”
“I’m riding in the ambulance with Lane. You can take my statement at the hospital.” Tris knew Aaron wanted to argue, but then the other man just shrugged.
“Sure. No problem.”
Tris followed the rescue workers as they carried Lane to the ambulance, hopping in behind them.
“Let me look at your wound,” Lane said as he sat down next to her.
Tris laughed, though he didn’t feel much pleasure. “You’re not a nurse now. You’re a patient, so be quiet and behave yourself.”
“It’s just a flesh wound. Bullet went straight through. I’m fine.”
Tris lightly ran his fingers through her hair, grimacing when he pulled them away and found them coated with Lane’s blood. The sight of it, knowing it was her blood, made him lightheaded, dizzy.
“You aren’t going to faint, are you, Everest? It’s just a little blood.”
“It’s your blood.” He wondered when his body had gotten so cold, why his hands suddenly felt numb.
“Excuse me.” He watched Lane attempt to get the EMT’s attention. “I think my boyfriend is going into shock.”
He grinned at her use of the word boyfriend. “I’m fine,” he said, just before he passed out.
* * * * *
“You doing okay, Tris?” Ewan asked.
He nodded tiredly. Hours had passed since their arrival at the hospital, but it seemed more like months. He’d felt like a damn fool when he came to in the ambulance and realized he’d fainted like a little girl over the sight of some blood. His brothers were never going to let him live it down. Pop and all his siblings had come to check on him and Lane, and had long since returned home. Ewan had stuck around to talk to the police.
Tris and Lane had both given their statements as well and he felt sick at how close James had come to raping her. Lane had told the story in her calm, mild-mannered way and once again, he was struck by her strength.
Apparently, one of James’ neighbors had called the police when she’d spotted Ewan in her hedge. Fortunately, Aaron claimed he’d been the first on the scene to investigate the neighbor’s intruder call when he discovered a kidnapping in progress. Between Ewan’s, Tris’ and Lane’s statements, plus that of the cab driver who’d been tracked down, James’ death was being treated as a justified kill by the district attorney. James had kidnapped Lane from a public street, and then shot her as Tris attempted to save her.
The ER doctor had patched up Lane’s shoulder and put five stitches in Tris’ side. He’d deemed Tris well enough to go home, but insisted Lane stay overnight for observation. She had a nasty concussion in addition to the gunshot wound. It was early evening and she was dozing as the pain medication the doctor had prescribed included a sleep aid.
“I’m going to head out,” Ewan said, standing slowly.
Tris stood and put his hand on his younger brother’s shoulder. “Thanks for everything today.”
“No problem. I’m glad you and Lane are okay. When I heard those gunshots—”
“I know, man. I know.”
Ewan shrugged and, in his typical fashion, sought to lighten the heavy mood. “Gotta admit, one of the best parts of being a Collins is the fact there’s never a dull moment. Shit, Tris. I think you and Aaron gave Riley a run for her money today as far as wild schemes go.”
“Guess we did. She looked pissed as hell at being left out too. Wouldn’t want to be Aaron tonight. Got a feeling she’s gonna chew him a new one.”
“Like we’d let our baby sister storm into that lunatic’s house on a rescue mission,” Ewan said, shaking his head.
“I know. Good night, Ewan.”
“Later.” His brother left and Tris resumed his seat beside Lane. He took her hand in his, leaning back in the chair and closing his eyes. One thought kept passing through his mind. He’d almost lost her. Again.
* * * * *
“Go home, Everest. You’re tired.” She was watching him through drowsy eyes.
“Nope. I’m staying the night.”
“You’re too small to fit on that couch,” she said.
He shook his head. “Not sleeping on the couch. Scoot over.” He helped her move, taking extra care not to jar her injured shoulder.
“The nurses aren’t going to like this.”
Tris stretched out next to her on the hospital bed, propping his head on his hand and leaning over her. “The only nurse I’m afraid of is you.”
She grinned. “You’re not staying because you’re afraid I’ll leave again, are you?”
He shook his head once and then shrugged.
“I’ll never leave you,” she whispered, placing her hand on his beloved cheek. “I’m so sorry, Tris. So sorry I didn’t tell you where I was going this morning. Sorry that I didn’t trust you.”
“What do you think I would have said if you’d told me you were meeting James to get that picture back?” She’d shown him the photograph of her grandmother earlier, explaining to him why it was so precious to her. He adored h
is family and if he ever lost them, he knew he’d cling to photos as well.
“You would have wanted to come with me.”
He nodded. “You’re right. I would have. Would that have been so bad?”
“In hindsight?” she asked lightly and he laughed. Then her face went serious. “No, it wouldn’t have been bad. I needed you. I needed your help.”
“Does that mean you’re dependent on me? That you’ve lost your free will?”
She considered his questions. “No, it doesn’t. You’ve never tried to tell me what to do, never tried to control me. I follow my own path.”
He kissed her lightly. “That’s right. You do. All I’ve asked is that you let me walk that path beside you, Lane.”
She nodded, understanding sinking in. She took a deep breath. “I love you.”
His eyes narrowed at her admission. “Is that right?”
“Yeah, that’s right.”
She watched him nod, wondering at his suddenly serious face. “Say it again.”
“Why?”
“Because you made me wait ages to hear it. Say it again.”
She laughed. “I love you.”
“One more time.”
“Now you’re just being greedy.”
He leaned forward, his face close enough she could feel the warmth of his breath. “Say it again,” he whispered.
“I love you, Tristan Collins. Love you, love you, love y—”
He cut off her last word with a long, deep kiss.
“And I love you. Go to sleep, kitten. We’ll both still be here in the morning.”
Epilogue
Lane grinned as she stood amidst Tristan’s family. It was a Sunday afternoon and the family had closed down the pub for the day. The prodigal son, Killian, was returning home after an eight-year stint in the Army. He was coming off a one-year tour in Iraq, and Lane knew his brothers and sisters were grateful he was coming home in one piece. She had spent most of the past week helping Keira and Riley plan a welcome-home party. Teagan and Sky had arrived earlier this morning to be with them.
Tris wrapped his arm around her waist and placed a kiss on top of her head. “The place looks great.”
She and Keira had spent most of the morning decorating the pub with American flags and yellow ribbons, while Riley prepared the appetizers.
“Thanks.” She turned in his arms, grinning when she saw his big smile. The man had been beaming all morning and she wondered if any of the other siblings were as happy as Tris was at this moment.
“Glad to have him home?” she asked, though she knew the answer. It was written all over his face.
“I’m not sure I’ve ever been happier. There haven’t been too many times these past few years when the whole family’s been together. As we get older, it gets harder. I like having us all in one place. Feels nice.”
She nodded and agreed. After being released from the hospital following James’ attack, she’d returned to the Collins apartment. She’d joked on her first day back that she and Mr. Collins were now nursing each other back to health. She’d been sharing Tristan’s room for the past month, their relationship getting better, stronger everyday. She was head over heels for the man.
“It does feel nice.” She wondered if she’d ever get used to the concept of family, and that Tristan’s had adopted her into their midst as one of their own.
“He’s here,” Sean yelled from his position as lookout at the front door.
They all turned and Lane sucked in an amazed breath as she got her first look at Tristan’s twin. She knew they were identical, but she wasn’t prepared for how strange it was to see Tristan’s face on another man. Killian entered, his grin as big as his brother’s as everyone yelled “Surprise!”
Lane watched Killian proceed around the room as everyone impatiently waited their turn to hug the returning hero. Pop was first in line and Lane brushed away a tear when the two men hugged. She could see the same anxiety in Killian’s eyes that she’d seen in Tristan’s shortly after his pop’s stroke. Killian appeared to have prepared himself for the worst, and his joy at finding his father hearty and hale was evident.
“Hey, rascal,” Killian said as he turned and picked up Riley, spinning the delighted woman in a circle.
He hugged Sean and Ewan, shook hands with Will and kissed Keira and Teagan on their cheeks. Teagan introduced him to Sky and the family laughed when Killian admitted to being a big fan.
Finally he turned to Tristan.
“Welcome home, bro.” Lane could hear the husky sound of deep emotions behind Tristan’s greeting. She knew he’d been worried about his brother and she could only imagine how happy he was to have him back, safe and sound.
“And this must be Lane,” Killian said after hugging his twin.
Tris placed a possessive arm around her shoulders and she was touched by the sweet gesture.
“This is my Lane,” he said, so proudly she didn’t know how to respond.
Killian gave her a kiss on the cheek. “I’ve heard a lot of good things about you. Thanks for everything you did for Pop.”
“Your pop’s an easy patient,” she said.
“Ah, no one warned me you were a pathological liar. My pop? A good patient?” Killian teased.
“Now that’ll be enough of that.” Mr. Collins walked over and slapped his boy on the back. “Riley’s made enough food to feed an army.”
“Good thing,” Ewan said. “With all of us here, we probably outnumber the Army.”
“Let’s eat,” Sean added. “I’m starving.” He reached for a sausage roll, but Riley smacked his hand away.
“It’s Killian’s party. He gets the first plate.”
“Well, okay,” Sean grumbled, “but you better not pull that oldest-to-youngest shit on me. I’m really hungry.”
“Language,” Mr. Collins muttered.
They laughed and ate and talked for hours. Sky and Teagan brought out their guitars and played Danny Boy.
Riley grabbed her father’s hand for a dance and Will led Keira out onto the floor as well.
“What do you say?” Tris asked. “Wanna dance?”
She nodded, sighing contentedly as he wrapped his arms around her. They swayed slowly to the song and she rested her head against his chest.
“Can I tell you something?” she asked.
“Anything.”
“Promise you won’t laugh?”
He grinned. “Do I have to?”
She giggled. “This has been the best day of my life. Thank you for sharing it with me.”
Tris studied her face for a long time and she wondered what he was thinking. She’d never been around such a happy, loving family. Of all the things Tris had given her in the past couple months, the best thing was the sense of home he’d shared with her.
“You belong here, Lane. In fact, I think I might know a way to make the day even better.”
As he spoke, he knelt before her and Lane gasped. “Tris?”
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet bag. Inside was an engagement ring.
“I love you and I want to marry you, Lane. I know I said we could just live together for a while, but I’m afraid that’s not enough for me anymore. I want you to be my wife and the mother of my children, and I want to spend the rest of my life giving you days just like today.”
She felt tears begin to stream down her cheeks as he spoke. In her entire life, she’d never heard such beautiful words. She nodded once, her throat too clogged to speak.
“Is that a yes?”
“Yes,” she whispered.
He placed the ring on her finger and his family broke into loud cheers. She didn’t realize until that moment the room had been silent during his proposal. Everyone took turns hugging and congratulating them.
“It’s beautiful,” she said, looking at the ring for the thousandth time.
“It was my mother’s,” Tris said as his pop walked up.
“Oh, Tris, I couldn’t…” She was speechl
ess in the face of his lovely gesture.
“Sunday would have loved you.” Mr. Collins stepped forward and took her hand to look at the ring. “And it looks as if my son has solved the problem of my name.”
“What?” she asked.
“Well, it’s clear you’ll never call me Pat, and no daughter of mine is calling me Mr. Collins. From now on, young lady, you’ll call me Pop. Should we start practicing?”
She laughed through her tears. “I think I can handle Pop.” Her voice broke on the word.
Pop embraced her as she cried, feeling for the first time as if she truly had a father, a family.
“Come on. I want to dance with my soon-to-be daughter.” He grasped her hand and led her to the floor as Teagan and Sky sang a fun country ballad.
When the song ended, Tris claimed her for the next dance.
“I love you, kitten,” he whispered.
“I love you, Everest.”
The End
About the Author
Some people fall apart on their 30th birthday, others on their 40th. For Mari Carr, 34 was the year that took her down. After she spent the day crying and saying, “I haven’t done anything I thought I would,” her husband finally asked what was left undone. Her answer was simple—she hadn’t written a book or decorated her house. “So do it,” he said.
Five years later, the house is sparkling with fresh paint and new furniture and her computer is jammed full of stories—novels, novellas, short stories and dead-ends. The lesson: It’s never too late to achieve a goal or two!
High school librarian and English teacher by day and mother of two busy teenagers, Mari Carr finds time for writing by squeezing it into the hours between 3 a.m. and daybreak when her family is asleep and the house is quiet.
With the publication of her first book, her latest goal—publishing before 40—has been achieved with a couple of years to spare. Phew!
Mari welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email address on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.
