Promise Renewed

by Mitzi Pool Bridges

  Darin wanted to talk to Gina alone. Hank was crazy about Maddy. Problem solved.

  Hank would be there in ten minutes. While Darin waited for him, he called the chief to tell him Griffin was on his way in and everything was under control.

  Seeing the sisters holding Elton down, both madder than hornets, was a sight to remember.

  Gina’s blond hair flying loose around her face, her long legs locked with Griffin’s, her blue-green eyes glowing with anger and determination. Darin could almost read her mind. Elton had hurt Maddy once. He wouldn’t do it again.

  Darin’s heart swelled with pride.

  Gina was a brave woman and a good cop. He’d never wanted anyone more—knew he never would.

  What was he going to do about it?

  Hank roared into a parking space and stopped. The way he bailed out of his car told Darin he’d been right to call his squad mate. The man was in love.

  “What happened?” Hank asked as they hurried to the apartment.

  “It’s complicated. You need to talk to Maddy.”

  “Is she hurt?”

  “No. She’s fine. But it’s been a traumatic two days. Maddy’s the one to tell you about it.”

  As Hank raced past the broken door, he gave Darin a look that told him he’d better not be lying. “Maddy!” he called out.

  “Hank?”

  Maddy walked out of her room and straight into Hank’s arms.

  Darin couldn’t be more pleased. But where was Gina?

  In the kitchen, he got a glass of water. Still no Gina. Footsteps made him turn. There she was. She’d changed into a pair of jeans, a T-shirt and her Nikes, had pushed her hair back and tied it with a scrunchie. She didn’t look as if she’d been traumatized twice in the last twenty-four hours.

  “How did you know?” she asked.

  “Chief Hamilton told me Elton posted bail and made threats against you and Maddy. I’m sorry I didn’t get here sooner.”

  ****

  Relief made Gina weak. She propped herself against the doorjamb and let her eyes feast on the man she loved. Just the look of him, his green eyes, his reddish-brown hair, turned her insides to mush. She loved everything about him. Did he love her? He’d come to her aid twice now. Would he have done that if he didn’t?

  Feeling stronger, she walked toward him. “For a minute there, I thought Elton had finally won. Just when I thought the horrible images from the past were beginning to fade, the bastard shows up again.”

  “It’s over now. Elton will never be free again.”

  “Thank God.”

  “Did you see Maddy?”

  Gina smiled. “Last I saw she was dragging Hank into her room. To talk, I hope.”

  “We need to do the same.”

  She raised her eyes to his and was blasted by the intensity of the green. Would he understand? “I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you about my assignment. I understand how you would think it a betrayal.”

  “I need to apologize. You had a job to do, which you did according to the rules and regulations of IA.”

  Had she heard him right? “I could have said something. I knew all along you were innocent.” She rubbed her eyes. “I’m sorry I didn’t.”

  He took her hands, held them against his heart. “You did the right thing. I have to admit I was stunned when I found out. Stunned and hurt.”

  “Not now?”

  He shook his head, gave her a crooked smile. “I came to my senses.”

  “What about everything else?”

  His brow furrowed. “What do you mean?”

  “You know—those kisses that were practice for the job. Did they mean anything?”

  “My God, Gina. I wanted to carry you off to bed a dozen times while we were together. You had to know.”

  She traced his mouth with a finger. “I wanted to be sure.” She wanted to shout she was so happy.

  His head dipped, and he took her lips in a half-kiss. She gasped with pleasure, realized how much she missed this. “Are we still practicing? The sting is over, you know.”

  He chuckled and took her mouth once more. His kiss that started soft and sensuous, rocketed through her body, awakened her senses. Then it went deeper. “You arouse something in me so amazing I have no words for it.”

  “You’re a virgin, Gina. In more ways than one.” He kissed her gently. “And I love you.”

  She started to tell him how she felt, but he put a hand to her lips. “I don’t want to take advantage of you.”

  “I love you, Darin Callahan. You make me feel alive. For the first time in my life, I want a man.”

  “That’s just it. You need time to make sure you want this man.”

  “I do.”

  “Good. We’ll take it slow and see what happens.”

  “I come with a bucket load of baggage,” she whispered. “Can you handle it?”

  “The bucket got lighter today. One of these days it will be empty.” He gave her a pensive smile. “‘Course, when the time comes we can do without the gun by the bed thing. Maybe cut down on those nightlights.”

  She laughed. “Done.”

  ****

  The next morning Gina walked into the squad room and looked around at the familiar faces. Darin was at his desk. He lifted his eyes and smiled. The same smile that made her heart race whether she was looking at Dutch Farley or Darin Callahan.

  Dwanda saw her and hurried over.

  In seconds the other squad members surrounded her. Questions flew.

  “I want you all to know how much you guys mean to me. I can’t remember ever leaving a job and being sorry for it.”

  “I guess you’re going back to Dallas,” Leya said, her smile wobbly. “Back to IA.”

  “Actually, I’m going to stay here.”

  “You’re going to stay a member of the squad?” Dwanda asked. “I thought you just said you were leaving the job.”

  “I’m leaving the squad. However, I’m staying in Houston. I’ll see you guys whenever you want to get together.”

  Hank sat there and grinned. He was the only one who knew the whole story. But he’d never tell more than what the Carlson sisters wanted him to. Gina admired him tremendously and thought that when the time came, he and his son would make a great addition to the family.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  True to his word, Darin took their romance slow.

  It had been six months now, and he was still teasing her unmercifully with kisses, roaming hands and ohmygod, that hard, hunky body.

  Tonight would be different, she vowed as she slid into her car for the drive home. They had a date to go out to eat. He’d be at her apartment in an hour.

  An hour she’d put to good use. When she got through, she promised herself, he’d beg for mercy.

  A slow smile curved her lips. Yep! Way past time.

  Darin loved her, she was sure of it. Even his mother, Nellie, on their last trip to the ranch had told her she was the first woman Darin had brought to the ranch. To Nellie that meant he was in love. With everything in her, Gina wanted to have a family like Darin’s, a happy family that loved one another, and were there for each other no matter the problem.

  She loved him so much. Wanted him every minute of the day. When they were apart she couldn’t wait to see him—see that lazy smile—see those green eyes light up. She had it bad and was more than ready to get him in her bed.

  She’d gone back into therapy for a while and was pleased to learn that though the memory of her traumatic childhood would never disappear, the consequences—the fear and hatred for Elton would become more and more distant. She was right.

  With a little research HPD had come up with another woman he’d married with daughters. They, too, were willing to testify. Especially when they learned he was also a bigamist. With all the evidence of rape and sexual abuse, he’d received a twenty-five-year sentence with no parole. She hoped he died in prison. Hoped the stories she’d heard about other child abusers in prison were true. Pedophiles were not t
reated well by the prison populace. And that was putting it mildly.

  She pulled into her apartment complex. Darin’s truck was here. She frowned. He was early. There went her plans for a long, hot bath, sexy underwear, and a squirt of that new perfume she’d bought yesterday.

  She raced up the stairs and straight into his arms. He kissed her soundly. “You’re early.

  Taking her keys, he opened the door and led her inside. “Couldn’t wait to see you.”

  “But you never came this early before.”

  “I missed you. Isn’t that enough?”

  “It is. I miss you every minute we’re apart.” Unable to stop herself, she took his face between her hands and kissed him. “You know I love you, but do you know I want to be with you always? I want to have a family like you grew up in. Babies I can love and protect. And I don’t want to wait any longer.”

  “Are you a mind reader, Gina?”

  She tilted her head to look up at him. She’d all but proposed, and he didn’t take the hint. Had she read him wrong these past months?

  Holding her hand, he walked into the small kitchen. When he pulled out a bottle of wine, she asked, “Are we celebrating?”

  He grinned as he poured them each a glass and handed one to her. “To us.”

  He sat his glass on the cabinet. “You know I’ve loved you almost from the moment we met.”

  “So you’ve told me.” She didn’t know where this was going—didn’t know whether to be frightened or happy. The man was driving her nuts.

  “You’re the single best thing that’s ever happened to me. There’s no way I can live without you.” He pulled a small box from his pocket. “I couldn’t wait any longer so I came early with one thing in mind. Gina Carlson, will you marry me?”

  Hands trembling, she sat her glass down before she dropped it. This was the last thing she expected. “The ring looks familiar. Isn’t it the one Meg Farley showed you?”

  “Isn’t it the one Gina Carlson liked?”

  They laughed. Gina sobered quickly. “Are you serious?”

  “I’ve been waiting for this day for months. Just answer the question.”

  “I love you more every day, Darin. I never thought it possible for one human to love another the way I love you. Didn’t you know that?”

  “I suspected.” He grinned.

  She wanted to hit him. Wanted to make love with him. Wanted to marry him and have his babies.

  Instead of telling him any of that, she broke down in tears.

  He took her in his arms and cradled her. “Are those happy tears?”

  “You big jerk. Of course they are.”

  “Good.” He kissed her. Not once, but over and over until breath left her. “I guess the answer is yes.”

  She showered his face with kisses. “Let’s seal our commitment in the bedroom,” she said when she could breathe again. “What do you think?”

  “Love your ideas, sweet one. Almost as much as I love you.”

  “Past time,” she breathed when he picked her up and carried her down the hall.

  When the door shut, her thoughts disappeared even faster than her clothes.

  ****

  Two weeks later, Gina looked around the large kitchen. The Callahan women were busy putting on a Labor Day spread for family and friends. Cutting up veggies for a salad, Gina realized she’d never felt more at home. Next to her, Maddy was piling bread into a large, cloth-wrapped basket.

  They shared a smile. Darin had insisted that Hank, Jake and Maddy be here. This was a day for family, he’d explained. Maddy was family. It looked as if Hank and Jake would join them for real in the near future.

  According to Maddy, after she told Hank her story he had been both sympathetic and understanding. He’d promised to go slow, but made it clear he was serious about their relationship. Maddy was a different person. She had always been confident in her professional life, totally unsure in her personal one. Over the last few months, she’d set aside her fear and was moving forward. When Hank hugged her, she hugged back. Gina had caught the two of them smooching on more than one occasion. She wanted her sister to be as happy as she was.

  Gina looked at the ring on her finger. It wasn’t the ring itself making her heartbeat quicken, it was the connection it gave her to Darin.

  It was becoming difficult to remember how painful her early years had been. Even as a cop she had always been on the alert. Looking for Elton for so many years had been a driving force in her life. To think he’d been living under another name—had changed his name to avoid divorce proceedings and disclosing any of his wealth to his victims, still amazed her.

  Peace swept through her. A calm she had never felt before settled around her. All of that was behind her now. As she watched the Callahans work in the large kitchen, each doing their chore with smiles and a confidence born of their love for one another. Gina thanked God again for His blessings.

  As a member of this family she would be loved, protected, and urged to follow her dreams.

  Little wonder she was so at peace.

  “How does it feel to have so many women in your kitchen, Mom?” TJ asked.

  “Wonderful. I always wanted more daughters.” She smiled at each of them.

  Phyl, Donovan’s wife, gave her mother-in-law a look of love and contentment. The two of them shared the ranch house and the kitchen.

  Douglas’ wife, Lisa, looked up from chopping fruit for a fruit plate. “You’re going to love being a member of this family, Gina.”

  “You’ve been a member longer than anyone except me,” TJ reminded her best friend turned sister-in-law.

  “I’ve always loved being here. Now more than ever.”

  “We’ve loved you since the first day you came to visit with Taralyn back when you were both in college,” Nellie said, giving Lisa a kiss on the cheek. “I’m so happy you and Douglas fell in love.”

  “Amen.” Lisa grinned.

  Kate, with baby Devlin in a sling sleeping like an angel against her chest, gave them all a serious, but loving look. “I’ve known the Callahans since I was a girl, and I can tell you that they stick together, they love one another, and are always there when needed.” She laughed. “Over the years, there have been many times they’ve come together to help one another. I thank God every day I’m a bona fide member.”

  Gina caught her breath. What an extraordinary bunch. “I’m lucky then.”

  “I’m the lucky one,” Nellie said. “I’ve lived to see all my children happily married. Almost. One to go.” She ran a hand down Devlin’s soft cheek. “I’m blessed with five beautiful grandchildren.” She looked at Lisa and Gina. “And look forward to more.”

  The back door slammed. “Mark,” Nellie explained. “He acts more like Donovan every day.”

  “Doesn’t he though.” Phyl laughed as she took a large casserole out of the oven.

  “Mom?” he called out. “Dad says the table is ready for the food.”

  “Tell him we’ll be right there. Are you watching your sister?”

  “Yes?”

  “By osmosis?”

  His brow knitted. “I don’t know what you mean.”

  “It means, how can you watch Susie and be here in the kitchen at the same time?”

  Twelve-year-old Mark laughed. “Dad has her.”

  “Good. Tell him we’ll be out shortly.”

  “From boots to cowboy hat, Mark dresses like Donovan. I swear the boy wants to be just like him. And ride…he rides like the wind. Sometimes he makes me nervous,” Nellie told them.

  Phyl gave her mother-in-law a contented look. “You spoil him. Just like you spoil all of us.

  “It’s not spoiling,” Nellie explained. “It’s loving.” She lifted the lid on a huge pot of beans simmering on the stove. “As soon as the cornbread is done, we should be in good shape.”

  “With all this food plus what the neighbors bring, we’ll have enough to feed an army,” Phyl reminded her.

  Nellie chuckled. “I’m
always afraid we’ll run out.”

  Gina looked at the kitchen table laden with desserts. “You won’t run out of sweets. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more tempting table in my life.”

  “Everyone has a favorite,” Lisa explained. “So when we have a big blow-out, Mom makes them all.”

  “But I didn’t know what to bake for you.” Nellie took Gina’s arm and led her to the table. “Is your favorite here, or will I have to add another for the next event?”

  Gina bent over the luscious mounds of sweetness, chocolate cake, strawberry shortcake, German chocolate cake, carrot cake, coconut and chocolate pies, brownies. “What else is there? I feel as if I’ve died and gone to heaven.”

  “Humm! Wait until your wedding day,” Lisa warned her.

  “Are you and Darin positive you want a quiet wedding? We had the entire town here when Dugan and Kate married. Almost as many when the others had theirs.”

  “We’re positive. Just the family.”

  They gave her a look.

  “Don’t give me that look, Kate. You know we’ll include your gram and Ed. And it includes Maddy, who will be my maid of honor, and Hank and his son, Jake. Isn’t that enough?”

  Nellie smiled. “It will seem awfully small. You might think on it.”

  But Gina and Darin had thought about it, discussed it, and came to the same conclusion. At Thanksgiving the family got together anyway. They would get married early that morning here at the ranch. Then have their regular big Thanksgiving dinner.

  After that they’d leave for a short honeymoon.

  It would be perfect.

  “Do you have your dress?” Phyl asked. “We could help if you’d like us to.”

  “I would love to shop for a wedding dress.” Lisa sighed.

  “So would I,” Kate added. “Maybe we could all get together.”

  “I don’t want to put a damper on a shopping expedition, goodness knows it sounds like fun, but Maddy and I shopped last week. We found just what I wanted.”

  “Tell us!” TJ begged.

  “It’s a surprise.” Maddy chuckled. “Wait until you see her. She looks beautiful in it.”

  Devlin squirmed and let out a howl. “Figured the peace and quiet wouldn’t last,” Kate said wryly. “I’ll feed him and be right back.”