When she hadn’t been snuggled against the wounded man, she had monitored his mental status. And in the early dawn, a very lusty Hunter had woken her and made tender, gentle love. She had cried after their lovemaking. The feelings of being cherished and loving fiercely were all new, tilting her in a disorienting way.
She stretched. It was time to face the real world. Right when she was about to go in search of her pretend husband, he appeared with a tray stacked with coffee, muffins, and the fruit they had bought at the market.
It wasn’t fair that she was still naked in bed and Hunter was dressed. She wanted him to lose his clothes and get back in bed. She wasn’t ready for the demands of the day to creep into their wonderful interlude.
Since Hunter was dressed in his standard oxford shirt and slacks, she pulled the covers up to her neck. His eyes were bright and intense, warming her from the inside out. He leaned down and kissed her, a sweet, tender touch that grew into hot possession. When he stopped, she realized he had pulled down the sheet. “I like seeing you, Maddy. Don’t cover up.”
He wanted her again. She could tell by the way his breath quickened and his eyes darkened. This man had been so caring and gentle last night, and insatiable despite his injury.
“You should be in bed. I’m not the patient.”
He sat the tray down on the bed. “Having my wife in my bed cured me.”
Maddy scanned his face as he unfolded a napkin and placed it on her lap, his knuckles brushing her breast. His dark stubble was gone, and his inky black hair was combed back away from his angular face. Amazingly, there were no obvious signs of what he had suffered yesterday. The handsome man looked robust, his olive skin glowing and his dark eyes gleaming.
And when he smiled, his angles softened and relaxed. “Remember when you told me your husband would serve you in bed?”
He sat on the bed, poured coffee, and handed the mug to her. “Here is your coffee, exactly as you like it—dark, with no cream or sugar. Served to you by your grateful husband.”
Maddy took a greedy sip of the piping hot brew, in need of caffeine and grateful for a distraction from her jumbled, intense emotions. And feeling a little unsure after her outpouring of love in the desperate throes of passion. “Thank you.”
“No, thank you for taking care of me last night. I’ve never had such loving attention.” Hunter’s cheeks flushed. His voice got rough with emotion. “Maddy, I want to marry you as soon as you’re ready. We’ll have to report in, but we’re both up for a furlough.”
Maddy moaned. “Oh, shit. We’ve got to report in.” She searched the room for her phone. “What time is it?”
“I already checked in with Forret for both of us. I explained how you were up all night watching for signs of concussion. Forret might as well have laughed in my face. He’s on to us, and it seems the colonel has been, too.”
Maddy felt the heat moving up her face. “The colonel? Why? What did Forret say?”
“He said I’d be a fool not to marry you right away since there are men lined up, wanting you.”
Maddy giggled. “He did not.”
“No, but he did say they have Guli and Sadia in custody. They were trying to board a flight to L.A. connecting to Jakarta, where Guli’s brother lives. Guli embraced her brother’s radical ways after her husband’s death. She holds Americans responsible and wants revenge. Sadia and her husband are part of the network, but Guli was the one in charge of recruiting the young, displaced women for ISIS. Sadia was the tech specialist who sent embedded, subversive emails to the women she befriended in the class.”
“Oh my God. That is unbelievable. What happened to Rasa and Abu?”
“Rasa and Cirus were released, but Abu is still in custody. They are checking everything before they release him, but Forret said they don’t have any evidence connecting him to his mother and sister’s activities. They are going through his computers and email. The email to Brandon Billow was from his sister, not Abu.”
“How very sad. Guli destroyed her family with her hatred and need for revenge.”
“Forget them. Back to my question.”
Maddy lifted her eyebrows. “I don’t recall hearing a question.”
Hunter took her left hand into his. The opal glimmered all the colors of a rainbow. “Maddy, please say you’ll marry me. I love you.”
And in that moment, Maddy chose love and hope over audacity and fear. “I love you, Hunter Hines. Any man who is willing to go into harm’s way for me must be a man in love.”
“I’d risk everything for you, Maddy.”
“Me, too, Hunter. You’re a risk I can’t resist.”
Bonus Content
A Christmas Wedding Ceremony
by
Jacki Delecki
Chapter One
Maddy crossed her legs on the low leather couch while she tried to inconspicuously tug her tight, short dress down over her thighs.
Hollie, Dr. Walters’s assistant, sat next to her on the designer couch, which was a relief. With Hollie’s in-your face manners and Goth clothing, she didn’t fit in any better than Maddy did.
Everybody was being really nice, but it was still hard not to be a bit overwhelmed by this shining silver and glass penthouse, with its fifteen-foot Christmas tree and panoramic view of downtown Seattle and Puget Sound.
Maddy had worn her only fancy dress, the one she had used to taunt Hunter before their last assignment. At least the black cocktail dress was appropriate for today’s holiday festivities in James’s swanky digs, which it hadn’t exactly been for a meeting at the FBI office.
And Maddy felt uncomfortable with Dr. Walters and James, too. Besides their evident wealth and sophistication, they had risked their lives searching for her when they’d believed she had gone missing on the streets of Seattle. How could she ever repay them for something that momentous?
Since her parents, no one until Hunter had cared about her. But maybe Dr. Walters and James did, too, in their own way. The thought of how Maddy’s fiancé loved her brought a rush of heat to her face that had nothing to do with the blazing fire.
Sitting directly across from Maddy on a matching leather couch, an observant Dr. Grayce Walters watched her closely. Maddy was trying to look sophisticated instead of like a kid in a magical toy store, but she had the feeling Dr. Walters understood every uncomfortable thought and feeling running around in her brain.
Hunter’s sister Angie, James, and Mitzi, the Standard French poodle, were busy in the restaurant-sized steel kitchen, which opened to the living room with an enormous fireplace that crackled and smelled of cedar and pine. The setting was something out of a Martha Stewart magazine, complete with bouquets of red roses and holiday greens, burning bayberry candles, and Bing Crosby singing “White Christmas.”
Mitzi, who belonged to Dr. Walters’s boyfriend, sat in front of James, her head cocked to one side, patiently anticipating a treat. Dressed in a red shirt that matched the holiday decor and black pants, the dashing James was the host of the ladies’ soiree. And from the way Angie giggled and smacked James on the shoulder, Angie had become closer to Dr. Walters’s high school friend while Maddy was undercover.
Angie didn’t seem at all uncomfortable with the lavish setting, but Maddy had to work not to goggle at the floor to ceiling view of Puget Sound, and the enormous Christmas tree flocked in silver, with poinsettia flowers tucked into the tree amid the silver and red balls. The tree looked like it belonged in a Nordstrom store window.
Angie emerged from the kitchen with a silver tray and crystal wineglasses. James followed with a bottle of sparkling champagne. He poured the pale liquid into each flute and added a raspberry from the bowl on Angie’s tray to each glass before he passed them to his guests.
Mitzi followed the black-clad young woman walking behind James and Angie carrying a tray of unrecognizable finger foods. Hollie popped one of the red concoctions into her mouth. “I’m sure James picked the food to match his shirt.”
Maddy smiled
at the young woman who offered one of the gooey treats. “Goat cheese and roasted pepper.”
Mitzi, who was hovering next to the young woman, pleaded at Maddy with her soulful, dark eyes.
Dr. Walters patted her lips with a red napkin. “Davis is such an easy touch. Mitzi now believes she can work her charms on everyone.” Then in a soft but firm voice she said, “That’s enough, Mitzi.”
Mitzi trudged to Dr. Walters’s chair and gave a gusty, martyred sigh when she curled up at Dr. Walter’s feet.
James rolled his eyes. “Definitely a drama queen.”
Hollie snickered as she raised her glass in a mock toast to James. “This from the grandest queen of all.”
“You’re angling for more Christmas presents?” James tilted his glass to Hollie. “We’ll start the party since Aunt Aideen and Christine are coming late. They’re attending a holiday luncheon for one of their charities. Which one is it today, Grayce?”
“Treehouse Services. The program that supports children in foster care.”
The tops of Maddy’s ear burned. Everyone in the room knew about her past as a runaway from foster care and her drug-dealing boyfriend. She didn’t want these caring people to see her as a victim. She had taken control of her life when she’d joined the Marines, but it didn’t mean she knew how to fit into this world of Puget Sound penthouses, French champagne, and catered parties.
Hollie leaned across the couch and touched her hand. “You know I met Dr. Walters at Teen Feed, right?” Hollie had holly leaves and berries intertwined with the twisted knot of thick, black hair at the back of her neck.
Maddy tried to mask the shock. “You volunteered there?”
Hollie laughed. Her crimson lips matched the bobbing berries. “Do I look as if I volunteered there?”
Maddy took in Hollie’s 1960’s black lace dress, black tie-up boots, and short red gloves.
“Dr. Walters hired me right out of the program. She and her mother volunteer there. They’ve given a lot of money in honor of Dr. Walters’s sister. They try to help street kids.”
Maddy bent down to snag a napkin from the coffee table, away from Hollie’s perceptive scrutiny. Although she had been a kid on the street, she didn’t want anyone to think of her as someone who couldn’t take care of herself.
Hollie poked her with her elbow. “You’ll get used to it.”
“Used to what?”
“Being part of Dr. Walters’s family. After everything we’ve been through together, we’re bonded to you and Hunter.”
Returning from the kitchen, Angie sat and scooted next to Maddy on the couch. “What’s this about Hunter?”
Even with his back to the room, conferring with the caterer, James immediately turned at the mention of Hunter, his eyes wide. “Yes, do tell us how the handsome brute proposed.” He walked over to a sling-back leather chair and sat down. “Come on, give Uncle Jamesie all the deets.”
Embarrassment spread from her chest to her burning face. “How do you know…about our engagement?”
Angie cleared her throat. “I spilled the beans. Everyone kept asking about you and Hunter. We were all worried.”
Maddy looked at everyone smiling back at her. “I really appreciate all your concern. And what you did for me when I was undercover.”
Dr. Walters leaned toward Maddy. “We all appreciate the work you do, and we were glad to help.”
James flicked his hand in a dramatic gesture. “Grayce loves to risk my life in these adventures. She gets bored just healing animals.”
“I’m never bored with my work. And you know you love being part of the drama,” Grayce said fondly.
“Drama?” Hollie snickered. “James? No way.”
James crossed his legs, revealing his red-striped socks. “I want to talk weddings, since some people are stalling.” With one arched eyebrow raised, he looked directly at Dr. Walters.
“James, don’t get started. It’s the holiday…you know, peace and love? And don’t you dare say a word about my engagement in my mother’s presence.”
“You need to put the poor man out of his misery.”
Dr. Walters’s bright green eyes danced. “Davis is in no misery.”
Whatever passed between the two friends, James tossed his head and rolled his eyes. “Okay, that’s a losing battle.”
Dr. Walters winked at Maddy. “Tell us about your and Hunter’s wedding plans.”
“Nothing fancy. We’re going to the courthouse with Angie and her mother. Then we’ll have dinner somewhere.”
“What?” James gaped. “You don’t plan to invite us?”
Dr. Walters sat up. “James.” Then she looked directly at Maddy. “You don’t have to invite anyone you don’t want to.”
James continued to stare at Maddy with his dark eyes narrowed. “Of course you’re going to invite all of us. We’ve adopted you as family, and we’re not letting you pretend otherwise.”
An unfamiliar feeling of belonging stirred. She shifted on the couch, not knowing where to look or what to say. She hadn’t thought she had family outside of her Marine friends.
Hollie nodded at Maddy. “I told you so.”
“I didn’t think you’d want to…” Maddy struggled to find words but was given a reprieve by doorbell.
The caterer opened the door for Davis’s Aunt Aideen and Christine, Dr. Walters’s mother, and James jumped up to greet the latecomers.
Maddy was grateful for the interruption and hoped it would be the end of the wedding discussion.
Aunt Aideen’s voice echoed in the high-ceilinged space. “What have we missed? Anything more about Maddy and Hunter breaking up the ISIS cell?”
“No. We just started discussing Maddy and Hunter’s wedding plans,” James said.
Maddy found herself sliding down on the couch. Like a Marine on a mission, James wouldn’t give up until he’d achieved his objective.
Aunt Aideen, with raven-black hair and strong, angular features, was decked out in a bright red caftan with a dark green necklace and dangling earrings. Dr. Walters hugged her mom and then Aunt Aideen, who stood inches above the two petite woman.
Angie, Hollie, and Maddy all rose when the women entered the room. “Sit down, girls. No need to act like Christine and I are visiting royalty.”
Hollie and Angie laughed and sat down again. Maddy followed their lead.
Christine sat next to her daughter, and Aunt Aideen sat in the other leather and steel chair. James, assisted by the caterer, handed a raspberry-garnished flute of champagne to each woman.
Aunt Aideen took a big gulp. “What are you thinking, giving me this girlie drink? Where’s my Scotch?”
“Well, you’re ruining one of my Christmas surprises.” He pointed to a brightly foil-wrapped package under the Christmas tree.
“Do I have to wait the two weeks until Christmas day to drink my Scotch?”
“No, of course not.”
James nodded to the caterer standing behind the well-polished kitchen island. She immediately brought out a glass filled with a rich, amber-colored liquid. James had anticipated and prepared for Aunt Aideen’s insistence on Scotch.
James sat back down in the chair and crossed his legs. “Maddy just announced that she and Hunter are going to be married at the courthouse.”
Maddy wanted to disappear between the couch cushions.
Aunt Aideen pointed her finger at Maddy. “Your marriage must be celebrated at my home. And my friend, Judge Jefferson, can marry you if you don’t have a military person available to do the service.”
Maddy had thought about asking Colonel Dawson, but it was the holidays and she couldn’t ask him to fly up for the ceremony.
Aunt Aideen focused her steely gaze on Maddy. “I have a giant house with plenty of room for all the guests.”
Aunt Aideen’s commanding presence and forceful will reminded her of her sergeant in basic training. Not someone to ignore. “But, ma’am, we don’t have any guests.”
Aunt Aideen guffawed. “I
predict a real crowd.”
Angie had told Maddy that Aunt Aideen considered herself a psychic and read Tarot cards.
“You have all of us.” Aunt Aideen gestured with her long arm. “And then Hunter will want to invite his friends as well.”
Maddy felt like a ship off its mooring. She took a big swig of champagne. Hunter never said whether he’d like to invite his friends, only that he wanted to marry her.
Angie, the traitor, added, “It would be great to include our group from the VA hospital.”
And Maddy had wanted to include her PTSD group. They had formed a deep bond that was hard to explain to people who hadn’t served.
Dr. Walters leaned forward on the couch. “Maddy, don’t let them railroad you into anything you don’t want. They’re good at that.”
“So says the woman who is keeping everyone in nuptial limbo,” James said.
Dr. Walters closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Her mother patted her hand.
“Grayce and Davis will decide when the time is right,” Christine said.
James shook his head. “I’ve been waiting for years to plan her wedding.”
“But now you can take over Maddy and Hunter’s,” Angie chimed in. “My brother and Maddy are Marines. They don’t know the first thing about planning weddings.”
Maddy was surprised by Angie’s response. Since she had never discussed her childhood with anyone, Angie had no way of knowing Maddy had always dreamed about her wedding. Just because she was a Marine didn’t mean she was different from any other red-blooded female. Did any girl ever forget her dreams of a perfect wedding?
“Hunter and I were planning to get married in Seattle so Angie can be with us. We have to report back to San Diego for reassignment after the New Year. Besides, no one can plan a wedding in two weeks.”
James puffed up. “Oh, ye of little faith. Listen, honey, I can do a wedding in two days if need be. And two weeks is hardly a challenge. But with the holiday…” His eyes shone with anticipation.
The Grayce Walters Romantic Suspense Series Page 72
