by T Gephart
I nodded, feeling overwhelmed. “I had to stop him, Mack. He would have kept going. Hurt Presley. Hurt you.” I became frustrated, unable to finish my sentences. “Had to be over.”
His eyes closed, every muscle in his jaw tensing. “You’re the bravest person I’ve ever met, Hayden. What you did for Presley? For me? No one has ever put themselves on the line like that. But please let it be the first and the last time, okay? Not sure my heart can take it a second time.”
My lips tried to smile, wondering how hard it was for him not to demand I didn’t. I’d seen the way he’d been with Riley, with Tibbs and Leighton and the other guys but never with me. He didn’t demand a thing, letting me come to decisions on my own even though it was in his nature to take over. “Well, Cooper doesn’t have any other crazy brothers. Think we’re safe. Unless . . . Melinda.”
It was supposed to be a joke. Well, mostly. Although, if I needed to take on his ex-wife I’d do it without hesitation, the woman not getting a second chance on something she’d clearly never deserved.
Although Mack didn’t find it funny, his face hardening at the mention of her name. And when he looked at me, his eyes were serious, my heartbeat racing even though he hadn’t said a word.
“Yeah, Melinda isn’t going to be a problem. But there’s something I need to tell you. And I know now is not the fucking time, but I made the mistake of waiting before and I’m not doing it again.”
“What is it?” I asked, even though part of me was terrified of finding out. I knew he didn’t love her. Not buying into the bullshit Lewis had told me about them eventually getting back together. Beautiful or not, if he’d wanted to be with her, he would. But whatever it was, didn’t look good.
He took a breath, taking a seat in the chair beside my bed and holding my hand. “She asked me to father her baby. I turned her down, and I’d rather have no children than have one with her. Hayden.” His hand tightened on mine. “She lied to me when we were married, made me think we were trying for years when she never stopped taking the pill. Every month, I’d get disappointed, wondering if it was me. Exposure to chemicals can sometimes do that. And, well, who knew? But I found the pills eventually, confronted her and then actually apologized because maybe I’d pushed too hard. No one should be forced to be a parent if they didn’t want to, and I’d never forgive myself if that’s what I’d done. So I just kind of got my head around it wouldn’t happen for me, you know? And then her fucking request, well, it messed with my head a little. So when you mentioned kids. . . I know you’re not like her. And I should’ve told you why I didn’t say yes. Should’ve told you that I’d want nothing more than to get you pregnant. But part of me . . . was scared.”
My chest hurt, and not from the gunshot. The ache in my heart breaking for such an amazing man whose opportunity for more children had been weaponized against him. It had been a chip, a bargaining tool—and I couldn’t stand it.
“Okay, so I guess I’ll have to go after her too.” I squeezed his hand. “Riley was right, she is an evil bitch.”
He laughed, kissing my fingertips. “Yeah, she is. And I should’ve seen that a long time ago. But if that offer is still good, I have big plans.” He winked.
I nodded, not even pretending like I didn’t want it. “I don’t even know if it’s possible, Mack, but I want you to know that I’m never going to lie to you. And if it ends up that it’s just us, it’s more than enough. Besides, we still have Riley. And Quinn and Ava. Not to mention Gayle, Matt, and the boys. It’s not like we’re going to be lonely on the holidays.”
“Yeah, I feel the same. Still, it’s going to be fun trying.” Mack chuckled. “And while you’re in the mood to agree, I have one other question to ask you. It’s the one time I’m going to insist, Hayden. And I’m not taking no for an answer.”
He didn’t need to say it, the proposal written all over his face. And as much as it had been a surprise, it was exactly the right time.
“Yes. Yes, Mack, yes.”
“I haven’t even asked yet.” He laughed, standing from the chair and getting down on one knee. “You’ve already said yes, so we’re taking your first answer. But I need to say the words. Hayden, I love you. I love you even though I wasn’t looking, believing I’d never do this again. But now that I’ve got you, I can’t ever go back, the alternative no longer an option. I need you to be my wife, Hayden. For us to be together for whatever the future throws at us. I need for you to be my person, and to let me be yours, and I’ll promise I will never take you for granted.”
Tears filled my eyes as I nodded, saying yes for a second time. “Yes, I’ll marry you. I can’t wait for you to be my husband.”
Never thought I’d say those words again, especially since I’d decided to put myself first. But with Mack I didn’t have to choose, able to love myself and still love him. It didn’t matter that I hadn’t been divorced that long, or that the idea of getting married was something I hadn’t even considered. I wasn’t worried about the future, knowing no matter what happened, I’d be okay.
And that was what it was all about, being with someone when you were enough all by yourself.
He kissed me, trying to be gentle but failing as his lips crushed mine. I was glad he didn’t hold back, needing to feel him so that I knew it was real. “I’m going to get you a ring, and whatever else you want.” He mumbled against my mouth. “And probably a bulletproof vest, just to be sure.”
My body hurt as I laughed, wishing I could wrap my arms around him. “Well, let’s start with the ring and we’ll take it from there.”
I wanted to get out of the bed, to go home with him and start our new life, the beeping beside us reminding me I couldn’t. “Hey,” I pulled my mouth from his, curious about something. “The nurse said there was a crowd waiting to see me? Did Gayle and Matt bring the boys?”
“No, sweetheart. The boys are with your parents. Gayle and Matt are in the waiting room with Riley and Quinn. As is Tibbs, Leighton, and Presley. And Penny, she told me to tell you you’re getting a new name badge at work that says Wonder Woman.”
My throat tightened. I couldn’t remember a time there’d been so many people wanting to see me. “They’re all here for me?” I asked, not really believing it.
Mack brushed the hair away from my face, the smile spreading across his lips. “Of course, sweetheart. They love you too.”
I’d gone from having no friends, to having so many I couldn’t fit in a room. And my heart felt like it was going to burst. “Can you please tell them to come in, I want to see them.”
“Yeah, the nurse said only one or two of us at a time. It’s against the rules.” He chuckled, kissing my forehead.
“Fuck the rules, Mack,” I coughed out. “I think we established we weren’t really playing by any.”
He laughed, shaking his head. “Yeah. Okay. I’ll go get them.”
My eyes followed him as he left, knowing he’d be back soon, and enjoying the stillness of the empty room.
I was happy.
Truly.
Madly.
Deeply.
Happy.
Mack
“YOU KNOW WE can wait, Hayden.” I zipped up the back of her dress, thinking someone needed to be the voice of reason. “You only just got out of the bandages. We probably should have held off another week or two.”
The 9mm had pierced Hayden’s side between two ribs. It was a million-to-one shot, the gap so narrow it was a miracle it hadn’t hit bone. But miracle or not, blood loss had made surgery necessary, the doctors able to repair the damage and make sure her lungs were okay. I’d never been more relieved than when the doc came out and told us she was in recovery. Willing to wait however long it took before I could see her.
In the end, I hadn’t needed to wait that long.
I’d proposed, she’d said yes, and then we got into all kinds of trouble with the hospital staff when everyone descended on her room.
And the second I was able to take her home, I did.
<
br /> To my place in Midtown.
Which was where we’d been for the last few weeks.
“Why wait? Unless you’ve changed your mind? You having second thoughts?” She grinned, spinning around to let me look at her. She was beautiful, the smile on her face brighter than any sunrise I’d ever seen.
“You know I’m not having second thoughts and I’d never change my mind. I just want to be sure this is what you want. We can do the wedding thing, Hayden. Have it as big as you want it.”
It wasn’t the first go around for either of us, but it didn’t mean I wouldn’t do the whole big saga all over again. Hell, we’d make it even bigger, invite the whole city if that was what she wanted.
She straightened my tie, the suit feeling a little tighter in the shoulders than I remembered it. I’d been working out a little more lately, liking the way her eyes lit up when I took off my shirt. “This is what I want. Now stop stalling and marry me already.”
I kissed her, not able to deny her anything even if I’d wanted to and loving the way her body fit against mine. “Fine, but we are having a proper honeymoon, and I’m planning it. Nothing but beach, cocktails, and a whole bunch of lying around.”
Her hands hooked around my neck, tipping her face to kiss me. “And sex. Lots, and lots of sex.”
“That was implied.” I pinched her ass, the fitted black dress showing all her amazing curves. “So much sex you won’t be able to walk, hence the whole bunch of lying around.”
“Then we better hurry up and make it official. Because you look pretty damn sexy in this suit, and getting started on the honeymoon sounds like a really good idea.”
Wasn’t sure I’d ever get used to that smile, cherishing every single one she gave me. And to think it had almost been taken away, the piece of shit responsible locked away awaiting trial.
Unfortunately, the cocksucker hadn’t died. Which was a shame because no one deserved a dirt nap more than he did. But even with an airtight case and a prosecution unwilling to plea out, I wasn’t worried about the son of the bitch getting out.
Because if he did, I’d kill him myself.
So it was just as well he was in the can, meant I still had my civil liberties to enjoy. And marrying the woman in my arms, was of paramount importance.
“Okay, future Mrs. McPherson, let’s go make it official.”
We’d driven to the courthouse in my truck, meeting everyone else there. We might not be doing the big fancy wedding, but that didn’t mean we weren’t going to be surrounded by friends and family. Even my parents flew in, leaving the Florida sun and joining my brother, sister-in-law, and their family, to see me say those vows one last time.
Riley grinned, cradling his baby daughter in his arms while Quinn beamed alongside of him. Both of them had been cocky as fuck, claiming responsibility for our relationship. But I didn’t care, willing to be gracious to whoever had made it happen.
“You look so handsome, Chief.” Quinn nodded at me before turning her attention to my bride. “And, Hayden, you’re simply stunning.”
She was right.
There wasn’t a woman in the world who was more beautiful than Hayden, her arm slipping under mine as we led the inappropriately large crowd into the building. We’d called ahead, not wanting to put anyone out, the good people at the Office of the City Clerk clearing a room for us. I’m sure being a Chief with the FDNY hadn’t hurt, many of the guys who served the city showing up to shake my hand.
And while she didn’t walk down an aisle and was without the white dress, there’d never been a more perfect bride than the one who turned to me and said, “I do.”
The ceremony went quick, the words and rings exchanged while we looked in each other’s eyes. And when I was told I could kiss the bride, I didn’t need to be told twice.
Everyone cheered, my arms wrapping around Hayden as I pulled her close and ignored the wolf whistles around us. I’d deal with them later, wanting to remember the perfect memory forever.
“Easy there, Chief.” Leighton laughed behind us. “There are kids present.”
I rolled my eyes, fighting the urge to flip him off, because as annoying as it was to admit, he wasn’t wrong.
Hayden stood beside me as we accepted everyone’s congratulations, getting more hugs and handshakes than I’d had in an entire year. And once everyone had settled a bit, we’d invited them back to Gino’s. Which was not only the place we were having the reception, but had been the venue of our first date.
I’d assumed Hayden would have wanted somewhere fancier. A ballroom, or restaurant that didn’t have plastic tumblers and checkered tablecloths. But she’d wanted it to be relaxed, giving the kids space to run around, and for our guests to just enjoy. Gino couldn’t have been happier when I’d told him, giving us the upstairs function room and giving us such a good deal on the food and drink, I’d almost felt guilty. Of course, he’d probably make the money back and then some next time the station ordered, the tip I was planning on leaving more than making up the difference.
We’d just finished our entrees, when Melinda appeared. Because clearly the woman wanted to attempt to ruin what was otherwise a perfect day.
“John?” She looked at me and Hayden and the shiny gold bands on our fingers. “Oh my God, it’s true.”
I was just about to raise holy hell, not willing to give her any more time than I’d already had.
“Melinda—”
Hayden put her hand on my arm, stopping me from finishing. She smiled, standing gracefully and looking Melinda in the eyes as she met my ex-wife for the first time.
“I’m not sure what happened to you, or why you feel the need to be the way you are. But I’m sorry. And whatever the reasons, you lost an amazing man who would have loved you unconditionally. But I bet you know that, which is why it’s been hard to let go. You know, if I’d had seen you when Mack and I had started dating, I’d probably been intimidated. You’re beautiful. Pity it’s not reflected in your heart.”
Melinda planted her hands on her hips, her face flushing so many shades of red I wasn’t sure her cheeks hadn’t combusted. “You feel sorry for me? Why don’t you go fuck yourself, you fat whore.”
“Get out of here.” I stood up, my willingness to sit down while she insulted my wife, nonexistent. “You ever contact either one of us again—” I had to stop, distracted by Hayden laughing.
Her arms were around her waist, almost doubled over as she giggled hysterically. A double-take needed just to be sure I was seeing it right. “Hayden?”
“Fat whore? That’s the best you can do? You think I care what you think, or whether or not you believe I need to lose a few pounds? He’s with me, Melinda. He chose me. And I’m never going to let him go. So insult me if it makes you feel better, but it’s not going to do a damn thing to change how wonderful my life is.”
Riley coughed, rising to his feet. “You have no power here, Melinda. Now run along before someone drops a house on you.” He waved his hand dramatically, unable to hide his smirk.
Melinda turned, every set of eyes on her and not one of them filled with pity. Hayden was right, it didn’t matter what she said. Nothing was going to change what we had. Doing what I should’ve done a long time ago, I turned my back and ignored her. She didn’t matter, and she sure as hell was not getting my attention anymore.
“I thought you hated the Wizard of Oz,” I tossed a napkin at North. “You’re not hiding a closet fetish for musicals, are you?”
His grin widened, shaking his head. “It was on last night when Ava woke up, and I swear the resemblance was uncanny. Still wondering if I should toss a glass of water at her to see if she’d melt. But I don’t want to make a mess on Gino’s floor.”
Melinda gasped, sticking around despite no one paying her any mind. She’d have to get used to that, storming off when it was clear she wasn’t getting what she wanted. Who knew if it was that easy? Or if she was working on her second wind. Either way, it didn’t matter, the amazing woman I’d just
married making me the luckiest man alive.
“You ready to get to work on the honeymoon?” I grabbed Hayden around the waist and pulled her against me. The dress had me hard most of the day, and given we were in company, I figured it was better to show than to tell.
She laughed against my neck, letting out a small groan. “Mack, we haven’t even cut the cake. We can’t just leave in the middle of our own wedding.”
“Sure we can. We’re adults, we can do whatever the hell we want. And fuck the cake, I’ll bake you one. You know I’ve got the skills.” I kept my voice low, not advertising what skills I was referring to. Not that it mattered, kitchen or bedroom—I could dominate in either.
Hayden’s eyes darkened, her smile telling me exactly what was on her mind. “You know, we have a really hard time finishing our dinner in this place.”
I held out my hand, having already made the decision we were leaving. “Yeah, well, I was always more of an eating-at-home kind of guy.”
And now that Hayden was my home, I had even more incentive.
Hayden
“HAYDEN!” PENNY APPEARED around the corner, her arms filled with stock that needed to be displayed. “You want to help me out? Old time’s sake?”
I’d quit my job after I’d been released from the hospital, knowing it was going to be a HR nightmare. While it would have been easy to argue I’d given Lewis access to the store and put people at risk while under duress, I didn’t want to put Penny or anyone else in a difficult position. Part of me felt guilty, wishing I’d thought of another way. And the other part of me didn’t want the reminder, having to walk past that closet and remember that day. Needless to say, they accepted my resignation, and we parted ways on good terms. I still spent way too much money in the store, so it was just as well that after Mack and I got married I’d gotten a new, higher-paying job.
