“Bethany? Is that you?”
She looked up to see a group of people quickly descending upon the hospital lobby. They brought with them a flurry of shiny round balloons and vases full of magnificently cheery flowers. They moved toward her so fast that she barely had time to recognize her neighbors’ faces before they pulled her into a giant lung-crushing hug.
“How’s he doing?” Angelica asked, biting her bottom lip.
Olivia bobbed her dark head next to her. “Has there been an update?”
“He’s going to pull through,” George said with a slap on Bethany’s back. “When they told me he was an undercover FBI agent, all of this started to make sense. That man’s tough as bricks.”
“We’re all here for you,” Angelica added, grabbing Steven’s hand and holding it tight. He nodded his head in agreement. “I can’t imagine what you’re going through.”
Bethany stared at them all for a long moment, unsure of what to think, when tears began to form at the corner of her eyes. Then, the waterworks began and nothing could stifle them. Olivia and Angelica pulled her into another hug as the men went to talk with Shawn. When the tears finally began to subside, Bethany sniffed and blew her nose on a tissue someone handed her, wiping her eyes with her hands.
“I can’t tell you how glad I am to see you all,” she said weakly. “We needed a little noise around here. It was too quiet.”
“Oh lady, we can bring the noise.” Olivia squeezed her upper arm warmly. “If that’s what it takes to cheer you up while your husband’s in surgery.”
Bethany choked on a laugh and pressed the tissue to the corners of her eyes. “He’s not even my husband. He’s my fake husband. I was in the witness protection program.”
“I don’t care if he’s your fake husband, your real husband, or your fiftieth husband,” Angelica said with a smile. “You two really love each other. It was easy to see. And we’re here to keep you company while you wait.”
Bethany smiled through the tears at her neighbors. She couldn’t believe at one time she had turned up her nose at the suburbs. The community and friendship that they brought into her life was irreplaceable. It felt good to laugh. Their presence had chased away the darkness of the hospital waiting room.
It was an hour later, as George Merten regaled them all with a story from his childhood, that Bethany felt the room chill once again. All eyes turned toward something behind her. She followed their gazes and saw a surgeon standing only a few feet away. He wore bright blue scrubs with a matching blue surgical cap and a mask that hung loosely around his neck. His face was impassive as he stared back at them.
“I’m looking for Captain Richardson,” he said solemnly.
Shawn nearly jumped over the back of his chair. Bethany scrambled to follow, her heart racing.
“Is there news of Troy?” Shawn asked.
“Is he okay?” she added.
The surgeon held up his hands in front of his chest and tilted his head to one side. “Jonathan Troy just got out of surgery. Things were a bit touch and go there for a while. He lost a lot of blood. But we managed to retrieve the bullet fragments and repair the damage. I feel confident enough to say that, with time, he’ll have a full recovery.”
The air went out of Bethany’s lungs in a whoosh and she had to grab Shawn’s elbow to keep her legs from buckling. Happy tears sprung to the corners of her eyes and she grinned. Words couldn’t explain how relieved she felt in that moment.
“He’s waking up right now,” the surgeon continued. “He’s been asking for someone named Bethany.”
She inhaled sharply and raised her hand. “That’s me. Can I see him?”
“Yes, but only one person is allowed back at a time. We don’t want to tire him out.” The surgeon beckoned her to follow him. “I’ll show you the way.”
She threw a grateful smile over her shoulder at her neighbors and then scurried after the surgeon. He led her down the hall to a quiet corner where nurses bustled about in their multi-colored scrubs. The room he pointed to was closed, with Troy’s name scrawled on a white board hanging on the door. Bethany didn’t wait for a second invitation. She hurried through the heavy double doors and burst into the room.
In the middle of all the tubes and machinery stood a hospital bed with a stark white sheet pulled over the top. A man lay on the bed, his massive form strangely dwarfed by the numerous tubes and cords hanging off of him. Bethany gasped when she caught sight of him. The man lying there didn’t resemble her Troy. This man was fragile and frail. His complexion ashen. Still, she rushed to his side and reached for his hand.
“Troy?” With her other hand, she softly stroked his cheek. It felt so cold beneath her skin. “Can you hear me?”
His eyelids fluttered open. Bethany’s heart panged as she caught sight of his beautiful blue-green eyes. She’d been so worried she’d never see them again.
He fixed her with a blurry gaze and cleared his throat. “Bethany?”
“Yes.” She squeezed his hand. “I’m here.”
“I’m alive?” He squinted up at the hospital lights.
“Just barely. They said you lost a lot of blood, but you’re out of the woods now.”
He ran the tip of his tongue slowly over his dry lips and sighed. Turning his head toward her, he gave her the tiniest hint of a smile. “Guess you’re not such bad luck after all.”
She burst into something that resembled a half sob and half laughter. Leaning forward, she brushed her lips against his. He reached up with his free hand to tuck a strand of blonde hair behind her ear. Despite the wires and all that stood between them at that moment, heat still coursed through her at his touch.
“Don’t you ever scare me like that again,” she scolded as she wrinkled her nose. “I’m not sure I could live through another one of those episodes.”
“To tell you the truth, I’m not sure I could either.” He shifted his weight and winced in pain. “I think he shattered my spleen. You don’t actually need one of those, right?”
She shook her head and ran her fingers softly across his forehead. His brow smoothed under her touch and he sighed.
“Whatever am I going to do with you?” she asked quietly.
“With me?” Troy’s eyes grew wide as he gave her a credulous look. “Well, I think it’s really simple.”
“Oh, yeah?” She could’ve burst out laughing at the expression on his face, but she pressed her lips together instead. “What did you have in mind?”
“Permanent employment.” He lifted her hand to his lips where he gently kissed her palm. “I’ll be your bodyguard for as long as you’ll have me.”
Emotion washed over her. There was nothing in the world she wanted more. She gripped his hand tighter and smiled. “You’re hired. Work starts immediately.”
A smile played on his lips as he drifted off to sleep again. Bethany sat at his side for as long as the nurses would let her, too distracted to notice the hours tick by. She had a job to do.
He might have been her official bodyguard, but tonight she was the one doing all the guarding.
Epilogue
Troy
Troy watched his beautiful bride sitting across from him in the back of the limo, her dress spread around her like the pristine white snow that blanketed the mountains near his grandfather’s Montana home. Her hair was swept up into an intricate knot at the back of her head, with curled tendrils falling into her face. Her face glowed with complete happiness—a feeling that he felt reflected in his own expressions.
“Where are you taking me?” Bethany peered out the window at the darkened Las Vegas streets as the limo whizzed through the city. Colorful lights blinked at them from every corner. They beckoned passersby with promises of a good time, but Troy would have none of that tonight. The paradise he had in mind was much quieter.
“You’ll see soon enough.” He grabbed her hand and ran a finger over her knuckles. Sparks seemed to fly at their contact, sending heat up his arms. She responded in kind by scoot
ing across the bench seat until she could lean back into his lap and rest her head on his shoulder.
On her left hand was the simple diamond ring she’d worn during their protection detail. He’d offered to buy her a new one. Something bigger and shinier, but she’d have nothing else. She loved that piece of jewelry and the history behind it. And he loved her appreciation of it.
“You’re so mysterious, Mr. Troy,” she said, her eyes sparkling. “I like a man full of surprises.”
“Well, Mrs. Troy,” he smiled warmly down at her, “that’s probably a good thing, because our relationship has been nothing but surprises.”
It had been a little over a year since they first collided in the police station. Twelve months since he’d been shot. Eight months since he’d been allowed to return to work at full capacity—and finally allowed out of the office cubical. And two months since Gerald Void had been found guilty of his crimes of murder, bank fraud, and racketeering.
The ending of that saga had been a major relief to them both. They no longer felt compelled to watch over their shoulders. They were safe and free to start their lives together. There was nothing they wanted more.
“Did you see Momma dancing with your uncle?” Bethany giggled softly and covered her mouth. “I’ve never seen her two-step like that. I didn’t know she even knew how to do that.”
“I did.” Troy wrapped his arms around her torso and pulled her closer toward him. “She looked happy tonight.”
“I think she was.” Bethany gazed out the window at the passing vehicles. “As she was helping me into my dress, she declared my bad luck spree officially over. But I think she was wrong.”
Troy looked down at her and raised one of his eyebrows. “Why’s that?”
“Because”—humor danced in her eyes—“I know for a fact that my bad luck streak ended the day I fell in love with you.”
He chuckled deep and throaty, warmth bursting in his chest. Cupping her cheek, he leaned down to capture her mouth with his. She melted into his arms, fully giving herself up to him. His thumb slowly stroked her cheek as he deepened the kiss.
Desire coursed through him. He loved the sweet taste of her lips, the soft jasmine scent of her hair, and the smooth feeling of her skin beneath his. He wanted her—all of her. He was totally and utterly under her spell.
“If you insist on kissing me like that, we might never make it to this surprise of yours,” she whispered, pulling away slightly. Her cheeks were pink and love radiated in her eyes.
“All right, you win. No more kissing for the night,” Troy shot back with a devilish grin. He held his hands up. “In fact, I won’t even touch you. Happy now?”
Bethany laughed and swatted him on the shoulder. She climbed onto his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck, and laid a tantalizing trail of kisses down his jawline. When she got to the corner of his mouth, she pulled back slightly.
“Are you sure about that, hubby? Because, you never said anything about me touching you.”
Troy groaned as she moved to the other side of his jaw to kiss next to his earlobe. “You’re going to kill me, woman.”
She gave him a smile. “We’ve been through worse.”
“I’m not so sure about that.” He rubbed subconsciously at the scar on the left side of his abdomen where parts of the bullet had gone clean through. “I think I’d gladly take another bullet before I have to put up with the pain of keeping my hands off of you.”
Bethany laughed again and then laid her head on his shoulder. Troy relished the feeling of her in his arms, closing his eyes to soak in the moment. Asking her to be his wife was the second best decision of his life. Agreeing to be her bodyguard was definitely the first.
He eventually opened his eyes to glance out the window. They’d turned onto a familiar street that was much quieter than the busy nightlife of the Las Vegas strip. They were getting close.
“We’re almost there,” he said, chewing on the inside of his cheek. Excitement made his heart pulse. “Get ready.”
“For what?” she sat up straight and gazed out the window. “Where are we?”
“I’m surprised you don’t recognize it.” He flashed her a smile and chuckled. “You only talk about it all the time.”
The limo turned off into a darkened cul-de-sac and slowed down. Bethany’s eyes began to grow wide as she took in her surroundings. She squeaked and placed her hands over her mouth, her gaze darting back to Troy.
“Is this...?”
“Yes.” He grinned and nodded. “The hideout house. The FBI decided they didn’t need it anymore. O’Brien gave me first dibs on the sale. He said to consider it his official blessing of our marriage. As of last week, it was officially ours. Signed on the dotted line and everything.”
Bethany’s eyes shown with tears. Her chest rose and fell with heavy breaths. Troy couldn’t tell if those were happy tears or sad.
“Do you like it?” he asked, feeling unsure for the first time since his boss had offered him the home. “It isn’t too bad of a commute to the Foundation for you and the Bureau isn’t too far either. Your mom even has a room, if she wants to come stay. Angelica and Olivia helped me with the decor. They wanted it to be perfect for you.”
Bethany nodded, her hands still clasped over her mouth. She swallowed and then reached for his hands. “It’s perfect, Troy. I couldn’t think of a better wedding present. Did you really do this for me?”
Troy’s lips curled into a satisfied smile. He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it. “I’d do all of this and more for you.”
The limo finally stopped and the driver opened the door for them. Troy slid out, offering a hand to his bride. She took it and followed him up to their new home. The front porch welcomed them like an old friend. Troy brandished a shiny silver key and placed it into the lock, pushing the door wide open.
“I see we weren’t the first ones here,” he said with a raised eyebrow.
A banner had been attached to the stairway with the words Welcome Home printed in big, bold black letters. Giant bouquets of blue hydrangeas stood on either side of it. Finally, a large wicker basket filled with fruits and edibles waited for them on the entryway table.
“We have the best neighbors,” Bethany said with a sigh.
Troy nodded in agreement, thankful once again for the path that had led them here.
“Wait,” he said as Bethany tried to step inside. He pulled her back and clicked his tongue. “Tsk, tsk, tsk, you’re breaking tradition, my dear.”
“Tradition?” She looked up at him. “What do you mean?”
“A husband has to carry his new wife over the threshold,” he said incredulously, pointing at the doorway. “Haven’t you ever watched a romantic movie in your life?”
Her eyes lit up with understanding and she burst out laughing. “But, we’ve already lived here together as fake husband and wife. You didn’t carry me over the threshold last time.”
“It’s never too late to correct our mistakes. We’ve got to do it right this time.”
He swept her up into his arms and she let out a giggle. She was surprisingly light, despite the yards of fabric on her magnificent dress. He carried her through the doorway with a confident stride and then kicked the door closed behind them.
“Are you ever going to put me down?” she asked through her laughter.
He shook his head and pinned her with a serious expression. “I think I’d better carry you upstairs. You know, just to be safe.”
“Oh really?” She gazed up at him with heat flaring in her eyes. “This time, do we get to share the same bedroom?”
“Most definitely.” His heart began to race as he took the first few steps up toward the second floor. There were three dozen roses and a bed littered with delicate petals waiting for them. He’d commissioned Angelica to light a handful of candles before they got there. He needed tonight to be perfect for his new wife. “I think it’s time we start making new memories in this house.”
“I’m good with
that plan.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him softly on the cheek. “Thank you for my surprise. I love you, Troy.”
“I love you, too.” He paused long enough to gaze into her eyes. “And always will.”
Without further ado, he bounded up the stairs with his wife in tow, her laughter filling the home that they’d once shared. They had no doubt that the life they planned together would make this the home of their dreams.
Together—they would be sure to make their own luck.
THANKS FOR READING Faking Ever After with the Bodyguard! Next up is Faking Ever After with the Cowboy. When Elena Pedersen finds herself broke and carrying a baby she never thought possible, she returns home to discover that first loves never really do fade. Turn the page for an excerpt or get it here.
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Love Always, Lacy
Faking Ever After with the Cowboy
Book 2 in the Faking Ever After sweet romance series
Chapter One
Henry
The buckskinned horse reared and pawed at the blue Kansas sky, throwing Henry Brandt unceremoniously from its bare back. Henry landed in a heap on the dry ground and rolled over just in time to avoid a hoof stamp on his forehead. He grunted and dusted off his old jeans as Fera took off in a circle around the corral, neighing her displeasure.
All he could do was shake his head at the young filly. One of these days, she was going to make the perfect riding companion. Fera was built like a warhorse and smart as a whip. There was a spirit within her that had called out to him that day at the horse auction. It was the same spirit that made her nearly impossible to ride.
Faking Ever After with the Bodyguard: A Sweet Fake Romance Page 14
