by Wendy Vella
Angie screamed his name as Jack and Fin took her away.
“It’s a big area, Joe. How the hell will we find her?” Luke came to his side.
“I know where she is.”
“Where?”
He didn’t answer, just started climbing until he reached their special place. She’d climbed down here all those years ago, using a rope, and he’d climbed up it many times to meet her.
“Bailey?” He called her name as he climbed, but it was as he reached the top he heard her voice.
“Joe!”
He hurried inside and found her sitting at the back, and the relief was acute. She’d torn her shirt into strips and tied them around her thigh. Blood colored the bandage red.
“Bailey,” he rasped, dropping to his knees before her. “Jesus, your leg.”
“It’s Angie, Joe. Sh-sh—”
“Shhh, we know, love.” He cupped her face. “I love you.”
She held on to him, her fingers grabbing the front of his shirt. He could feel the thud of her heartbeat pressed to his chest.
“Angie killed Elijah, Joe.”
“We know, love. Let me get you out of here now.” She’d lost a lot of blood, and he needed to get her to a doctor fast. He lifted her into his arms, gently holding her close so he didn’t hurt her. “It’s all right now, I have you.”
“Sh-she wanted you.”
“I know. Don’t talk now, baby.”
She nodded, her hands gripping his shirt as she held him close.
“You’re such a strong girl, Bailey Jones. Strong and smart,” he said. “You knew to drop the locket and come here. Knew that eventually I’d find you.” He kept talking to distract her as he carried her to the entrance. Luke was there waiting for him.
“I h-hoped you’d understand and find me.”
“I’ll always find you. We need to get you back now, love. Get that leg looked at.”
“Angie?”
“Is in custody.”
Between him and Luke they got her up the rest of the bank. This part wasn’t as steep, but still an effort for a woman with a bullet in her leg. He felt every hiss of breath Bailey took, but she didn’t complain. Once he’d reached the top, Luke pulled out his phone.
“I’m going to get clear of the trees and find some coverage and call Jack to bring transport. You hold on now, Bailey.”
Joe watched his brother sprint off through the trees, and then looked at Bailey.
“I feel—”
Joe watched her eyes roll back in her head as she lost consciousness. Picking her up, he followed Luke. He was relieved when he heard the hum of the ATV a short while later.
They got her to the house, and into Luke’s pickup. Luke drove, breaking every speed limit, and they reached the hospital in minutes. Joe carried her in, and soon she was on a gurney with nurses and doctors taking her away from him.
“Let’s go.” Jack took one arm, and Luke the other, and they dragged him to the waiting room. The same room he’d sat in to wait for news on his brother.
“Drink.”
He took the coffee Piper handed him later, but refused the sandwich from Aunt Jess. The Robbins sisters brought him a scone, which Miss Marla broke into pieces and fed him one bite at a time. He didn’t have the energy to refuse. Worry gnawed at him, and fear held his body tense.
“Angie is in custody, alongside your father,” Fin said. “They’re both going down for murder, although Angie could end up pleading insanity.”
“I don’t care where she ends up as long as she pays, but it won’t bring Elijah back, or take back the hurt that was inflicted on Jack and Bailey.” His words were a growl.
“This is not your fault, Joe.”
“Angie did this because of me, Fin.”
“So her insanity and your father’s greed are your fault suddenly?”
He blew out a breath as guilt ate away at him. “No, I know they’re not. But the fact is Elijah died because I broke things off with Angie.”
“Which you would have done eventually anyway—or she would have ended up killing you.”
“I guess... hell, I don’t know.” Joe lowered his head into his hands. “It’s a fucking mess is what it is.”
“The doctor’s here, Joe.”
He was on his feet in seconds.
“I need you to tell me she’s okay, Doc.”
“I can’t tell you anything, Joe, as you’re not her next of kin.”
“I’m her fucking fiancé. So speak!”
“Joe,” Luke clamped a hand on his shoulder. “Dial it back now.”
The doctor didn’t look intimidated.
“Come on, Doc, you can see he’s distraught, and like he said they’re engaged,” Jack added coming to Joe’s other side. “Besides she has no next of kin in town, her grandfather’s left,” Jack lied.
“All right, but if I get into trouble for this, I’m blaming the Trainer family.”
“Fair enough,” Jack said.
Joe kept his eyes on the doctor, willing him to say Bailey was okay.
“She’ll recover, Joe. The bullet passed through the fleshy part of her thigh, so that’s the good news. But it will take a while to recover from this, and she’ll be in a lot of pain.”
“I’ll look after her,” he made himself say. All he could think about was that Bailey would come through this. “Can I see her?”
A nurse came and got him when she was in a room, and Joe found Bailey lying on the bed, eyes closed, and tubes going everywhere. Monitors beeped, and lights flashed, and she looked so small and pale. His angel. Leaning over, he kissed her soft lips.
“I love you,” Joe whispered, dragging a chair close to the bed with one foot. He lifted her hand, opening it and sliding his fingers through. Closing his, he held hers inside. He then just watched her.
Bailey woke slowly. It felt like she was swimming through a thick cloud of fog. Forcing her eyes open, she moved slightly, wincing as pain tore through her thigh. She remembered everything then. Her hand felt heavy, and looking down, she found Joe sleeping. He sat in a chair, with his head braced on an arm. His other hand held hers.
“Joe.”
His eyes opened and looked straight at her.
“Bailey?” he croaked.
“I’m all right.”
Joe got to his feet, pushing the chair away. Leaning over her, he cupped her cheeks and kissed her softly.
“Marry me?”
“Yes,” Bailey whispered, running her eyes over his face. She saw the tension in him, the sadness in his eyes. “This is not your fault, Joe. You couldn’t have known Angie was unstable.”
He managed a smile. “I know. My family and Fin have been telling me that, but it’s going to take time to believe it.”
“I’ll help you.” She touched his face.
“I know, you always help me.” He kissed her again. “My beautiful Bailey. How the hell did I manage without you for fifteen years?”
“I’ve never loved anyone like I love you, Joe.”
“I know, baby, me either. How’s the pain?”
“Okay, just an ache now.”
“You’re not a very good liar, Bailey Jones.”
She closed her eyes as he stroked her cheek.
“I thought it hurt last time you left.” He breathed the words against her mouth. “But that was nothing to the pain I felt knowing you were out there somewhere with Angie.”
Bailey slid her fingers into his hair and held him close.
“I’m sorry about what happened in my office.”
“Joe, there’s no need—”
“Let me talk.” He brushed a kiss over her lips. “I should have asked you first to marry me, but the words just came out. And I can’t promise that I won’t spend money on you again, because spoiling you is going to be one of my life goals. Plus, there’s that protective streak I have, that may be associated with me appearing pushy.”
Bailey managed a smile.
“When I knew you and Angie were out
there somewhere, I realized that nothing else mattered in my life but getting to you, and having you back with me safe. I couldn’t contemplate a future without you in it, Bailey.”
“Oh, Joe, I love you so much.”
“I love you too. My friend, soul mate, and lover. Never leave me again.”
“I’ll make that promise if you will?”
“Deal.”
She felt her eyes start to close then, as tiredness once again dragged her under.
“Sleep now, baby. I’m here, and you’re safe.”
EPILOGUE
“ But I’m sure it has cinnamon in it, Miss Sarah.” Bailey heard Buzz bark his agreement from somewhere behind her.
“It doesn’t, Bailey, try again.” Miss Marla urged her on. “And you can be quiet, Buzz, or there’s no more biscuits for you.”
Bailey heard the door open, and knew it was Joe who entered, simply because the air felt different. Which was ridiculous, but it was always the same. “You can’t see me, Joe. It’s our wedding day, so get out of here now!” It really didn’t bother her, but she knew the women who were trying to keep her busy would mind. At present they were tasting tea, and she’d gotten every one wrong.
“You can’t see me, so technically we’re good. How’s my girl doing, Miss Marla?”
“No good, I’m afraid. Do you want to try, Joe?”
“Sure.”
Bailey heard him pull up a seat beside her, but didn’t remove her blindfold. Instead she took another sip of tea.
“Give up, sweetheart, you know I’m gonna kick your ass.” The deep words were whispered in Bailey’s ear, and made her shiver.
“I don’t think so.” Bailey turned and let her lips brush his cheek. She was rewarded with an indrawn breath. She then heard him swallow a mouthful of tea.
“Lemongrass, ginger, and licorice root.”
“All those things and cinnamon, was what I meant to say.”
Joe huffed out a breath beside her. “No, you didn’t mean that, and there is no cinnamon in there, Bailey, so give it up.”
“I know that right about now you have that really smug look on your face that you get when you beat me at this.”
“I know, baby, but now’s not the time to pout, even though it looks cute on you. Those things that are twisted in your hair really do something for you.”
“What the hell are you doing in this house, nephew!”
“I’m leaving, but first I wanted to give Bailey her present.”
“Another one? I had that beautiful necklace yesterday, Joe.”
She felt his lips on hers; it was brief, but so sweet it left her breathless.
“I’m sending it in, but I just wanted to tell you I love you, and can’t wait until you’re my Mrs. Trainer.”
Someone made a gagging sound, and Bailey suspected it was Piper.
“Now go.” Aunt Jess made several shooing noises, and Bailey heard the door shut.
“He’s gone. You can take off the blindfold, Bailey. Then turn around.”
She did as she was told, and found her brother standing there.
“Beau!” She leapt from the chair and ran at him.
Joe wasn’t exactly nervous. He knew Bailey would come down that path strewn in rose petals at any minute, but still, there was something fluttering inside him.
“The place looks good,” Fin said.
“It does.” Joe looked around. They’d decided to marry out in the gardens of the main house, which had been transformed with flowers, ribbons, and lights. White seats were lined up in rows, and filled with guests, all smiling at him.
His life had changed so much since Bailey had stepped back into it. Changed for the better. He felt complete now, as if all those places inside him that had still held anger or darkness were gone. He went to bed holding her in his arms, and usually woke with her draped across his chest. He loved it. Loved everything about her. It had taken adjustment on both their parts, but they’d managed it because of the love they shared, and now he couldn’t imagine his life without her in it.
“Game on,” Luke said, looking down the aisle.
She appeared on her brother’s arm. Joe had contacted Beau Jones after the date was set, and decided on surprising Bailey with his arrival today. The smile on her face told him she was happy.
Her dress was cream silk, and she took his breath away. The top was fitted to her lovely body, and the skirt seemed to float with each step she took. Joe couldn’t take his eyes off her. Her hair fell in curls, and a circlet of flowers sat on her head. In her hands was a bouquet of yellow and cream flowers.
“I’m tempted to knock you out and step in,” Fin whispered, but Joe said nothing, his eyes on Bailey as she drew near, just as hers were on him. Her smile was shaky, but she held it as she reached his side.
He shook Beau’s hand, and then Bailey’s brother took his seat, and Joe and Bailey faced the front together.
“You take my breath away.”
Her fingers brushed his, and they hooked pinkies as the service began. It was short and sweet, and Joe was soon asked to kiss his bride, which he did without hesitation.
“Hello, Mrs. Trainer.”
“Hello, Mr. Trainer.”
Joe briefly rested his forehead on hers. They’d spent years apart, but had never forgotten each other, and now they would spend the rest of their lives together. He could honestly say he had never looked forward to anything more.
THE END
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A PROMISE OF HOME- available now
Knocking on the door, Jake spent a few minutes surveying the weatherboards. They looked in good condition, just in need of a coat of paint. When no one answered, he knocked again, this time louder, but still no reply. Then he made the wooden door shake on its hinges as he pounded it with his fist. If she didn’t open soon, he’d see if he could find a window to get in through. Seconds later, he was rewarded with the sound of it opening.
“Why are you pounding on my door?”
He’d always liked the gruff little burr of her voice. Maybe it was because he’d not had much contact with anyone else from Ireland. Whatever the reason, her accent had always made him smile.
“Hey, Branna, remember me?”
Her focus wasn’t great, but the green eyes eventually settled on him. “Jacob McBride.”
“Penny told me you hit your head, and she thought you may need to visit the doctor?”
“No… thanks.” It sounded as if she tacked on the last word reluctantly, and then she started to close the door.
Bracing a hand on the wood, he leaned in a little. “Your head looks like it’s hurting you, Rosebud.”
“It’s fine, now go away.” Her words didn’t pack too much of a punch because she was whispering; obviously, the effort of speaking was not helping her condition.
“You still got that attitude working for you, O’Donnell.” Jamming a foot in the door to stop her shutting it further, he gently pushed it open, sending her back a step.
“Please, leave my house.” This time, her words had a bit more force, even though they were said through her teeth.
“Yeah, give me a minute and I’ll do just that, Rosebud.” He watched as she staggered backward and then lowered herself into a chair, the effort making her wince.
“Branna or Miss O’Donnell, my name is not Rosebud.”
“Your fault. You introduced yourself that first day in class as Branna Rose, and it stuck.”
“We’re not in school anymore, McBride.”
“Tell me about the pain in your head,
Branna,” Jake said, ignoring her words as he pulled out his cellphone and switched on the flashlight app before moving to squat before her. Once there, he pried open the eyelids she’d recently closed and shined the light into them. Her pupils didn’t react as they should as he flashed the light across them. In fact, the pupils weren’t constricting at all. “Vision blurred?”
“What are you doing?” She tried to bat his hands away, but he didn’t move. Instead, he eased her forward to inspect the cut on the back of her head. “Take your hands off me.”
“I don’t go for skinny, belligerent women,” Jake lied, regaining his feet to walk around the back of the chair to get a closer look. Penny had said her legs were fine, and he couldn’t disagree; they were long and shapely coming out of those ragged cutoffs, and she filled that shirt out nicely too. “You have way too much hair,” he muttered, parting the thick mass of black curls until he saw it. Not huge, maybe an inch, but it was matted with blood and may need a stitch.
“Ouch! Stop, that hurts.” She tried to push his hands aside again.
“Surely you’re not still pissed with me for reshaping your eraser into a phallic symbol?” He moved over her body, checking for other injuries. Reaching her left wrist, her breath hissed.
“Why are you doing this to me, McBride?”
“Because Penny asked me to, and while I’m not big on interacting with anyone much these days, here in Howling, when a friend asks you to do something, you usually end up doing it, no matter how reluctant you are,” Jake added. “Does your wrist hurt to move it?” he questioned. It was definitely damaged, but he didn’t know how badly. The most common wrist bone to break or fracture is the carpal bone. Symptoms sometimes include pain and swelling around the wrist. Okay, fuck, will you let up?
“Yes, now leave.”
“But you’re such good company.” He moved around the house until he found one of Georgie’s scarves hanging from the coat stand. He quickly fashioned a sling for her, then slipped her arm through it. When he finished, she made a gagging sound.
“You going to be sick, Rosebud?”
