“Please,” Carter whimpered, “please don’t hurt me.”
“Don’t hurt him,” Julia said from behind me, pulling at my arm.
I turned my head and looked at her. “He tried to hurt you.”
“I know. The police will have to deal with him. I’m not going to let him take you down with him because that’s what he wants. What he’s gunning for. Please, Adam. Please let the authorities deal with him. This is the third strike. His dad won’t be able to prevent him from doing time.” Julia walked around the side of the sofa and grabbed my cellphone. With shaky fingers, she tapped numbers and held it to her ear.
“I’d like to report a break-in and attempted assault,” she said. “A third attempted assault.” She was so strong. Standing there with her jeans half undone, her hair messed up, and her shirt ripped. The black lace of her bra exposed. I looked at Carter. Damn it. I wanted to kill him so fucking bad. He’d touched Julia again. She walked out of the room to complete the call, shooting me a gentle smile on her way out.
How could she be this calm after what happened? Because she’s stronger than I ever gave her credit for. That would never happen again. I’d never underestimate my woman ever again.
I held Carter in place and barely managed to keep my silence. God, how I wanted to taunt the prick, truly wanting to make him pay, but Julia was right. There was no better way to make him pay than put him in jail. Let him rot in prison for what he’d done. Let him be some psychopath’s ass bitch. Once they found out what he was in for, he’d be used and abused until he begged for mercy.
“Let me go, please, man. She wanted it. She wanted me to fuck her. She asked for it, and when I heard you banging on the door, she started fighting like she didn’t. I swear to god.”
“Don’t make this worse for yourself,” I replied, and the trembling came back full force.
“I swear dude, I swear. She told me that she needed a good fuck. That you just don’t do it for her. You’re not enough.”
I slammed him into the wall again just to get him to shut up, and there was a satisfying crack. Carter groaned and sobbed again, his body shaking back and forth. Crying like a baby.
Julia hurried back into the living room. She eyed Carter’s broken nose but didn’t comment. “They’re on their way.”
“Good. The sooner we get rid of this dickhead, the better.” I rattled Carter against the wall. That temptation to utterly decimate him was so strong. As much as I wanted to end him, I wasn’t a killer. Offing a man in cold blood, no matter how evil, just wasn’t how I’d been raised. I thought of my mom again and loosened my hold.
It took the cops and ambulance five minutes to arrive. It was pretty quick, but I was grateful. Holding Carter against the wall didn’t take much strength, only every ounce of willpower I had.
They took Julia aside and asked for her statement. Then questioned me separately to get my accounting of the evening’s alleged crimes.
Carter was slapped into cuffs, and it gave me the purest joy watching that fucker get dragged off and placed in the back of a cop car.
Sue Ann hit the sidewalk, just as they shut the door on Carter. He sat, staring straight ahead, tears rolling down his cheeks.
“What happened?” Sue Ann asked, eyes round as hockey pucks.
“He tried to hurt Julia again,” I replied in a monotone. “Shit. What kind of a protector am I?” Then we both turned and walked back into the living room, my head hanging in my hands. The hands that had just clutched my hockey stick and helped me kick the opposing team’s ass. Now, I’d just kicked Carter’s ass. But for what?
Julia sat on the edge of her sofa with her chin on her chest. Like she couldn’t even find it within herself to draw her next shaky breath. The clamor had finally died down, and with it, the reality hit her. She cried softly, shaking her head from side-to-side.
I hurried to her, sat on the sofa, and then folded her into my embrace. “It’s okay. It’s okay. He’s gone now, and you’re safe. I’m never letting you out of my sight again. Never. You’re coming to all my home games. Hell. I’ll fly you to all my away games. No fucking way will you ever be vulnerable again. Oh, my sweetheart. Don’t cry.”
Julia convulsed, her petite body racked with sobs. She let the emotion flow for a few minutes and then stammered. “No, I’m fine. I’ll be fine, I mean. It was… a shock… shocking.”
“What happened?” Sue Ann asked, glancing back at the broken mirror in the hall then to her best friend.
“It’s too much to explain now,” I replied for Julia. “She’s too upset. I don’t want her to have to re-live it all again.”
“I got caught in traffic. Otherwise I’d have been here way sooner. There was an accident on the highway. Somebody hit a deer. Poor, dead Bambi.” Sue Ann sighed and settled herself on Julia’s other side.
Together, we held her, Sue Ann by the hand and me with my chin on her crown.
Her sobs subsided slowly.
Julia extricated herself from us, then stood. “I’m really okay. I just… I’m glad you guys are here,” she said, then met my gaze. “I wasn’t sure I’d see you again after what I saw on TV.”
“The interview?”
“Yeah, Heather was talking about the wedding and –”
I burst out laughing in spite of myself. Not because it was truly funny, but just because Heather was the last and the least of our problems. Slowly, I explained to Julia what she’d missed. By the end of it, we were all laughing. With Carter safely in police custody, maybe all three of us could finally draw breath and move on with life.
Chapter 43
Julia
I sat at the table in Adam’s dining room, examining the polished grain of the wood. It was a beautiful piece, definitely the kind that’d seen countless family dinners. I’d love to have something like it in my home. I wished I could have met the wonderful woman who gave birth to him. The older woman’s kind eyes smiled down at me from their place of honor over the fireplace. Adam had told me the story of throwing the portrait of him and Heather out on the lawn.
A week had passed since the incident with Carter, and too much had happened during that time. It was nice to take a break from the rush of work and interviews to spend time with Adam.
Everyone wanted to know about me. How we’d met and where our relationship would lead. Questions I hadn’t answered myself yet.
Adam walked into the room, carrying two plates of piping hot chicken enchiladas. The table was set, crystal glasses brimming with red wine, silver cutlery, the works. Tea light candles were scattered across the top and on the serving buffet against the wall.
“You’re spoiling me,” I said as he placed the plate in front of me. I centered it and bit the side of my lip. “God, this looks scrumptious. I’m glad you’re a man who allows me to eat.”
“I love your killer curves. If they get curvier, that’s fine by me. I did my best on the enchiladas. I’m not much of a cook, but I figured with Mom’s recipe, what could go wrong?”
“You’re braver than I am.” I grinned at his effort. “A lot can go wrong.”
Adam placed his plate beside mine. He kissed the top of my head, then sank into his seat, and picked up his glass of wine.
“Are we toasting?” I asked.
“Only if that’s not a cheesy thing to do,” Adam said with a chuckle. I loved his chuckle. And those dimples… don’t even get me started on those irresistible indents. Being close to him was a heaven I never thought I’d indulge in. Thank God for that night I’d been brave enough to drive to the hospital and camp out in his room.
We clinked our glasses together and sipped, but still didn’t dig into the food. It looked and smelled delicious, but something hung in the air between us, in his gaze, which roved my face, rested on my lips. Something unfinished.
“What are you thinking about?” he asked before I could.
“About you and about how crazy this past week has been.” I touched a hand to my hair, since I’d chosen an up-do for t
onight. An intricate nest of curls which rested at the nape of my neck. Soft tendrils framed my face. I felt susceptible with my neck exposed. But then again, I’d wanted to be vulnerable for him. To prove how much I trusted him.
I wore a pearl choker to offset the cream ruffles of my blouse. And to hide the lingering bruises from my attack.
“It has been crazy.” Adam shifted as if the topic made him uncomfortable. I clenched, unsure of what might be coming. It couldn’t be Carter. He’d been arraigned and denied bail due to his multiple offenses, including his prior from college.
“Did you hear about Heather? She left town after all. Her parents are moving to Chicago because of the scandal.”
“I heard,” Adam said, nodding. He didn’t add to that. Damn. Why had I brought up Heather just to have something to talk about to ease my tense nerves?
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have brought her up.”
“That’s okay. She’s the furthest thing from my mind, though. There are way more important matters to focus on.” Adam cleared his throat, picked up his fork, and then placed it back on the table.
“We should dig in before this delicious meal gets cold.” I picked up my knife and fork and cut into the first enchilada. Steam rose from the baked tortilla.
“I can’t eat right now,” Adam admitted. “Too nervous.”
“Nervous? Why?” I put my cutlery down again. “What’s wrong?”
Adam coughed into his fist, then dropped it into his lap. He fumbled with something under the table.
“You’re freaking me out here. What’s going on? Are you sick? Did you hurt yourself again?”
“Julia, I love you,” he said, then grumbled under his breath. “I thought I’d be smooth at this.”
“I love you, too,” I said, pursing my lips, my brow wrinkling. “I’m a little confused right now, but I do love you. A lot. That part’s not up for debate.”
Adam burst out laughing. It took him a second to get himself under control, but finally, he pushed his chair back and stood.
I met his gaze, craning my neck. What was he doing? Where was he going in the middle of dinner?
The questions stopped swirling the moment Adam dropped to one knee and brought a black velvet box out from behind his back. My heart froze, and warmth spread through my soul, an excited buzz that was totally uncontrollable. I made a tiny noise in my throat, but inside I was whooping, screaming, and jumping up and down like a crazy person. My fantasy. It was coming true. For me. Julia Wales!
“I’ve been carrying this around with me for a few weeks now. I wanted to propose to you at the right moment, and it just never came.”
“I – Adam, this is –”
He grasped my hand and held it tight, stroking his thumb over the back of my knuckles. “I swore I’d never do this again, that I’d never even consider it, but you changed that for me.” He swallowed, and his Adam’s apple bobbed.
He was perfect, and the flickering candlelight accentuated that. I squeezed his hand back, tears spilling from my eyes. My heart overflowed.
“I’ve had a crush on you since we were kids. I’m so happy that you’re the woman for me. That is, if you’ll have me. Don’t want to get ahead of myself here,” Adam added with another of those wry chuckles.
I placed both hands on his cheeks and met his searching gaze. “I love you.”
“And I love you. Julia, will you marry me?”
“Of course,” I said and threw my arms around his neck. He pulled me close, peppering my neck with kisses. I did the same. “I have a confession to make, too.”
“What?”
“I’ve loved you ever since the day you crouched down on our pond and kissed the ice,” I said, tracing his lips with my shaking fingertips. “That’s the only reason I was brave enough to go to your hospital room the night of the accident.”
Our lips found each other’s, and we kissed, long and slow. The passion building until Adam broke away. He opened the box and presented me with the most gorgeous ring I’d ever seen.
I extended my left hand, and he slipped it onto my ring finger. I couldn’t stop staring. Could barely believe this had just happened. The intimate proposal. To the man who wasn’t perfect but perfect for me.
“I can’t believe this is happening,” I murmured. “I have to call Sue Ann.”
Adam rolled his eyes in a gesture worthy of an award. “Of course. Let’s not forget Sue Ann. She can participate in the wedding but not the wedding night, okay?”
I punched him lightly on the arm. “Shush you, I have to start planning the wedding as soon as possible. We need to decide on a date, and I know exactly where I’m going to get my dress.”
“Awesome,” Adam replied, pressing his lips to my cheek, and finally settling back into his seat. “As long as you decorate the hall yourself.”
“Oh, you can bet on that.” I grinned. My stomach growled, but I was far too excited to eat.
Adam was, too. “Hey, how about we save this and go upstairs instead? Consummate the proposal and all that.”
“Yes, please,” I replied, smiling from ear to ear. I twiddled my ring finger, admiring the princess cut diamond, the light sparkling within.
Already, the ring felt like it belonged there.
Epilogue
Julia
“You look like you emerged from a fairytale!” Sue Ann exclaimed, grasping my fingertips and twirling me on the spot. “If I do say so myself. I mean, that is a custom made, Mark Zunino dress, thank you very much.”
“I can’t believe it’s time already,” I breathed.
I glanced out of the window, at the frozen lake in the distance. A gazebo was set up close to its glistening surface, featuring an arch overlooking the ice. I’d made sure to order tons of gas heaters to help the guests deal with the cold, but I’d been loath to change the venue.
Adam’s house was the best place for this wedding. A place where he’d feel like his parents could attend in spirit.
It was our home now, and I couldn’t wait to show the world how much I loved it here. Duluth was in my heart and soul, and the history of the Spencer house swam through my veins now, too.
I touched a hand to my belly, a tiny smile lighting my lips.
“He doesn’t know yet?” Sue asked.
“I’m going to tell him tonight. I wanted to surprise him.” I’d found out a couple days ago and keeping the secret had been the hardest thing I’d ever done. I wanted to blurt it out, scream it from the rooftops. Let Jessie Glyn and the rest of the Duluth media know. Two would be walking down the aisle today.
“A family of your own,” Sue replied, dabbing at her eyes with a lacy handkerchief. “I can’t even deal. So happy for you, Jules. So richly deserved.”
“Thanks, Sue,” I said, then pointed at my friend, my full-length cream gown swishing at the bottom. “No, don’t make me cry and mess up my make up.”
“Uh, hello,” Sue said, holding up a tube of mascara, “water proof! This isn’t my first rodeo.”
“I know,” I replied, then laughed. I was high as a kite today, floating in the puffy, white clouds. I couldn’t believe my life had turned out like this.
Business boomed, Adam was so amazing, and all the slanderous comments that Heather had made, that Carter – who was rotting in jail – had fueled, all of them had fallen away. The press, Duluth, and the Caribou had embraced me as their lost daughter. I even got to design the décor for all the Caribou’s parties.
I studied myself in the mirror, admiring the tight bodice accented with tiny pearls. A white faux fur shrug waited to keep my bare skin from the chill during the short ceremony. I couldn’t wait to recite the vows I’d written by hand. The ones that would proclaim to one and all just how much I adored Adam Spencer. How I treasured our union. And now, our family.
“It’s time,” Sue Ann said from behind me. “Take a deep breath, honey. These are your last few moments as a kick-ass single woman.”
I grinned and accepted the cozy white sh
rug from Sue Ann. I slipped it over my bare shoulders, and it embraced me in its warmth, sweeping around the base of the dress.
“You look like a queen.”
“Freddy Mercury or Elizabeth the Second?” I quipped, purely out of nerves.
“Neither. Queen Julia Wales.” Sue Ann offered me an arm, and we walked down the stairs together. “The best queen ever.”
I didn’t have bridesmaids, and Adam didn’t have groomsmen. We’d invited only a few friends and family members, including my brother.
But I hadn’t chosen any of them to walk me down the aisle.
Instead, Sue Ann would give me away. My friend had been there for me every step of my journey through adulthood so far, and it seemed fitting that she’d be the one. We stopped on the porch of Adam’s house. A broad path had been hollowed out for us, and a gentle dusting of snow fell from the heavens.
My breath fogged, my nose and cheeks were icy already, they’d probably turned red, but I didn’t care. Most of the photos had been taken inside.
Adam was waiting under the arch, staring at me. So still a muscle twitch would be barely perceptible. Eyes for no one else. My hands were crossed in front of my abdomen, my shoulders pulled back, emanating pride and joy.
A low tinkle of music met my ears. Sue Ann had insisted on a string quartet and their melodic tones wafted on the chilly air. I slipped my arm through Sue’s, and we stepped off the porch and into the snow. My boots were knee-high under my dress, supple white leather. They crunched on the ground.
I walked down the path slowly, flakes landing on my hair and coat. I beamed at the waiting Adam, meeting his eyes the entire way. The reverend stood behind him, holding a Bible, grey-haired and regal.
We swept beneath the gazebo. Pale fairy lights twinkled from the awnings and between the short rows of chairs. We stopped in front of Adam, and Sue Ann turned to me, eyes glistening.
“You deserve this,” Sue whispered, then drew me into a swift embrace. “Love ya forever. You and the little Spencer bambino.”
“You too,” I replied, sniffling already.
Benched Page 24
