Special Delivery (Mountain Meadow Homecoming 1)

by Laura Browning

  She nodded, narrowing her eyes on Evan, “Very funny, Evan. It’s not nice to antagonize your doctor, especially right before she takes your stitches out.”

  “Cool,” Tyler said. “Can I watch?”

  * * * *

  Spence Dilby sat in his rental car a few houses down. The cop returned home a few minutes later and headed for the house next to his. With nimble fingers, Spence twisted the cap on the hip flask he carried and swallowed another mouthful of scotch. Good. They were beginning to relax. The first couple of days, they had been cautious and watchful, especially the big cop. Jake somebody. Spence couldn’t recall his name offhand, but who cared? He did wonder why they seemed to be on the alert. Then he realized it must be Holly’s kid brother. Spence had followed him after school the second day, when he realized the kid didn’t come straight home, and discovered he hung out at the hick store on the square. Tyler must’ve seen him. That was the only reason they would have cause to be so careful.

  By now, Spence was getting comfortable with their routine. Every morning, the cop and the tall guy next door ran a pretty predictable route. This morning was the first day a marked car hadn’t patrolled the street while they were out. A good sign they were letting their guard drop. If that continued, it might be the best time to snatch the kid. With the older kid working in the afternoons, Holly and the baby would be alone.

  He’d already stocked the car with an infant seat, diapers, bottles, and formula. From what he’d seen the couple of times he’d snuck close to the house, Holly was breast-feeding. The whole idea revolted him. After all, who wanted to go to bed with a cow? But it should be easy enough to switch the kid over to a bottle.

  Spence sat back. Yeah, this would work out great. He could take the baby. After all, she was a Dilby, and he and Seely would have a family without the inconvenience of pregnancy to interfere with getting sex from Seely whenever he wanted. Her not being able to have kids made her the perfect partner from his point of view. He could screw his eyeballs out whenever he wanted and not have to worry she’d get knocked up.

  Just thinking about it made him hard. Spence started the car and drove to the truck stop by the interstate. He’d already found a couple of hookers who worked the parking lot there. They’d blow him for a twenty.

  * * * *

  Evan’s cell phone rang early Friday afternoon while he was handing a list to Wanda Sue of the six men he would have Sam and Jake arrest, along with his father. Jenny might not remember the actual events, but she did remember who she’d seen in the tape, and Evan certainly remembered.

  “Run criminal checks on each of these guys, and see if you can start the ball rolling to access bank records for them from about twelve years ago. And, Wanda, it goes without saying. No matter whose names you see there, not a word to anyone.” She nodded and Evan punched his phone. “What’s wrong, Holly? Everything okay?”

  “Yes. I just wanted to invite you and Jenny over to our house for dinner.”

  “What did Jenny say?”

  “She was in with a patient so I haven’t been able to reach her.”

  “I’m sure she’d be delighted,” Evan said smoothly. “What time do you want us to come over?”

  “Six would be good. I have a roast cooking.”

  “Mmm. With potatoes and carrots?”

  “Of course.”

  “We’ll be there. How’s my very best surrogate niece?”

  “Growing like a weed, Evan. Thanks for asking.”

  “Do I get to play with her when we come over?”

  “Of course.”

  “You know, darling, next to Jenny, you are the woman of my dreams.”

  Holly laughed. “Sorry, big guy. I am very taken with a certain dark-haired cop.”

  He replaced the handset to find Wanda Sue staring at him. “What?” he barked.

  “Are you on happy drugs?”

  “Of course not.”

  Wanda Sue just nodded and went back to work.

  * * * *

  When they arrived, Jenny carried her medical bag with her. Jake raised his brows when he noticed, and she grinned. “I just figured while I was here, I would perform Holly and Noelle’s two-week checkups. It’s just a day early, but they both seem to be thriving.”

  “Does that mean?” Jake hinted hopefully.

  Jenny punched him in the arm. “No! You still have to wait, but I should be able to give you a better idea of how long,” she added when she saw how forlorn his expression was.

  When Evan laughed, Jake glared at him. “Just wait, bro. You won’t be laughing nearly as much when it’s you who’s twiddling your thumbs.”

  “What’s this?” Holly asked as she came in from the kitchen.

  “Sex.” Jenny said. “Jake’s still trying to jump the green light.”

  Holly’s cheeks pinkened. “Is that possible?”

  “We can talk about it after dinner. I brought my bag so I could go ahead and check you and Noelle.”

  “Oh good!” Holly blushed when she met Jake’s steady, heated stare.

  During dinner, Jake entertained everyone with the activities of the now firmly united Nativity Canvassing Committee, comprised of church ladies from both the Baptist church and the Presbyterian church. They still determinedly marched door to door to inquire if anyone had sighted Mary, Joseph, the baby Jesus, the Three Wise Men, the camel, and the donkey.

  Jake shook his head in exasperation. “I still have to clear it with Ernie, but I’m considering adding another officer this weekend so we can keep watch over the shepherd and his sheep.”

  Holly chuckled. “I thought the shepherds were keeping watch over their flocks by night, not Mountain Meadow’s finest.”

  Jake laughed along with everyone else, but his expression was thoughtful.

  While Jake, Evan, and Tyler cleaned the kitchen, Jenny followed Holly and Noelle upstairs. After shutting the door to the master bedroom, Jenny set her bag on the dresser.

  “Let’s examine you first while Noelle sleeps,” Jenny suggested, all business now.

  After ascertaining everything was going well with the breast-feeding, Jenny palpated Holly’s abdomen. “This is good. You’re almost back to normal. Any more bleeding?”

  “Just some very isolated spotting, nothing heavy.”

  Jenny performed a pelvic exam. “Your cervix and perineum look good. You didn’t experience any tearing. I have to say, your recovery rate amazes me. The thinking is changing on the issue of when it’s okay to begin sexual intercourse, but the consensus is you should wait at least three to six weeks. For some women it takes longer. With what I see and feel, I can’t see any reason why you can’t go ahead.” She paused. “It really depends on how you feel.”

  “I’d like to. That is we…” She stuttered to a halt and blushed.

  Jenny patted her leg. “It’s okay. I’ll give you the go-ahead, but with a word of caution. Avoid any positions that would give him especially deep penetration. If you feel any discomfort…stop. You might need additional lubrication, so be prepared. Just do me one favor…don’t tell Jake until after we leave. I’m afraid he might throw you over his shoulder and carry you right back upstairs while we’re still here…just a little too much information for me. After all, he and I did go to high school together.”

  Holly giggled.

  “Seriously,” Jenny continued. “There are precautions you need to think about. Despite the myths, you can get pregnant while breast-feeding, and you will ovulate before your first period. So use birth control. And remember…take it easy.”

  Holly smiled. “Jake will be over the moon.”

  Jenny laughed and hugged her. “I suspect he’s not the only one. Now let’s take a look at baby girl.”

  * * * *

  Jake caught Holly’s gaze when she returned. His eyes narrowed. She glowed. There was no other word to describe it. His glance slid from Jenny back to Holly again and he swallowed. Had she given her the green ligh
t? Almost more than he could hope, and he wanted to ask her but knew that would be too rude. His eyes rested on Holly again as they all grilled Tyler about his Christmas list. There was definitely something different in her demeanor. His cock stirred, making him shift a little uncomfortably.

  As much as he enjoyed Evan and Jenny, Jake was anxious for them to go home. He watched the clock like a hawk. As soon as it hit ten, he signaled Tyler to get ready for bed. When Jenny grinned at him, Jake flushed and cleared his throat. Her reaction though, just made him more aroused. It had to mean she’d given Holly the all clear. He surreptitiously adjusted himself, wishing for once he’d worn briefs instead of boxers.

  “We should be going, Evan,” Jenny said with a wink at Jake that just made him flush. “I have to make rounds in the morning and find a dress for your folks' party tomorrow night.”

  Jake dug his hands in his pockets to hide his arousal as he and Holly followed them into the front hall. Tyler was already in bed, and as soon as the door shut behind Evan and Jenny, Jake pulled Holly into his arms and nuzzled her ear. “Is there something you need to tell me?” he whispered in a voice already husky with passion.

  She twined her arms around his neck, stared into his eyes and smiled. “Make love to me, Jake.”

  His body sprang to immediate attention. With a rumbling groan, he swung her into his arms and practically leaped up the stairs to the master bedroom. Once he pushed the door shut with his hip, he let her slide slowly to her feet and down the length of his already aroused body. He groaned again as she rubbed against an erection he was sure was the hardest one of his life.

  “I’m sorry, honey, but I don’t think I can wait for a whole lot of preliminaries right now,” he growled and almost ripped his shirt off over his head.

  As they frantically stripped clothes off each other, Holly blurted, “Jenny says we should take it easy.”

  Jake was panting as he pushed her on the bed. “Easy? Like, slowly to see how you react? Or are there things we’re not supposed to do?”

  Holly ran her hand over his stomach and his dick twitched in reaction. “No really deep penetration. She said something about that, but why don’t I just tell you if something doesn’t feel right?”

  Jake nuzzled her neck and caressed her breasts with shaking hands. “Mm. Sounds like a plan. How’s it going so far?”

  “Good,” Holly choked. “Really good. I haven’t done this since…”

  He didn’t want to hear about Dilby. Not ever. “It won’t hurt this time, honey. But if you feel any discomfort, tell me. I’ll stop.”

  They were both breathing heavily as he scooted between her thighs. When he pushed into her, he sucked in a breath at how snugly she gloved him. Once he had fully sheathed himself, Jake simply waited, nuzzling her with his lips and stroking her with his big hands.

  “Okay?” he murmured against her mouth.

  “Yes, Jake. Oh yes.”

  “Not too deep?”

  “No. It’s good.”

  Relief poured through him. He ached with wanting her, so he began to move. Holly met him thrust for thrust. His passion intensified at the flush of desire coloring her cheeks and glazing her partially closed eyes. He held her hips between his palms and pressed deeper and faster. As she opened her mouth on a moan that only increased in volume, Jake covered her lips with his, swallowing her cries of passion. He found her watching him with the most amazed smile on her face.

  “Oh, honey,” he choked. “That’s it. Watch me.” He held her gaze as long as he could until his climax made him throw his head back. Everything inside him churned together, swirling and focusing on where his body joined hers, then exploding with pleasure and relief. As he collapsed, he rolled to his back, nestling her on top of him. “That was beautiful, awesome! I love you so much.”

  “I love you,” she whispered back and leaned her cheek against his chest. He stroked her back and closed his eyes while their breathing settled and the pounding of their hearts slowed. She was his. Complete and utter contentment flowed through him. Dilby’s shadow was gone.

  “Uh, Jake?”

  “What, sweetheart?”

  “Jenny did say one other thing I forgot to mention in the heat of the moment.” Holly swallowed. “She said we should use birth control.”

  Jake’s breath caught and then he chuckled softly. “Next time. I’d like nothing better than having my baby growing inside you, but your body could use a little rest.”

  * * * *

  “We’ll get through this, darling,” Evan assured her as he drove to Richardson Homestead Saturday evening. Evan took his hand off the steering wheel to lace his fingers with Jenny’s.

  She nodded tensely. The subterfuge of the part she would play this evening wasn’t what bothered her. Simply seeing Stoner Richardson again made her cringe. The man was a snake. He gave her chills and made her want to hide. There was something so cold and flat to his eyes as if any human part of him had died years ago.

  He had begun to infect Evan with iciness as well, but not anymore. Evan had changed. The cold, sarcastic cynic she’d faced outside old man Crawley’s place had disappeared. Evan’s gray eyes no longer stared at everyone with chilly remoteness; they glowed with laughter and passion.

  “Evan? Are you sure you’ll be okay overnight?” Jenny worried. “I don’t like leaving you with him.”

  He glanced at her and smiled. “I’ll be fine. No matter what else he may be, he is still my father. But I do want you away from there. I don’t trust him with you, and I would prefer you weren’t around when Sam arrives in the morning to make the arrest. It won’t be pretty.”

  “I know,” Jenny murmured, but she still couldn’t shake a vague feeling of unease. It had begun earlier in the day when she and Evan went to her house to choose a dress. The choice was between a strapless red satin and a royal-blue silk sheath that was both classic and sexy. They had settled on the blue. As she’d gathered shoes, stockings, and lingerie, she glanced out the sliding glass doors of her room. Evan sat at the top of the hill, under the tree…right next to the headstone for Hope. Even from where she was, Jenny saw him stare pensively into the distance.

  He’d been thinking about the coming evening. She hoped what they were doing was motivated by the desire for justice, not purely for revenge. She had a hard enough time separating the two in her head, so she could only imagine what it must be like for Evan.

  His profile now in the glow of the BMW’s dashboard lights was lean and aristocratic, definitely not the boy she fell in love with so long ago, but a man with a goal in mind and a detailed plan on how to get there. No matter what, she would stand by him. She only prayed it wouldn’t be to pick up the pieces of someone who’d destroyed his father and his family solely for revenge. In the long run, revenge had a way of destroying the very person trying to exact it.

  When they turned into the long drive curving to the big house on the hill, Jenny and Evan both took deep breaths. “Ready?” he asked with an arch to one dark brow.

  “As much as I can be.”

  He touched her hand. “I love you.”

  Their eyes met for a long moment as she squeezed his fingers. “I love you too, Ev.” Her stomach churned with nerves, but she wouldn’t be any other place but here by Evan’s side.

  “Put on your game face.”

  Stoner and Catherine Richardson’s party was designed to make an impression. A sharply dressed young man opened Jenny’s door and helped her from the car, another was there to take the keys from Evan.

  When they walked inside, Evan appeared cool and distant in his tux, and Jenny made sure everything about her body language radiated anger at him. She wrenched her elbow out of his hand as they stepped over the threshold. Stoner and Catherine were there to greet them. Jenny saw the cold triumph in Stoner’s gray eyes, and the distress in Evan's mother’s.

  Even in her fifties, Catherine Richardson was still a beautiful woman. She was tall and fit, her blond hai
r expertly styled. She was every inch the perfect wife to one of the most prominent men in the country.

  “Mother,” Evan greeted her with a kiss on the cheek, “you remember Jenny Owens.”

  Catherine blinked and quickly recovered her composure. “Of course. How lovely to see you again, my dear. It’s Dr. Owens now, isn’t it?”

  “Yes.” Jenny smiled tensely. “It’s a pleasure to see you again, Mrs. Richardson.” She could say that with honesty because Catherine Richardson had always been kind to her. Jenny hoped she knew nothing of what her husband had done.

  “Dad.” Evan’s tone was aloof. “Sorry we’re late. Jenny couldn’t seem to tear herself away from her patients.”

  Stoner hadn’t missed the sarcasm in his son’s voice, and the gaze he turned on Jenny was coldly victorious. He held out his hand. Jenny hesitated a fraction before taking it. How could he look so much like an older version of Evan, yet be so different?

  “Good evening, Senator.” Her tone was cold enough to freeze the neat bourbon he held in his left hand. Nothing would have pleased her more.

  Evan started to take Jenny’s elbow again, but she twisted with a small smile at his mother. “If you don’t mind, is there somewhere I could freshen up? Evan barely gave me a chance to get out of my work clothes.”

  As Catherine pointed her to the downstairs powder room, Stoner clapped a hand on Evan’s back. “Good to see you again, son. Come with me. Jenny can catch up with you later. I have someone I’d like you to meet.”

  Jenny ducked into the bathroom gratefully. That had gone well. Stoner was already taking the bait, but even the success of their ploy couldn’t overcome the revulsion she experienced being near him. She took several deep breaths, checked her makeup, and reapplied her lipstick. She couldn’t stay away long, but she’d really needed a moment to calm herself. Her heart pounded at the base of her throat.

  After smoothing her hands over the tight skirt of her dress, Jenny went in search of Evan. He stood near an older man and woman and their tall, rather horsy looking daughter. Stoner was there as well, watching Evan and the girl. As Evan spotted Jenny, his expression grew colder, and it was obvious to her Stoner couldn’t be happier. Jenny would love to spit in his eye, but she had a role to play, and she would give it her all for Evan’s sake.