True Devotion

by Dee Henderson

  He began swimming them back to his boat. He lifted her over the side and hauled himself into the boat beside her. He struggled to get the life jacket straps unbuckled. She whimpered, deep in her chest, as he tried to remove it. He froze, hating that he was hurting her. It had to come off. “I’m sorry, honey.” As carefully as he could, he cradled her against him and finished working it free. He pitched it toward the other end of the boat.

  Hurriedly, he reached for the solar blanket and enveloped her in it, tucking it tight around her. He had nothing to dry her face, and he was dripping on her—but he didn’t want to let her go.

  Confirming exact coordinates from the GPS, he called the Coast Guard cutter Hanson, then Boomer and Wolf. Waiting for the others to arrive was the longest wait of his life. He brought her hands out from the blanket and rubbed his fingers over where the straps had bitten into her skin. She had taken a pounding from the sea, and he was afraid she might have broken a finger.

  Where was her wedding ring?

  No. Oh no. Of all the things for her to lose in the sea, her wedding ring . . . He kissed her forehead, hugging her tight. He’d replace it with his own.

  Nick, I promise I’ll take good care of her. I promise you, buddy.

  Her eyes began to flutter. “Kelly, can you hear me? Kelly?”

  When her eyes eventually opened, she didn’t appear to be focusing. “Welcome back,” he said softly. Come on, honey, look at me. Pull out of it enough to look at me.

  She blinked, confused. “It’s a pretty dawn,” she whispered. Her eyes closed and a sharp look of pain crossed her face.

  “Where’s it hurt?”

  “Headache.”

  His hand moved carefully through her hair, looking for signs of a blow. He didn’t find one. As gently as he could, he cradled her neck in his hand, feeling the fragileness. “I’m sorry.”

  “Kiss it better.”

  Her whisper made him smile and he pressed his lips against her cold forehead. “I wish I could.”

  Her eyes opened abruptly and she winced. “Charles. What happened to Charles?”

  He didn’t want to tell her but didn’t have much choice. “He’s dead, Kelly.”

  She shuddered at that news. “Ryan. Does he know?”

  “I told him. We didn’t want him to find out from the media.”

  “How is he doing?”

  “Shocked. It’s still settling in.”

  “Charles asked me to take care of him.”

  Did she know who Charles was? There was something horribly wrong at telling her the truth, that Charles had been responsible for Nick’s death. “Ryan is going to need to know you care,” he said carefully, knowing she would eventually need to know the truth, but now was not the time to tell her.

  She gave a weary smile. “I know about Charles, Joe. I can’t reconcile what Charles did with the man I knew.”

  “I’m sorry I didn’t see what was happening.”

  “Take me home.”

  “You need to see a doctor.”

  “Not this time. I want to go home.”

  “We’ll see.” It was the best he could promise. He hugged her, loving every bit of her from the dripping hair to the wet tennis shoes. “You’ll be okay.”

  She rested her head against his shoulder. “Just don’t let go.” She closed her eyes at the sound of a boat nearby, signaling the end of a long night.

  Thirty-Five

  * * *

  Lynnette’s father held the screen door open for Joe as he and Kelly came up the walk. Kelly almost fell. Joe tightened his arm around her waist. She was weaving like a young colt on unsteady legs, but he didn’t question her decision to be here.

  She hesitated at the bottom of the porch stairs, her hand tightening on his arm as she tried to decide if she could do them. Joe waited and she chose to try. He had to give her credit for not being willing to give up. She was going to fold if she didn’t sit down soon, but she was marshaling her strength until she was able to talk with Ryan. Joe was grateful that Lynnette’s father worked for the department, that Ryan had somewhere other than the police station or social services to stay.

  The doctors had fought against releasing her, and the investigators had pushed to get more of a statement before she left. Joe had overruled both on her behalf. He knew what Kelly most wanted and he was determined to give it to her. And then he was going to make very sure she got at least twenty-four hours of uninterrupted sleep.

  “Ryan?” Kelly asked as she reached the top of the stairs.

  “The living room. Lynnette and I were just fixing breakfast for him. You’ll join us?”

  “Some coffee would be nice.” Kelly glanced up at Joe and he reluctantly nodded. He knew she wanted to see Ryan alone. She rubbed her hand on his arm and smiled at him as she whispered her thanks. She turned toward the living room.

  * * *

  “Ryan?” Kelly sank down onto the couch beside the teen. “I’m so sorry.”

  All her energy had been focused on getting here. She was glad she hadn’t delayed. Ryan . . . She recognized the pain he was feeling, the shock. It was the same look that had hit her when she learned Nick had been killed. Only worse, for this was a boy feeling the pain of losing his father.

  “Joe said the two men I saw killed Dad.”

  She hugged him. It was the only thing she knew to do to convey the fact he wasn’t alone. “You’re not to blame.”

  “What happens to me now?”

  Charles’s second cousin was on his way from Britain, but that would hardly be a great answer for Ryan, a man he had never met before from a country where he had never lived. “Your dad asked me to look out for you. I would like to do that, if you’ll let me.” She’d given Charles her word and she desperately wanted to be able to keep it. She was worried that he would want nothing to do with her.

  “Dad stole your medallion.”

  “I know. He apologized. He died a reformed thief, Ryan, not a thief. Please believe that.”

  “Why did he risk everything, get himself killed?” His tears returned. She pulled him toward her and buried the sobbing teen’s head against her shoulder. To tell him his dad had been blackmailed, using Ryan as the leverage . . . she couldn’t do it.

  “A long time ago, when he was angry at God, he stole some things. He got past that point long ago. But the men he once worked for came back. Your dad didn’t get involved by choice. He was trying to stop them, Ryan.” The explanation didn’t change the reality of what had happened. She knew that, and the words felt hollow.

  “I don’t understand.”

  “I know. He loved you, Ryan. He was thinking about you.” She leaned back, trying to decide what was best. He needed some sleep and some time. “Are you comfortable staying here for today? Maybe tomorrow we can get things arranged for you to come stay with Joe.”

  “He’s not talking to me.”

  “Joe? He understands about the medallion.”

  “I lied to him.”

  “He’ll forgive you. You want to talk to him? He’s in the kitchen fixing me breakfast.” She tightened her arm around his shoulders. “Come on. I promise you, it will be worth it.” She struggled to her feet.

  Ryan grabbed her arm to keep her from falling. “What’s wrong?”

  “I’ll be fine. I just went for another long swim and I’m afraid my legs aren’t used to solid ground yet.”

  The comment drew a smile from Ryan. “You can lean against me this time.”

  “Thank you.” She gratefully did just that. Her balance was such she was beginning to suspect it was caused by water in her inner ears.

  Joe came to meet them as they entered the kitchen. A batch of biscuits had just come out of the oven and sausage patties were browning. Kelly smiled at Ryan and then glanced at Joe. “Ryan would like to talk to you.”

  Joe tugged out a chair and pointed her to it. He set a big glass of orange juice in front of her. “Start with that; it will kill some of the salt water you drank.” He glanced at th
e teen. “Have you started to drink coffee yet?” When the teen nodded, Joe poured the boy a mug, picked up his own, and nodded to the door. “Come on. Let’s take a walk.”

  * * *

  Joe unlocked Kelly’s house, then came back to the car. Kelly was asleep. He eased the seat belt from around her. He carefully lifted her from the car and carried her inside. There was so much relief at having her home. He walked back to the bedroom.

  “Thanks, Joe.” She awoke enough to whisper the words.

  “I promised you would sleep in your own bed.”

  There was a bear on the bed. She reached down to pick it up so he could pull back the blankets. It was a white bear, worn now, the bear he had given her. It gave Joe hope. “He wears well.”

  She gave a soft smile. “Just like you.”

  Joe eased her under the covers, wanting to follow up on that remark but didn’t dare to at this moment. Her eyes had closed with a sigh and she turned her face into the pillow. He brushed her hair back. “Get some sleep. I’ll be here when you wake up.” It was an unnecessary suggestion; her breathing had already become shallow and slow. He stood there for a moment watching her sleep, then with reluctance stepped from the room and partially closed the door.

  She slept through the rest of the day and awoke just before sunset. Joe heard her stirring and set down the book he was reading. “Kelly?” She joined him in the living room several minutes later, wearing a robe over sweats.

  “Cold?”

  She rubbed her arms. “Yes.” She looked around the room, then closed her eyes. “Can we sit outside?”

  Surprised at the request, he nodded and rose. “Sure.” He reached for the afghan on the sofa to take out with them. The sun was setting over the Pacific. He helped her settle on the lounge chair. “You look more than just sad.”

  “I am.”

  He sat down on the chair beside her and brushed back her hair. “Come here. Hug a bear that can hug you back.”

  She wrapped her arms tightly around him and hung on. The emotion in her actions . . . He wrapped his arms around her and returned the grip, offering all the assurance he could that it would be okay. He wasn’t leaving.

  “Thanks,” she whispered.

  He briskly rubbed his hands across her arms. He loved her and somehow he was going to make this better, at least drive the memories back to a manageable proportion. “I wish I could have prevented this.”

  She shook her head against his chest. “Don’t. I didn’t see it, and I was closer to Charles than you were.”

  “I almost lost you. I never want to lose you.”

  “You didn’t.”

  The night closed in around them. He couldn’t have another close call like this, not and have any chance of staying sane. Whatever reassurance she needed from him regarding his career he would figure out some way to give her. He wanted a future with her.

  “Will you marry me?” he asked softly. “I love you, Kelly.” It wasn’t the place and circumstances he had considered when he thought about asking her, but it was the right time, for any delay in those words would haunt him.

  She didn’t respond. He started to ease her back so he could see her face and she shook her head, not letting him. She turned her head and rubbed her cheek against his shirt. She was wiping away tears against the fabric. The realization caught him by surprise. She leaned back and gave him a smile that came in spite of the tears still falling. “I thought you would never ask. I would be proud to marry you. Very proud.”

  The joy was overwhelming. He gently kissed her. The celebration would come later when she felt better. “Thank you.”

  Her gaze held his, searching, and then she looked down and traced the sleeve of his shirt. She slid her hand into his. “What about Ryan?”

  He took a deep breath, hearing her worry. He really did like the boy, and he knew where Kelly’s heart was. She’d risked her life for that teen. Joe thought about it and then tightened his hand on hers. “He’ll have both of us.”

  “Thank you for that.”

  “He’s a good kid, Kelly.”

  He tipped up her chin and leaned down, softly kissing her. He felt an overwhelming tenderness that eclipsed even the passion. “Marry me soon?”

  “Can you get leave for a honeymoon?”

  He smiled at the question. “Watch me. Where would you like to go?”

  “I’ve never been outside California.”

  “I could probably come up with a warm, private beach where we wouldn’t freeze when we went for a swim.”

  “That idea I love. And I wouldn’t mind sailing, if you could find a boat that was in good condition.”

  “Good condition. I hear a slight against my latest project.”

  “You have to admit it still needs some work, Bear.”

  She was teasing him and it felt wonderful. “By the time you get the wedding planned, I’ll have the boat ready to sail.”

  “Two months? After Boomer and Christi have their baby?”

  “Done.” It was the best deal he had ever made. He lifted her hand and rubbed her ring finger. “I saw your wedding ring put away with Nick’s flag. I was afraid you had lost it.”

  “It was time to take it off.”

  “What kind of engagement ring would you like in its place?”

  “Sapphire and diamond.”

  He laughed at her immediate reply. “Want to think about it awhile first?”

  “I already have.”

  He grew serious. “It was a long night.”

  “A lot of time to think.”

  Joe rubbed his hand across her back. “For both of us.”

  She leaned her head back and smiled to lighten the moment. “I’m hungry.”

  “Why do I get the feeling that was a suggestion rather than a comment?”

  “Steaks are in the refrigerator. I was going to cook out for you last night.”

  “I’ll let you sit here and chat with me while I fire up the grill.”

  “I hoped you would say that.”

  He got up and prepared the grill, starting the coals.

  She was staring out at the sea. He paused by the lounge chair and rested his hand on her hair to ruffle it gently. “Are you okay?”

  “Yes.” Her hand reached up and grasped his. “I’ve fallen in love with the sea.”

  He squeezed her hand. “I was afraid it would feel threatening after last night.”

  “No. It was a refuge when I most needed one.”

  “It’s been one for me many times in the past.” He listened to the breaking waves. “It’s peaceful tonight.”

  “Can we always live near the sea?”

  “That’s probably the only thing I can promise you. You’re about to be a military bride again.”

  “I’m looking forward to it, Bear.”

  He paused on the way to get the steaks. “Why do I get the feeling my handle is under threat?”

  “Well . . . I do have a suggestion.”

  The gleam in her eyes was enough of a warning. “You wouldn’t dare.”

  “I promise to only call you teddy bear in private.”

  Her laughter filled the night as he swooped to pick her up with a playful growl.

  Author’s Note

  Dear Reader,

  Thank you for reading this book. It was a special honor to write. I absolutely fell in love with Joe and Kelly. And the guys of SEAL Platoon Nine—Cougar and Wolf and Boomer are friends now; I didn’t want this story to end!

  Those who serve this country in the military are special heroes. They live an adventure, see much of the world, but they also accept demands on their lives most civilians do not understand. I wanted to give a glimpse into that reality with this story—the sweat and blood and dedicated service behind the glamour.

  When God calls a warrior, he is molding a man to be one of the pillars of our nation. There are real men like Joe “Bear” Baker wearing the uniform today. This is my tribute and thanks to them.

  As always, I love to hear from
my readers. Feel free to write me at:

  Dee Henderson

  c/o Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

  351 Executive Drive

  Carol Stream, IL 60188

  E-mail: dee@deehenderson.com

  or online at www.deehenderson.com

  First chapters of all my books are online; please stop by and check them out. Thanks again for letting me share Joe and Kelly’s story.

  Sincerely,

  Books by Dee Henderson

  The O’Malley Series

  Danger in the Shadows (Prequel)

  The Negotiator

  The Guardian

  The Truth Seeker

  The Protector

  The Healer

  The Rescuer

  Uncommon Heroes Series

  True Devotion

  True Valor

  True Honor

  Kidnapped

  The Witness

  Before I Wake