That maneuver should’ve ended things except Logan tried catching his fall by grabbing onto another patron, one who was not exactly happy about being brought into this or seeing a drunk guy swinging at girls. That bystander and a few of his motorcycle gang friends, by the looks of their matching leather jackets and insignia, pulled Logan back to his feet only to toss him into the wall. It seemed like in just a matter of a few seconds half the bar was involved in the brawl. Darling tugged Madison’s arm to try and sneak out the door, but unfortunately the cops were already taking names and handing out cuffs.
“I can’t believe your friend Carrie isn’t in here with us. I mean she was right behind me. Heck, she’s the one who handed me the cue ball that I tossed at Logan’s head.” Madison frowned a bit.
“Well, she didn’t actually hit anybody. Besides, her boyfriend is a fireman, and her uncle is Sheriff Brickman, so I have a feeling the local police turned a blind eye to her involvement in our little girls’-night extravaganza.”
“Well, at least you finally know how to have a good time,” Madison quipped.
“Thanks, but I think I liked our dinners out and shopping trips while on tour with the boys better than sitting in this jail cell,” Darling mused, leaning back against the cement wall.
It had been a pretty great tour. It gave her some time to get some distance from the lake house and that whole headache, and do some experimental cooking. Exactly what she needed to break out of her past. Ross took her to see the Louvre and the Arc de Triumph in Paris. They went on an authentic gondola ride in Venice and saw the Acropolis while visiting Athens.
One of the most special things happened in front of the most famous bakery in all of Rome. It was an evening off for the band, and Ross took her out to a romantic dinner followed by a leisurely walk in the warm night air. Other couples strolled arm in arm through the cobbled streets, but Darling still felt like the whole of old Rome belonged just to the two of them. He stopped her in front of the bakery, and they looked into the window. She smiled, seeing some of the most talented pastry chefs in their white chef hats proudly concocting magical sweet treats. Even though she’d eaten a large meal, her tummy still rumbled over the delicious smells wafting out into the night.
Ross kissed her gently. His hand cupped her head, cradling it lightly. “I bet they’d make a fabulous wedding cake,” he whispered into her ear and pulled out the most beautiful ring Darling had ever seen. It was a simple diamond, but it had beautiful bright sapphires set all around it, her birthstone. She gasped and squealed in surprise.
“I know this isn’t the crown jewels, but I think it’ll look beautiful on you.” Ross gently slipped the band on her finger.
By the time that Becket was done touring through Europe, her mind was made up. Ross had been busy with band meetings, practices, and press conferences, and that had been just what she needed. The time alone gave her an opportunity to think and put things in perspective. She wouldn’t sell the lake house to another family, and she wouldn’t sell it to a developer. She decided to sell it for a very reasonable price to a charitable organization that wanted to have a lakeside camp for children with special needs. It was actually an idea she got from Madison’s brother-in-law Thomas. His son had some developmental delays, so the band always did a lot of work to raise money and awareness for certain kid charities. It just seemed like the perfect solution. A bunch of small cabins would be built on the land. Kids would get to enjoy some time over the summer swimming, fishing, sailing, hiking, and being out in the fresh air. Darling would be at peace knowing that her family home was being put to good use. She had a lot of happy memories about that house, but she never wanted to spend another night in it.
The clanging of the cell door opening interrupted Darling’s thoughts. The booking officer announced, “Roberts and Jacks, you two made bail, so get up.”
The girls wasted no time hopping off the uncomfortable cell bench and exiting. The other ladies still being held looked at them longingly. They were let out into a very institutional-looking waiting room where an anxious Ross paced around, his hair messy, his expression tense.
“Oh, baby, are you okay? I’m sorry it took me so long to drive up from New York. What the hell happened?” Ross pulled her into his arms, running his hands around her as if she could have injuries to be tended.
“I’m fine. It was just a misunderstanding between my stupid cousin and my fist, but I think we worked it out.”
Ross pulled away from her, his eyes opening wide. “Jesus, what happened to that sweet girl who didn’t want to hurt a fly?”
Darling chuckled. “She turned into a woman who doesn’t put up with any crap.”
Link hugged his own wife before whispering a few harsh words in her ear. Madison knew how to handle him—she just pressed her lips against her husband’s and settled her body tight to his, and he was helpless to complain anymore. Link was too busy smiling like a fool.
“So a few hours in the joint and you’re all hard-hearted, woman?” Darling didn’t have time to answer before the desk sergeant called them all over to the counter. She and Madison had to sign paperwork assuring they’d attend an upcoming court date. Link and Ross each had to shell out $500 cash for their bail. They were being charged with simple assault and would probably have to pay a fine, but Darling didn’t care. It was worth it to give what for to that snake of a cousin of hers. Besides, with this all behind her, maybe she could finally get around to planning her own wedding before Madison did it all.
“How about we get out of this place and check out that ranch I told you about? I’ve got some big surprises for you.” Ross teased her, settling an arm around her shoulders.
“Does it involve anything from the box?” she whispered back.
He smiled knowingly. “And baked goods.”
The End
Publisher’s Note
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About T.D. Hassett
T.D. Hassett, romance author, grew up certain that life should be like a romance novel, lots of passion, some incredible adventures and a guaranteed happily ever after. She has a B.A. in history and a M.S. degree in clinical psychology before studying education. Ms. Hassett lives in Connecticut with her very patient husband and two young children. Her rambunctious family shares their home with 3 crazy cats and a darling golden retriever named Delilah.
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