He paused, staring at the door behind her as he listened. After several moments, Nic nodded.
“Yeah. I’ve got her right here. We’re down in California, around Sacramento, so it’ll take me a day to get back, but I’ll bring her in.”
Another short pause.
“Anything we can do to help. See you sometime tomorrow, Sheriff.” Nic ended the call and tucked his phone back into his jacket pocket before looking down at her again. He gave her a tender smile and held out his hand. “So, what do you think? Are we making this journey together?”
Anna stared up into his gaze, so filled with hope it squeezed at her heart. Hers, Lacey’s and Nic’s futures all rested on her response.
Chapter Seventeen
Nic’s heart hammered as he waited for Anna’s response. It had taken him twelve hours to get down here. He’d driven straight through, stopping only to go to the bathroom or grab a quick bite to eat. During the entire trip down, he’d prayed, heart in his damn throat, that she and Lacey were okay. Simply seeing her, whole and alive, had gone a long way to easing the knots in his stomach, though the hand-shaped bruise on her throat made want to put his fist through her ex-husband’s skull.
The dark circles under Anna’s eyes told of sleepless nights. Had she been plagued by nightmares again? Did Lacey assume his role every night and wake her from the ugly dreams? Did Anna lie in bed, alone and terrified?
The only thing that gave him an ounce of hope as he stood there waiting for an answer was the way she’d responded to his kiss. She’d leaned up into him and sighed, her hands clutching at him. After five days without her, that single moment had been bliss.
Now came the moment of truth. Did she trust him enough to come home with him?
Finally, Anna drew her shoulders back and set her trembling hand in his. It reminded him so much of that morning she’d told him her real name. Only this time, she clutched his fingers.
She nodded, a tear streaking its way down her pale cheek. “Together.”
His heart swelled to near bursting, and what was surely a stupid grin plastered itself across his face. He tamped down the nearly overwhelming urge to wrap himself around her and squeeze her tight and instead brought her hand to his mouth and kissed her palm.
“God, you have no idea how happy I am to hear you say that. We’ll get him. I promise.” He nodded at the motel room door behind her. “Let’s go get Lacey.”
The sooner they got on the road, the sooner they could have that chat with Sheriff Decker, and the sooner the police would catch Tony. Then Nic could start on making Anna and Lacey feel safe again. Safe enough to come home for good.
• • •
Nic pulled into the empty spot in front of the sheriff’s department and shut off the engine. He scrubbed his face with his hands, trying to rouse himself a bit, then turned to the passenger seat. Anna lay curled up, using her wadded coat as a pillow between the seat and the window. It had taken them fourteen hours to get home. He’d stopped at Luc’s first to drop off Lacey before heading here. She didn’t need to hear what Anna would have to tell the sheriff.
It was late. Almost nine. The sun had long since set and the streets of Angel Bay had quieted for the night as the residents closed up shops and went home. He probably ought to wait until the morning, let Anna and Lacey get some sleep. Hell. He could use some himself. He hadn’t had a decent night’s sleep since realizing that she’d disappeared.
But when they went home, they would need to talk, so as tired as they both were, this needed to happen now. He also didn’t want to give Tony a chance to get any farther away. The sooner they caught the bastard, the sooner Anna and Lacey could start to heal and move on.
He reached over and shook Anna’s shoulder. “Anna, honey, wake up. We’re here.”
Anna’s eyes fluttered open. She stared blankly at him for a moment, no doubt processing, before recognition dawned in her gaze. She rubbed her eyes, looking around her as she pulled her seat upright. “Where are we?”
He nodded at the building in front of them, lit from within and glowing against the surrounding darkness.
“Back in Angel Bay. We’re at the sheriff’s department. I know you’re tired.” He dragged a hand down his face. “I’m exhausted, to be honest. But—”
“I’d rather do this as soon as possible.” She shook her head as she pulled on her coat. “Tony could be gone by tomorrow.”
“Exactly what I thought.” He held out hand, palm up. “You ready for this?”
She stared again for a beat, then set her hand in his and nodded. “I’m ready. I want him put him in jail for what he did.”
Nic squeezed her fingers then exited the car and moved around to hers, opening the passenger door. He held out his hand again, helping Anna out. She kept hold of his fingers, tension radiating off her, as they made their way inside the building. “I called Sheriff Decker about a half hour ago, let him know we were close. So he knows we’re coming and agreed to stay until we got here.”
Anna nodded but didn’t say anything.
One of the sheriff’s deputies looked up from the computer as they stopped at the front desk. “Hey, Nic. He’s waiting for you in his office. Go on back.”
“Thanks, Owen.” Nic smiled and nodded politely, then wove his way around the desks to a single door at the back of the small building. As they approached the open doorway, Sheriff Decker looked up from the computer on his desk.
He flashed a polite smile and waved them in. “Glad you’re here. Have a seat.”
Anna perched on the edge of her chair, her back stiff and straight. Her fingers tightened in his. “Have you found him?”
The sheriff set his hands on the desk. “I’m afraid not yet. We think we’re closing in on him, but we could use your help defining the search. I’d like to ask you some questions about where we think he might be holed up.”
Anna’s stiff posture relaxed. She nodded. “Of course.”
• • •
Nic pulled into the driveway and shut off the engine. Anna stared at the two-story house, a sense of peace settling inside of her. Somewhere over the course of the last hour, while talking with the sheriff, the knots her stomach had finally relaxed. They thought Tony was holed up in one of his family’s vacation homes, up near Lake Union. It wouldn’t be long before this whole nightmare finally ended.
She glanced at Nic, only to find him watching her. The softness in his gaze flooded her with emotion: love, a desperate sort of need, but peace above all. She’d decided something over the last hour. It was late, and he looked exhausted, but this couldn’t wait either.
He flashed a tender smile. “Come on. Let’s go inside.”
She nodded and exited the car, following him onto the porch. It was surreal standing here. Memories of her first night in town washed over her. The same small light illuminated the porch in a soft glow. The same warmth emanated from the dimly lit interior. And the same dogs barked from the other side of the door, creating a racket in the otherwise silent neighborhood.
As soon as Nic unlocked the door and pushed it open, they scampered out. Rocco danced around his feet. Grumpy old Dino stopped in front of Anna and looked up at her, his little tail waving like a windshield wiper. Then he leapt up, stretching his paws up her thigh in greeting.
She bent to scratch his head. “I missed you, too, boy.”
Nic held out a hand. It was a gesture he’d made often over the last sixteen hours, since he’d showed up at the motel. Rather than taking her hand, he left the choice up to her, which only cemented her realization.
She trusted him, and that trust filled her with something she hadn’t felt in far too long. Faith. Whatever the future held, she was ready to face it. With him.
She set her hand in his and let him lead her into house. Nic closed the door behind her and latched it. “Want some tea?”
“I’d love some.” She drew a deep breath, drawing her courage around her. Now came the moment of truth. “We could … talk while we
drink?”
His easy smile fell as his eyes searched her face. He nodded. “I hoped you’d say that. Come on.”
She followed him into the familiar warmth of his huge kitchen. Nic filled the kettle from the tap, set it on the stove, and turned on the burner. Anna pulled down mugs and got out two bags of chamomile, setting one in each cup, then leaned back against the counter to wait.
Nic leaned beside her, his muscular shoulder brushing her arm, and looked over at her. “What’s on your mind?”
Butterflies took flight in her stomach, and Anna drew another breath. God, why was she so damned nervous? She faced him. “You, actually. I’ve decided something, and I wanted to apologize.”
He furrowed his brow. “Anna, you don’t—”
“Please. Let me get this out.”
He released a heavy breath and nodded. “I’m sorry. Go ahead.”
She laid a hand against his chest. Tears rushed her, pricking hot behind her eyelids, as the memories filled her mind. “I left the hospital because I was terrified. I watched you lie there and bleed, not knowing if the cops would get there in time, or if you’d … ” Her breathing hitched and she paused, as the fear she’d felt that day squeezed at her chest all over again.
Nic turned toward her, his expression softening, and took her hands in the warmth of his. “I’m fine. Beth told me you kicked his ass. I’m damn proud of you. I’m alive because of you.”
She dropped her gaze to his chest, stared idly at the restaurant logo plastered across the front, and let out a quiet laugh.
“It’s funny, really, in an ironic sort of way. I got that strength from you.” She looked up, let those beautiful amber eyes soothe the nerves and give her the strength to continue. “Talking to the sheriff made me realize something.”
Nic reached up, caressing his thumb across her jawline. “What’s that?”
“That I’d trust you with my life, with Lacey’s life. I’m willing to put my faith in the good forces in the world, that Tony will get what he deserves in the end, because I’ve found a home here in Angel Bay, and I’m not willing to give that up. Not anymore.” She swallowed past the growing lump in her throat and wiped the moisture from her cheeks. “I love you, Nic.”
He slid a hand into her hair, pulling her mouth hard against his. Like the one at the motel, this kiss wasn’t the sweet, tender sips and tastes she’d experienced before. It was hard, encompassing, and desperate. Nic’s body trembled, and Anna melted beneath the force of him. When he finally came up for air, his chest heaved and his erratic breathing matched the fierce pounding of her heart.
He dropped his forehead to hers. “When I woke up in the hospital and nobody knew where you were, I’d moved beyond being just in love with you, because all I could think about was finding you and keeping you safe. I can’t tell you how relieved I am that you’ve come back to me. To see you so strong, taking your life back, just awes me. You’ve come a long way, baby.”
His face blurred before her. “Because of you. When I left Tony, I didn’t think I’d ever trust another man as long as I lived. When I came into the restaurant the first night we met, I was desperate. You were not only kind but generous, but this? I abandoned you at a time when you needed me most, but you came to get me anyway.”
He let out a quiet laugh. “Because you and Lacey are my world, sweetheart. Ella and I aren’t complete without the two of you.”
Several hot tears trailed down her cheeks. She slid her hands onto his waist and pressed as close as she dared without hurting his arm. “I’m not leaving. Not ever again.”
Nic ducked down, brushing another kiss across her mouth. Sweet, soft sips that filled her with a sense of having come home. Home wasn’t just a place. It was him. A huge man with an even bigger heart.
The whistle on the teakettle pierced the silence of the room, and Nic released her. He swept a thumb over her chin and flashed that wondrous smile. The one that melted her insides. “Come on. Let’s get something eat. We’ll get Lacey in the morning. She’s snug in bed with Ella.”
• • •
Anna woke the next morning to the shrill of Nic’s cell phone vibrating on the nightstand. Lying on his back beside her, Nic gave a sleepy grumble and sat up, snatching the phone. “Yeah.”
A moment of silence passed as he listened. “Sheriff Decker. What’s up?” Nic pulled the phone away from his mouth and turned to look at her. “Turn on the TV. Channel five.”
She furrowed her brow and reached for the remote from the nightstand, aimed it at the TV that sat opposite the bed. The morning news was on, a dark-haired reporter standing across from a hotel in downtown Seattle.
“Seattle police shot and killed wanted fugitive Tony Mancini early this morning. Wanted for attempted murder of a Whidbey Island resident, local police tracked the man here to the Holiday Inn. According to the hotel clerks on duty, a fight broke out that took the life of Seattle Police Department officer Paul Woods, forcing officers on scene to use deadly force to take down the suspect … ”
The rest of the reporter’s words faded to a muted hum as Anna’s heart thumped a dull beat. Her blood whooshed in her ears, and the room began to spin around her. Tony was dead. It was over. Her three-year-long nightmare was finally over.
“Thanks, Sheriff. I appreciate all your help. I’ll tell her. Thank you.” Nic hung up his phone and returned it to the nightstand. He scooted over until his hip settled against hers, and wrapped his good arm around her shoulders, pulling her against his side. “It’s over, baby.”
As the truth finally settled over her, she expected to feel … something. A profound sense of relief. Repressed grief. Anger for all the years of hell Tony had put her through, that he’d put Lacey through. But the emotion didn’t come.
When she didn’t say anything, Nic pressed a kiss into her hair. “Are you okay?”
Anna laid her cheek against his chest, listening to the soothing thump of his heartbeat. “I expected to feel something, relieved maybe, but I don’t feel anything, except maybe pity for him.” She tipped her head up to look into his face, into the gentle eyes she loved so much. “Because it doesn’t matter anymore. I’ve got you. And I’ve got Ella. And Luc and Liz and Alyssa and sweet Bruce and … ” She laughed, giddy with the realization of it all, and leaned her chin on his chest. She really was free. “Even grumpy Mr. Lombardi.”
He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “You scared me. I wasn’t sure what to expect. You amaze me, you know that?”
Anna stared into the eyes that only a few days ago she wasn’t sure she’d ever see again. Her heart hammered an unsteady beat, the emotion thumping along behind it. She’d come to a decision sometime during the night, while lying in his arms in the dark, surrounded by and immersed in him. The love in his eyes only cemented the feeling.
"Marry me." After everything she’d been through, wanting to get married again made no sense. Which was exactly why she trusted the feeling. Nic had given her more than any other man in her life.
“That’s supposed to be my line.” Nic let out a quiet laugh as his hand caressed her back. “You sure you’re ready for that?”
She’d never been surer of anything in her life.
“I love you, Nic. You set me free. You gave me back the one thing I can never repay you for. The strength to find myself again. To take me back.” The gratitude simmering inside of her rushed to the surface, along with more tears. She cupped his stubbled cheek in her palm and brought his mouth down to hers, whispering into the space between them. “I want grab you with both hands and never let go.”
Nic tightened his hold on her and turned his head, deepening the connection, and Anna wound her arms around his neck, careful of his shoulder. She immersed herself in the moment, in him, let herself enjoy the heady flavor of his tongue and the trembling of his hand as he stroked down her back to cup her bottom.
Anna pulled back enough to see his eyes. “Say yes.”
“I’m not going anywhere. I’ve told you that from t
he beginning. I want you in whatever way I can get you. Married, living together in sin, or on the side of a freaking mountain.” He grinned, boyish and sexy. “I don’t care. So long as it’s you and me. Forever.”
Her heart melted into a puddle at his feet. Did he know what he did to her?
Careful of his arm, she leaned into him. “Is that a yes?”
“That’s a hell yes.” He lifted his head and brushed the softest of kisses over her mouth.
Warmth and love shone from his eyes and grateful tears rushed up on her all over again. “I’m a lucky woman to have met you.”
Nic gave her a tender smile. “And I am a damn lucky man. I’m so glad I was still here when you showed up the first night, and that Beth took pity on you and let you in. Normally I try to be out by eight so I can spend some time with Ella in the evenings.”
It was a fluke she’d even met him. She didn’t know if she believed in God, but someone had guided her to this town, to this man. She’d found the one thing she’d searched most of her life for—a real, honest-to-goodness home, with people who loved her and were glad to see her. The one place that made her want to stick to it, and the one person who loved her just because.
She was a lucky woman indeed.
Epilogue
Six months later …
Anna stopped at the bottom of the steps and drew a deep lungful of the crisp morning air. It was an awful day for mid-April. As usual, gray clouds blanketed the sky, threatening the rain the forecasters had promised for days, and the wind had picked up, whipping through the trees and providing a chill to the early spring air. Despite the weather conspiring against her, she couldn’t help smiling.
The long, drawn-out process had included mountains of paperwork and a few frustrations. Namely, hunting down Nic’s ex-wife, who, in the end, hadn’t put up much a fuss. Not to mention taking her name back. One court date later, though, it was finally official. Lacey now had a father, and Anna had gained a daughter.
Nic came to stand beside her, threading his fingers with hers. The girls skipped down the courthouse steps ahead of them. “We’re officially a family.”
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