Brody

by Susan Fisher-Davis

  “Maddie, baby, please. I can’t take this much long…” He broke off when she put her mouth over him again and suckled, taking him deep into her mouth. He started panting. He was getting too close. “I want to be inside you.”

  She chuckled softly. “You are inside me.”

  “You’re such a fucking smart ass,” he moaned. She sat up and stared down at him. His eyes met hers. “Come on, take these off. Let me touch you.”

  She stretched out over him, reaching for the handcuffs. Brody sighed with relief but it was short-lived when she kissed him and whispered against his lips. “I’m having too much fun right now. Just relax. It’ll be over soon.” She chuckled.

  “Not funny, darlin’.” He raised his head to kiss her. “What about you? I want to satisfy you too.”

  “You can do that later. Right now deputy, you’re at my mercy.” She slid down his body and took him into her mouth again. Brody groaned low and long.

  His hips jerked and the handcuffs pulled at his wrists. God damn it! She’d pay for this. He was going to pay her back ten times over. He squeezed his eyes shut as he felt his orgasm rolling over him. He barely had time to moan her name before he came. Hard. Madilyn never stopped. She suckled at him until he lay spent, her hand pumping him at the same time. Brody fell back against the pillows, feeling as if he’d just run a marathon. His chest heaved. He felt her moving up his body, kissing his stomach, chest, neck, and finally his lips.

  “Please take these off now,” he whispered against her lips.

  She reached for the key on the nightstand and unlocked them. He rubbed his wrists.

  “Did I hurt you?” she asked.

  Brody blew out a laugh. “If you did, I don’t remember.”

  Madilyn laughed as she snuggled next to him and laid her head on his chest. “I saw them and wanted to pay you back.”

  “You’re evil as hell…and I love you for it.” Brody laughed. “Remind me to hide those from you from now on.”

  She raised her head and gazed at him. “I liked having you helpless for once.”

  “Baby, I’m always helpless around you. I have no control over my emotions when I’m around you. You’re all I think of. When I close my eyes to sleep and when I wake up, it’s always you.”

  “I love you so much, Brody. I’m so sorry for everything that happened between us.”

  Brody rolled to his side to face her. “It’s in the past. We were both wrong. I should have discussed wanting to join the Marshals with you instead of going behind your back.” He shrugged. “I thought you’d go with me no matter what.”

  “I should have. I never should have stood in the way of your dream.” Madilyn shook her head. “When I think how I blamed Sam…I’m surprised he doesn’t hate me.”

  “Sam understood. But we really should have talked about it. I let the love of my life slip through my fingers.”

  “I’m here now and we’re never going to be apart again. I’ll go wherever you want to go. Always. I’ll never let you walk away from me again.”

  “I’ll never walk away from you again and if you try to leave me, I’ll be using those handcuffs to keep you by my side.”

  Madilyn laughed. “You won’t need them. I’m not going anywhere without you.”

  “Good. Now, let’s talk about getting married. It can’t be soon enough for me.”

  “I feel the same, Brody and the rest of my life is not long enough to be with you.”

  Brody rolled on top of her and kissed her. “I love you so much, Maddie. Let’s start our life together soon.” He moved his lips to her neck and down her shoulders to her breasts. Taking a nipple into his mouth, he sucked gently as Madilyn ran her fingers through his hair. Brody moved down her body to the apex of her thighs and moved his tongue over her clitoris.

  “You’re so wet,” he said softly.

  “Turning you on turned me on,” Madilyn moaned as his mouth moved over her. When his teeth scraped against her clitoris, she tried to squeeze her legs together but Brody kept them spread as he feasted on her. Madilyn raised her hips as Brody’s tongue flicked at her. The orgasm tore through her. She screamed out his name and collapsed onto the bed. Brody moved up her body and gently kissed her lips.

  “Payback’s a bitch,” he whispered, making her laugh softly. He lay down beside her and pulled her against him. They eventually fell back to sleep, both with smiles on their faces.

  * * * *

  Two weeks later, everyone gathered at Sam’s ranch for an engagement party for Brody and Madilyn. She sat in her chair glancing around the room. She loved the people who were her friends. Hers and Brody’s friends. Her eyes landed on Sam and Brody. They were laughing about something. Two gorgeous men. Madilyn glanced around again and saw Jake, Gabe, and Wyatt standing together talking with Trick and Ryder. Becca, Emma, Kaylee, Kaitlyn, and Olivia stood in a small group laughing as women do when they’re together. Madilyn loved them all. She stood when she saw Kaitlyn heading toward her.

  “Great turnout, huh?” Kaitlyn asked.

  “It’s amazing. I’m so glad we ordered more food. The cupcakes Emma made are so good, I’ll gain ten pounds just looking at them.” Madilyn laughed.

  “I know. I’ve already had four of them.” Kaitlyn giggled.

  “I’m so happy we decided to do this. After what we went through, we needed something to make us all laugh.”

  Madilyn watched as Emma, Becca, and Olivia headed toward her. Kaylee moved toward her husband and Madilyn smiled as Trick automatically put his arm around his wife’s waist. She saw Kaylee lean into him and Trick kissed her temple. That was love. Madilyn looked toward Brody and saw him looking at her. He winked at her making her laugh softly.

  “See? That’s what I want,” Kaitlyn whispered.

  Madilyn frowned at her. “What?”

  “What you and Brody have. Kaylee and Trick. Becca and Jake. Gabe and Emma. You are all so in love. I want that someday.”

  “You’ll have it, Katie. A man will come along and love you unconditionally.”

  “He’ll have to accept another man’s baby.” Kaitlyn shook her head. “That won’t be easy.”

  “The right man will love the baby as his own if he loves you,” Madilyn told her.

  “Madilyn’s right, Katie,” Olivia said as she moved to stand beside Katie.

  Kaitlyn smiled. “I hope so, because we’re going to be a package deal. Love me, love my child.”

  Becca put her arm around her. “If he doesn’t, then he isn’t the right man.”

  Emma smiled. “Sometimes, the right man is right in front of us. Someone we’ve known forever, it seems.” The women laughed, drawing the gazes of everyone.

  Madilyn saw Brody walking toward her. He stopped in front of her and took her hand. “I’m stealing my future bride.” He grinned at the women. They smiled back as he led Madilyn away from everyone and stepped outside. He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her softly.

  “I’ve wanted to do that for a while.” He smiled at her.

  Madilyn smiled up at him. “I’ve wanted you to.” She wrapped her arms around his waist and laid her cheek on his chest. His arms wrapped around her and he rested his cheek on the top of her head. They stood there for a while not moving. Madilyn pulled back and gazed up at him. “I love you so much, Brody.”

  “I love you, too. It won’t be too much longer and we’ll be married and start our life together.” He kissed the top of her head.

  “It will be a good one, of that I have no doubt. We’ve been through so much and to finally get to this point is wonderful. I just wish I hadn’t wasted those five years.”

  “Hush,” he whispered. “It’s in the past. We’re here now and moving forward.”

  “You’re right. I think we need to go back inside. It is a party for us, after all.” Madilyn laughed.

  Brody sighed. “If we must. I’d rather head to the barn and check out the hayloft, but I don’t think Sam would appreciate it.”

  Madilyn burst out l
aughing. “We have our own barn we can check out later. Come on.” She put her hand out to him and he took it. They entered the house and rejoined the party.

  Epilogue

  In mid-September, Madilyn sat on the edge of the tub staring at the pregnancy test strip. Positive. She took a deep breath and blew it out. They were getting married in a month. They’d decided not to have a big wedding, just close friends and family. Brody threw it together quickly. Kaitlyn would be her maid of honor and Sam would be Brody’s best man. Now she had to tell him she was pregnant. How was he going to take it? Sure, they wanted children, but they’d talked about waiting so they could spend time together.

  Madilyn put her hands over her face and groaned. How? Brody wore a condom every time. They’re not one hundred percent safe. She chastised herself. Maybe she should wait until after the wedding. Not spring it on him right now. They were both so busy with work and wedding plans. She stood and nodded. She'd wait. It was the smart thing to do.

  She entered the kitchen to see Brody sitting at the table with a cup of coffee in his hand. He grinned at her then frowned.

  “Are you all right? You look a little pale.” He stood and walked toward her.

  Madilyn nodded. “I’m fine. I’m just tired. I don’t think I’ve caught up on all the sleep I lost.”

  Brody nodded but continued to stare at her. “If you’re sure?”

  She huffed. “I’m positive, deputy. Go to work.”

  Brody smiled at her and kissed her forehead. “Yes, ma’am. I’ll see you later. I’m glad Sam hired another deputy so I can be on days now.”

  “Me too. I hated not sleeping with you. Now, go.” She practically pushed him out the door.

  * * * *

  Brody got into his truck and drove to work. Something didn’t seem right with Madilyn. She was a morning person but she didn’t seem like it this morning. Sighing, he pulled into the parking lot and entered the department. Betty Lou smiled up at him.

  “Good morning, Brody.”

  “Good morning, Betty Lou. How’s your morning so far?”

  Betty Lou chuckled. “It’s too early to tell. How about yours?”

  Brody nodded. “Good. Is Sam in? I didn’t see the cruiser.”

  “I haven’t seen him yet.”

  “Okay. I’ll talk to you later. I better get to work.” Brody walked into his office and took a seat. He couldn’t stop thinking about Madilyn and the way she looked this morning. He glanced up when Sam filled the doorway. “Running late, Sam?”

  “I’m the sheriff. I can come in a little late if I want to.” Sam grinned at him.

  Brody shook his head. “I don’t even want to know.” He chuckled when Sam laughed.

  “You and Madilyn doing all right?”

  “We’re both getting better every day. We’re putting it behind us.” Brody smiled.

  Sam nodded. “Good. Glad to have you on day shift too. I’d better get to work. I snuck in the back door so I didn’t catch hell from Betty Lou for being late.”

  “I know you snuck in the back door, Sam Garrett, and quit swearing,” Betty Lou shouted from the front office.

  Brody ran his hand over his mouth as Sam muttered and walked away. Shaking his head, Brody got back to his paperwork.

  * * * *

  The day of the wedding was beautiful. The sun was shining down, warming the day. Madilyn sat at the kitchen table in her wedding dress. She didn’t wear a traditional gown. Hers was ivory in color with sheer sleeves cuffed at her wrists with pearl buttons. A row of pearl buttons ran down the back. The bodice cinched at her waist with a sheer panel above her breasts. She glanced up when the door opened and Brody’s mother, Sylvia Morgan, entered and stopped in her tracks.

  “You look so beautiful, Madilyn. You can’t know how happy we are that you and Brody are getting married. We’ve always loved you.” Sylvia dabbed tears from her eyes.

  Madilyn smiled up at the woman who’d been like a mother to her. “Thank you, Sylvia. I love you and Jack.”

  “We would love it if you called us Mom and Dad.”

  Madilyn blinked back tears. “I’d love to…Mom.”

  Sylvia choked on a sob. “We can’t cry. We’ll ruin our make-up. Jack’s so happy to be giving you away.”

  Madilyn had asked Jack Morgan to give her away since she had no one else. He’d gotten tears in his eyes when he hugged her and told her he’d be more than honored.

  “I know. We’d better stop. My make-up is perfect today and I refuse to ruin it,” Madilyn teased.

  “You do seem to be glowing today. But what bride doesn’t on her wedding day?”

  Madilyn nodded, but she hated lying to her future mother in-law. They’d all know soon enough. She’d even taken a second test and it also showed positive. Driving over to the next town to buy the test was the only way to get it. If she’d bought it in Clifton, it would be out already she was pregnant.

  Kaitlyn strolled into the kitchen, smiling. “You look so gorgeous, Madilyn.”

  Madilyn smiled up at her friend. “So do you, Katie.” Her eyes ran over Kaitlyn’s blue gown. The color matched her beautiful eyes.

  The back door opened and Jack Morgan strolled in. The man was very good-looking. He was tall like his son, black hair with streaks of gray at his temples. He winked at Sylvia, who blushed, and Madilyn knew right then, she wanted a marriage like the one they had. Still in love after thirty-four years. She stood and hugged Jack. He frowned.

  “What was that for?” He smiled at her.

  “Just because…Dad.” She grinned up at him as he beamed.

  “I like that. You’ve always been like a daughter to us and I’m glad to see my son come to his senses. Now, let’s get you to the church. I’m sure Brody’s getting anxious.” He put his arm out to her and she looped her arm through his.

  Driving to the church, Madilyn smiled. The baby was a surprise, but she was happy about it. She hoped it was a boy. A little boy with dark hair and dark eyes. She knew no matter what, though, she and Brody would love this child. Hopefully, they’d have many more. Jack stopped the car at the church entrance. Madilyn stepped from the car and laughed as the crowd outside the church cheered. It was a tradition nowadays that started with Jake and Becca’s wedding. She waved at them. Kaitlyn stepped out and waved. They entered the church and waited for the music to begin. Madilyn glanced around.

  “He’s here, don’t worry,” Jack whispered.

  Madilyn smiled at him. “I’m not worried. I know he loves me, and he knows I love him. It’s just…I wish my dad could be here.”

  “Oh, honey. He’s here. Art’s looking down on his baby girl, watching her marry the man she loves. I believe he introduced you and Brody so it would come to this. Art loved Brody.”

  A tear rolled down her cheek. “I know he did.” She looked up. “I am marrying the man I love, Daddy. Thank you for bringing him into my life.” A beam of sunlight flashed through the stained glass window beside her and moved over her. She shivered and gasped.

  “I told you he was watching.” Jack put his hand on her shoulder just as the wedding march began. “Let’s get you married.”

  As they slowly moved down the aisle, Madilyn’s eyes found Brody’s gaze. He smiled and winked at her. She softly laughed, remembering how Jack had winked at Sylvia. Like father, like son. Jack walked her to Brody and put her hand in his. She felt Brody squeeze her hand.

  “Thanks, Dad,” he said to his father.

  “You’re welcome, son. Your mother and I are very proud of you.” Jack stepped back and took a seat beside Sylvia.

  Brody looked to Madilyn. “Hi, baby,” he whispered.

  She grinned at him. “Hi, deputy. No uniform today?”

  Brody chuckled. “No, but I have the handcuffs.” He sobered when he heard Sam clear his throat.

  Madilyn giggled. “Wonderful.”

  “Could you two get married before you start the honeymoon?” Sam muttered.

  Madilyn burst out laughing. “Sorry, Sa
m,” she whispered and turned her gaze to the people in the pews. They were all smiling. She didn’t think they’d heard any of the conversation but she knew they heard her laughter. She shrugged at them, making them chuckle. She then turned toward the reverend.

  Feeling Brody’s gaze on her, she glanced over to him. He smiled at her. “I can’t believe we’re finally doing this.” The reverend cleared his throat. Brody chuckled. “Sorry, padre.”

  “You two will have years ahead of you to talk. Let me do my job,” the reverend whispered.

  Brody chuckled when he heard Sam laugh. The reverend sighed and continued to read from the bible. In no time, they were reciting their vows to each other and exchanging rings.

  “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride,” the reverend said and leaned forward. “But keep the handcuffs hidden until later.”

  Madilyn felt her cheeks heat up. Brody and Sam laughed, as did Kaitlyn. Madilyn laughed when Brody cupped her face in his hands and leaned in to kiss her. “And baby,” she whispered.

  Brody pulled back and frowned. “What?”

  “I now pronounce you husband and wife…and baby,” Madilyn said against his lips.

  “Baby?”

  She nodded. “Yes. Baby. We’re having a baby.” She watched his face go from shock to elation. He picked her up and let out a yell.

  “Yes! We’re having a baby!”

  Everyone in the church cheered. When Brody set her down, she turned to hug Kaitlyn. “Looks like you and I are going through this together.”

  “I’m so happy for you both,” Kaitlyn told her.

  Madilyn and Brody turned toward the guests, linked arms, and started down the aisle. Sylvia stepped in front of them. “I knew you were glowing this morning. I’m so happy. I get to be a nana.”

  Madilyn and Brody hugged her and Jack then continued outside. The crowd cheered.

  “We’re having a baby,” Brody shouted. The crowd roared.

  Madilyn had never been so happy in her life. The love of her life came back to her. He loved her and he was happy about the baby. They would begin their married life together. She moved her hand to wrap around his waist. She burst out laughing when she felt the handcuffs in his back pocket.