The Last Bride (DiCarlo Brides #6)

by Heather Tullis

  “I bet. You look awful. Whoa, you got shot! Let me take a look. When did this happen?” Vince pulled back Gage’s shirt to look at the wound.

  “About the time you arrived. I haven’t had time to look at it yet.” Having his attention returned to it, and Vince’s ministrations were making it hurt worse, though.

  Vince swore a few times and shook his head. “It’s a through-and-through, so at least the doc won’t have to dig for the bullet. I think it missed your bone, but I don’t envy you the recovery. You got some first aid supplies?”

  “Yeah, Jonquil’s got them.” Gage turned back to where she hid and called out to her. “Jonquil, it’s clear, you can come out now.” He heard scuffling in the bushes and they moved in the moonlight as she crawled back out.

  “What happened?” her face looked gaunt and eerie in the flashlight’s beam.

  Gage took her hand, a lump rising to his throat and feeling a little shaky now that the danger was past. “He’s dead. We’re safe. Are you all right?” He checked her over, half afraid she got hit as well.

  “I’m fine. Don’t worry about me,” she said, pulling him into a hug. “I was so worried about you.”

  He held her tight for a long moment with his uninjured arm, his cheek resting on the top of her head. The thought that he could have lost her terrified him. “I was so afraid you’d be hit. I don’t know what I would have done if you were.”

  “I’m not. I’m fine.” Her voice quavered, though.

  He nodded and let it go. “You think Cami’s in the car waiting for us?”

  “I’d be shocked if she isn’t. I swear I heard her scream earlier.”

  “Nah, that was Vince, he screams like a girl. Always has.” Gage slid Vince a sideways glance.

  “If you hadn’t just gotten shot, I’d pound on you for that comment,” Vince said.

  Gage snagged the backpack from the log where they’d been sitting when the shots began and passed it to Vince, helping Jonquil limp along with his uninjured arm.

  He felt blood ooze down his left arm and winced. Vince was going to insist on a doctor. He hated doctors. One thing at a time, though. Now to focus on Jonquil, get her home, deal with the sheriff’s office and they’d go from there.

  Cami was out of the car before they reached it. “Are you okay? I’ve been so worried. Delphi and everyone have been texting me for updates every few minutes. We were so worried.” She pulled Jonquil into a hug, not pausing in her questions. “What did you do to your foot, or is it your ankle?”

  “It’s just a sprain. Nothing to worry about. We’re fine. Thanks.” Jonquil’s voice wasn’t as reassuring as she might have wished though. Exhaustion oozed from it and Gage thought she sounded near tears. Not surprising when his own eyes were watering. That was the pain, though, he reminded himself.

  Cami continued asking rapid-fire questions, helping Jonquil into the back seat. Robbed of his chance to help anymore, Gage slid into the other side and leaned back against the upholstery, completely wiped.

  “Why didn’t say you were hurt?” Jonquil asked when the interior light turned back on for Vince to get in. She grabbed Gage’s hand so she could see the bullet wound better. “When Vince said you were shot, I thought he meant shot at not shot. Why didn’t you say anything?”

  Cami’s voice joined Jonquil’s. “You’re what? Where?”

  “I figured talking about it would only make it hurt worse.” He winced, even though Jonquil wasn’t touching it. Her thumb pulled a little on the skin a few inches away, making it throb. “Besides, I figured you could wrap it while we drive.”

  “I have bandages in my pack.” Jonquil seemed to calm a little and became all business.

  “And we didn’t use them on your ankle?”

  “Not that kind of bandages.” She gave him a dirty look and pulled out a roll of gauze. She found one of the remaining bottles of water and dumped some on his arm, getting his pants wet again—not even the least concern for him at the moment, and blotted gently. Jonquil turned his hand over so she could see the other side. “Two sets of stitches for you. Yay.”

  “Where’s your truck?” Cami asked. “You said you were stranded, you didn’t say you hiked out here.”

  “We didn’t hike to get out here, the truck was stolen while we hoofed it over the hills and across streams with Jonquil’s twisted ankle.” He gritted his teeth as pain shot through his arm while Jonquil bandaged the wound.

  “Sorry, I know it hurts. I’m trying to be gentle.” She brushed hair back from her face where it had escaped the braid and left a red trail of blood on her forehead. He reached out with his spare hand and brushed the blood off. “I’ll live.”

  Vince started the car and backed it out of the parking lot, heading back to town. “We’ll call the sheriff’s office as soon as we have a signal. They’re probably on their way up here already—I’m sure Joel called them as soon as he got your text.” He looked over his shoulder to what Jonquil was doing. “How’s it coming?”

  “He’ll live. Probably.”

  Vince muttered a few choice words and gunned the engine. “We’re going to have words. Many, many words.”

  “Great. Can we have them later?” Gage watched Jonquil tie off the gauze and then pulled her into his chest with his good arm. “I’m not sure if your upholstery is ever going to be the same.”

  “I’ll let you pay to have it cleaned with all that extra money you’re raking in for us at the ski resort.” Vince’s answer was dry. “Now, what’s the story?”

  As they drove down the mountain, and with Jonquil dozing on his chest, Gage told them the string of events.

  “I never thought he’d go that far.” Vince said when the story was over.

  “Tell me about it. How crazy do you have to be? It’s just a ski resort.”

  “Ah, we have a cell signal!” Cami smiled at her smart phone and started to dial. She passed the phone back to him and he heard it ring again before the dispatcher picked up. “County dispatch, how can I help you?” a female voice answered.

  “Hi, I’d need to report a shooting.”

  As he gave information to the dispatcher, Gage knew his dreams of a hot tub and juicy burger were not happening tonight.

  Vince drove Jonquil and Gage straight to the hospital for medical attention, and the detective followed them back to Gage’s to finish the report.

  A deputy stayed with Jonquil and Cami in the living room to conduct their interview while the guys went to Gage’s office. Gage sat back and told the detective everything since picking up Jonquil that morning. “We were maybe halfway down the trail when we stopped for a break and someone started shooting at us.” He explained about letting Jonquil go while he provided cover, about joining her in the woods with only damage to his backpack and running through the woods and bramble. By the time he had worked his way around to Vince’s arrival—just in the nick of time—the detective’s note-taking had gotten furious.

  “I didn’t actually shoot into the trees,” Vince said. “I was afraid I’d hit Gage, so I just shot into the ground near me as a distraction.”

  “Good thinking. We’re going to need both of your guns for verification,” he said to Vince and Gage.

  They passed them over, having anticipated the request.

  Vince filled them in on what he knew from his end—which wasn’t much.

  “Now what?” Gage asked.

  “We took a survey of the scene already and the state coroner is on his way to pick up the body. When he gets the autopsy done we’ll know what we’re looking at. Your guns take different-sized bullets, so that helps. Right now it looks like self-defense, but don’t take off anywhere. I’ll be in touch.”

  Detective Carlson poked his head into the living room. “You guys about finished in here?”

  “Yeah, you can come in. You need anything else here?” Deputy Oliver asked.

  “We should be good for now. We can come back tomorrow if we need to.” Detective Carlson gestured the guys in to joi
n the others.

  “Yes. Jonquil won’t be at work, so you should be able to find her either here or at home,” Cami said.

  “I am going to work.” Annoyance crossed Jonquil’s face.

  “No, you’re not. And I’ll make sure Joel escorts you home if you show up.” Cami crossed her arms over her chest and stared Jonquil down. “I probably won’t even have to ask him. He’ll agree with me.”

  Jonquil matched her stance and stared back.

  Gage just smiled. “We’ll be around,” he told Detective Carlson.

  “Good. Sleep well.”

  “If we can,” Gage muttered when he’d shut the door behind them. He turned to the others and then glanced at the clock. They had been in and out of the hospital in under an hour, but it still meant that it was well after eleven now. He really wanted to collapse into a soft bed with Jonquil beside him, but wasn’t sure what she had in mind for the night. “So, now what?”

  “You’re exhausted and really, really need a shower.” Vince smiled as he said this. He turned to Jonquil. “You hanging out here or do you want us to drop you home?”

  She looked uncertain. Biting her lip as she looked at Gage, so he made the decision for her. “She’ll stay tonight. I’ll take her home in the morning. That way I can keep an eye on her ankle. And make sure she doesn’t walk around too much.”

  She stuck her tongue out at him, but didn’t refuse or argue. “Cami, you think you can bring me something to change into?”

  “No problem. I’ll run to the house and grab you a few things. We’ll be back soon.” She stood from her sister’s side, where she had stayed like glue since they arrived at the trail head. She gave Gage a serious look. “You really better keep her off her foot.”

  “No problem. I have a great plan for us.” It looked like the hot tub was going to happen. After some food. “I think there are still a few leftovers in the fridge.”

  “I should have known I wasn’t going to get that shake,” Jonquil looked forlorn.

  Gage’s heart skipped a beat. Could this woman be any more perfect? Seriously. “I was thinking that a burger would be fantastic. Oh, and fries.”

  “Wendel’s beer-battered fries? Heaven.” Jonquil closed her eyes in ecstasy. “Too bad they’re closed by now.”

  “I can’t get you the fries, but we’ll see what we can do about the burger and shake. If you could wait to eat,” Cami offered.

  “Can’t wait. I’m about ready to pass out from low blood sugar,” Jonquil said.

  “Ditto. Just bring the ice cream. We’ll make do with leftovers for now.” Gage agreed. He was beyond starving.

  “You got it. Be back before you know it.” Vince slid his arm around Cami’s shoulder. “Come on.”

  She exited with him, the two of them a tight little knot. Gage watched them through the front window, and then turned to Jonquil. “I’m thinking hot tub.”

  “Now you’re talking. First. Food.” She moved to stand and Gage jumped up, putting a hand on her shoulder to prevent her from standing. “Don’t even think about it. I can run a microwave. It’s my favorite appliance—after the television.”

  Her lips quirked and she leaned back in the chair again. “I’ll let you. About time you pampered me.”

  “So true.” He moved to the kitchen, setting about getting food heated. He glanced around the fridge and saw her resting her head against the sofa, her eyes closed. She looked completely wasted. He couldn’t help but feel guilty, and sorry, and very, very protective.

  “Are you sure you’re not overheating that?” she asked, her eyes still closed. “It’s no good if you turn it to 150 degrees, you know. The microwave is evil that way.”

  “Don’t worry, I told you I’m a pro at this, didn’t I?” He grabbed the second plate and got it ready to heat. “Lasagna or leftover potatoes and roast?”

  “Lasagna. I think there is no more perfect food on the planet. Besides Wendel’s fries, that is.”

  “I’ll take you for lunch tomorrow.”

  “Fabulous.”

  Her phone rang and she answered it, then spent the next several minutes trying to calm down what must have been Angela. By the sound of it, she’d just heard about everything from someone and was freaked out. Not that Gage could blame her.

  He poured them each a glass of white wine and took it into the living room, setting up TV trays. He wasn’t letting her get off the couch until he took her to the hot tub. After Cami and Vince had been and gone.

  “I know, I understand. Yes, it was scary, but really, we’re fine. Oh, that, it was just a little bullet. Barely worth mentioning.” Her eyes twinkled at Gage, showing that she was teasing. “He’ll be back to work tomorrow as if nothing happened. He’s too tough to admit he’s hurt.”

  He gave her a look that said she was in big trouble and she suppressed a laugh. “I’m fine, really. Yes, I’ll see you tomorrow. Don’t worry about me. We’re fine and safe—the guy who came after us is dead.” She shivered a little.

  Gage winced inwardly at the reminder. He’d never killed anyone before, but no way was he going to let anyone hurt her.

  He handed over a flute of wine and she ended the call with Angela, raising her glass. “To the guy who got me across several miles of woods, freeway and rocks. And who apparently has great aim.”

  “It was a lucky shot.” He shrugged a little, not wanting to think about it, then took a sip of his drink.

  They started to eat, but there was no conversation for a long moment. “Are you really all right?” he asked her. “Or have you been putting on a good face for everyone? Today was… completely insane. You were amazing, just pushing on no matter what.”

  “I’m stubborn, that’s what. Mom says it’s my worst trait.”

  “Or best. Depending on how you look at it. Your ankle really doesn’t look good.”

  “The doctor said it’s a bad sprain, probably much worse because of all the walking we did today. You were in X-ray when he talked to me, but he said it would be fine. I just have to stay off it as much as possible for a few days. At least. I think he’s being a pessimist. I’ve been able to walk on all of my previous sprains within a day.”

  “How many previous sprains were there?” Gage asked. She had mentioned breaks, not sprains.

  “A few.” She paused for a moment. “Each decade.”

  “So nine or ten?” he asked.

  She shrugged. “Something like that. It happens when you try a lot of different things like I do. The last time I twisted my ankle was when I parachuted and landed wrong. It was a spectacular ride, though. Well worth it.”

  He shook his head, both impressed and scared by her gumption and wondering if she was just really good at putting on a strong front. “You should be more careful.”

  They heard a key in the lock and the front door opened. Cami and Vince came in, Vince with a drink carrier from the hotel with two frosty drinks in it, Cami carrying a small bag, bulging with things that would probably confuse and defy Gage’s understanding.

  “Wow, that was fast,” Jonquil said.

  “We called ahead to the hotel and the shakes were waiting when we drove through the entry.” Cami set the bag nearby. “I guess you probably heard from Angela. She was slightly freaked, even though I tried not to give too many details.”

  “She was more than slightly freaked. But she’s okay now. It’ll be fine.” Jonquil reached for the shake when Cami passed it over. “What did you get me?”

  “Hot fudge marshmallow, of course.”

  “Straight up chocolate for you,” Vince said to Gage. “None of those fancy-pants ingredients. Because they didn’t have brownies handy.”

  “Hot fudge is not fancy pants,” Jonquil said, then sipped at her drink, her eyes closing with appreciation. “I think I worked off about nine of these today.”

  “Please,” Gage said as he set his shake aside to finish his food. “I carried you half the time, what are you talking about?”

  She snorted. “You carried me
for like five minutes. You’re such a liar.”

  “Come on, give me a little credit.”

  Jonquil grabbed his chin and planted a big kiss on his mouth. She looked him in the eye. “You were fantastic and amazing and my knight is shining armor. Is that good enough for you?”

  He stared into her eyes, overwhelmed by something he saw there. “Only if you mean it.”

  “Every word.”

  That made something flutter in his chest, something decidedly unfamiliar and unexpected. He smiled and looked back at the others. “Thanks so much for everything. You guys are the best.”

  “We know.” Cami grinned and took her husband’s hand. “Some big, strong landscaping guy has to be up early tomorrow. I should probably get him home to bed.”

  “Oh, definitely,” Jonquil said. “He needs his beauty sleep.”

  Vince shot her an annoyed look. “You’re very funny.”

  She grinned. Not saying anything else.

  Cami said goodnight and pulled her husband out the door with her.

  “So, shakes in the hot tub, do you think?” Jonquil asked.

  “You read my mind.”

  “I doubt she packed me a swim suit.” Jonquil’s gaze was direct, and her words were a little careful.

  She had hung out in the evening, and they had kissed. A lot. But staying the night was a whole different thing. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d spent the entire night with a woman. But he knew he didn’t want to let her go tonight. At the moment, he couldn’t imagine his life without her. “You’ve been really patient with me trying to figure out what a want. Maybe more than I deserve.”

  She picked up his hand, rubbing her thumb along the back of his fingers. “You’re worth it.”

  “I need you to know, you’re not a fling to me. I don’t know what this is, how far it will go, but it’s more than a mix of like and lust. This is different. More.” He tucked a lock of her blond curls behind her hear. “That said, I could probably scrounge up something for you to wear in the hot tub, if you insist.”

  She studied his direct gaze for a long moment, then framed his face with her hands and pressed her lips to his. A decision made. “Who needs a swimming suit, anyway?”