The Ranger's Secret

by Rebecca Winters

  Annie checked with Chase. His wide smile said it all. “That sounds wonderful to us, Vance. Thank you so much.”

  “It’ll be our pleasure, believe me. We’ll keep everything quiet until the big day. Did you hear that, sport?”

  When Annie looked, Nicky and Roberta were both eating rolls. He looked back at his dad. “Hear what?”

  “We have to keep their wedding a secret for now.”

  “Okay. I won’t tell anybody. Can I wear a tux like I did at our wedding?”

  Chase rubbed the top of his head. “I insist on it. We’re going to take lots of pictures of you and Roberta.”

  “Guess what, Nicky?” she piped up. “Daddy says we’re going to get a dog.”

  “What kind?”

  “Snoopy.”

  His eyes widened. “Hey, Dad—”

  Vance laughed. “I heard. Maybe we’ll all go together and you can pick out yours at the same time.”

  “What kind do you want?” Roberta asked.

  “A mutt like Daddy used to have.”

  “That’s not a breed.”

  “Actually it’s a combination of several kinds of breeds,” Annie corrected her daughter so it wouldn’t hurt Nicky’s feelings.

  “Yeah.”

  “Do you want to watch The Great Pumpkin?” Roberta was a quick study.

  “I think that’s a terrific idea, sweetheart. Come on. Everyone sit down and we’ll all watch it.” Chase turned off the lights. The next thing Annie knew he’d pulled her onto his lap, her favorite place. He moved her hair to the side. “Almost heaven,” he whispered against her neck, sending rivulets of desire through her body.

  It took the greatest control to sit through to the end of the film without devouring each other, but somehow Chase managed. Annie had the more difficult time. Rachel’s announcement that it was time for Nicky to be in bed didn’t come too soon.

  Annie got to her feet on rubbery legs and saw everyone to the door. Chase joined her. When she shut it, she found herself trapped by a powerful body. He found her mouth. The kiss they’d been craving went on and on and was quickly turning into something else. “I could eat you alive.”

  “We can’t—even though Roberta’s half-asleep on the couch, we’re not alone.”

  He groaned. “I know. We can’t be alone until you’re my wife. That’s three and a half weeks away. I want a real wedding night. We’ll pretend it’s our first time together.”

  She bit her lip, knowing it was going to kill her to wait. “I want that, too.”

  Chase gave her a thorough kiss. “Come on. I’ll see you two home.”

  “The dishes—”

  “I’ll do them. After I get back from your house I’m going to have so much excess energy, I’ll be glad for something, anything to do until I can do what I really want for as long as I want.”

  Annie knew exactly what he meant.

  THREE WEEKS LATER while Roberta looked on, the doctor removed the cast and carefully washed Annie’s arm. “There. How does it feel?”

  She smiled. “Like my body’s a lot lighter on one side.”

  “The feeling will pass in a day. Your X-ray indicates you’ve healed beautifully.”

  “That’s a great relief.”

  “I bet you’re glad it’s off, Mom.”

  “You can’t imagine.” It had been like a wall separating her from Chase, but in retrospect she knew it had been a good thing. Forty-eight hours from now she’d be his bride. She was running a temperature just thinking about it. “How much can I do with it?”

  He winked. “Enough to enjoy your honeymoon.” Annie blushed. “I’m teasing.”

  She chuckled. “I know.” This doctor was a stranger, but since her parents had driven them to San Francisco to pick up their dresses, Annie had decided to see the orthopedic surgeon her father had said came highly recommended.

  “Just ease back into the normal activity of your life and you’ll be fine.”

  The doctor smiled at Roberta. “When’s the big event?”

  “It’s the day after tomorrow.”

  “I bet you have a beautiful new dress.”

  She nodded. “It’s long and white with a blue sash.”

  “Are you excited to be getting a new daddy?”

  Roberta sent Annie a secret glance. “Yes. I love him.”

  “Well, I’d say he’s the most fortunate man on the planet.” His gaze included Annie as he said it.

  “Thank you, Doctor. I appreciate you fitting me in so fast.”

  “It was a pleasure. Congratulations again.”

  “Thanks.” She got up from the chair feeling free as a bird without that deadweight. “Shall we go? Your grandparents are waiting outside the clinic.”

  “Bye.” Roberta waved before they left his examining room.

  Her parents beamed when they saw her approach the car unencumbered. Everything had been accomplished so they could head straight back to the park. She’d told Chase they wouldn’t arrive until late so she wouldn’t see him until the eleven o’clock ceremony the day after tomorrow. It was better that way. She didn’t trust herself within a mile of him now.

  On her shopping spree she’d bought his wedding ring and a special wedding present. She’d also purchased a gift for Rachel and Vance for being such wonderful friends. Roberta had picked out a unique surprise for Nicky. The car was also loaded with everything her parents would need while they took care of their granddaughter for a week.

  Seven days entirely alone with Chase. How would she live till then?

  VANCE SPREAD the double-bed air mattress on the floor in front of Chase’s fireplace and started to fill it using his old bicycle pump.

  “Does that old relic still work?”

  “Let’s find out.”

  Who would have guessed? Chase had to admit it still did the job perfectly.

  Vance looked up. “You’re going to have to tell me how this setup goes over with Annie. After you guys come out of hibernation, I’m thinking Rachel and I will take up where you left off and have a honeymoon at home, too.”

  Chase had chopped wood all afternoon and was still stacking it on the hearth. “At least your first one was in a hotel with food and maid service.”

  His friend paused in his task for a minute. “Do you want to know the truth?”

  “Always.”

  “I’d have much rather stayed right here and done what you’re doing. The trip to England was for Nicky.”

  “I know, but think what great memories you made.” He set the last load of wood on top of the stack. “One of these days I’ll take my family somewhere.”

  Vance eyed him intently. “Annie was forced to live ten years without you. I’d say she and Roberta are ready to stay put with you. I think it’s time for a beer. Our last together while you’re still a single man.”

  “Whatever you say, Chief.”

  “BY THE AUTHORITY invested in me, I now pronounce Margaret Anne Bower and Chase Jarvis, husband and wife in the bonds of holy matrimony. What God has joined together, let no man put asunder. You may kiss your bride.”

  Chase’s bride stood in two-inch white high heels. No cast in sight. She was a vision in a stunning white lace suit with pearl buttons. A matching strand of pearls encircled her throat. She reminded Chase of a confection too exquisite to touch.

  “I don’t know if I dare,” he whispered in earnest. “I’ve needed to be your husband for too long.”

  Her surprised expression was underlined by Nicky’s loud whisper. “Isn’t Uncle Chase going to kiss her?” His question produced a ripple of stifled laughter that traveled around the room. Their minister laughed out loud.

  The comic relief helped Chase give his new wife an appropriate kiss that lasted just the right amount of time, surprising her even more. But he’d done it this way for self-preservation. Otherwise the half-dozen rangers he’d invited would know he was out of control and they’d never let him live it down.

  Roberta was the first to break out of line a
nd hug them. Nicky came next in a black tux that matched his father’s and Chase’s. He kept tugging on her to run into the dining room with him so they’d be the first to get food and wedding cake.

  Then came the onslaught of family and well-wishers packed into Vance’s living room. Stands of flowers had transformed it. Chase loved the smell of the gardenias pinned to Annie’s shoulder.

  The small, intimate crowd they’d first envisioned had grown to a considerable size. Besides Annie’s parents, Tom Fuller had come with his family. His leg was still in a cast. Ron, Annie’s colleague, was also invited and milled around chatting with the guests.

  Beth had come with her family. Of course Rachel’s parents were here along with the families of the rangers invited. The brotherhood that Chase felt was something to treasure. Only one thing was missing.

  His parents would have loved to be here. From the beginning they’d treated Annie like a daughter. They would have adored their granddaughter.

  He felt Annie squeeze his hand. “I miss your parents, too. Wherever they are, I’d like to think they’re watching.”

  She was so in tune with his feelings, he drew her into his arms and rocked her for a moment. “How soon do you think we can leave?”

  “Right now if you want.”

  “It wouldn’t be rude?”

  “Yes, it would be very rude.”

  He tightened his embrace, relishing the fact that the cast was gone. “We’ll stay twenty more minutes.”

  “In that case we’d better find our daughter and say goodbye.”

  “Do you think she’ll be able to handle it?” he whispered against her neck.

  “As long as we’re just around the corner, I’m sure of it. The big question is, can you?”

  “You know me too well, Annie.”

  “There’s no rule that says you can’t phone her.”

  “How many men do you know phone their children on their honeymoon?”

  “Well, I know one. The chief ranger of the whole park, as Nicky loves to say, took him on their honeymoon. He’s grinning at us right now, by the way.”

  “So are the other guys. We need to get out of here. Let’s find our daughter.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Chase lay in front of the crackling fire, his heart pounding unmercifully as he waited for Annie to come. During the hours they’d made love in the bedroom, the afternoon had melted into evening. Now it was night.

  After showering together, he’d left her alone long enough to warm up food from their wedding reception. He had everything ready so they wouldn’t have to move again for hours.

  Outside a wind had sprung up. Snow had been forecast. In the past, a night like this with the advent of winter always made him feel lonely in a way too desolate to describe. Though there weren’t any wolves in the park, he’d felt like one who’d been trekking in the forest on a search for his lost mate, an endless lesson in futility. On such a night, he’d wished himself thousands of miles away from Yosemite.

  Not tonight. Not ever again.

  While the wind moaned around the corners of the house and beat against the windowpanes, he simply crushed Annie against him and let her heat consume him. She filled the empty spaces in his soul. All he had to do was open his eyes and drink in her beauty. He never again wanted to be anyplace other than right here, safe in the arms of the woman who’d cried out her love for him over and over again.

  Her body had grown more voluptuous since giving birth. Between her satiny skin and dark, glistening hair, he couldn’t stop telling her she was a living miracle.

  “Darling? Did you think I was never coming?”

  His gaze took in the mold of her body wrapped in the blue robe. “I can’t believe you still have it.”

  She knelt next to him and kissed his mouth before eating several small rolls filled with crab salad. “For one thing, a lovely robe like this never goes out of style. For another, it’s the one item saved from our past I can put on and pretend I can feel your arms around me. I remember you bringing it home from the bazaar.”

  He ran a hand under her sleeve to feel her warmth. “It looked like you, all filmy and silky.”

  Annie smiled down at him. “I remember thinking it reminded me of you. The material is shot through with silver threads very much like the color of your eyes right now. I’d never received such an intimate gift before. You thrilled me with it. I loved Robert Myers with everything in me. He was exciting and dashing to an impressionable young woman who’d never been in love before. I thought I’d lost him forever.” Her voice caught.

  “But tonight I see him in the guise of Chase Jarvis, a man whose suffering and heroism have added stature to that other man. I love this new man, now a devoted father, with all the intensity of my soul. Somehow—I don’t know how—I’m the blessed woman privileged to be loved by both men. For however long we have together, you’re my heart’s desire, Chase.”

  “And you’re mine, my love.”

  They’d already said their vows, but her words just now wrapped right around his soul. He traced the line of her chin with his index finger. “I wish I had something from my past to give you in remembrance, but I’m afraid every possession was confiscated.”

  Her eyes darkened with emotion. “Since you’ve come back into my life I’ve suffered in new ways for you.” Tears clogged her voice. “To think your whole identity was just wiped out—everything gone.” She took a deep breath. “Wait here for a minute.”

  She got to her feet and disappeared. The swishing sound he found provocative because the fabric lay next to the lovely mold of her body. While he half lay there in anticipation, he finished off more rolls and a skewer of fruit.

  “Close your eyes, darling.” He did her bidding and felt her come closer. “Now open them.”

  He had no idea what to expect, but when he saw the large framed oil painting of his parents as he remembered them weeks before they died, he made a sound in his throat and wept.

  “Mom and Dad know an artist who took one of my photos and reproduced it on canvas. Roberta and I made a special scrapbook for you of every picture I brought back from Kabul. She’ll give it to you later, but I wanted you to have this now.”

  Chase pulled on a pair of sweats, then carried the painting to the couch. On the lower part of the frame was a plaque with their first names engraved. He studied their faces. Annie’s gift had brought them back to him in living color. Their resurrection was almost painful in its intensity.

  Robbed of words, he did the next best thing and reached for her. They began kissing all over again. Short kisses, long kisses and everything in between until they clung in a wine-dark rapture and found their way to the mattress.

  Later, after being temporarily sated, Chase got up to put more wood on the fire. It had burned down to embers. She stared up at him from beneath the quilt. “I’m so happy, I can’t believe I’ve lived as long as I did without you.”

  He was beyond happy. “I don’t want to think about it. All that matters is the here and now.”

  She reached for him. “Come and get under the covers, darling. I need you within touching distance.”

  “And I don’t?” He growled the question playfully against her tender throat. “How come you never told me your name was Margaret? When Mark said the passenger in the downed helicopter was Margaret Anne Bower, I thought the ‘Anne Bower part’ had to be an uncanny coincidence, but I didn’t believe it was you.”

  She buried her face in his bronzed neck. “My mom’s mother was named Margaret. When I was young I didn’t like being called that. It sounded old-fashioned to me, so I only went by Annie.”

  He pressed a swift kiss to her lips. “I prided myself in knowing everything about you. Until I saw you lying unconscious in the foliage, I couldn’t be positive of anything.”

  She returned his kiss several times. “I heard your voice before I saw you and thought I was back in Kabul. The explosion had just happened and I was trying to find you.”

  “I kn
ow.” His voice throbbed. “You called me Robert. I’m still having difficulty realizing it was you lying there too still for my heart to handle.”

  “Chase?” She cupped his cheeks. “Did you ask to be placed at Yosemite?”

  “No. The witness protection program made all the arrangements. I had no say in the matter. I’ve been thinking about what we should do.”

  “So have I.”

  He studied her beautiful features, the singing curve of her red mouth. “What decision have you come to?”

  “That we stay here no matter what and brave whatever comes.”

  “Oh Annie, if you’d said anything else—”

  “How could I?” Her eyes filled. “Our life is here. We’ll just have to have faith and take every precaution to stay safe. It was all meant to be.”

  He agreed. In the grand design he believed they’d been reunited for a reason, but to what end? How could anything be more cruel now than to be aware his life was hanging in the balance because of that piece of metal?

  Annie smoothed the frown lines between his brows. “What dark thought passed through your mind just then?”

  Chase caught her hand and began a nibbling foray up the arm that had been fractured. She was doubly precious to him now. “Do you have any idea how much I love you?”

  “Yes,” she said emotionally, “but you didn’t answer my question.”

  He rolled her on top of him, tangling her long silken legs with his. “It was nothing, my love. Let’s not talk anymore. There are other ways I want to communicate with you and I don’t plan to waste a second of them.”

  Chase needed her with a desperation that put new fear in him. Throughout the rest of the night he found himself loving her with refined savagery, trying to make time stand still while he worshipped this woman with his whole body and soul.

  EIGHT DAYS LATER Chase opened the front door to Annie’s house. She rushed inside. “Roberta?”

  “No,” said a voice from the hallway. “It’s only me.” Her mom chuckled. “She’s going to jump for joy to know you’re back.”