One Heart to Give (Heart's Intent Book 1)

by Brower, Dawn

  She sighed. “Fine. But now’s not the time to push your will on me. We can make plans and learn about each other at a pace of my choosing.” She lifted her hand and pointed at them. “You do not get to make decisions for me. Ren and I are getting married. Accept it or leave. He’s the best man I know, and I don’t need or want your approval.”

  Sullivan chuckled. “If you doubted you were a Brady, that little announcement told us all we needed to know. No one pushes us around.” He leaned down and kissed her cheek. “Get well, little sister. It’s going to be fun having you around.”

  “Hmmph. Go find someone else to bother.” Big brothers were a pain in the behind. “I don’t need your sage advice.”

  “Listen to her. She is wise for her years.” Lana walked in. She winked at Dani. “I need to ask you all to leave. I need to examine her, and Dr. West will be here soon to see how she’s healing.”

  “No,” her mother said. “I don’t want to leave her.”

  Dani recognized the look on her face. Siobhan Brady was afraid if she left, Dani wouldn’t be there when she got back. “I’m not going anywhere. Come by and see me later. This is all overwhelming.”

  Her mother nodded. “All right. I,” she paused. A tear trailed down her cheek. “We never gave up hope. It’s hard to leave you now that we’ve found you again.”

  “Come, dear. We can come see Ella later,” Malachi Brady said to his wife.

  “Dani.”

  He turned toward her and said, “Excuse me?”

  “My name is Dani. I don’t remember being your Ella. I couldn’t be now if I tried.”

  Malachi Brady opened his mouth to argue with her. He stared down at her and closed his mouth, appearing to rethink it. “You’re right. We will get to know you and who you’ve become. It will be an adjustment for us all.”

  Dani smiled. “I look forward to it.”

  Her parents nodded at her and left the room.

  “You too, Sullivan. I don’t need a babysitter.”

  He pouted. “You’re not kicking him out.” Sullivan pointed at Ren.

  “I like him. The jury’s still out on you.”

  Lana laughed. Dani decided she liked the other woman. The fact she sassed Sullivan on a regular basis endeared the nurse to her. She wanted to get to know them all. It was nice to have a family and friends to lean on. Why she’d ever pushed all the people in her life away, she’d never understand.

  “Fine. I will come by and check on you later.” He turned toward Lana. “Don’t kill her while I’m gone.”

  “Oh my, what would I do without you threatening me into submission.” She held her hand over her chest and glared at him. “Find someone else to harass.”

  Sullivan shook his head and left the room.

  Dani was amused. This was the most entertainment she’d had in a long time. If only it didn’t have to happen with her chained to a hospital bed. She sighed, all’s well that ends well, she supposed. Too bad it’d taken a bullet to wake her up and accept the people around her.

  “How’s our patient doing?” Preston West asked. “I heard you were awake.”

  Dani studied the doctor. He was Ren’s friend, or former friend. She couldn’t keep up with everything. Ren had to trust him on some level if he allowed the other man to treat her. So she’d remain open to him.

  “I’m doing fabulous considering,” Dani said. “When can I break out of this joint?”

  She was beginning to understand Matt’s reluctance to stay in the hospital. It was stifling her. The urge to leave and go home was great.

  “Not today,” was all he said. “Let’s look you over.” He lifted the blanket over her feet. “Can you wiggle your toes for me?”

  She didn’t know why he wanted her to, but she’d humor him. Her toes moved on cue. “Good. That’s good.” He wrote something down in her chart and turned to Lana. “Continue with the treatment in her chart.” Preston West was a man of few words. He didn’t say one more than necessary. After he gave Lana those instructions he turned and left the room.

  “So did I pass a test or something?” she asked.

  “Every one, baby,” Ren said and kissed her cheek. “The rest will be cake.”

  Her stomach growled. “Speaking of cake…I wouldn’t mind a slice about now. Who’s a girl have to kill to get food in here.”

  Lana laughed. “I will have a tray sent up from the cafeteria. Something light. Sorry, doctor’s orders.”

  “Fine.” Dani sighed. “Starve me then.”

  Her laugher echoed through the room long after she was gone. Lana had a strange sense of humor. Dani rather liked it. It was nice to laugh and joke. For a brief moment in time, she’d thought she’d never have this. That she’d tossed her chance at happiness aside. Dani promised she’d never make that mistake again. A person’s choices didn’t have to define who they were or who they’d become. A course could be changed and adapted to set a new path. This was her opportunity to forge ahead in a new direction. Her gaze fell on Ren. He was her everything too. There was nothing she wouldn’t do for him. He was the love of her life and her best friend. She couldn’t ask for anything more.

  “I promise you all the cake you want at our wedding,” he said. “I’m thinking next week. Your stomach should be able to handle it by then.”

  This was what happiness was. Family, friends, and the one person you loved more than life itself. She thanked the heavens for giving her another chance. Never would she take anything for granted again. Every day for the rest of her life she’d make sure those she cared about knew how much she loved them. Starting with the one man she’d given her heart to over a decade ago.

  “I will be there with bells on.” Dani laughed.

  “As long as you’re there, nothing else matters.” He kissed her lightly. “You’re my best friend, the love of my life, and I couldn’t ask for more.”

  Dani couldn’t have said better if she tried. With Ren at her side she was a better person, one she was always meant to be. His love allowed her to open herself up to more possibilities. She was finally happy and free. It was beautiful and oh so amazing.

  A part of her would always remain with Ren. He owned her heart after all.

  Epilogue

  Dani stared out the window as Ren drove to her parent’s house. She still had trouble wrapping her mind around the fact she had not only two parents, but an irritating brother as well. Sullivan visited her as much as she would allow. He was being pushier than either of her parents were. They’d respected her wishes for space and agreed to let her come to them. The time to give in and allow them into her life had arrived. Sullivan insisted she attend a family gathering. It was a good way for her to visit with them and still have enough space to not feel claustrophobic. They’d all been wonderful, and it was silly of her to keep putting them at a safe distance.

  “They’re not going to bite you know,” Ren reminded her. “They want the chance to know who you have become.”

  Damn had he been hanging out with her brother? Seems like Sullivan had uttered that phrase before… She wasn’t sure if she was amused or scared how much her newfound sibling was insinuating himself into her life.

  “I know. It’s not easy for me to let anyone in. It terrifies me.”

  “Take it one day at a time. Don’t over think it.” He pulled the car into the long driveway on the Brady estate. It stopped in front of a house and looped around a massive fountain. It was amazing to look at. That was what it must be like to have money. The water sprayed up and fell into the pool.

  “How rich are my parents, anyway?”

  “I don’t know.” Ren laughed and opened his car door. He walked around and opened the passenger side for her. “Maybe you should ask them.”

  “I don’t think so. That’s a rude thing to ask.” She scrunched up her nose and stepped out of the car. “What if they think I’m after what they can give me financially?”

  “Seems like that doesn’t matter. You’re rather rich in your own right a
fter all the paperwork is sorted out with your identity and inheritance.”

  Damn if he didn’t have a point. Why did he have to bring that up? It was the reason she’d spent so much time in the hospital of late. Damn Anderson Nettles for putting a bullet in her. He was sitting in a jail cell awaiting trial. His bail had been denied. Sullivan explained how her family had rallied for that outcome. They didn’t want to give him another chance to murder her. The judge, thank God, had agreed. She didn’t want to face him with another gun flashing in front of her. The next time she laid eyes on Nettles would be when she had to testify, and at his sentencing. She had no desire to sit in court each day and watch his trial unfold. She’d be there when it was necessary.

  “Don’t remind me. I think I might become a philanthropist like my family. A lot of that money is going to charity to help underprivileged kids. I want to help some of them as much as I can. I know what it’s like to be where they are.”

  Her family didn’t like to think about her in foster care. Whenever she brought it up to Sullivan he changed the subject, but she couldn’t ignore it. Growing up without a family is what made her who she was. She had to accept it and move on. It was one of the things she worked on each day now. It had been a month since Anderson Nettles had shot her. It’d changed all of her priorities. Ren was at the top of that list. They walked up to the front door, and Dani hit the door bell.

  “Hello. Can I help you?” A middle-aged woman with red hair streaked with gray filled the door way.

  “That’s Dani and Ren, mom. Let them in.” Lana stepped up behind the woman. “The Brady’s would have your head if you didn’t let their daughter through the door.”

  “I’m so sorry.” She held her hand over her chest. “I should’ve seen the resemblance. You’re the spitting image of your mother.”

  “Don’t stress about it. I’m still acclimating myself to the idea. No reason you should’ve realized who I was in an instant. Where is my family located in this mausoleum?”

  Anxiety pooled in her stomach. She wanted to become more acquainted with them, but couldn’t help being nervous at the prospect. This was only one part of a huge endeavor. They had time to figure it all out. At least that was what she kept reminding herself.

  “They are in the family room. I will show you the way,” Lana said. “Mom, go gather some refreshments. Mrs. Brady is going to want something.”

  The housekeeper nodded her head and wandered away. She appeared happy to be given a task. Dani could relate. She wished she had something to do to avoid the upcoming meeting.

  “Your mom seems nice.” Dani attempted to make small talk. “How long did you say she worked here?”

  “My whole life.” Lana led them through a long winding hallway and stopped in front of a set of mahogany double doors. She pushed them open wide and entered. “I’ve brought you a couple of guests.”

  Siobhan Brady stood as they entered the room. “I’m so glad you were able to come.”

  Dani fidgeted and reached for Ren’s hand. She didn’t know what to say to this woman who was her mother. Ren squeezed her hand, reminding her he was there for her.

  “I think it’s time to start getting to know who my family is.” She glanced between her mother, father, and brother. “If you’re willing to put up with me.”

  “We would do anything for you.” Her father’s voice was husky with emotion. “All you have to do is ask.”

  The knot forming in her stomach eased at his words. They never meant for her to be abandoned. That wasn’t their doing. They were good people, and she needed to stop blaming them for the trouble she endured growing up. If they could change any of it, they would. There was no use looking back and wishing. It wouldn’t do any of them any good. All they could do was move forward. Ren was constantly reminding her of that fact.

  “Good. We have news and we’d like to share it with you.” Dani gestured toward Ren. “We set a wedding date, and we’d love it if you all would be a part of it.”

  “Of course we want to be part of it,” he father replied. “We’ll even pay for it. It’s tradition after all that the bride’s family take care of the wedding costs.”

  That wasn’t what she’d been aiming for. They didn’t have to anything so extravagant for her. All she wanted was to get to know her family. The wedding was the begging of allowing them to be a part of her life.

  “I couldn’t allow that.” Dani frowned. “I haven’t been a part of your family very long. I refuse to take advantage of your generosity.”

  “You’ve always been a part of this family.” Sullivan replied defiantly. “You may have just returned, but don’t believe for one minute we think any less of you. That was none of your fault. You should have grown up here. It’s your birthright don’t, deny it.”

  “Listen to your brother. It’s how we all feel,” her mother said softly.

  Was she being too difficult? She thought she was being reasonable. They were her family and they wanted what was best for her. Would it really be too much to let them help with her wedding?

  “I still say it’s too much.” Dani shook her head. “Can’t we reach a happy medium?”

  Ren lifted her hand and kissed it. “I have a suggestion.”

  She looked up at him and asked, “What?”

  “Why don’t we have the wedding here? It could cut down costs, and give your family the opportunity to show you the home you were denied.”

  “Oh that’s a lovely idea,” her mother exclaimed. “Everything can take place here and it will give us more time together before the wedding.’ She glanced over at Dani and asked, “What day have you picked dear?” Siobhan Brady raised her hand to her chest and sighed. “We’d love nothing more than to be a part of your big day. If you’ll allow it, I would love to help you plan it.”

  “Three months from today,” Dani added. “We don’t want to wait too long to begin our lives together as husband and wife. We’ve waited enough.”

  “Be careful what you agree to.” Sullivan smiled at her. “She’s been secretly planning your wedding since the day you were born.”

  “Oh, stop.” Her mother smacked Sullivan in the chest. “You’ll scare her away.”

  “If Sully hasn’t scared her away already, nothing will,” Lana piped in. “He is annoying enough for the whole family.”

  “I’m on my best behavior, I’ll have you know. I only irritate you these days.”

  Dani laughed at their exchange. This was what having a family was like. They laughed, teased, and embraced every part of her. She’d missed so much not having them in their life. Why had she kept her distance this long? She should have given in sooner and allowed them in. It was a mistake she intended to rectify. Her wedding was only the beginning.

  “Ha. I knew you did it all on purpose. Don’t worry, I can and will get even.” Lana glared at Sullivan. “You wait, when you least expect it I’ll pounce.” She waved her fist at him. “For now I will go see if my mother needs help gathering refreshments.” She exited the room shaking her head as she went.

  Lana knew Dani’s family better than she ever would. It saddened her in some ways. Still, she looked forward to learning everything about them all.

  “I want you all to take part in the wedding. Ren and I agreed it is a good way for us to begin again. A way for us to become the family that we were denied so many years ago—a new start. If you’re willing, I am.”

  “We’re more than willing,” her father said. “Anything you want, I will make it happen.”

  “All I want is for my mother, father, and brother to be at my wedding. I want to celebrate with the only other people besides Ren who mean anything to me.” She gazed at each one of them. “In time we will become close. For now, I’m happy to have you here and willing to put up with my idiosyncrasies.”

  Malachi Brady pulled her into a bear hug. “You’re my daughter. It’s my job to protect you. I failed you once, and I won’t do it again.”

  “I don’t blame you,” she whispere
d. “I know whose fault it is. Don’t worry about me. I have everything I need.”

  She did. Ren was there for her every day, and now she had a family she could lean on if necessary. There wasn’t anything else she could possibly ask for. One day she’d have children of her own. She wanted them to know her uncle and grandparents.

  Her father let her go. “I know. But I have a hard time letting go of my perceived guilt. It might take me—us—a while to realize your safe and happy. I have to ask you to be patient with us, as we are with you.”

  Dani smiled. “I think it runs in the family. We are all a little hard headed.”

  “Move away old man. It’s my turn to grab a hug.” Sullivan pushed his way past their father and wrapped his arms around her. “I’m so glad you’re finally here.”

  “Me too,” Dani sighed with contentment. “We all have so much to be thankful for.”

  “That we do, little sister. Welcome home.” He let her go, glancing down at her with a soft smile.

  “I’m exactly where I’ve always wanted to be. When I was little, I’d stare up at the sky and wished I had a family who loved me. I didn’t know then I was lucky enough to already have one.” She glanced at each one of them. “All my wishes have come true. Thank you for loving me.”

  “It’s our pleasure,” her mother said as she wiped a tear from the corner of her eye.

  The housekeeper rolled in a tray filled with little sandwiches, cakes, cookies, and a pitcher of iced tea. She set it up on a nearby table and then turned toward them. “If you need anything else, let me know.” She exited the room as fast as she’d come in.

  “I think we need to toast to Dani and Ren’s upcoming wedding,” Sullivan stated. “Too bad we don’t have something stronger than tea, but it will have to do.” He poured a glass for everyone and handed them out. Then he lifted his glass. “To my long lost little sister and the lucky bastard who won her heart. May they forever be happy and know love that will stand the test of time.”

  They all lifted their glasses and drank to Ren and Dani’s happiness. Dani glowed with pleasure as she glanced at them all. They were everything she’d always wanted, Ren more than anything. She’d taken a long, hard path to arrive in the spot she found herself in. Even though it had been difficult, she wouldn’t change any of it. Her struggles made her who she was. Now she had a family and the love of her life. What more could she possibly ask for.