by Clare Revell
Her breath caught. “Mrs. Ames?”
He nodded. “I love you so very much. That’s why I agreed to marry you in the first place. I could have simply gotten a fake marriage certificate; it would have been far easier. But I didn’t. I married you legally, in God’s sight, with Peggy, Vance, and my parents there—even if that was unintentional.”
“Then I don’t understand. Why sleep on the sofa? Why insist on a marriage in name only? Is it because of the scars? I tried to show you they’re not that bad.”
Martin’s gaze clouded. “The burns are worse than they look. I can’t...” He paused, shifting on his feet, looking embarrassed. “The doc said with therapy the damage might not be permanent, but I might never be able to make love to you. I have all these feelings, like a normal man does. Only I can’t act on them or probably ever have kids. It isn’t fair to keep you in a name-only marriage.”
Tamlyn hugged him tightly. All that mattered was the fact she loved him and he loved her. “I don’t want kids.”
“Every woman wants kids.”
“Not me. I want you.”
Martin shook his head. “It’s not physically possible. Or weren’t you listening?”
Tamlyn sighed. “I’m your wife. I love you. All I want is to be with you, and honestly, I’d settle for kisses like the one you just gave me and hugs and sleeping in your arms. Where are you and Vance staying?”
“We have a room on the same floor as yours. Why?”
“Public displays of affection aren’t exactly illegal here, but I’d rather kiss my husband in my room, if it’s all the same to you.”
“Tam…”
“Martin, God wants the two of us together for a reason. We just need to work out what that reason is.” She looked at him. “We said at the outset this isn’t a normal marriage, right? I didn’t marry a certain part of your anatomy. I married you because I love you.”
“You may say that now, but what about five years down the line, when you’re still a—”
“Then I’ll still love you. I’m not asking for the moon and the stars, just a couple of mind blowing kisses a day and falling asleep in your arms every night and knowing you love me and put me first—well after God. Can you do that?”
Martin took her hand firmly in his. “Yeah, I can.”
She smiled. “Then that will do me. For now and always. And I’m sure Vance won’t mind not sharing a room with you tonight. After all you snore something chronic.” She squealed as he playfully tapped her arm.
“I do not snore.”
“You do so snore. I’ll record it on my phone and prove it.” She tugged his hand. “Come on.”
18
One year later
Tamlyn lay on the couch, and reached for the phone. She didn’t normally bother Martin at work, but this couldn’t wait.
Martin had un-resigned and passed all the physical exams he needed to get back out on the streets. Even Vance commented how happy he was and blamed that solely on Tamlyn. She knew better. The therapy, though Martin found it arduous, had finally paid off and he’d become her husband in the way he wanted.
Her faith had blossomed right alongside his and for the first time in her life she was truly happy and content.
“Vegas PD. How may I direct your call?”
“Can I speak to Sgt. Ames please? It’s his wife.”
There was a long pause before Vance answered. “Hey, Tam. Martin’s in with the captain. Can I take a message?”
“No, it’s fine. I’ll see him tonight.” She put the phone down and closed her eyes.
What seemed like moments later, the front door slammed. “Tam, where are you?”
Tamlyn opened her eyes. Had she been asleep? “I’m in the lounge.”
The door flung open and Martin ran in. “Are you OK?”
She looked at him, confused. “What are you doing here?”
“I live here.” He wrapped his arms around her tightly. “Vance said you’d called. I tried calling you back, but didn’t get an answer. Peggy tried knocking and didn’t get an answer, either.” He pulled back, worry filling his gaze. “She said you’d gone to the doctor. Why didn’t you say? I’d have gone with you. I know how sick you’ve been the past few weeks. What’s wrong?”
“There’s nothing wrong.” She grinned at him. “I’m pregnant.”
Martin’s eyes widened as he stared at her and then down at her still flat stomach. “Pregnant?” he repeated, his eyes lighting up. He pulled her into a hug. “Oh, hon, that’s wonderful. I love you.”
She hugged him tightly. She could feel the tears from his eyes falling onto her neck, matching the ones in her own eyes. “I love you, too. Did you come in just because you were worried?”
“Partly, and partly to give you this.” He reached into his pocket, pulling something out.
“What is it?”
“The big case Vance and I have been working on. We’ve been tracking something the past few weeks and the captain said we could return it to its rightful owner.”
She glanced up, seeing Vance standing in the doorway. She smiled at him.
“Congrats, Tam. When are you due?”
“Middle of April.” She looked back down at the box. “But if you’re returning it, then why give it to me.”
“Open it, hon.”
Tamlyn did as he said, gasping as the gold cross glinted up at her. “My necklace.”
She picked it up, her eyes sparkling as she held it. “You found it.” She flung her arms around Martin. “Thank you.”
“We found Garth and he had it on him. It was too hot to get rid of it after we put out all the APB’s. He’s been charged with the murder of your dad, Raleigh, two counts of attempted murder, aggravated assault, involuntary manslaughter, kidnapping and arson to start. I think the cops in Headley Cross have a few warrants for him as well for the death of your aunt and forgery. Daniel is facing similar charges. I’m sorry to dredge all this up on such a happy day.”
“No, it’s perfect. It is God’s way of letting me know He is in control. On this day when we open a new chapter in our lives, an old one is closed.”
He didn’t say a word. He didn’t have to as he gave her one of those mind blowing kisses he’d promised to give her every day.
This man had taken her from someone who mattered little, to wife, and now mother-to-be. He’d filled her life in a way she’d never imagined when she went on holiday in Vegas.
She’d found the love of her life, and her Savior, in Sin City.
God put two broken people together and made them both whole. He truly worked in mysterious ways.
Thank you for purchasing this White Rose Publishing title. For other inspirational stories, please visit our on-line bookstore at www.pelicanbookgroup.com.
For questions or more information, contact us at [email protected].
White Rose Publishing
Where Faith is the Cornerstone of Love™
an imprint of Pelican Ventures Book Group
www.PelicanBookGroup.com
Connect with Us
www.facebook.com/Pelicanbookgroup
www.twitter.com/pelicanbookgrp
To receive news and specials, subscribe to our bulletin
http://pelink.us/bulletin_
May God’s glory shine through
this inspirational work of fiction.
AMDG
