Forgotten Secrets

by Robin Perini

  Riley nodded, her expression pensive, but took his hand anyway. “I can’t believe she’s alive. I never thought . . .”

  Her voice broke, and Thayne wrapped his arm around her. What could he say?

  “Somehow we found a miracle.”

  “Your sister saved Maddy’s life,” Riley said, gripping Thayne’s hand. “When she discovered the poisoning, she gave Maddy time to gain strength so she could escape.”

  “Cheyenne was thrilled to know Madison got away. I think they’ll end up being good friends after all of this.”

  Thayne led Riley across the porch and into the deserted lobby.

  “Thank God Fannie’s not around,” he said under his breath.

  “I heard that.” Fannie popped from behind the reservation desk and rushed across the carpet. She grabbed Thayne in a fierce hug, then gave one to Riley. “I knew you’d do it.” Her face broke out in a smile.

  “Kade broke the case wide open,” Riley said to Fannie.

  The woman beamed, but her eyes dimmed a bit. “He’s still in the hospital, but he’ll be fine. That young boy Sam won’t leave his side.” She cleared her throat. “Get upstairs, you two. I left you a surprise.” And, with a flourish, she disappeared through the door to her quarters.

  Riley stared up at Thayne. “What do you think she did?”

  “I’m afraid to guess, but there’s one way to find out.”

  They walked up the stairs, and Riley slipped the key into the lock. She opened the door. On the table, a bottle of champagne sat nested in a bucket of ice, and two covered plates waited for them.

  Riley looked around. “Where’s the crime board?”

  Thayne cleared his throat. “I asked Pendergrass to take it away.” He pulled out a chair for her. “Shall we?”

  Riley sat down, and they dug in to the hot gourmet meal Fannie had left. As Thayne chewed his last bite, his throat had closed off. He had so much to say to Riley, he didn’t know where to start.

  “Riley—”

  “I quit my job tonight,” she interrupted in a rush.

  Whatever Thayne had been going to say swept out of his mind. “When? Why?”

  “While you were saying good-bye to your family and Cheyenne, I called Tom. I’m good at my job, but I need some time. To find out what I want.” She twisted the napkin in her hands. “To get to know my sister again. To get to know Riley Lambert again.”

  He rose and pulled her to her feet, clasping her hands in his. “Are you sure that’s what you want? You’ve worked for your career a long time.”

  “So did you. Now that Cheyenne’s home, you could rejoin your SEAL team before they ship out.”

  He could see the vulnerability in her eyes, and the fear.

  Thayne lifted his hand to Riley’s face and cupped her cheek. He looked deep into her eyes. “I quit for two reasons. One, because I couldn’t leave while Cheyenne was missing.” He dragged his thumb over her skin.

  “And the second?” Her voice had turned husky.

  “Because I’m tired of a long-distance Friday night phone fling. I want more, Riley. I want you. Every day, every night. I’ll do whatever it takes. I’ll finalize my separation paperwork; I’ll move to DC with you. You name it, and I’m there. I’m in one hundred percent if you’ll let me.”

  Her eyes widened. “You’d follow me?”

  “To the ends of the earth. You’ll never doubt I love you. I’d give my life for you, do anything to make you happy.”

  She gripped his hand hard. He could see the hope brightening in her eyes.

  He needed to seal this deal.

  Ever so slowly, he pulled her against him. With each breath, he could smell the sweet scent that was only Riley. They fit together, the top of her head reaching his cheek. But more than physically, they simply fit, heart and soul. She understood him the way no one else did. He admired her strength, her determination, everything about her.

  Her hand sneaked up his chest. His heart thudded against her palm, speeding up a bit.

  She took a shuddering breath. “If we do this, we can never go back to the way it used to be.”

  “We crossed that threshold the moment you disembarked from the plane. There’s no going back. Only forward.” Thayne closed his eyes, memorizing the warmth of her against his body. “I want forever, Riley. I want the love my parents had, the love my grandparents have. I want what they’ve had for the last fifty years. With you.”

  He pulled back enough so he could see her eyes. “Accept my love for you, Riley. No conditions. No caveats. Nothing but all the love I can give you. Now until I breathe my last breath.”

  His words shattered the final wall around her soul, the last bit of frozen tundra that had begun one night fifteen years ago when a madman had stolen everything Riley loved.

  Now she had it back.

  But she wasn’t a child any longer. She was a woman.

  “Let me show you how it could be between us.” He bent down, his lips hovering just above hers.

  A shuddering breath escaped her lungs. She couldn’t resist. She didn’t want to. She’d been searching to belong to someone her entire life. Someone who would never leave, who would always love her, who wouldn’t give up on her, no matter what.

  Thayne was that man.

  So why did she hesitate?

  “I see.” Thayne lifted his head and pulled away from her.

  Her entire body went cold. What was she doing? Her sister had shown true courage for years when her life had been stolen. Taking this leap of faith wasn’t scary. This was Thayne. Her best friend. The man she trusted with her life. The man who had saved her heart and healed her soul. She clutched his arms, her grip so tight her hands hurt. “No. You don’t see. I love you, Thayne. I’ve loved you for a very long time. I was just afraid to admit it. Even to myself.”

  Thayne smiled, one that lit his eyes. He didn’t speak, he simply picked her up in his arms and carried her to the bed. She held her breath while he nuzzled her cheek, tempting her with his nearness but not his lips or his touch. Her nerve endings tingled; her body thrummed with anticipation.

  She clutched his shoulders.

  “This is forever,” he whispered. With very little pressure, he parted her lips, just a bit. “No going back.”

  She instinctively tasted his finger with a small swipe. The taste of salt, the touch of him made her tongue tingle. She clasped the back of his head and pulled his lips down to hers. “Not ever.”

  The passion between them erupted, and the walls of protection melted away. Thayne pressed her lips apart and explored her mouth.

  She wanted to be closer to him. She worked the buttons of his shirt and shoved the offending garment aside so she could feel his skin.

  With a groan, Thayne took over. He stripped out of his clothes, then set to work on hers. Finally, bare skin to bare skin, he wrapped her close, letting his hands caress her.

  Shivering under his touch, Riley lowered her lips to his chest, exploring his body, nipping at the sensitive skin until she flicked her tongue along his nipple.

  Thayne let out a long, low groan. She fell back against the bed and pulled him down to her.

  He willingly followed, inserting his leg between hers. She closed her eyes. His hands and mouth touched her everywhere, exploring every inch. He knew exactly how to touch her, evoking a whimper. He slipped on a condom and raised above her, his eyes growing dark with desire.

  “I love you, Riley. Always and forever.” With one thrust, he sank inside of her.

  His hands moved down her arms to her hands. He folded her fingers into his and stilled, staring at her.

  “I love you, too.”

  He shifted his hips, and she gasped, wrapping her legs around him, holding him close. They were one, and she’d never felt more complete, more whole, more wanted, more loved.

  He rocked against her. Her body thrummed with each movement, her belly tightening. She never wanted this to end. She closed her eyes, unable to stop the groan from escaping. />
  Her entire being focused on Thayne and his love. He cherished her.

  Her body clenched, rising taut with him until she exploded in absolute joy, clinging to Thayne.

  As awareness rushed back, he laid his head on her breast. She clasped him to her, out of breath, heart racing and sheer contentment settling over her like a cashmere blanket.

  “That was—”

  “Incredible,” he said, out of breath himself.

  They lay still for a moment, wrapped in each other’s arms until Thayne shifted off her, spooning her against his body. He threaded his fingers through hers and kissed the nape of her neck.

  “My father offered me a permanent deputy’s position. How would you feel about staying in Wyoming? With me? As my wife?”

  Riley turned over and faced him. His mouth was tense, nervous. She smiled. “Wherever, whenever you want, I’ll be there,” she said. “Always.”

  EPILOGUE

  One Week Later

  A string of Christmas lights twinkled outside of Clive’s Dance Hall and Saloon. Riley stepped out of Deputy Pendergrass’s vehicle. “Thanks, Quinn.”

  Her practiced gaze scanned the area. She recognized most of the vehicles from the Blackwoods’ ranch close to the front. The rest of the parking lot was filled to overflowing.

  She had her hand on the door when she paused.

  Tonight was for celebrating. She couldn’t believe she was this happy, had never imagined being content. A year ago, her life had been all about living one day at a time. No future, and a past that haunted her. Now endless possibilities awaited, not only for her and Thayne and their life together in Singing River, but for her sister. She looked forward to every day getting to know Madison all over again.

  The door opened in her hand. Sheriff Carson Blackwood, a huge smile on his face, pulled her inside. “Riley.” He clasped her in a big bear hug and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. “Thank you for giving me my family back. And for making my son happier than I’ve ever seen him.”

  She kissed his cheek. “I’m the lucky one.” Her eyes searched the room. They paused at a small table where her mother looked completely out of place and her father looked like he wished he were sitting anywhere but there. Madison sat between them, a small frown on her face, twisting her long hair in her fingers, still pale. A few days in the hospital had helped her lose that gaunt look. She would fully recover from the copper poisoning eventually. Thank God.

  “How are they doing?” she asked, nodding at her family.

  “They’re trying,” Carson said. “Your sister’s an amazing woman.”

  The tall, jean-clad figure of Hudson Blackwood crossed in front of the Lamberts. He held out his hand to Madison. She looked up at him with a grateful expression. Her mother reached out a restraining hand but dropped it when Madison frowned at her mother.

  Fifteen years apart and no one knew what to say or how to act.

  Madison stood and met Riley’s gaze. She gave her a wide smile then took Hudson’s hand and let him lead her onto the dance floor. No doubt to avoid the parents.

  Just like old times. The two sisters against the world.

  “Thayne’s in the far corner,” Carson whispered in her ear. “With my mother.”

  Her heart flipped, and she strode across the floor toward him. Every moment away, she missed him. His touch, his laugh, his smile.

  Thayne’s eyes glinted with laughter as he spoke to Helen. Thayne passed her off to his grandfather before heading over to the band’s leader, whispering something in his ear.

  The man nodded, and a familiar tune began to play. “Could I Have This Dance.” Not a song Riley had heard until Thayne had hummed it to his grandmother for the first time. Now, it was their song as well.

  Lincoln held out his hand to his wife, and Gram stood up. They glided across the floor as if they’d been dancing together for more than fifty years. Which they had.

  At that moment, the door opened. A smattering of applause started, then swelled to whoops and hollers. The band stopped playing.

  Cheyenne made a beeline for Riley and gave her a big hug. “I called Brett,” she said. “Thanks for the push.” She grabbed Riley’s hand and led her over to the corner where her grandparents stood, along with Thayne. “Now I’m going to return the favor.”

  Cheyenne smiled. “Gram.”

  The look on Helen Blackwood’s face was joyous at first, then a small frown furrowed her brow. “I forgot our dinner date, didn’t I?” She bit her lip.

  Cheyenne blinked, then grinned. She hugged Gram. “Of course not.” She kissed her forehead.

  Thayne met his grandfather’s eyes, and Riley recognized the small hint of sadness between them. He signaled the band, and “Could I Have This Dance” continued to play softly in the background.

  Helen must have seen the look as well. She took a small breath and closed her eyes for just a moment. Then she opened them again, eyes clear and bright. A good day, Riley prayed.

  “We can’t let this music go to waste, can we?” Gram looked over at Riley. “Dance with Thayne, dear.” She turned to her granddaughter. “Cheyenne, why don’t you dance with that nice Deputy Ironcloud?”

  “I’m waiting for someone, Gram,” Cheyenne said as she craned her neck to look through the crowd.

  Helen tsked her tongue and patted her granddaughter’s arm. “He’s not coming, my sweet girl. Those Rivertons never could stand a social. Solemn to the bone, so I suggest you dodge that bullet and dance with a man who’s staring at you like a man should.”

  Lincoln stepped between the women. “Stop your harping, woman, and dance with me.”

  He swung Helen into his arms.

  Thayne stood waiting, searching Riley’s face.

  “I don’t dance,” she reminded him, then glanced at Helen, who gave her a wink as Lincoln spun her away.

  Thayne slid his hand around her waist and pulled her against him. “You don’t have to. Just follow me,” he said softly.

  “But—”

  “Cheyenne is back. Your sister is alive. Shouldn’t a bit of the Riley you’ve been hiding away for so long get to enjoy life a little?”

  Hudson guided Madison past them and across the floor, gently, slowly. The bright smile on Madison’s face lifted a weight from Riley’s heart. She’d be forever grateful to have her sister back. Changed, but still Madison where it mattered. It was time to be brave, to let the old Riley, the joy-filled Riley, live life again. “Lead away. I’ll always follow.”

  A few minutes later, the door to the dance hall opened again and Shep’s thin figure stood there quietly. Through a crack in the crowd, Riley could just make out Brett Riverton leaning against his cane, his serious expression at odds with the laughter in the dance hall. He locked gazes with Riley and tilted his hat. Then his focus shifted. Riley followed his eyes, to where Cheyenne danced with Deputy Ironcloud. The look on his face was so hungry and so resigned. He whispered something to Shep and painfully started to make his way to her.

  “I’ll be right back,” she whispered to Thayne and met Brett halfway.

  He tipped his Stetson to her. “Special Agent Lambert. I wanted to thank you for finding my father. It was a comfort to know that he didn’t abandon us. The irony is, if McIlroy had come to our father and told us who he was, Dad would probably have welcomed him with open arms. He didn’t have to try to take the Riverton land by force. He could have been part of a family.”

  “Join us?” Riley asked, placing her hand on his arm. “I know Cheyenne would be happy to see you.”

  “I don’t want to intrude. She deserves more.” Brett sent a long look over to Cheyenne, and she crossed to him.

  “Brett,” she whispered.

  “I just came to bring you this,” he said quietly, handing her the Wyoming jade necklace.

  Cheyenne’s eyes clouded. “But—”

  “It’s better this way. There’s a lot you don’t know about me.” He nodded to Shep and walked painfully into the night.

&nbs
p; Cheyenne stared after him, gripping the stone. “Excuse me.” She hurried out the door, Deputy Ironcloud following in her wake.

  Riley sighed. Brett loved Cheyenne, but he wouldn’t admit it. He was trying to protect her, and he only hurt her.

  Once, Riley had made the same mistake. No longer. She walked across the room, directly into Thayne’s arms.

  He pulled her body against his. She closed her eyes and breathed in and out, allowing her body to sway back and forth, embracing the happiness of the little girl who danced across the room with Madison so many years ago.

  Ever so slowly, they moved together as one. He folded her hand into his and pulled it to his heart. She leaned into him, breathing in deeply. Her cheek rested against his shoulder as he guided her farther onto the dance floor in the direction of his grandparents.

  “Look at them,” Thayne whispered.

  Lincoln embraced Helen, gently, protectively, as if he never wanted to let her go.

  “I love you, Lincoln,” Helen whispered. “Even when I forget to tell you, I love you.”

  Riley’s throat thickened with emotion at her words.

  “You’ll always be my love, Helen Blackwood. And don’t you worry. I’ll remember enough for the both of us.”

  Riley blinked back her tears. A Blackwood kind of love. She understood now. Thayne cleared his throat and pressed her even closer.

  “We have a love like theirs, Riley.” His voice was husky. He stopped any pretense of dancing and simply stared into her eyes. “Together, forever.”

  She gave him a bright smile and held out her hand. “Then dance with me?”

  “For the rest of my life.”

  AFTERWORD

  Forgotten Secrets grew in part from witnessing my mother’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease. We have learned to cherish and embrace the small moments of joy even as we navigate through the tears. If we have learned one truth, it is to be thankful for what we still have and not to wish for what used to be.

  My mother’s journey has been a long one, and my family would not have survived without our faith, friends, and the support of the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org, Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011). The local chapter of this organization has provided us with knowledge, support, and understanding, and I cannot express my gratitude enough to everyone who has touched our lives.