by Chloe Lang
Adam nodded. “You’re married to Wyatt and Wade, right?”
Emma remembered Wyatt and Wade from high school. The two cowboys were also twins.
“Yes, they’re my rough and tumble husbands.” Wyatt and Wade, Mac’s two husbands, were in another corner talking to some other men. The woman turned to Adam and Bane. “Hey guys, we have a new morning show I’d like to have you on at KINK. What do you say?”
“We really can’t talk about our service much. Most of it is classified.”
“That’s okay. If you come to the station about seven tomorrow morning, we can run through the questions together. Mention some of the places you’ve been to, the ones not classified. What your plans are going forward in the FBI. That kind of thing. Folks around here love you two. It will make for great television.”
“Sure. I always wanted to be a television star.” Adam grinned. “Look at this face. It’s made for the camera, unlike poor Bane’s.”
Bane shook his head. “We look exactly the same, bro.”
“That’s not what my mirror says to me.”
They both laughed.
“You two will never grow up.” Shelby smiled and turned to Emma and Mackenzie. “Please ignore my brothers. Mac, this is Emma, my friend I was telling you about.”
“I thought she might be.” Mackenzie extended her hand to Emma. “I understand you are looking for a job.”
Emma shook her hand. “Yes. I do need to find something soon.” Shelby was turning out to be a very good friend. She’d already been promoting her around town.
“Any background in media or publishing?”
Emma shook her head, worried this chance at a new job would dry up before she got an interview. “I did a couple of journalism classes, but my bachelor’s is in business. I’ve worked several years in banking in North Dakota.”
“Banking. Do you like it?”
Actually, she’d found it extremely boring, but it did pay the bills. “Not really,” she confessed.
Mac nodded. “I’m in a bit of a bind, Emma. What you don’t know, I believe I can teach you. I’d love to talk to you. My new morning show ends at nine tomorrow. Could you come to the station about that time?”
“Yes.” Emma felt so excited about this opportunity. Maybe things were really going to turn around for her in Wilde. “Thank you.”
“Is that the same show you want us on, Mackenzie?” Bane asked.
The woman nodded. “‘Wake Up Wilde’ is going to be a local hit, I’m sure.”
Bane nodded. “How about we bring Emma with us tomorrow?”
“That will be perfect. Actually, the job I have in mind for her is with the show.”
“I don’t want to impose.” She could tell that Adam and Bane weren’t going to give up easily. She had to be careful. She could imagine getting sidetracked completely by the two sweet Marines. “Thank you, but I can drive myself.”
Adam put his arm around her shoulders. “You shouldn’t deny soldiers who haven’t been around a beautiful woman like yourself a chance of buying her breakfast.”
Beautiful? He thinks I’m beautiful. She felt her cheeks get quite warm.
“We are not taking ‘no’ for an answer, Emma. We’ll pick you up at six and go to the diner for breakfast.” Bane’s forceful tone had quite the impact on her, making her tingly inside. “Then we can go to the station together.”
She grinned. “You two are used to getting your way, aren’t you?”
They both nodded.
“Fine. I surrender to the heroes. I’m staying here at the hotel. I’ll meet you at the front at six.”
Mackenzie waved at two men Emma didn’t recognize. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to introduce Emma to Lance and Chuck, the new owners of the paper and television station.”
“We don’t mind at all, Mac.” Shelby gave her a big hug. “Lance and Chuck’s wife, Danielle, is part of my girl pack. I can’t wait for you to meet all of them.”
“You’re helping me find a job and find new friends, Shelby. Thank you. I don’t know what else to say.”
“Don’t say anything. You’re going to knock everyone’s socks off, Em. I’m so glad you’re moving back.”
“Thanks, Shelby.” She turned to Adam and Bane and smiled. “I look forward to tomorrow.”
Bane grabbed her hand and kissed it once again. “Our pleasure, Emma.”
Adam did the same. “Very much our pleasure.”
The two Marines were pulled away by Sheriff Champion and some other attendees.
“I told you to be careful of my brothers, Em.” Shelby laughed. “Now you’re in trouble. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
Shelby’s three husbands wrapped her up in their arms. They were Sheriff Champion’s sons.
“Honey, how about a dance?” Dr. Alex Champion asked.
Brandon grinned. “With all of us.”
“Time to scoot our boots, baby.” Justin tipped his hat.
Alex grabbed Shelby’s hands. “We promise to not get carried away, sweetheart. Just slow and easy.”
Shelby shook her head and smiled. “Doctor, is this your way of trying to get me to go into labor?”
“It couldn’t hurt.”
“Maybe you should go talk to Charly and her guys about hitting the dance floor. She’s past the due date you gave her, too.”
“The whole town is on pins and needles about when these two newest citizens will be born,” Mackenzie said. “You know there’s a pool. I’ve got tonight at 11:30 p.m. for Charly and tomorrow at 4:00 a.m. for you, Shelby.”
“I’ll see if I can help you win something, Mac, but it’s going to be more walking than dancing.” Shelby looked lovingly at her three guys. “I will not be soaking my feet tomorrow. The last time we all went dancing you kept me out on the floor all night. Three songs. That’s all I am up to, okay?”
“Three is perfect, baby.” Justin kissed his bride on the cheek.
Shelby groaned and grimaced. Looking into her friend’s face, Emma thought she might be having a contraction.
Justin frowned. “I didn’t know my kisses had that kind of impact on you, sweetheart.”
Brandon touched Shelby’s shoulders. “Honey?”
Concerned for Shelby, Emma asked, “Did you just have a contraction?”
Shelby shrugged. “Probably just Braxton Hicks.”
“Doc. Doc.” Dax Strong, one of Charly’s husbands, ran up to them. “My wife’s water just broke.”
Alex turned to Brandon and Justin. “I’m going to go check on Charly, but we’re not taking any chances with our Shelby. Keep an eye on her. She might be right about it being false labor, but if anything changes, bring her to the hospital.” He and Dax left in a sprint for Charly.
Justin and Brandon asked Shelby questions about how she was feeling and did she need to sit down. Shelby smiled and told them she was fine. Her words didn’t take away the concern in the two men’s faces.
Emma thought it was great how her friend’s husbands were taking care of her.
Shelby closed her eyes and moaned.
Mac grabbed Shelby’s hand. “That’s another contraction, no doubt.”
Justin lifted Shelby up in his arms. “We’re going to the hospital right now, baby.”
“I’ll let Alex know she’s had another contraction and we’re taking her to the hospital.” Brandon ran to the men around Charly.
In a flash, all the fathers to be rushed Shelby and Charly out of the party to the new Wilde Hospital. Adam and Bane, the uncles to be, left with their parents to go to the waiting room. The majority of the crowd followed. The few remaining were abuzz with excitement for the two families. Everyone would be heading to the hospital to wait for the new babies to arrive.
Emma turned to Mackenzie. “What a night.”
“Shelby and Charly are going to be wonderful mothers, Em.” Something about Mackenzie’s tone told her the woman would make a great mom, too.
“Thank you for considering me to work with
you.”
“I’ll be the one thanking you. I sure need help. Lots of changes coming in the next several months.” Mackenzie was glowing. Was she pregnant? “I might be able to have dinner with my husbands now. Let’s go talk to the big bosses.”
She walked with Mac to meet the owners.
Life was already looking brighter.
Chapter Four
Bane glanced around the waiting room. The hospital still had quite the crowd, though some had to leave for their shifts in the Wilde Silver Mine. Of those remaining, most had nodded off, but not his parents. They were wide awake, sitting in the chairs closest to the swinging doors that led to the delivery room.
“Look at Mom and Dads, bro.” He sat in the waiting room with Adam, anxiously anticipating the arrival of Shelby’s baby. “You think they’d like something to eat?”
His brother shook his head. “Nope. I just asked them less than fifteen minutes ago. They told me they are too excited to eat. I’m in the same boat.”
“Me, too.” Bane grinned and looked at the clock—zero-four-hundred. He recalled one mission where he had been cut off from his unit. Being behind enemy lines and under heavy fire, he hadn’t been able to eat for forty-eight hours. This should be a piece of cake. “Food after Shelby’s baby comes, and not before.”
“Agreed,” Adam said.
An hour ago, Charly had delivered a healthy baby boy. Gregory Grant Strong was named after his grandfathers on his dads’ side. The little cowboy had arrived twenty and a half inches long and weighed eight pounds four ounces. All the Strong brothers and their parents were with Charly and the new baby.
Emma and Mackenzie returned from the nursery and sat down across from them.
Bane couldn’t keep his eyes off of Emma. God, she’s gorgeous.
“Charly’s baby boy is so handsome.” Emma smiled, making her appear even more beautiful. “Does Shelby know if her baby is a boy or girl?”
“She’s having a girl, though she and her guys haven’t told anyone what the baby’s name is going to be.” He loved Emma’s flowing red hair and full lips. Her green orbs enthralled him. Her porcelain, delicate skin enticed him. But it was more than just her body that drew him in. She was direct, thoughtful, kind, open, and so very sweet. All the traits his deepest self responded to.
Emma was the ideal woman, perfect in every way.
Mac looked at the time on her cell. “I lost Charly’s pool and it’s after four, so I didn’t win Shelby’s either. I wonder who did win. That would be a cute interview for the morning show.”
“Will you have to bump these two heroes?” Emma asked. She and Mac had clearly hit it off, talking about all kinds of things throughout the night.
“I know they will not leave until Shelby delivers her baby, that’s for sure.” Mac glanced down at the time again. “I’m going to have to head to the studio pretty quick. God, I hate to leave. I want to stay for Wilde’s newest citizen’s arrival, too.”
“I’ve got an idea, Mac,” Emma said. “Why not shoot your show right here in the waiting room? You could still interview Bane and Adam and get the other big story in town front and center. Charly and Shelby’s babies.”
Mac smiled. “I love that idea. Done. I’m going to call the guys and get a crew over here ASAP. You’re a natural, Em. I just knew you would be. If you want the job, it’s yours. Assistant Program Director. We can work out all the terms later.”
Emma took her hand. “Yes. I want the job. Thank you, Mac. Thank you so much.”
“Let me make the call. I want you by my side during the show, okay?”
“Absolutely. I’m really excited about this opportunity.” Emma’s enthusiasm was endearing. “I won’t let you down.”
“I know you won’t. We’re going to make quite the team, Em. If we’re lucky, Shelby will deliver the baby during the show.” Mac laughed and walked to a quiet corner to make her call.
“I know you two are very excited about being uncles.” Emma leaned forward. “That sweet, little baby will never want for anything as long as you two are around. Your family sure does pull together, don’t they?”
Bane nodded, though he wondered why Carolyn had yet to show up. Of his two sisters, he never did understand her. Carolyn had been troubled her entire life. One day, he prayed she would find peace and happiness.
Who am I to complain about siblings? He looked at Emma, whose two sisters had been homicidal crazy women. They were dead, as was her mother. Emma had been through hell and back.
“Do you have boys or girls, Em?” Adam asked.
Bane recalled she’d mentioned having children earlier.
“Two girls.” Her entire face beamed with pride. “Twelve and thirteen. Autumn and Andrea.”
He was glad she wasn’t completely alone in the world. “Do you have pictures of them?”
“On my phone.” She brought out her cell and showed him and Adam a picture of the two girls.
Adam took the phone from her. “They are so cute, Em.” His brother handed him the cell. “Don’t you agree, Bane?”
“I sure do.” He turned to Emma. “They look a lot like you. They both have your eyes and your gorgeous red hair.”
“I know, but they are much prettier than me. They take after my sisters that way.” Her words didn’t sit well with him. Didn’t she know she was gorgeous? “Thankfully, they don’t look a thing like their father.”
When Emma mentioned her ex, Bane saw a slight frown appear on her face that didn’t sit well with him. It was clear that she didn’t want to talk about the man, which suited him just fine. “After Shelby has the baby and we finish with the television show, let’s go to breakfast, Em.”
“We’re all going to be starving by then.” Adam obviously was into Emma as much as he was. A first date was exactly what they needed. And a second. And a third.
“Guys, I’m just getting settled. I’ve only been in town for a short time. I think I’ll head back to the hotel for some much-needed sleep. You two should do the same. You have to be exhausted after your party last night and this long wait on your sister to deliver the baby.”
“Shelby has always made us wait, but she’s worth it.” Adam took Emma’s hand. “I know you’re tired but you have to eat, Em. A full tummy will help you sleep better.”
“I’ve always heard if you eat before you sleep you can have nightmares.” She grinned.
Bane joined in on the teasing. “So let’s put it to the test. You can report back to us for dinner tonight if our breakfast upsets your dreams.”
“That’s two meals you’re trying to lock me down for.” Smiling, she shook her head. “Quite the two operators, aren’t you?”
“You have no idea, sweetheart.” Adam leaned back and rubbed his chin, a sure sign he thought he was about to win a date with Emma. “What will your new boss think if we refuse to go on camera this morning?”
“That’s blackmail, Adam Taylor.”
“Bane and I want to go on a date with you, Emma. We will resort to whatever is necessary to get that chance.”
“You might as well give up, Em. Adam sure isn’t going to. And neither am I. One date. That’s all.” But he knew one date with her would never be enough. Still, it was a start.
“Guys, can’t we just be friends?”
He wasn’t about to let her off the hook. “Friends go to breakfast together, don’t they?”
“I suppose they do.”
Winking, he asked, “Then your answer is…?”
“Fine. Breakfast.” Her surrender was one of the sweetest he’d ever received. “Just breakfast. Okay?”
Before he or Adam could answer, Alex came through the swinging doors.
“I’m a dad. I have the most beautiful daughter in the world. She looks like her amazing mother.”
The crowd erupted in cheers.
Bane turned to Adam. “We’re uncles, bro.”
Adam slapped him on the back. “Yes we are.”
Shelby and Grace Madelyn Champion are doin
g great.” The new father looked happier than Bane had ever seen him before. “We’ll have my new baby girl in the nursery in about fifteen minutes.”
Emma smiled. “Congratulations, guys.”
Caught up in the happy moment, Bane pulled her into his arms and squeezed her tight. “I am an uncle. Wow.”
“Don’t forget about me. I’m an uncle, too.” Adam kissed Emma on the cheek. “It’s a big job, but don’t you think me and my brother will be good at it?”
She laughed. “You two will be the best uncles on the planet.”
“Emma, make sure nobody moves a muscle.” Mac held up her hand. “You’re all going to be on KINK’s morning show.”
* * * *
Emma sat between Bane and Adam at the diner named after her mother. The new owner hadn’t changed a thing, which pleased her very much. Norma’s held a million good memories for her. She’d grown up here. Her mom started her and her sisters at very young ages washing dishes and busing tables. Emma smiled remembering a food fight with her sisters when her mom had stepped out for a moment. They’d had to clean up the place fast before their mother returned.
What ever happened to my sisters? Samantha and Lily had been so different when they were younger.
“Want some more coffee, Em?” Bane’s thoughtfulness was sweet. He and Adam had been so attentive.
“No. I’m stuffed.” She looked at her empty plate. “I can’t believe I ate so much. I sure have missed King Cakes.” King Cakes were actually fluffy pancakes that had been named years ago after an unscheduled stop by Elvis Presley to town. She glanced over at the familiar signed menu and photo of the King sitting at Norma’s bar. It hung on the wall behind the cash register.
Adam put his arm around her shoulders. “There’s nothing like them anywhere else.”
“That’s for sure.”
“You did a terrific job this morning, Em.” Bane pushed his plate to the side. “Being Assistant Program Manager fits you to a tee.”
She’d enjoyed working with Mackenzie so very much. “It was easy because you guys were great on the show.”
“We were good, weren’t we?” Adam laughed. “You are both right—we were good and Emma was great—but I think the main reason the show was a success was because of Grace Madelyn.”
