“No, you’re absolutely right. We both need to rest. I’m feeling worn down, and I don’t want to get sick again. I’ll listen to you tonight, Doctor Quinn,” she snickered.
Quinn kissed her cheek. “Good.”
Callie cuddled into his frame.
His arms protectively wrapped around her, as she rested against his chest, between his legs. “When do you want to get married?”
Callie didn't have to think long. “The sooner the better. I don’t want a huge wedding. I think something with just family and friends. Then again, from the size of your family alone, it’ll be big anyway.”
“Okay.” She had a point about his family.
Patting his leg, she got his attention. “Quinn?”
“Hmmm…?”
“There’s something I want,” she said, enjoying the tickle of his chest hair against her back.
“What’s that, Callie, baby?” he asked, willing to give her whatever it was that she asked him for.
“A long honeymoon.”
Quinn was down with that. “If that’s all you want, I think I can arrange for us to take a nice, private, secluded trip somewhere warm and sand covered. Do you like the beach?”
“Who doesn’t like the beach?” she asked, yawning as Quinn washed her chest and body. It was incredible to have him taking care of her, and she was fighting desperately to stay awake in the tub.
“Shhhh… It’s okay. Go ahead, baby, and fall asleep. I won’t let you drown,” he reassured, whispering in her ear softly.
“I love you, Quinton,” she replied, as finally exhaustion overcame her. She handed him her trust, along with her heart.
He held her for a while, until the water cooled around them. After, Quinn carried his fiancée to bed, cuddling down into the bedding with her.
He would keep his promise, no matter what.
Quinton Gaines was willing to give everything up, just to have the ultimate prize. Now, fate was in control, and he only prayed it would be more merciful than before.
Quinn was wary. There was still fear in his heart. She may be marrying him, but his inner voice was screaming.
He may still lose Callie.
* * *
Tuesday Morning
The sunlight softly caressed Callie’s skin with its warmth, and it felt wonderful. Also, there was a hand sliding softly across her body, drawing patterns across her skin. She knew just from the way he lovingly touched her, that Quinn was already wide awake.
“Mmmm… good morning, big guy. What time is it?” she asked, as he traced kisses up her arm and to her neck.
“It’s just after seven. I wasn’t going to wake you, but you looked so damn good, it was driving me completely crazy.”
“Well, what are you going to do about it?” she asked, sliding her fingers into his thick silky hair. With her bare leg, she rubbed wantonly against him.
“Oh, I have some interesting ideas on what I would like to do with you, but I need to ask you something.”
Callie kissed his collarbone and nibbled along it to his throat. “Yes?” She continued tasting him until she reached his ear. Once there, she tormented the pulsing spot just below his earlobe, which turned him to jelly.
“I probably should have asked you this earlier, but are you on the pill?”
“Uh huh,” she murmured, continuing to do some creative things with her tongue that made his body shake.
“Would you be willing to come off the pill once we’re married?” he asked, trying delicately to slide the topic of children into the conversation. Yes, he was aware that she was contemplating returning to the FBI, but that didn't mean they couldn’t start their family.
After all, he wasn’t getting any younger.
Callie sought out his mouth with hers. She knew he wanted a family in the worst way. The least she could do was reassure him and give him the promise for their future.
“I’ll stop taking the pill today,” she murmured, barely moving her lips from his. “Now, are we going to celebrate, or what?” she asked, as the pure unadulterated joy washed over his face.
“God, Callie! I love you,” he said, as he crushed his mouth down over hers. All his senses were overwhelmed by the taste, smell, and feel of the woman who was now his.
There was no doubt.
Quinton Gaines was blessed.
When Callie and Quinn entered the kitchen an hour later, they found Nate reading something on his laptop, as Luke ate pie at the counter. Immediately, she gave him a questioning look.
“What?” he asked guiltily. “It’s fruit, and everyone knows that’s a breakfast food, so it’s healthy.”
Callie shook her head. She’d learned a long time ago not to argue with his reasoning. It was futile.
As Quinn poured her coffee, she wanted to take care of him too. “Would you like something to eat?” she asked, taking the mug he was offering her.
“I’m not really hungry this morning,” he replied, kissing her. “You should eat though. Why don’t you go sit down, and I’ll make you some eggs for breakfast?” he offered, as he pulled open the refrigerator to search out the ingredients.
“Okay, that sounds great.” Callie took a seat beside her brother.
He focused on her over the rim of his glasses. “How are you feeling this morning?” He had to admit, she looked so much better. “Did Quinn let you rest at all last night, or was he up, keeping you awake?” he asked grinning, which had Luke choking on pie.
Callie ignored the man behind her as she sipped her coffee. “I’ll have you know that I feel asleep in the tub, and Quinn carried me to bed and tucked me in. He was very serious about making me rest.”
Nate grinned over his coffee cup at Callie. “When are you going to tell our parents that you’re marrying a man you’ve just started dating a little over a week ago?”
Callie had already thought about that. “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe when we have a few grandkids to distract them. Once we pop out the first child, Nate, I’ll be their favorite,” she said, joking around. “But then again, I was always their favorite.”
He snorted.
She got serious for a second. “I don’t want them to know about anything until this is over. The last thing we need is momma and daddy to come rushing into this mess. I couldn’t live with myself if something happened to either one of them.”
“I agree that it’s probably a good idea,” Nate stated, finishing his coffee. “What are you doing today?”
“I want to go over the files and facts again. Something is bothering me, and I can’t quite put my finger on it yet. Soon enough, I’ll figure out what it is. Once I do, I have a feeling we’ll be on our way to stopping the killers.”
“I have a few things I have to take care of today, too. I want to re-interview Ed and the reverend,” offered Quinn from the stove, where he was stirring creamy scrambled eggs. “I’ll leave Callie at the office with Doris. She’ll watch over her like a mother hen.”
“Who is Doris?” asked Nate, lifting a brow.
“His secretary,” answered Callie, drinking from her cup. “I’ll pump her for information on Quinn. I bet she can tell me lots of juicy details about him.”
“Hey now!” he said, carrying a plate to Callie. “Be nice or no eggs,” he added, placing the plate in front of her as he kissed her lovingly on top of her head.
Callie picked up a slice of toast and began smothering it with jam. Instead of eating it, she dropped it to Zeke, who was staring at her like a lost soul. “What about you two?”
“Luke and I have to head to the lab and do some paperwork to send back to FBI headquarters.”
She was about to say something when Quinn’s phone rang.
“Baby, can you get that?” he said from the sink where he was washing the frying pan.
“Sure thing, darlin’.” Callie grabbed his phone on the table. “Hello?”
“Callie? It’s Susie. I was hoping I could get a hold of you or your sex muffin.”
If she wasn’t s
o worried why her friend was calling, she would have laughed. “What’s wrong, Susie?” she asked, the feeling of panic welling in her chest. “Why are you calling on Quinn’s phone?”
Susie reassured her. “Sugar, it’s nothing! I called yours and you didn't answer, so I figured that you would be with your man. I have your special order in, and I was wondering if you could swing by and pick it up here tonight? I have more things arriving tomorrow and no room, plus you need to get that night blooming jasmine into the ground as soon as possible.”
“Sure I can! When I get there, I have something to tell you,” added Callie, thinking about her engagement. There was no doubt that her friend would be ecstatic too.
“Let me guess. You and the hot, sexy sheriff are tying the knot?”
Callie was stunned. “How did you know?”
“Sugar, the tarot cards don’t lie.”
That amused her. Susie was the queen of fortune telling, yet was hell-bent on not reading her own. “No, I guess they don’t. What else did they say?”
Susie went silent for a moment, as if she was thinking back to the exact cards, which she had drawn for Callie. “How do you feel about starting a family soon?”
“Why do you ask?” Callie tried to remain calm.
Susie’s laughter filled her ear. “Oh, you’re a smart woman. I think you can figure it out.”
Callie didn't know what else to say. She was a little surprised. When Susie once told her she was going to find the love of her life, she didn't believe her.
Looking over at her sheriff, she swallowed. “I’m sure I will,” she replied.
“Congratulations. That’s all I’m sayin’, sugar.”
Zoning out, Callie couldn’t focus on the rest of the conversation. She was a little surprised by everything her friend was telling her. Now, she had more to think about. There was a wedding, the possibility of the FBI, and now this.
Oh boy!
“I’ll let you go absorb all that,” Susie said, snickering.
She hung up without saying a word. What was she supposed to say?
Are you okay?” Quinn asked, looking worried.
“I’m fine. Susie needs me to pick up some plants I special ordered.” Callie started eating again while all three men were watching her intently.
“You look worked up,” Quinn stated.
“No, I’m good. Susie knew we were engaged. I don’t know why I’m surprised, but it caught me off guard. That’s all. She’s damn handy with those tarot cards,” Callie said, leaving out the rest.
Quinn watched her face, and something didn't seem right. “We should head out as soon as you’re done,” he said.
Callie finished her eggs. “I agree. Thank you for breakfast, Quinn. I’ll be ready in a few minutes. I need to brush my teeth, and I’ll be right back,” she said, depositing her dish in the dishwasher.
When she was gone, Quinn clued the men into what was going on in his head. “I’m going to buy a ring today, so I’ll need the key to her place. I hope I can find one she wears and get the jeweler to match the size.”
“She’s a size seven,” said Nate. “I was with her once when we bought a ring for our mother. They’re the same size.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yep.”
“Thank you, I appreciate it.” Well, that took care of that little dilemma.
Nate didn't mind, since the man was dead serious about marrying his sister. As far as he was concerned, that’s all that mattered. The sheriff wasn’t just screwing around with her, he was making a commitment. In his eyes, that mattered.
Quinn grabbed his keys when he heard her heading down the stairs. “We’ll see you two later.”
Nate nodded as they left.
“Wow, you’re getting a new family member,” stated Luke. “You seem to be taking this rather well.”
He thought about it. “I like the man, especially since he’s doing the right thing. I don’t doubt that he’ll keep her safe. He’s obviously crazy about her. Besides, I can use a brother. I’m maxed out on estrogen.”
Luke snorted. “I’m jealous,” he said honestly.
Nate punched him. “Yeah, right!”
Funny thing was, Luke wasn’t kidding. He wouldn’t mind being part of their family, or any family for that matter.
At one time, Luke believed that he could get himself a pretty awesome brother, if he could get Callie to marry him.
Now, it wasn’t an option.
Ever.
It seemed that fate was once more was nothing less than a bitch.
* * *
They headed into his office, and like a gentleman, he offered up the seat behind his desk. Callie needed to work on some files, and Quinn didn't mind relinquishing the space. In all honesty, she looked amazing sitting behind his desk. Today, she had worn all black, pulled her hair back into a tight knot at her neck, and was wearing her glasses. Never before had he been this attracted to a smart woman.
As if Callie knew that he was thinking wicked things, she glanced up.
“What’s going on in your head, Sheriff?” she asked, leaning back in his chair. “Or don’t I want to know?”
“Trust me. It involves a little fantasy of mine. Unfortunately, this isn’t the place to discuss it, unless you want to christen the office again.”
Callie’s body heated at the knowledge he was thinking about their little dalliance. “Come here, big guy, and kiss your fiancée goodbye,” she said seductively, as she crooked her finger.
“My pleasure,” he replied. Immediately, he crushed his mouth down on hers, drinking in the scent of her body. He felt a moan escape her throat, and it stirred him even more. It was only when his secretary knocked on the door that he was able to stop kissing Callie.
“Quinton Gaines! You let that young woman go!” said his sixty-year-old secretary. “That isn’t appropriate behavior for a man your age.”
He was well aware. “Yes, ma’am, but this isn’t just some woman I’m kissing.”
“You could have fooled me. She definitely looks like a female to me. I’m old, but not blind.”
Quinn laughed. “Doris, congratulate us. Callie has agreed to marry me,” he added, grinning wickedly. “She’s going to be my wife.”
That surprised the hell out of her. “Really?”
Callie smiled up at Quinn. “I certainly did.”
“Well, it’s sure the hell about time, Quinton!” She put her arms out and hugged him enthusiastically.
Callie thought it was the sweetest thing. Her fiancé embraced the woman like he would his own mother. It spoke volumes of his affection for her.
“Hello? What about the bride-to-be?” asked Callie.
“Oh, I like this one, Quinn. She’s not some sappy piece of fluff like you were prone to date. This one has a head on her shoulders.”
“Why thank you, ma’am,” said Callie, as she hugged the older woman. Once she released her, Doris nodded in approval.
“By the way, Quinn, your sister, Meg, called and needs you to call her back. Now, I’ll let you get back to work. I’m going to go tell everyone the good news!” And with that, she was out the door.
“She’s great,” said Callie.
“Yeah, she really is.” Quinn grabbed his keys, before issuing his warning. “Do I need to tell you to stay here? I don’t want you leaving with anyone but your brother or Luke.”
“I’ll be here when you get back. I need to go over something that’s been driving me crazy,” she replied, lifting her lips for a kiss. “We’ll finish this at home tonight, won’t we?”
“Oh, yeah, baby, we definitely will. I love you,” he smiled and was gone before Callie could even answer him. He needed to get to the jeweler as soon as possible. He wanted his ring on her finger immediately.
Then, the world would know the truth. Quinton Gaines caught himself a sexy babe.
Sitting back, Callie began scouring the case files.
She had to be missing something.
But wh
at?
Then, something occurred to her. What if she’d lost her touch?
Callie stared at the wall as the niggling sense of worry began overtaking her.
At one time, she’d been good at her job, but had the time off dulled her senses?
Was she obsolete?
It never occurred to her before, but maybe the FBI was going to be just outside her reach. It all hinged on this case, and if she still had it in her.
Great!
One more thing to worry about.
Once in his truck, Quinn pulled out his cellphone to call his younger sister. It was rare that she bothered him at work, unless there was a problem. On the fourth ring, she answered. “Hey, Meg, what’s wrong now?”
“Nothing, Quinn. I was just calling to invite you up for the twins’ birthday party next week. Will you be able to come?”
“It’s going to depend on a couple of things. First, I need to finish up this case that I’m working on, and the second is if I can bring a date to the party,” he said, backing out of his space.
“Oh hell, Quinn! What’s this one’s name, and do you think you can keep her from sitting in my husband’s lap, like the last one?” she asked. Her brother wasn’t exactly in a hurry to pick a quality woman, not since his last steady girlfriend.
“I’ll have you know, that until recently, I’ve been celibate,” he offered, thinking about his Callie.
“Oh Christ! Really? I think this is something you should be discussing with one of our brothers and not me,” she teased. “Your sex life creeps me out.”
“This one’s different, Meg. She’s the one, and you’re going to love her.”
“The one, huh? What does she do for a living? Weather girl, ballerina, Olympic synchronized swimmer?”
“You’ll be sorry you said that, when you meet Callie.”
“Callie?”
“Yes, Doctor Callista Carter,” he said, and couldn’t help but smirk into the phone.
“She’s a real doctor? Oh wait, let me guess. She’s a sex therapist.”
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