by Vicki Hinze
“I’m so sorry you had to think I was and to grieve. I hated hurting you like that, but I promise you, I had no choice. Your reactions had to be totally honest or all of this would have been for nothing.”
“Exactly what is all of this?” she asked. “You are going to explain, right?”
“What I can, yes. But we have little time.” She clasped Mandy’s arm. “The bottom line is that I thought you’d get over Tim, but you didn’t. I couldn’t bear you not being happy, Mandy. It became clear to me that you never would be happy without him, so—“
The explanation rang shallow, struck her as hollow, like tin to the ear. Maybe it wasn’t a lie but it wasn’t the whole truth. “Don’t be dishonest with me, Mom. Please, don’t. I deserve better.”
She blushed. “My intent isn’t to deceive. I’m trying to protect you.”
“I don’t want to be protected.”
“Yes, you do—and you should.” She sobered. “The less I tell you, the better for you and Tim—all of them.”
The team. “Tell me something, Mother. Something honest that makes sense.”
At one of three sinks, her mother turned on the water, rinsed her hands, and left the water running, adding an additional layer of noise. Still, she stepped close and dropped her voice even lower. “They were going to kill you. They knew you’d eventually reunite with him, and that they could not risk.”
“Why?”
“Let’s just say NINA appreciates distance between opposing sides.”
“Are you with NINA?”
She ignored the question. “Simply put, one of us had to die. You or me. I chose me.”
Did Mandy thank her for that? This woman before her was her mother. Mandy had grown up with her, had been with her her entire life, and yet she had no idea who her mother really was. She now knew who she wasn’t. Charles Travest’s reclusive mistress. “Are you Phoenix?”
“Who’s Phoenix?” She looked baffled and sounded sincere.
But it was an act. Her mother had obviously lied to her many times, and only she knew her reasons. Were her motives pure or diabolical? NINA had a horrific reputation, and from all Mandy had learned about the organization, they’d earned it. What was she supposed to think about these developments? Her mother maybe being a part of something so twisted and awful?
“I see your confusion, and I’m sorry. I’m a good person, Mandy. I promise. Remember that, okay? Remember everything I taught you. That was all real.”
“It was? Little else has been.”
“It was.” She didn’t argue, just stiffened her tone and her resolve. “I wish I could give you the answers you want and even need, but I’m sorry, honey, I can’t. Innocent people could be hurt. Every thing I disclose creates challenges and puts you in more danger.”
“You’ve lied to me most of my life. I want the truth.”
“I can’t give it to you.”
“You can!” Mandy frowned at her.
“I can but you’ll die for it, so I won’t.”
“Where did you get thirty million dollars?”
“Wise investments. Truly.” She glanced at the door. “I have to go now.”
“I don’t believe you.”
“I know. I wish things could be different, but they aren’t.” Clasping both of Mandy’s hands in hers, she gently squeezed. “It was incredibly risky coming here but, even dead, I couldn’t miss your wedding.” Her eyes shone overly bright. “You made a beautiful bride.”
A sense of finality flooded Mandy. Left her bittersweet and aching. “You said that when I played bride and wore the scarf draped over the lampshade, too.”
Her mother smiled, pressed a kiss to her cheek. “It was true then and it’s true now.” She moved to leave. “Be happy, darling.”
She couldn’t be certain she would, but she dared to hope. Still, her mother seemed to need her assurance, so Mandy gave it to her in a nod. “It means a lot to me that you came.” That sense of finality grew stronger and dread dragged at her stomach. Mandy hugged her mother hard. “Will I ever see you again?” she asked, hungry for reassurance of her own.
“I think not.” Her mother pulled away. Regret burned in her eyes with a sadness that ran soul-deep. “That’s hard, I know. It will be hard for both of us. But you’re married to a Shadow Watcher now and that makes us seeing each other impossible.”
A cold chill rippled through Mandy. “Then you are with NINA.”
“Assumptions are dangerous, darling.” She lifted a hand. “My position is complicated and unimportant, truly. Just know that, while I haven’t always been forthcoming with you, I have always loved you, Mandy. More than anything in the world.”
“The thought of never seeing you again . . .” Mandy choked.
“I’ll be watching. If you need me, I’ll know.”
Tears threatened. She blinked hard. “I love you, Mom.”
“I love you, too.” She blew Mandy a kiss then left through the door.
She did love Mandy. Enough to die for her—figuratively.
Absorbing that and all she had said, Mandy took a long moment and worked at regaining her composure.
Settling for as good as it was going to get, she left the restroom.
Tim stood waiting for her near the front door. “Ready?”
Mandy nodded, and they walked outside, seated themselves in the limo. Sam sat behind the wheel. He pulled away from the church, then headed toward Five Palms Resort, where the reception was being held.
Blinking back tears, Mandy warned herself to get a grip on her emotions. Yes, working through everything would take a lot longer than the ride, but she had to be alert, aware, on her toes. She had to tell Tim about her mother.
How did she explain being elated at marrying him and devastated at saying goodbye to her very-much-alive mother forever at the same time?
Who was her mother? Clearly, not the recluse she’d known. A good person? Was she really? NINA? That didn’t feel right. All that money? Wise investments? Blood money? Mandy was so confused. So conflicted, she didn’t know what to think or what to make of their conversation.
Minutes later, Tim brushed her arm. “Everything okay?”
She nodded. “It’s been an emotional day.”
“Yes, it has.” He pressed a kiss to her temple. “But I’m so happy to be married to you.”
She looked into his eyes, saw the telltale twinkle. “Me, too.” Guilt trickled in then gushed, pooling inside her and filling every crevice. You promised. No secrets. “Tim, I have to tell you something.”
“Just a second, babe.” He pressed his throat mic. “Go ahead, Nick.”
Whatever Nick was telling Tim couldn’t be good; his expression turned mercurial.
“We’ll be there in ten.” Tim released the mic, looked past Mandy to Sam. “You get that?”
“I got it.” Sam stomped the accelerator.
Clearly this wasn’t the right time to tell him about her mother. Mandy grabbed the arm rest and held on. “What is it?” Were they after her mother? Panic set in. “What’s wrong?”
“The prints on the envelope,” Tim said. “We got a match.”
Her breath hitched. “Who was he?”
“Not Charles Travest.”
Mandy frowned at him. “I told you that.”
“Nick’s waiting for us to get there to share the details.”
That response coupled with Tim’s delivery and Sam’s wild driving told her all she needed to know. Whoever the man was, he was connected. Connected and dangerous.
Mandy and Tim entered the resort’s ballroom.
Intent on getting to Nick, she couldn’t help but pause to scan the ballroom. Their wedding reception.
She wanted to remember it forever. Polished marble floors, ornate high ceilings, columned walls draped in soft purple satin that flowed from ceiling to floor. Tables dressed in crisp, white linen and set with fine china rimmed in purple and sparkling crystal that reflected candlelight from the delicate centerpieces that str
etched down the centers from one end to the other.
Beyond the tables, near the far wall, a trio of musicians stood before an alabaster statue positioned under a white-lattice archway. Diaphanous sheer fabric ballooned from it, held by bunches of purple and white irises and streaming ribbons. In front of them, a raised dance floor filled the space, softly lit and inviting.
The feel was elegant and simple—perfect.
Annie greeted them. “Well, what do you think?”
Mandy couldn’t have dreamed all this. And Nora and Annie had planned and executed their plans in a scant forty-eight hours? Most spent a year or more pulling these events together. “I’m breathless.”
“It’s beautiful, Annie,” Tim said.
“Stunning,” Mandy found her voice. “Perfect.”
“I’m so glad you like it.” Annie beamed.
Nora signaled and the musicians began playing.
Detective Jeff Meyer joined the musicians and announced their arrival. “Guests, please welcome our bride and groom.”
Applause filled the large room.
“Oh, no. We have to talk to Nick and we’ve been announced,” Mandy told Tim.
Annie bent toward them. “Slight change in plans. There’s been a development. Nick says he’s waiting for more information. When it comes in, he’ll summon the troops. Until then, enjoy yourselves.”
Tim nodded. “Where is he?”
Annie shot Tim a level look. “In a secure area. And, yes, the guys ran in-depth security checks here. Jeff Meyer handled them personally—inside and out.”
Satisfied, Tim nodded. “After what happened at Harvey and Roxy Talbot’s wedding, I’m glad to hear it—and not at all surprised Jeff handled it personally.”
Jeff Meyer. The detective who’d questioned Mandy at the crisis center. Harvey Talbot was a doctor there—Lisa’s boss. And his wife, Roxy, was an ex-FBI agent. At the bridal shower, she had told Mandy all about her divorcing Harvey to keep NINA from targeting him, without telling Harvey that was the reason, of course. Still, Mandy remained lost and unable follow this snippet of discussion. Roxy hadn’t said a thing about their second wedding. “What happened at their wedding?”
“A chemical attack,” Tim said, clearly not having fond memories of the occasion. “Jeff was a few minutes late. He walked in for the ceremony and found everyone passed out.”
Mandy gasped.
“No more of that talk, Tim.” Annie shot him a stern glance. “That wedding is why this reception is here at the resort instead of at the club.” She glanced at Mandy. “The facility there is gorgeous, but we didn’t want memories of that wedding to intrude on this one.” She sniffed a reprimand at Tim. “The boys,” she said, adopting Nora’s term for the Shadow Watchers, “all insisted repeatedly that yours must be a perfect wedding full of good memories.”
Because NINA had made her a marked bride? Or because she’d tried to protect the former Shadow Watchers—if they were indeed former?
Unsure and having increased doubts about that, she opted not to ask the reason or the team’s status. And, especially today, she wanted to believe they trusted her because she’d put them before her own happiness. “That was thoughtful of them,” Mandy said. Tim stepped away, probably to check with Nick, and Mandy added, “I hope they didn’t put too many demands on you.”
“They were determined, but don’t worry. Nora handles them well. They’ll do just about anything for her,” Annie whispered. “I’m a pushover. How can I not be when they saved my daughter’s life and mine? If the boys want it, and I can make it happen, they’re getting it.”
“I see your point.” Mandy smiled. “I’m a pushover for them, too—but don’t tell them.”
“Honey, they know you gave up what you most wanted to protect them. For most of them, that’s been a novelty their whole lives. You have no idea what that means to them.” She frowned. “The way some of them have been treated just breaks my heart. Nora’s, too, which is why no one messes with her boys. I have to say, I wouldn’t take kindly to it, either.”
Fascinated, Mandy whispered. “How do they do that to us?”
“Do what?”
“Create such fierce love for them in us all?”
“Look at them, darling. They’re gorgeous.” Annie winked. “When someone who doesn’t have to lift a finger risks everything, even their lives, to protect you, it inspires and endears. Of course, you love them and want them to have everything in the world you can give them, including your heart. Nothing is stronger than love, Mandy.” Annie nodded. “Naturally, you know that.”
“I do.”
“Dang it.” Sam’s voice rang out.
“Oh-oh.” Annie rolled her eyes. “I have to warn you, Sam might singlehandedly mess up your perfect day.”
Threatening her father who wasn’t her father? Saying goodbye to her mother? Not a perfect day, but, bless them, they’d tried to give her perfect. All of them. “Sam?”
Annie sent him a warning glare, then looked back at Mandy. “If Nora hears that boy slip and curse one more time today, I think he might be eating jalapeño peppers as well as drinking the juice in his tea for the rest of his days.”
That boy was the size of a mountain—and currently being scolded by Lisa, Joe, and Beth, a petite brunette, computer whiz from the bridal shower that Joe adored. Such a pretty woman. Vibrant and not at all intimidated at having to crank her neck back to her shoulders to see more than the underside of Sam’s chin to fuss at him.
Reading his body language, he truly was sorry for the slip. Mandy giggled. “He’s being reminded.” At least three of the others had warned him to mind his tongue this morning—that she’d heard. Could have been more, she hadn’t. “Maybe I should go rescue him . . .”
“Don’t you dare. Better Beth blisters his ears than Nora. She’ll filet him like a fish and have him thanking her for doing it.” Annie blew out a whew. “We don’t want to go there.” She patted Mandy’s arm. “I’ve got the Prayer Warriors on it, too. He’s a good boy truly, but to break that habit, he clearly needs divine intervention.”
Tim stepped back into their circle then cleared his throat. “I’m sorry for bringing up that other wedding. I hope it didn’t ruin your perfect day.” He swerved to focus on Annie. “Sorry to you, too.”
“We’re not that fragile.” Mandy cupped his jaw, let him see her joy in her eyes, hear it in her voice. “Besides, it’s you that makes this day perfect for me.”
Tim smiled. Not with his lips but with his eyes. Love burned in their depths. Love and joy and a peace she hadn’t seen in him since she’d broken their engagement. Grateful it was there now, she dared to believe everything would work out for them. They’d find the love and joy they’d had and their relationship would be even better and stronger for all they’d been through.
Annie wrinkled her nose. “Just what I love to see. A couple with their priorities in order.”
Jeff called them to dance, and the music shifted. Soon, strains of I Will Always Love You filled the air and, in her mind, Mandy heard Whitney Houston’s rendition of the now-classic lyrics. From the first time she’d heard it, she’d loved it and wanted it for their first dance. She hadn’t told Annie or Nora. Tim. Tim remembered . . .
“Our song.” Tim led her to the center of the dance floor.
Spotlights high above bathed them in soft light. He opened his arms to her. She stepped into them and and they closed around her in seemingly slow-motion, every move and nuance captured and committed to memory forever. Then, together, they danced their first dance as husband and wife.
Her emotions tumbled into full riot. All she’d thought never to experience, never to know. She’d forfeited all this. But fate hadn’t yet had its say, and it had brought them together again. Fate and her mother. Mandy’s throat tightened. To lose everything and have it all restored overwhelmed her. To lose her mother for it to happen . . . no, it wasn’t that simple.
Her mother had chosen her path for reasons undisclosed. Sh
e’d made the choice between herself and her daughter. That made it all the more important that this marriage and this life be not just good but great. And it would be. It would be.
“Sometimes life is so . . . Is something wrong?” Tim whispered close to her ear, clearly picking up on her tension. His breath warmed her face.
“No. Nothing.” Mandy sniffed. “Nothing at all.”
“Whenever you say nothing, it’s always something.” He pulled back to look at her more closely. “What is it—and don’t say nothing. You have no secrets, remember? And there are tears in your eyes.”
Vulnerable and inexplicably shy about it, she had one secret but couldn’t tell him about that in a room full of people. When they talked with Nick. She’d tell him then. She bobbed her shoulder. “I’m happy.”
“What?”
“I’m happy.” She wet her dry lip with her tongue. “For such a long time, I thought I’d lost you forever. I didn’t dare dream we’d reunite much less marry. I wanted to be your wife more than anything, Tim, and I thought you were lost to me forever.”
“Not more than anything.” He corrected her. “Well, more than anything except to protect me and the team.”
She nodded. “Now I am your wife, and I’m having trouble believing it without constantly pinching myself.”
His expression turned tender, indulgent, and empathetic. “I know what you mean. Losing you . . . I had about decided my heart would be broken forever.”
“I’m so sorry I hurt you.”
“I’m sorry we both were hurt. I can’t say I totally understand why you didn’t just tell me. I would have done everything possible to protect us—“
“I didn’t doubt you could, Tim. I didn’t think I’d live long enough to tell you that you needed to protect us and yourself and the team and their families.”
“I know. And I know you were doing everything you could do to keep us all safe.” Tim brushed a kiss to her temple. “But carrying the load alone is over now. We’re together and we have a brand new beginning—without secrets.”
She should tell him now about her mother. But there was no danger in waiting just a little while. After the reception. It wasn’t a secret, she just didn’t want another upset to encroach on what should be the happiest day of their lives.
