Southern Delight (Southern Desires Series Book 3)

by Jeannette Winters

  She nodded. “More than I ever thought I could.”

  “Then you need to show him how strong you are. Pack your bags and go to Texas. It won’t be long before we hear something.”

  “Why is he doing this, Kevin?”

  “Because he’s one hell of a man. He’s got a warrior’s heart like the rest of us. This is going to change him. He’ll need you when he comes back. Just like you needed him.”

  Bailey looked at Kevin and saw he was not teasing her. I’ll be there for him. All he needs to do is come home so I can be—

  She heard a sound approaching, and she got up to look out the window. A military helicopter was landing.

  “That’s our ride. You’ve got five minutes. Make them count.”

  Hurry home, Don. I think we are going to seriously need each other.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Bailey couldn’t believe how calm Hannah was. There was no way she didn’t know her husband was out risking his life. They had just traveled from Savannah to Honeywell on a military chopper. As far as she knew, it was Hannah’s first time too, yet she didn’t seem fazed one bit.

  Derrick and Casey came out to meet them as they disembarked. They had the same expression Hannah wore. Was she the only one who was shaking so much inside that she felt as though she’d be sick? I thought I was strong, but you ladies are proving to me that I’ve got nothing. I’m a wreck. Kevin was right not to let me call Don. He would’ve heard fear and doubt in my voice. That wouldn’t have been good. Not at all.

  Derrick came over and grabbed both Hannah’s and Bailey’s bags and headed back toward their house. Bailey turned to look for Kevin, wondering why he was letting Derrick do all the work. He was still sitting in the chopper. He gave her a nod and a thumbs up to let her know it was going to be okay.

  She wanted to run to him and beg him to tell her what was going on, but the rotor blades began to turn faster again, and she needed to cover her face and turn away. When she could open her eyes, it was too late; they were already heading off Derrick’s ranch.

  Bailey felt a touch on her shoulder. “Come inside, Bailey. All we can do is wait.”

  She reached out and touched Casey’s hand. She knew Casey must be going crazy with worry because both of her brothers were out doing God knows what.

  Turning to face Casey, she asked, “Did you get a chance to tell the others about the baby yet?”

  Casey grinned. “Yes, we did. It was the topic of conversation that night. You know, the night you and Don disappeared and didn’t return.”

  “We had some things to talk about.”

  “Oh, yes. Talk. Hmm. Must’ve been a great chat because you couldn’t stop smiling the next morning.”

  Bailey couldn’t help but laugh. “He definitely knows how to keep the conversation interesting.”

  “Whatever you do, don’t let him know that. He already has a big enough ego. He’ll be impossible to be around,” Casey teased.

  “You ladies look like you’re up to no good. Anything you want to share?” Derrick asked.

  In unison, they answered, “No.”

  Derrick shook his head. “Three women under the same roof. I know I’m going to be in trouble.”

  “You don’t know the half of it, Mr. Nash. Sissie is coming for dinner too.” Casey got up on her tippy toes and kissed her husband’s cheek.

  “Here we go again. Anyone else you haven’t mentioned?” Derrick asked as he scooped Casey into his arms and carried her back to the house.

  Bailey stood there listening to Casey giggle. Don. Come home to me. I want that to be us someday. And if you don’t come back, I know I’ll never have it. There’s only one person for me, Don Farrell, and that’s you. She closed her eyes as though she could send him her thoughts.

  “You better take damn good care of him, Mark Collins. You got him into this, I’ll hold you personally responsible if you don’t get him out,” Bailey said softly as she followed them inside.

  Don was strapped into the Seahawk with Mark, Johnson, two other men, and the pilot.

  “This is Don’s first rodeo,” Mark informed the team aboard the Seahawk. “I don’t need to remind you what I expect.”

  The men nodded. Johnson said, “Let’s make the civilian feel welcome. Any advice you’d like to give the rookie?”

  “Anybody worth saving will be on the eighth floor. Shoot anyone else before they shoot you, because I promise you, they will,” the pilot said through the headset.

  “We’d rather you shoot your shadow than miss a target that could get us all killed,” Johnson said.

  “Eyes open and mouth shut,” another said.

  “Do what you see us doing,” Mark said. “Or you’ll be singled out as different and flagged as an easier target.”

  Great. Like I don’t stand out already.

  “You ready?” Johnson asked Don.

  Mark interjected. “Just like on the shooting range. Eyes open and pay attention to your surroundings.”

  “Got it,” Don said. Not really, but like hell I’m backing out. Don was sharp on hitting a stationary target, but it wasn’t live and shooting back. He knew he’d do what needed to be done, but he also knew it wasn’t just his life on the line.

  “I’ll speak so the layman onboard can understand.” Mark smiled at Don but snapped into business mode. “We drop behind the gate, take out the guards. We’re splitting up into two teams. Team A, with me.” He pointed to the two men Don had seen chasing after the second SUV the other day. “We’re heading to the eighth floor down the southern stairwell. Master Sergeant Graham and her team of two former militaries will be buying us time by defending the door from potentially twelve guards.” He showed them the picture of Maggie and her team. “They’ll be on the eighth floor in an unfortified position,” Mark said. “We need to get in quickly before they are overtaken.”

  Johnson took over where Mark left off. “Team B is you and me, Don. Once the guards are taken out at the gate, we’ll secure the entrance and take out any stragglers trying to escape. There is only one person we want to attempt to take alive.” He showed everyone the picture of who Maggie said was the second-in-command. “We suspect they’re not going down without one hell of a fight. So let’s bring it to them. Understood?” Johnson said.

  “Yes, sir,” the crew said in unison.

  “Don, your job is to not get shot,” Johnson added.

  No shit. “I’d think that’s the goal for us all.”

  “Let’s do this,” Mark said.

  All except Don responded, “Hooyah.”

  It wasn’t going to be long before they were in sight of the guards. Once that happened, the guards would realize Maggie was only a distraction, and things were going to get serious quickly.

  Mark had instructed Don on what to do and how to maneuver the equipment. It was only as the Seahawk hovered and the men checked their gear one last time that Don was second-guessing what the hell he was doing there. These men were highly trained. Not one of them flinched when they were told to take the guards out. Don knew this wasn’t the time for him to question if he could or not. Mark made it clear: any hesitation would cost him his life or the life of someone on the team. Put that way, he knew he’d do whatever he needed to do. I’ve lost enough friends for one lifetime. Mark and the team were counting on him, but no one meant more to him than Bailey. He was doing this for her, and he couldn’t afford to forget that.

  The fast ropes dropped, and one after another the men descended. Mark and Johnson hit the ground first, and Don suddenly had a greater appreciation for the time Johnson spent briefing him on how to use the rope properly. I don’t want to fall forty feet. He was the last on the ground, but surprisingly he managed it just fine. Johnson raised his weapon and took out the two guards who were approaching them from the gate. Ten more to go.

  Don watched as Mark and his team entered The Mountain first. He knew exactly what the stairwell they’d be taking looked like. It was going to leave them as sitting ducks unt
il they got out of there. He wanted to be there to help, but it was clear that was where the heaviest fighting was going to take place. The last thing he wanted was to be any more of a liability to them than he already was.

  There was no time to worry about what was going on inside. Johnson made it clear they had to secure the building so no one except Maggie and her team got out. The sound of shots being fired echoed from inside. He saw Johnson take aim, ready to hold the line.

  Don didn’t have any formal training, but his gut told him to turn around, and he was glad he did. Turning the corner of the building were two men with weapons drawn. Don raised his gun and pulled the trigger. Johnson was so attuned to Don’s movement that he spun around and got three shots off before Don could get a second one off.

  Both men dropped to the ground. Johnson turned back to the entrance and said, “I hope this doesn’t mean they knew we were coming. If so, Team A might be in for an ambush.”

  Johnson updated Mark on what had just transpired up top.

  “Roger that,” Mark responded.

  Don listened closely as he kept scanning the perimeter.

  “At the seventh floor, but this appears to be the end of the line,” one of the men said.

  Damn it. He knew it was common practice to cement over the staircase in highly secure facilities. It meant they now only had one way in and one way out. If this is a setup, three against the eight remaining men wasn’t a fair fight.

  “You’re going to need to go an alternate route. If Johnson is right, they might be sitting there waiting for you.” Don’s voice was full of concern that he hoped Mark took seriously.

  “Give me the alternative,” Mark said.

  “The elevator down the hall to the right,” Don said.

  He heard Mark give his team the go-ahead, followed only by the sound of breathing as they made their way. Once that elevator door opened, he knew all hell was about to break loose. He could only hope Maggie was on the other side, and between the six of them, they’d be able to turn the tables on those bastards.

  Don heard the elevator doors open and shots being fired. Someone was yelling in another language. Then a loud crackling noise and finally silence.

  “I should’ve realized that with this high level of security, no communications would penetrate the eighth floor,” Don said quickly.

  He took a step forward as if he was going to enter the building, but Johnson grabbed his arm. “We have our orders, Don. We stay here.”

  Don didn’t like it, but this was not his call. The only thing either of them could do was wait and see who came out of that door. Let it be you, Mark. I don’t want to be the one to bring the bad news to your new bride.

  Chapter Eighteen

  “Sissie, I really don’t feel like performing tonight. I have too much on my mind to even think about doing a show.” Bailey knew she was only trying to help, but until she heard that Don was okay, that they all were okay, she couldn’t bring herself to crack a smile, never mind get up on stage and make others laugh.

  “This is not about you, Bailey. Casey needs a distraction. Hell, we all do. And you might not know it now, but helpin’ others will make you forget your own troubles.”

  Bailey shot Sissie a doubtful look. “Do you really believe what you’re trying to sell me?”

  “Bless your heart. Of course, I do. I’m fifty years old, child. Do you think I went through life without my share of heartaches? If you do, maybe we should have a long chat.”

  Of course, not. I know everyone has their own issues. “People handle worry differently, Sissie.”

  “Yes, they do. But I know you; you’re full of life, and someone like you shouldn’t put themselves in a box. You’ve got a gift that you need to share. Even when you don’t want to, you just got to put on that smile of yours and pretend like you’re jumpin’ for joy. And if you do it enough, then one day you’ll find you’re no longer playin’ a role, but you’re happy again.”

  “But Sissie, we—”

  “Don’t know anything. You’re getting yourself up in a tizzy, and you don’t even know a darn thing yet. I know you’re scared. Hell, everyone on this ranch looks like a deer caught in headlights. So what are we goin’ to do about that?” Sissie stood there tapping her foot with her hand on her hip. “Yes, you heard me. I said we.”

  She was right. She wasn’t the only one suffering through the wait. Hannah must’ve washed the same dish at least three times before dropping it on the floor only for it to shatter in a hundred pieces. And Casey had both of her brothers out there. Although she was acting as though she was strong, Bailey saw her hands trembling.

  No, this was far from only affecting her. If she could do something to help even a little, she would. Everyone in the room had been through so much.

  “Sissie, do you ever get tired of being right all the time?”

  She laughed. “You’d think so, but I haven’t yet. So should I call the Wild Sass and tell them to spread the word? Are we havin’ comic relief night?”

  Bailey reluctantly nodded. She’d been on a roll when running around the north with Kevin, so it was only a matter of getting herself in the right frame of mind.

  Sissie picked up her phone and was blasting the news even before Bailey had a chance to think of her opening line. Oh Sissie, if I can work you into my act, I am so going to do it. You’ve given me so much material to work with.

  “What are you ladies doing in here? I’d almost think you’re up to something,” Casey said as she entered the living room.

  “Bailey here thinks it’d be fun if we all went to the Wild Sass tonight for some laughs.”

  Bailey shot Sissie a warning glare. Oh, I see how this goes. I really need to step up my game when you’re around. “Yeah, I was thinking about getting back to work, and I need to practice. I have some new routines I thought I could try on these folks, but I can’t bring myself to go alone. You know I’m still uncomfortable in public. I really could use all the support I can get. What do you say? Will you come and cheer me on?”

  Bailey hoped she didn’t lay it on too thick. Casey didn’t seem to notice. As far as Bailey knew, no one but Kevin knew she’d already performed a few times.

  “Well, sitting around here isn’t doing us any good. So I’m going to make the executive decision for us all. We’re going to the Wild Sass.” Casey actually had a smile on her face as she left the room to inform the others.

  “Well look at you, pretendin’ already. You’ve already cheered up one person, and you haven’t even left the house yet. Hot damn, I’m good.”

  Sissie, you’re trouble with all capital letters. I don’t know how she does it, but if she were in charge of the country, I think she could talk everyone into world peace . . . or frustrate them into starting the apocalypse.

  They piled into Derrick’s truck and drove to town with an armed escort in front of and behind them. It was a constant reminder that their loved ones were still out there fighting. For what, Bailey still didn’t know. But somehow she knew this had to do with what happened in Savannah months ago. No one ever told her exactly what went down, but she knew somehow the two terrorists who were killed involved Mark. Don had been with Mark during that time, but she still couldn’t picture him shooting anyone. He’s like a big, sweet teddy bear; he just doesn’t know it.

  As they got out of the truck, the four men were right there. Bailey watched them closely. They moved as one, each knowing what the other was doing without even looking. Somehow this eased Bailey’s mind. If Don was equally protected she shouldn’t worry at all, because no one in their right mind would try getting past these guys. If they did, she was positive they’d end up just like their friends had in Savannah.

  The security men tried to tell Sissie to wait; they wanted to check out the place first, but Sissie brushed past them. “This is my saloon. If anyone knows who belongs and who don’t, it’s me. You boys wait here, and I’ll tell you if it’s all clear.”

  They didn’t move until Derrick
nodded. When she was out of earshot, Derrick said, “Trust me, you’ll be able to hear clear across the county if there’s anything wrong inside. She’s—”

  “Trouble,” one of the guards said.

  “That’s on a good day. You should see her if she’s riled up. You four wouldn’t stand a chance against her,” Casey teased.

  “Who do you think has been guarding her since Savannah?” the guard asked with great exhaustion.

  The other guards didn’t find any humor in it, partly because they were on duty and everything at the moment was serious to them, and partly because they did not know Sissie. Bailey could only imagine what they’d seen over the years serving with Mark as Navy SEALs. Just the stone-cold look in their eyes told enough of a story.

  “Y’all come on in. The folks are gettin’ rowdy waitin’ on ya,” Sissie shouted.

  The others went in, and Bailey stood outside with the last guard. She wasn’t experiencing stage fright; it was something else. An overwhelming feeling of Don, like he was right with her outside the saloon, even though he was nowhere in sight. God, don’t let this mean something happened to him. Please. I can’t lose him.

  She turned to the guard who was watching her closely, his face unreadable.

  “Miss, no news doesn’t mean anything.”

  She wanted to wrap her arms around him for even giving her the slightest bit of hope. This was all so foreign to her. Part of her had no idea why Don was out fighting the fight and saving the world with the Navy SEALs, but then again, the man she loved would do anything to help and protect others.

  The reality of her own feelings were settling in. She’d known even in Texas that she had feelings for him. That was why she distanced herself from him all those months. But she had never allowed herself the luxury of exploring those feelings. But since seeing him again, not only were they back, they’d so deepened it almost hurt not being with him, not knowing he was safe.