“Keep your arms up.”
Patrick holstered his gun, Adele kept hers trained on Gordon’s chest. He pulled both arms behind Glenna’s ex and cuffed him. At that moment the door blew open. Beckworth and Jones had arrived.
Chapter Thirty
Finn ruffled Horace’s shaggy body as Agnes sauntered over titled her head and he swore the cat purred “Well?”
He chuckled and scratched behind her ears. “You two are just like siblings, if one has something the other has, they want to be included too.”
A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. He knew it would be Rebekah, they were cooking dinner. It would be interesting to see how things turned out.
Hopefully not burnt.
He opened the door and she stood there with her arms full. “Hey, here let me take that, or is there more in the car.”
She handed him the bag, bent to give attention to the two pets demanding it.
“I didn’t think they did this, dogs and cats are not supposed to live in harmony.”
“Yeah, they’re pretty modern minded.”
“Oh, and no that’s all there is, let’s get started.” She leaned a hip on the counter glanced at her phone. Then turned to the sink and started to wash her hands. “Glenna leaves the shop soon, right?”
“Yeah normally, but I asked Effie to give us a call when she was on her way.”
“Good, what about your dad?”
“He’s getting things ready at the bar.”
“Good.” She pointed at the sink. “You’re turn. You’ll be handling food because this will be a joint effort.”
He grinned. He actually liked to cook. Sometimes when his dad worked late he’d have dinner ready for him. He paused letting the water rush over his hands. He’d now have Glenna to cook for him and his dad. His grinned widened.
“You know, since all the Law and Order stuff went down all you do is grin like the court jester.”
“I’m going to have a mom!”
She folded her arms and raised a brow at him. “Believe me, moms aren’t always all their cracked up to be.”
He considered her for a moment. He picked up the lettuce and placed it in the colander to rinse. “From what I observed about my new cousins, girls and their moms have a complicated relationship.”
She nudged his arm with her elbow. “Look at you all grown up and wise. You’re right. I love my mom to pieces but sometimes…”
“Alexa play Imagine Dragons.”
He smiled as he worked beside his best friend. They were making pasta one of Rebekah’s specialties. It had to be perfect for his dad’s big night.
“What happens if she says, no?” He’d not let himself think of the possibility but now he couldn’t help it, Glenna had been so adamant that she couldn’t handle the worry of his dad’s job.
“Are you kidding me? Glenna adores you and your dad. The first time I met her, she had that love struck look in her eyes whenever she looked at either one of you. Now back to work. Dinner isn’t going to cook itself.”
*****
“Come on, one latte.” Effie stood at the back door. “Do you have plans?”
“No, but now I have someone to go home to, seems like that’s all I think about all day. Home. I had planned to move back to the cottage, but Patrick said there was no hurry. Not exactly an invitation to stay.” Glenna grabbed her bag, checked the time on her phone.
“And you want him to get so used to you being there, he’ll make it permanent. And that’s why you’ve been neglecting me, your best friend.” Effie stuck her lip out like a pouting Gnome. She had a pointy hat on, in red for the holiday’s, with a tinkling little bell. She’d look at home in the middle of someone’s garden.
“Okay, one latte, and then I need to go home and fix dinner for the guys.” She grinned. “The guys. I’m so happy. Pinch me and see if I wake up.”
Effie being Effie did just that.
“Ouch, that hurt.”
“Well, see you’re awake.” She threw an arm around Glenna’s waist and gave a squeeze. “I’m so happy for you, girlfriend. Now who am I going to hang out with?”
“You’re part of my family, so me. I’m not going anywhere. Maybe Patrick has a friend…”
“Don’t even think about it.”
Glenna chuckled, she wasn’t sure who or what would be Effie’s soulmate, but hopefully she’d find someone soon.
“I just remembered I need to call a supplier. I’ll call while I grab our drinks. Settle in at our table.”
Glenna settled in at their favorite corner by the window. Her mind turned to what she’d make for dinner. She’d forgotten to take any meat out. She thought maybe she had some shrimp in the freezer that usually worked because they thawed quickly.
*****
Glenna pulled in the drive, disappointment ruffled through her as she noticed the 4Runner wasn’t parked in its usual spot. The lights shown from the kitchen, shadows danced letting her know at least Finn was home, and probably Rebekah. She hadn’t decided if she should be worried about their relationship or not. They seemed to be just friends. But once in a while she’d catch the girl looking at Finn like he was as good as chocolate.
They were far to young… she’d think about it later, right now she just wanted to go relax.
She opened the door and almost stumbled over Horace. He was planted in her path. She grinned when she noticed he looked up at her with a rose stem clamped in his mouth, the blossom drooping out the side. She glanced around the room noticing the romantic setting. The lights low, the table set for a formal dinner. And roses graced the center. Had she interrupted a romantic moment for the two kids? No, because Horace had been waiting for her.
“Glenna, here let me take your bag.” Finn didn’t wait and took the purse off her arm.
Rebekah walked in from the other room. “Hi. We thought it would be nice to fix dinner for you and Mr. McGinnis. The two of you have had a hard couple of months.”
Glenna raised her brow at the girl. What was going on? Did Patrick know about this?
“Dad will be here soon, would you like some wine while you wait?” Finn asked in a formal voice.
“I’m fine thanks. I’ll wait for Patrick.” He pulled the chair out for her to sit at the table. “What have you two cooked up? Smells divine whatever it is.”
“Pasta with a creamy tomato basil sauce.” Rebekah went to the stove, lifted a lid. “Almost done.”
At that moment Finn’s phone did its little jingle signaling a call from his dad. He answered, then frowned. Once he tapped off he turned to Glenna.
“I’m sorry, looks like Dad’s been held up. Welcome to my life.” He chuckled. “More food for us, right?”
“Here, let me help you guys.” Glenna started to stand.
“Sit, we’re waiting on you, even if it is the just the three of us.” Rebekah’s statement brooked no argument.
Glenna settled into her seat again and watched the two bring the food, which did smell wonderful. Once they were all seated, Finn’s eyes widened.
“Oh, I almost forgot. Dad wanted you to meet him at the Hydro Grill for dessert and a drink. He feels bad he’s missing dinner.”
“Did he know about this?” she swept her hand over the food.
“No, I think he assumed you made dinner like you always do.” He frowned at Rebekah. “I guess we should have let him know ahead of time. He’d have made sure he was home.”
“Sometimes the best made plans go awry.” Glenna picked up her fork and dipped into the pasta. “I am not going to let it stop me from enjoying my dinner.”
“Good. Then we’ll clean up and you can go meet Dad.”
“Oh, no you cooked. I’m not feeling like going out. I’ll give him a call and tell him we’ll go tomorrow.”
She almost didn’t see it, her attention had been on the most excellent sauce she’d tasted, but she looked up in time to see the look that passed between the too. Panic. Why? Were they hoping for the adults to leave them al
one?
“What’s up you two?” She carefully placed her fork down. Was she reading too much into this? They were teenagers, and hormones raged oh, how she remembered.
“Aw, nothing. Just that dad will be disappointed. He’s said a couple of times this week how he’d been so busy being back in the good graces of his bosses that he hadn’t had any time to do anything with you.”
Glenna regarded Finn for a moment, his expression… she couldn’t read it, she turned to Rebekah who at the moment was contemplating her dinner as if it carried the answer to world peace. Something was up, she just couldn’t place her finger on it.
“Okay, if you two are sure.” She picked up her fork and indicated the table in general. “You have worked hard already. I feel guilty leaving you the dishes also.”
“That’s what dishwashers are good for.” Finn grinned and then dug into his dinner.
The meal turned out to be relaxed and fun. The two kids regaled her with stories about school, the eccentricities of their teachers and classmates. By the time it was over her face hurt from smiling.
She looked down at her business attire, she really didn’t want to go to the bar dressed as she was.
“What time did your dad say he’d be at the Hydro?”
Finn paused, his hands full of dishes he’d been taking to the sink to rinse. “He didn’t really say, just after we were done.”
“Okay, I’ll give him a call.”
She’d already tapped in his number before she’d left the room. Maybe she could talk him into coming home and they’d snuggle up in front of the television.
“Hey.” He voice caused tingles to run the course of her veins. “I’ve got a table, are you on your way?”
The eagerness in his voice changed her mind. She’d enjoy a drink.
*****
She frowned as she pulled into the lot. Only a few other cars, besides the 4Runner, were there. The place was usually jammed full, the bar was always hopping. Maybe everyone was last minute Christmas shopping.
She got another surprise when she walked through the door. Except for a string quartet, the place was empty. Patrick walked to meet her, he held out his hand.
“Dance before dessert?”
Right on que the music filled the air with a popular tune from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Romance. Patrick knew her. He held her close as their bodies swayed, she had to swallow down the emotion.
This was how it felt when you were in love and the romance was the bonus. In that moment she could feel Patrick’s emotions, his arms held her firm, but they trembled a little also. As if he held his desire in check.
After the dance he led her to a table that was decorated similar to the one at home had been. He held the chair for her and then went to the other side.
“Very romantic.”
“I try to please.” Patrick grinned.
The lights were low, even though she saw a twinkle from one of the roses in the vase, she leaned in to get a better look. Was that a ring?
Patrick plucked the rose from the vase and got down on one knee. Before she could respond, the front door opened and Finn walked in, trailed by Horace and Agnes. Finn joined his dad on one knee. Horace plopped his butt on the ground next to Finn, and Agnes just sauntered around looking bored. Out of the corner of her eye she saw movement and turned, there stood Rebekah ready with a camera. She turned her attention to the two men in front of her. She could feel the tears trailing down her cheeks by then. How long they’d been flowing she didn’t know, nor did she care.
“Will you be my wife?” Patrick asked.
Without giving her a chance to answer, Finn asked. “Will you be my mom?”
And Horace gave a short bark.
Agnes paused to sniff at her feet then rubbed across her calf.
She swallowed and pushed her chair out and got down on her own knees. She held her arms out.
“Group hug.”
The men leaned in, Horace did his best to horn in on the action.
She whispered, “You had me at dance before dessert.”
Epilogue
Valentine’s Day, a year later
Glenna gazed out the window, the same window she’d been looking out almost two years ago. Such a different scene, the feeling today was joy. And today she knew exactly where her groom was. At the moment he was probably drinking Jameson with her dad and brothers.
February in Brooklyn, what had Patrick been thinking? It was too cold for a winter wedding. Thank goodness the weather Gods had determined this would be an unseasonably warm February in Brooklyn. Still there were outdoor patio heaters strategically placed around the yard.
She grinned at the sight through the glass, the generals were growing up, and most definitely still in charge. And by damn the kids had outdone themselves blending the heaters seamlessly into the décor. They’d enlisted Finn and Rebekah for the occasion. Glenna was glad the girls’ parents had let her attend.
Glenna turned as the door opened to let her sisters’ spill in. Effie brought up the rear looking like cotton candy on a stick. Glenna blinked, Jessica had spent an hour on her makeup she, didn’t want the wrath of her sister if she ruined the painstaking work.
“I love a man in a kilt.” Effie wiggled her brows as all the women hummed a growl of agreement.
“Wait until you see the groom, sister dear, you’re going to faint.” Christine put an arm around her pulling her in for a careful hug. “I’m so happy for you. Patrick is such a doll.”
Glenna raised her brow, she wasn’t sure if he’d appreciate being compared to a doll. But he was a hottie. She glanced out the window at her new son hurrying around, his kilt flapping in the wind. He was going to break several hearts on his way to manhood.
“Darling, Finn and the little generals have out done themselves.” Her mother joined her and Christine at the window. “Rebekah too. Are her parents in the floral business? She’s a pro, just look at those arrangements.”
“I have no idea, she doesn’t talk about them much.” Glenna for not the first time, wondered about the girls’ home life.
Now was the time of joy, she had a life time to find out about the girl, and she planned to.
She faced the others again. “I’m so glad our entire family was able to attend. I promise that Patrick, Finn and I plan to visit more often. As long as all of you know you have an open invitation to visit us on the west coast.”
“And free latte’s when you visit the Bistro.”
“Okay, I’m there. I know David would love to visit. All that lovely wine,” Christine said.
“I’ve never been on the west coast.”
Glenna turned her attention to her newest sister in law. Bryn, at last, was coming out of her Irish shell. Of course, she had always been able to down the Jameson with the guys. Glenna couldn’t wait to get to know her better.
“I expect you and Matt to visit soon then.”
“I promise. Maybe we could all do a vacation together, sort of a family one. It would be fun.”
Glenna looked to her twin. “She says it would be fun. Spoken like a true only child.”
Reagan grinned and threw an arm around Bryn. “Oh my dear. You have no idea. However…” she raised her brow at the room in general. “We have grown up a lot since our last family vacation.”
Glenna grinned at her mother when she threw a hand over her heart in mock pain. “Bryn, you have no idea, oh, the drama.”
“I think it sounds like a great idea,” Jessica said.
From there, with Effie directing, the plans flew back and forth until a date in the fall was set. By the time a knock signaled that things were ready, Glenna’s jaw hurt from grinning.
Happy. Could a heart really burst with happiness because Glenna had the feeling she was about to find out.
*****
Patrick stood at the garden arbor where Rebekah had thrown every color and kind of flower over it until you couldn’t see the wood and somehow made it look as if they’d naturally gr
own there.
His thoughts were scurrying everywhere. He was nervous. He was a tough, federal agent able to face down the bad guys and yet he was nervous of a little imp of an antiquities shop owner.
He was afraid he’d let her down in some way. She’d had reservations about giving him her love. He’d been everything she’d been determined to stay away from. He’d bulldozed those barriers down and he’d never forgive himself if he hurt her.
Finn laid a hand on his shoulder and leaned in to whisper. “She loves you Dad, that’s what matters. You love her. We’re going to be a family, now smile before you scare the children.”
Finn chuckled at his own joke, and straightened. Patrick grinned at his son. “Thanks for the pep talk, if that’s what it was. But you’re right. Love, that’s what matters, I’ll make sure she’s happy.”
At that moment, Glenna appeared at the back door on her dad’s arm. A vision in white. She took his breath away, and his doubts. As clichéd as it was, this was the first day of the rest of their lives. There’d be ups and downs but it would be a good life.
*****
Dazed, she was a married woman. Her heart hadn’t burst yet, but her happiness was spilling over even her fingertips tingled with it.
Glenna hung on to her new husband as she gazed around the festivities. Her entire family, along with Patrick’s, were there. Life. This is what family was all about. Tyler held Lucy high letting her giggle. Kiera stood with her arm around his waist, her other arm over her protruding belly. Their family was growing even though they were both agents, somehow they made it work.
Reagan and Paco stood listening to what looked like a lecture from Gabby. They held hands, Paco kept grinning at his wife, then back to Gabby. The girl didn’t seem to notice, she was too earnest about her subject, her hands flew as she emphasized points.
Glenna let her focus wander to Jessica, her beautiful school teacher slash soccer mom, sister. Even though Ben wasn’t very old, he’d been playing soccer since he could walk. Now he held his mom’s hand as he pulled her toward Gabe, grinning with every step.
And there was Sophie who seemed to be giving the same lecture to her parents, David and Christine. Even though she bounced her little brother, Freddie on her hip, she didn’t let that stop her from gesturing to make some point or another. The look on the boys’ face was one of pure joy, as he laughed at his big sister.
Abandoned (The Beckett Series Book 6) Page 33
