A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Altar (Your Every Day Hero Book 2)

by Higgins, Marie

  When the truck slammed against the SUV again, the vehicle went over the edge. She tried not to look, but it rolled, just as she knew her car would have done.

  She sobbed a sigh of relief, but didn’t stop driving. Neither did the big, black, truck. When she reached the straight road, she found a place to pull over. Her body shook like a California earthquake. There was no way she could drive to her mother’s house now.

  The truck pulled up behind her and stopped. She watched as the man jumped out of the truck and came toward her. She didn’t know if it was the rain on the windows, or the tears in her eyes, but she couldn’t see him very well.

  He stopped beside her window and knocked. “Riley, are you all right?”

  Relief poured through her, and with shaky hands opened the door. Liam Hawke leaned toward her. Crying, she threw her arms around his neck and buried her face into his shirt.

  “It’s all over with, sweetie.” He hugged her.

  His very presence comforted her, but she couldn’t stop her body from shaking. “Who…was that? Why did they want to run me off the road?”

  “I’ve alerted the captain. He and the others will check it out. If anyone is alive in that SUV, they’re going to jail. We’ll find out why they were trying to run you off the road.”

  “How…did you know I was…in danger?” She pulled back and looked up at him.

  “I didn’t.” He shook his head. “I was just on my way home and saw what was going on.”

  “Thank you.” She hugged him tight again.

  “But until we find out what really happened, I’m going to be by your side to protect you. Kurt would want me to do that.”

  She cried into his shoulder. Yes, Kurt would want his best friend to do that.

  * * * *

  She was going crazy!

  Her life had been turned upside down so quickly. Riley didn’t blame Kurt. She blamed Mark. He was the one who had lured her into his world of danger. Yet, why was she still in danger if Mark and his cousins were in jail? Liam Hawke seemed to think it was because of Bill Phillips…the man Daren and Joe worked for. And because Hawke thought she was in danger, he assigned himself to be her bodyguard…twenty-four-seven.

  She’d returned to Montana. Even Captain Martinez thought that was a safer place for her to be, considering Phillips’s men were mainly in Washington. But Hawke watched her constantly. When she was in her apartment, he either stayed inside his truck and watched her, or he was sleeping on her couch. Her roommate, Melissa, didn’t mind having such a good looking man around to play protector. Hawke followed her to school, but kept an eye on her from afar.

  It had been two weeks, and so far, nothing had happened. Why couldn’t he just leave now? He was needed in Seattle, not here! What she needed to do was somehow convince him to leave. Besides, this wasn’t even his jurisdiction.

  Today was Saturday, which meant she didn’t have anything to keep her from thinking about Hawke. At least during the week, she had her studies to keep her mind occupied. Melissa was gone for the weekend visiting her family, so Riley would definitely become bored easily.

  She went to the kitchen and started making sandwiches. By now, she knew Hawke’s favorite sandwich was the egg salad. She’d made it for him a few times now, and he praised her highly. He said nobody could make the sandwich like her. She shrugged. All she did was added pickles and a few chopped pieces of celery to it, and she use Miracle Whip instead of Mayo. She also knew he liked his sandwiches on whole wheat bread.

  When she was finished preparing the sandwiches, she walked to the front door and opened it. Hawke sat inside his new truck, looking sharp, as always. She now understood why his co-workers referred to him as James Bond, double-o-seven-and-a-half. He was certainly one handsome man who radiated his masculinity.

  She motioned her hand for him to come in before turning back inside and walking to the table. Within minutes, Hawke strolled into the house, wearing a big grin. He rubbed his hands together like an eager boy, as his gray eyes sparkled.

  “Did you make my favorite?”

  Riley nodded and motioned to his plate. He quickly sat before picking up his sandwich and taking a bite. She’d never seen a man that enjoyed a sandwich so much. She wished she had known Kurt well enough to know what his favorite foods were.

  “So, Hawke,” she began after swallowing her bite of food. “I bet you’re bored to tears watching me. I’m relieved that nothing has happened to me since I returned home, but because of that, you’re probably going crazy.”

  He shrugged. “It’s the job. Some days I’m working like mad trying to find the suspect, and other days I don’t do as much. You’re not the first stake-out I’ve been on, and you won’t be the last.”

  “True, but I’m probably the most boring.”

  He chuckled and sipped his lemonade. “No, not really.”

  Inwardly, she boiled with irritation. She must make him believe he needed to end this case and go back to Seattle. “I’m sure you miss your friends in the precinct.”

  “I still chat with them via text.” He grinned.

  “You know as well as I do that it’s not the same. Wouldn’t you rather hang out with Tyrone and Gibbs at the Happy Hour Bar? And wouldn’t you rather be trading insults with Kenna Allen?”

  He snickered loudly and quickly placed his hand over his mouth since it was full of food. Shaking his head, he quickly chewed.

  “Believe me, taking a holiday from the insult trading is very satisfying.”

  She narrowed her gaze on him. “Hawke? Why don’t you and Kenna get along?”

  He rolled his eyes. “Ever since she started working in the precinct, she’s had a holier-than-thou attitude. She thinks she knows it all, and she can’t ever admit she’s wrong. Our personalities clash terribly, and the less I have to work with her, the better I am.”

  Riley couldn’t believe how riled he became just talking about Kenna. Had there been more to his anger? And yet, she wondered if Hawke even knew the underlining truth to his anger.

  “Well, she was very nice to me,” she said before taking a bite of her sandwich.

  “Remarkably enough, most everyone in the precinct likes working with her. They think she’s a good detective. Personally, I don’t see it. She must have them brainwashed.”

  Riley shrugged. “Well, I do know that some personalities clash. Perhaps this is what’s going on with you and Kenna.”

  “Clash?” He laughed. “It’s more like an atomic blast.”

  She chuckled. Immediately, she realized this was the first time she had laughed since Kurt died. Guilt washed over her and she quickly removed her smile. “Then we won’t talk about her any longer.”

  “I’d appreciate it.” He took another big bite of his sandwich, and then smiled dreamily.

  She shook her head. It was quite comical to watch him eat as he loved his food that much. Nevertheless, she needed to convince him to leave.

  “So, Hawke,” she continued, “how much longer is Captain Martinez going to keep you on my case?”

  “Dunno,” he mumbled with his mouth full of food.

  “I just find it interesting that he would assign you to me, especially when I’m out of your jurisdiction.”

  His Adam’s apple jumped when he swallowed. “But because you are connected to one of the cases we are working on, that means you are still in danger, and that gives me the right to watch you.”

  She exhaled and slumped into her chair. Was there no getting rid of him? She finished eating her sandwich in silence. Perhaps she needed to talk to Martinez, instead. Because this was just ridiculous!

  When his sandwich was gone, he gulped down the rest of his lemonade and stood. “Thank you again for a most delicious sandwich.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  “I’ll be out in my truck if you need me.”

  She flipped her hand. “I won’t need you.”

  Once he left, she wandered through her small apartment, wondering what she could do next. Wat
ching tv only stressed her out and made her anxious because of all of the killings going on in this world. She needed something that could relax her and put her in a different place. As she walked by the bookcase in her bedroom, one of the books captured her attention. Romance! How long had it been since she read a romance novel? Well…there was no better time than the present.

  She grabbed the book and walked to the front room, and then she curled up onto the couch. This had always been her favorite place to read. She settled and started reading the first page. The beep from her cell made her jump. She quickly looked at the screen. Why is Hawke texting me? She clicked it on to read his text.

  I need to run to the gas station to fill up my truck. I won’t be long. Please stay inside!

  Shaking her head, she texted back, I won’t go anywhere. I’m reading a book.

  That’s my girl.

  She frowned. She wasn’t his girl. And how dare he use a phrase Kurt had used on her?

  Pushing aside her anger, she focused back on the story. Within a few pages, she was hooked on the historical story. A few places made her laugh, too.

  How much time had passed, she didn’t know, but when the sound of a vehicle with a bad muffler, and squeaky brakes, pulled in front of her apartment building, she was yanked out of the book. She peeked through the blinds. A Fed Ex driver climbed out of the van and carried a good-sized box. When he approached her door, she set her book aside. She wasn’t expecting a delivery. He knocked on the door, and she hurried to open it.

  “Are you Riley Peterson?”

  “Yes.”

  “This package is for you. Please sign here.”

  He handed her the signature pad and she scribbled her name. Although the box was big, it wasn’t heavy. She looked at the return address, and it was just a Post Office address with no name.

  Her heart hammered with worry. Should she open it up? Hawke wasn’t back yet. To her, this was a suspicious package because she hadn’t ordered anything.

  Cautiously, she leaned her ear down to the box and listened. There wasn’t anything ticking inside, so it probably wasn’t a bomb. And she heard no rattlers from a snake, so at least she was let off the hook there. However, she did smell something familiar…

  Curious, she slowly opened the package. An assortment of buttercups sprinkled across another box inside. On top of the flowers was a note.

  Her body started shaking, and her breathing became labored. Who would send her this? Was someone trying to toy with her emotions? Didn’t they know what the buttercup flower meant to her? With a trembling hand, she opened the note.

  To my darling buttercup. I can’t live without you. If you’d like to run away with me, meet me at the Moss Mansion in Billings, Montana, as soon as you get this package. Wear the dress that’s inside the box under the flowers.

  Whoever was playing this sick joke on her needed to be whipped! Her body trembled harder as she lifted the other box out and opened it. Immediately, the white silk and lace of the dress captured her attention. Tears pooled in her eyes and she lifted up a wedding dress, still inside the plastic covering. Another note fell out.

  Why was someone doing this to her? What was their game? Did this have something to do with the people responsible for Kurt’s death?

  She opened the second note.

  Instead of camping beside an ATV and whitewater rafting on a stolen raft, I’d like you to start a new adventure with me… Riley Peterson, I want you to become my wife. If your answer is yes, I will meet you at the Moss Mansion soon. P.S. don’t forget to wear the dress.

  Her heartbeat quickened as more tears filled her eyes. Who else knew about the ATV and the stolen raft besides… Kurt!

  No! Shaking her head, her mind argued with her heart. Kurt was dead. She saw him get shot. She was at his funeral! But, if this was some kind of trap, how would the bad guy know that she and Kurt camped beside an ATV and that they took the raft without asking? After all, Mark had her engagement ring bugged. He heard everything that happened while she and Kurt were together. Could Mark still have someone out there who was bent on getting revenge?

  But…if Kurt was still alive, why had he been lying to her for a month?

  Mixed emotions filled her. She didn’t know whether to be angry, or happy. She just didn’t know what to feel right now.

  There was only one way to get her questions answered. She needed to go to Billings.

  With the decision made, she rushed into her bedroom and quickly changed into the dress. As she stared at herself through the full length mirror, she sighed in awe. She looked…beautiful! She hadn’t even looked this good when she was going to marry Mark.

  The material was made with Bordeaux metallic taffeta, with a soft shimmering satin skirt. One side of the skirt was gathered at the knee, displaying laced looking slips underneath. Detachable cap-sleeves and the sweetheart neckline made her look like…a princess.

  She wiped away the moisture in her eyes and sprayed some perfume over her body. She hurried back into the front room and to the box of flowers. She found two of the prettiest buttercup flowers to place into her hair.

  Excitement beat inside of her, giving her more energy than she’d had for a month. If someone was playing a joke on her, she’d shoot them between the eyes. But what if it was Kurt? What if he was still alive? There was only one way to know...

  She snatched her purse before moving to the door, opening it slowly and peeking outside. Hawke’s truck was still gone. Relief poured through her as she hurried to her car. At least he wouldn’t be able to stop her.

  But…just in case this was someone trying to trap her, she’d take her pepper spray and the gun Hawke had given her. She’d also have her cell phone handy, since she knew the detectives would be able to trace her phone and find her.

  EIGHTEEN

  So maybe Riley was going five miles over the speed limit. She didn’t care. She needed answers now!

  Hawke had sent her a few text messages, asking where she’d gone, but she ignored them. He’d try to track her, she was certain, but that was all right. If, by chance, someone was trying to trap her by luring her to this place in pretense of being Kurt, she definitely needed Hawke’s protection.

  As she followed her GPS to Moss Mansion, she slowly pulled into the parking. The historic site was full of tourists, but thankfully, she wasn’t the only woman wearing a wedding dress today. Then again, this mansion was also known for their events, such as having weddings here.

  Several people were out and about, so she slowly climbed out of her car. Cautiously, she walked toward the mansion, lifting up her dress so that it didn’t drag on the pavement.

  She moved her gaze through the crowd, searching for that one familiar face…for the gorgeous man with brown hair and a trimmed goatee. She especially looked for that charming smile of his that had always made her melt.

  So far, nobody fit that description!

  The closer she walked toward the manor, the more nervous she became. Her hands shook and her legs quaked. She even breathed differently.

  A man walked out of the mansion doors and she stopped and held her breath. But when he turned her way, she realized it wasn’t Kurt. Blinking back the tears, she continued on.

  Was she crazy to search for a man she’d been told was dead? Was she that lonely that she’d fall for this entrapment?

  She walked by the large pine tree in front of the mansion, and briefly glanced at a man sitting in a wheelchair with a plaid blanket covering his legs. As she moved her attention toward a group of men all standing on the sidewalk wearing tuxedos, she studied each one. Her heart dropped. None of these men were the one she loved. What had she been thinking? Kurt was dead. Why had she fallen for this cruel joke?

  Stopping just before reaching the grand steps leading into the mansion, she sighed as disappointment swept over her. Tears stung her eyes and panic filled her. She’d placed herself in harm’s way again. At least she was in a public setting, so maybe she wouldn’t get taken as easily. Th
en again, she was in a crowded place when Daren and Joe took her.

  She should call Hawke. He’d protect her…after chewing her out for being so gullible.

  Swallowing the lump of regret, she turned around to head back toward the parking. Out of the corner of her eyes, the man sitting in the wheelchair stood. The plaid blanket fell to the ground. He leaned heavily on a cane.

  “Riley,” he called out.

  The familiar voice shook through her, startling her to a weakened state. The man’s skin color wasn’t healthy, and his body looked frail. And yet…he had the same amazing blue eyes and charming smile. He wore a black suit and tie with a white shirt. Pinned to his breast pocket was a buttercup like the ones in her hair.

  Using his cane, he walked toward her. Shock had frozen her limbs, but not her heart. The rhythm of her heartbeat careened out of control. This wasn’t Kurt. Was it? Where was his trimmed goatee? Instead, this man’s face was shaven.

  He reached the edge of the grass and stopped. His gaze slid slowly over her dress, and his mouth stretched into a wider smile.

  “You’re wearing the gown,” he said. “Does that mean you will marry me?”

  The voice was Kurt’s and yet… She shook her head. He was dead, wasn’t he?

  A frown quickly replaced the man’s smile. “No? You don’t want to marry me?”

  On unsteady legs, she finished closing the gap between them, only stopping when she stood right in front of him. “Kurt?” Her hand shook as she brought it to his face. “Is that really you?”

  Nodding, he took her hand and brought it to his mouth, kissing her palm. “It’s me.” He shrugged. “A weaker me, but still me.”

  Her vision clouded from her tears, so she blinked to try to see him better. “But, you were shot. They told me you were dead.”

  “Yes, I was shot. The bullet barely missed my kidneys and the spine, but it hit my bowel. Recovery has been torturous, because I’ve been extremely sick. However, I am doing much better than when you last saw me—at my funeral.”

  What? She pulled her hand away from him. She glanced at the wheelchair, and at the blanket still on the ground. “You were Uncle William?”