by Tobin, Val
Reporters had tried to get into her room, but the hospital staff kept them at bay. Cope had hired a bodyguard to stand outside her door, which kept out even the most clever and determined gossip hunters.
Red-rimmed eyes betrayed Cope had shed tears, but now that he was cried out, he sat staring at her dry-eyed. Dani’s poor, bruised face was calm, her chest rising and falling in a slow rhythm as though she slept in peace.
He hoped that was true, but he also hoped that when he talked, she heard him wherever her mind wandered. And he did talk because so much had been left unsaid before she’d disappeared, and what if this was his only chance to say it?
“I found out what my mother did. That’s why you were so distant, why you avoided me. What a struggle that must have been. So sorry you felt as though you weren’t good enough for my family. I love you, Daniella. I’ll always love you. When you get better, I’ll spend the rest of my life showing you how much.”
Someone cleared her throat, and Cope turned to see who had walked in and find out why the bodyguard hadn’t stopped her. His mother stood in the open doorway, a vase of flowers in her hands. “May I come in?”
Lost for words, Cope nodded. The strength to fight with Margaret had disappeared. All he felt was sadness at how her greed and narcissism had torn them apart.
“I wanted to deliver these myself and see you.” Margaret drew closer to Dani’s bed and held the flowers out to Cope.
He rose and took the elaborate arrangement from her, setting it on the floor.
Margaret waved her arms at the other bouquets and potted plants that covered every available surface. “She’s popular.”
Cope nodded again, still unable to speak.
“I’m sorry, Bobby. Will she get better?”
“I don’t know.” His voice broke when he said it. “They don’t know why she’s unconscious. Everything seems fine with her brain, but she won’t wake up.”
“I overheard what you said to her. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop.”
He shrugged. “It’s not important.”
“Yes it is. I’ve been so awful.”
Cope returned to his seat next to Dani’s bed and clasped her hand in his. “You won’t get an argument from me.”
“Ben told me what happened—how you two rescued her. Bobby, that maniac could’ve killed you. Or Ben.”
Cope stared at her, narrowing his eyes, frowning. “If we hadn’t gone, she might’ve died in her sleep. That asshole was too fucked up to notice he’d beaten her into a coma. She’d be another statistic. Another woman killed by her sadistic-as-fuck ex.”
“If something had happened to you, I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself. I couldn’t go on if I’d lost you or Ben. My life would’ve been ruined.”
“You? Why is this about you?” He honestly didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. At least she was here trying to do something positive. Possibly. An apology usually meant something good, though with Margaret, you could never be certain.
“My God, Bobby. Let me say sorry for what I’ve done. I drove you away, maybe forever, and I didn’t think it important at the time. It was more important to force you to see things my way or have you suffer for it until you did.”
“Your way is cruel and judgmental. That’s not me.”
“I wanted to keep you from getting hurt.”
Cope brushed imaginary hair from Dani’s face and placed a hand on her cheek. She felt warm—not feverish—just warm, and her skin was soft and smooth. He was certain the swelling on her face had diminished.
When she was awake, and the swelling was gone, he promised himself he’d kiss her often. Cope turned to look at Margaret again. “You hurt her, Mother. Because of you, she avoided me, and Henderson got to her.” He shook his head. “No. I’m sorry. That’s not true. I refuse to play your game and lay blame where it’s undeserved. Henderson got to her at work despite the bodyguard.”
“How is the bodyguard?”
“Home from the hospital, but he can’t return to work for another month at least. He almost died.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Me too. Ryan blames himself.” Cope chuckled, but it was without warmth or mirth. “He blames himself; I blame myself. We make a wonderful pair.”
“It’s not your fault, darling.”
He winced. Darling. Whenever she used it, the superficiality of it struck him like a slap.
“Bobby, I’m sorry, and I hope Dani recovers. When she does, please bring her to the house. I’d like to apologize to her in person if she’d be willing to forgive me.”
Startled, he looked in her eyes, but all he saw was worry and a genuine desire to make amends. “She will. Dani’s kind like that. What changed your mind?”
“I’ve been following the story on the news. You’re quite a hero. If you love her that should be enough for me. I can’t say I’m happy with your choice, but I won’t fight it anymore.”
“What else, Mother? You didn’t just have a sudden epiphany.” He knew her too well. She was his mother, and he loved her despite her faults and out of obligation. But she strong-armed his father, which angered Cope. Then he realized what else was behind this. “What happened between Dad and Nate, Mother?”
Cope had always suspected she’d had something to do with the parting of ways between Nate and Big Cope. Margaret opened her mouth to speak, but he cut her off as he figured it out. “Jesus. The woman he married. You didn’t approve of her, and when you forced him to choose between his friendship with Dad and the woman he loved … ” Cope shook his head. “How did you expect it to turn out? You can’t give someone an ultimatum like that.”
“That woman was a gold digger, Bobby. They divorced three years into the marriage, and she took Nate for half of everything he’d worked so hard to make. I was right.”
“That’s why you should’ve stuck by him. Nate needed your support, and instead of being there for him, you cut him out of your lives. How can Dad let you do that to people he loves?” Cope paused, held up his hand, forestalling her again. “Dad loves you that much. I hope you’re happy.”
“No, Bobby, I’m not—not for a long time, and I don’t want this anymore.” Margaret went to the bed and looked at Dani. “She didn’t deserve what happened to her. I hope she gets better soon.”
“Thanks for coming.”
She smiled. “Forgive me?”
“Of course.”
A loud sigh crossed her lips, and she shook her head. “It’ll be a day of penance for me. I’m going to visit Nate now. If I’m lucky, he’ll be as forgiving as you are. Your father has missed him, and I was wrong to force them apart.”
Cope stood again and hugged her. When she’d left, he sat on the edge of Dani’s bed and took her hand. “Did you hear that, my beauty? Things are getting better. Please, come back to me.”
Chapter 37
Dani holds her father’s hand, reluctant to release it. Their time together has been so precious, and now he says she has to leave.
“But I just got here.” It comes out a wail. This place has been a comfortable haven, and she wants to stay.
“We’ll be together again, I promise. But it’s not your time.”
“Just a little longer, Daddy. I don’t want to leave you.”
“It’ll be okay. You have to go, but I’ll be with you. I’ve always been nearby, pumpkin.”
Dani smiles at his use of the childhood endearment. “I love you so much, Daddy.”
Paul Grayson hugs his daughter and kisses her cheeks. “I love you, too. Remember, I’m not really gone.”
“Daddy, wait.”
Another voice, not her father’s, cuts through the disappointment and longing. She’d heard it sometimes even while she was with her dad. The voice, familiar, reassuring, guided Dani to wakefulness, and excitement and relief surged through her when she recognized Cope.
He was reading.
Dani listened for a moment, not wanting to interrupt him, until she realized she didn’t know where she w
as, and the last thing she remembered was … Oh, God. Greg. She opened her eyes.
Gaze absorbed in the book, a novel, Cope didn’t notice Dani’s eyes were open and continued to read aloud. “Carolyn found herself crying again and swiped the tears off her face. The prospect of morning and what that would bring scared her—”
“Cope?”
The book fell to the floor when he leapt up and buzzed the nurse. “Dani. Thank God. How do you feel?”
“Hungry. Sore. What happened? How did I get here? Where’s Greg?”
Cope took her hand and leaned close, examining her face. “I’ll tell you everything, but wait until after the nurse gets here and checks you out.”
Dani yawned and stretched as the nurse entered the room, smiling. “Welcome back, Miss Grayson. How are you feeling?”
“Like I could eat my arm.”
“I’ll get the doctor and then find you some food,” she said and checked Dani’s vitals.
When the nurse left, Cope perched on the edge of the bed and leaned in to kiss her lips. “I’ve been wanting to give those lips a proper kiss for days.”
“I’m so glad to see you, Robert.”
Cope smiled and kissed her again. “God, Dani, I was so afraid I’d lose you.”
“You came for me.”
“Of course. I’d never leave you with that bastard. He almost killed you.”
“How did you find me?”
Cope told her how they’d cracked into Henderson’s accounts and found the cabin. “It was a long shot, but it made sense he’d take you somewhere off the radar. Henderson had bought the place under another name. I don’t know how—something for the courts to figure out, I guess. When we arrived, he was so out of it, I walked in and took you away. He’s locked up now and won’t bother you again.”
Tears welled up in her eyes. “Robert, before all this happened, I avoided you. While I was with Greg, I promised myself that if I saw you again, I’d tell you the truth. I never wanted to hurt you. It tore me apart to be away from you. I’m so sorry.”
“It’s okay. I understand what happened. My mother and I talked.”
“Margaret, she—”
“Shh. It’s okay. Everything’s okay. We’ll be all right now. You’re back.”
***
The car left the highway, and when Dani realized where they headed, she smiled and glanced at Cope.
He grinned back at her. “I wanted to take you someplace special for your first full day back on your feet. Since you return to work tomorrow and spent the last two weeks cooped up, today will be outside and all about you.”
“Thank you. Beautiful day for it, too. No clouds and sunshine.”
When they reached the spot overlooking the ocean where Cope parked the car, Dani was surprised to see other cars. She frowned. Had other people discovered their secret spot? She hoped it wasn’t reporters. Wasn’t this beach on private property?
Cope said nothing, but parked the car and helped her out. He guided her to the trail.
Dani stopped walking. “What about the basket? I thought we were coming here for a picnic?”
Cope arched his brows, gave her a sly smile, and then scooped her up and carried her down the path.
Half delighted and half fearing he’d drop her, Dani threw her arms around his neck and buried her face in his shoulder, giggling. As he set her back on her feet, there was a smattering of applause, and she looked up to find everyone she knew gathered together on the sand. Patio tables, each with its own umbrella. Flowers. Lights, accenting the place settings clustered around a pedestal fire pit. The beach had been set up for a celebration.
Dani’s gaze met Liz’s, then went to John, who was with his wife and kids. Cope’s family was there, including his mother, who smiled at Dani, and then looked away. Margaret’s apology to Dani, given two days before, had appeared genuine, and Dani forgave her, but the tension between them remained. The executives from Star Power and Danger Play were there, including Nate, and the Injury cast and crew.
Cope led Dani to two empty seats at the head of the group of tables and motioned for her and everyone else to sit.
Nervous, she sank into the chair, wondering what he was up to now.
Cope looked into the crowd, back to Dani, and then again turned to the group. He took a deep breath and spoke. “Thank you for coming here to celebrate Dani’s recovery with us. It’s been a challenging time, and we appreciate everything you’ve done for us.”
He faced Dani again. “When you disappeared, I was terrified I’d lost you forever. The thought of enduring each day without you turned every moment into darkness. You’re the light that keeps me going. Being with you gives my life more joy and meaning than I’ve ever known.” Cope reached into his pocket, pulled out a diamond ring, and kneeled before her. “Dani, will you marry me?”
Tears filled her eyes, and Dani could at first only nod. Yes. Yes. Yes. She gasped as Cope slipped the ring, an elegant white and yellow gold solitaire, onto her finger. After a tear-filled pause, she inhaled, settling her emotions, and shouted so everyone could hear. “Yes!”
Cheers and shouts of congratulations filled the air.
Dani inhaled and drew in the scent of the sea, the flowers and candles, and the aroma of something meaty wafting up from barbeques along the cliff face.
Astounded and touched, she contemplated the work that must have gone into putting this together. Dani launched herself into Cope’s arms.
He caught her, hugged her, and they kissed. When he released her, Dani whispered in his ear. “I can’t believe you did this. You’re amazing.”
“I love you, Daniella.”
“I love you, too, Robert.”
As the night wore on, and the stars appeared in the sky, Dani and Cope stepped away from the celebrating and walked along the beach. Feet bare, Dani picked her way through the surf, shivering in the brisk water. Cope’s grip on her hand reassured her. No matter what, she could depend on him. He wouldn’t leave her.
Dani recalled the years she’d spent seeking publicity and hoping her father would find her. Even if only in a dream, she’d seen him at last, and, if not a dream, then perhaps he’d been there all along. Maybe, he’d be with her always as he’d promised.
Now, Cope had made the same promise to her.
Dani hugged him. “I’m whole again, and it’s because you came into my life. Daniella Grayson always needed to be in the spotlight. Daniella Copeland will want something different. After I fulfill my studio contract, I don’t want to do another movie. What do you think?”
“Wherever you want to go from here, or whatever you want to do, I’ll support you.”
He kissed her again, and she considered the possibilities: a more active role at Star Power and more time with the children coming to the charity. Those things made her heart soar. She and Cope would have children, and she’d make sure they grew up in a loving family home. They’d have Cope’s sister and brothers as aunt and uncles. Dani’s heart overflowed at the prospect of giving a baby the love-filled childhood she’d never had.
Cope held an arm around her, and she snuggled into him. They stood, facing the ocean, and watched the waves roll in to shore.
The End
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Sample Chapter: The Experiencers
The Valiant Chronicles: Book I
Michael “Mick” Valiant checked his watch and realized he was going to finish work early. The upside was he’d be home for dinner; the downside was he’d be home for dinner. He cringed. The thought of going home reminded him he might be getting separated soon, perhaps even the next time he was home long enough to see his wife before she went to bed. Jessica had something on her mind lately, and he suspected it was divorce.
He pulled his thoughts away from his marriage and refocused on the job. Michael sat behind the driver’s seat in the back of a white van displaying a cable company logo on the side. Th
e video monitor before him showed the inside of the sprawling brick bungalow across the street. His target, Patty Richards, was inside the house.
Aside from the stats he needed for the job, Michael knew little about Richards. He knew her only as a threat to the Extraterrestrial Alliance Project, or ETAP, as those involved referred to it, and any threat to the Project had to go.
Michael glanced over at his partner, Gerry “Torque” Muniz, who sat next to Michael, also staring at the monitor. Judging from the vacant look in Torque’s eyes, he wasn’t seeing what was there. Sweat beaded on Torque’s broad forehead. Hair around his bald spot spiked up, reminding Michael of a porcupine with tiny black and grey quills.
“Why don’t you take off that jacket?” Michael asked. “You’re drenched.”
Torque shook his head, eyes still unfocused. He continued to sit and stare, brows furrowed. Finally, he spoke. “I hate leaving them alive.”
He meant Ralph Drummond. They’d forced him into a mental institution to silence him. It hadn’t been their typical job. As if they hadn’t had this conversation numerous times since they’d been handed Drummond’s dossier, Michael said, “Then why did we?”
“Have you looked at the rest of the targets?”
This was new. In previous conversations, at this point, Torque would say, “I don’t know,” to which Michael would reply, “Then why worry about it?”
Michael did a job, following orders precisely, and then forgot about it. It helped him maintain his detachment and his sanity. The Drummond job had been no exception though his initial gut reaction to it had been different.
When he’d first read the file on Drummond, he’d felt uneasy, like something was off. But he’d ignored it and carried on. With Torque’s reminder of Drummond and his file, the uneasiness returned. He looked at Torque. “I’ve read the list.”
“No,” Torque said. “Have you looked at the list in detail?”
