What the Heart Needs

by Kelli McCracken

  The first piece of good news, today. Finally. Yet, a quiver of sadness filled her heart. What if she liked this dress? That meant her mom wouldn’t be there to see it. Her heart pinched tighter.

  “Thank you. I’m excited to see it.”

  Waiting until the young woman left, Heaven grabbed the door handle, giving it a twist. She avoided the new dress hanging near the mirror. Instead, her phone plopped on the settee while she slipped out of the dress clinging to her body. As she pushed the gown past her thighs, she drew in a deep breath. God it felt good to breathe again. No way could she wear this dress to her wedding and a reception.

  Grabbing the robe off a nearby hook, she pulled it over her arms, enjoying its lilac scent. Her mom’s scent. But to have the real thing here, sharing this moment…

  She gripped the phone off the settee, tapping the contact list until she found the name she wanted. Home.

  The line rang once before a sweet, familiar voice filled Heaven’s ears. “Hi, Mom.”

  “Hi, Heaven. It’s good to hear your voice. I’ve been worried. Thought twice about coming to L.A. to look for you myself.”

  “I’m sorry, Mom. I meant to call you back, but yesterday turned out to be…a day to remember.”

  “Sweetheart, when you have children, you will understand. Especially when their face shows up in a paper.”

  Great. Faith must have called her to tell her the news. With the amount of anger flowing through her sister’s energy yesterday, she wouldn’t doubt it. Anything to get the focus off her and the news she would drop on everyone soon enough.

  “Are you still there?”

  Heaven released a deep breath. This conversation had to happen sooner or later. Though she’d hoped it would be in a couple of weeks when she and Dylan went for a visit. Thanks to the press, she didn’t have an option anymore.

  “How much did Faith tell you about the article?”

  “What are you talking about, Heaven? I haven’t spoken with Faith. Your picture showed up in my paper yesterday morning.”

  Her paper? How in the—

  “Are you telling me my photo is in a national newspaper?”

  “American Daily.”

  The settee cushion cuddled her bottom as she eased onto it. If Dylan didn’t know about this, he’d flip. So would her father if he didn’t already know. “Did, um, Dad, see the picture?”

  Granted she’d never been daddy’s girl. Not when Faith claimed that spot. But her father loved her just the same. He hadn’t handled the news of her and Dylan living together very well. Seeing this picture before she had the chance to tell him…he’d be crushed.

  Or furious.

  “Your dad’s on a business trip. He’s due back in three days. I doubt he’s seen it, seeing as he hasn’t called.”

  What a relief. Maybe she could still break the news to her father in person. Dylan wanted to get her out of town. Surely he’d agree to move up their trip.

  To tonight.

  “Have you set a date yet?”

  The knot in Heaven’s belly tightened. Her mom handled the news well. At least so far. Probably because she thought a long engagement came with the ring on Heaven’s finger. That’s how most engagements worked.

  “Um…yes, we have a date. October fourth.”

  The brief pause had Heaven’s heart racing. It had been a comforting thought. To think her mom would be okay with the date. The deafening silence proved otherwise. Or her mother had gone into shock.

  “Are you happy, Heaven?”

  Those weren’t the words she expected to hear. They made her heart catch nonetheless.

  “I’m very happy, Mom. I know it seems sudden, but Dylan is the one. I know it with every bone in my body.” It sounded cheesy, cliché even, but the only way to describe it without going into detail. Details her mother wouldn’t understand.

  “Out of the three of you, I never doubted that when you fell in love, it would be quick—but for keeps. You’re an old soul, Heaven. You know what you want. If that’s Dylan, you have my love and support.”

  Heaven released a sigh as wet warmth met her cheek. She swiped at the tear, thanking God for giving her this moment. And for giving her the most amazing mother.

  “I wish you were here, Mom. Hope has me trying on gowns, today, but it doesn’t feel right. You should be here, helping me find that special dress.”

  “I know sweetheart, but the choice has always been yours, no matter if I’m there or not. You’ll make the right decision. And more importantly, I’ll be there on that special day, helping you prepare. That’s all that really matters.”

  Heaven stood from the settee. Stupid hormones. How they loved to cause tears. And runny noses. She found a box of tissues on a nearby table, plucking a couple from the opening. “Thanks, Mom. That means a lot,” she sniffled. “I know you’re expecting to see me and Dylan in a couple of weeks, but how would you feel about seeing us sooner? I’d like for Dad to hear the news from us.”

  “Baby, you can come here anytime you like. I’ve had your room prepped since you first mentioned it. Come when you’re ready.”

  A knock resonated from the door. “Are you dressed, Heaven?”

  Delia’s voice had Heaven grabbing a couple more tissues. “Just a moment.” Dabbing her eyes again, she turned from the door. “I gotta, go Mom. But I’ll see you in a few days. Okay?”

  “I’ll see you soon, sweetheart.”

  Once the call ended, Heaven tossed the phone back to the settee. She double-checked her reflection, making sure she didn’t have raccoon eyes. Luckily, she didn’t. “You can come in, Delia.”

  Dark green eyes warmed Heaven’s heart as Delia closed the door behind her. “Ready to try another one?”

  “Yes. The consultant thinks the new one is more my style.” Heaven turned to point toward the dress hanging behind her. “I haven’t even looked—”

  The moment her eyes fell on the gown, her heart stilled. She knew the dress would look different once she put it on, but even on the hanger it pulled at her soul. This could be the dress.

  “It’s beautiful. Why don’t we see what it looks like on you,” Delia said from behind. Sweeping past Heaven, she reached for the dress, removing it from the hanger. A sea of ivory covered her arms as she carried it back.

  It didn’t take long to put the dress on. Sliding into the sleeveless bodice, she enjoyed the way the dress hugged her chest, but not like the other one. She could breathe in this gown. Chiffon straps crossed her shoulders in ruffled layers. They didn’t stop until they plunged with the v-neckline, past the gathered waist, to a floor length ruffle on the side.

  Heaven gazed at the mirror, unable to speak or move. Regardless of how many other dresses the consultant brought in, the pang in her heart was answer enough. This one…this was the dress.

  “You look beautiful, sweetheart,” Delia cooed from behind, pushing the last button through its hole. “Dylan is going to forget anyone else is at the wedding.”

  “It’s the one, Delia. I know without a doubt. I don’t want to look at another dress.”

  A lighthearted laugh tickled her ears. Something about Dylan and his mother’s laughter made her feel safe. Like nothing in the world could go wrong as long as they were in her life.

  “I’ll go let the consultant know.” Delia stepped toward the door, but stopped mid step. Emerald eyes burned toward Heaven with happiness and gratitude. It made her heart warm. “Thank you for sharing this day with me, sweetheart. I know you’d love to have your mother here. I’m honored that you wanted me to help out.”

  “I couldn’t imagine not having you here, Delia. You’re the first person to realize what Dylan and I meant to each other. You gave birth to the man God created just for me. Of course I want you here.”

  One more smile made it onto Delia’s lips before she shut the dressing room door behind her. Heaven gave herself one last look in the mirror, enjoying not only the image staring back at her, but the feel of the fabric on her skin. To know th
at in a few short weeks, Dylan would get to see her in this very dress. And then take it off her on their wedding night.

  Her cheeks burned at the thought.

  The cell phone buzzed against the settee. Probably Dylan. He wouldn’t be able to resist the excitement bouncing around in their connection. Did he know she’d found her dress?

  She leaned over to pick up the phone. A quick swipe brought the device to life. Heaven started at the screen, ready to read his text, but the moment her eyes passed over the words, her stomach dropped.

  You’ve angered a monster. Please, let me help you. You don’t know how much your life is at risk.

  * * *

  Dylan stepped across the doorway, toting a box and some mail. Non-essentials he couldn’t focus on. Not with the fluctuation in his connection with Heaven. He could feel the push of her energy, could even feel a spike of fear before it faded with the rest of her emotions. Should he go back and check on her?

  His phone vibrated against the box. He stared at the screen, a surge of relief sweeping over him when he saw Heaven’s message.

  I’m fine. We’re grabbing lunch. Be home soon. With good news.

  At least she was safe, but damn it why did he keep losing their emotional connection? He should have asked his mom before she left yesterday. Maybe he’d call her later. See if she had any answers for him.

  The door clicked shut as Layne walked past him. “Was that Heaven?”

  Nodding his head, he moved to the table, setting the box down on it. “Yeah, she wanted me to know they’re getting lunch then coming home.”

  He gripped the mail in his hand, sorting through the various envelopes until one grabbed his attention. The rest of the mail fell back to the table as he held the letter in front him, his heart pinching when he read the words All Things Art Program. They must really want her. That’s why they kept sending her letters even after she declined. Or the person sponsoring her was pressuring them to make contact.

  “What’s up with the letter? You don’t look very happy about it.”

  “It’s for Heaven.” He swallowed the lump in his throat. Placing the letter back on the table, he put on his game face to mask the nudge of worry. At least he tried. The look on Layne’s face said he wasn’t buying it.

  “Talk to me, dude. I can’t help you protect her if I don’t know all the details.”

  “It’s nothing, man. Just a letter from an art program Heaven applied to before we met.”

  “The All Things Art Program, right?”

  Even hearing the words from Layne made his stomach lurch. He knew he shouldn’t worry. Heaven made her decision. She wanted to be with him. But now that his father wanted her dead, maybe he should convince her to go.

  “They wanted her, Layne. She received a letter right before I proposed to her. I waited for her to make a choice before I gave her the ring. And she did it. She gave up her spot without a second thought, even though she already had a sponsor.”

  “So you think this letter means they still want her?”

  Dylan nodded, his eyes roaming over the envelope. Everything in him wanted to rip it open and see what the letter said. Even though he wouldn’t. Heaven would share it with him when she came home.

  Layne stepped closer to the table. He touched the edge of the letter, as if he shared the same impulse Dylan had. “What do you mean she had a sponsor? What does a sponsor do?”

  “I don’t know. I guess it’s someone who pays for the expenses of a student. Heaven didn’t get into specifics.”

  Picking up the letter, Layne continued to study it. “Did the letter say who sponsored her?” Dylan shook his head, half of him hoping Layne would open the letter. The other half praying he wouldn’t. “Don’t you think it’s weird that some stranger would pay for her expenses?”

  “Of course I do,” he grumbled, feeling a little relief when Layne replaced the letter on the table. “But I know nothing about this program. For all I know, it could be a common thing. Doesn’t matter. Heaven declined them before. I just don’t know if I should encourage her to refuse them again. Not with Dad after her.”

  “You can’t protect her if she leaves. Unless you plan to leave with her.”

  As guilt heated his cheeks, Dylan focused on the box in front of him. He didn’t want to walk out on Layne anymore than he wanted to leave Scott or Jerry. Music didn’t matter to him anymore. Only Heaven. And his life with her.

  “I’ll do anything to keep her safe. If it means walking away from this place and helping her pursue her dreams, I’ll do it. I can’t lose her.”

  “You can’t let her go in this program, either!”

  Layne hadn’t raised his voice to him since the weekend at Jerry’s, when they’d argued over Heaven before. He appreciated Layne’s willingness to help. Even admired the new friendship he’d formed with Heaven. But God dammit, he and Heaven had the final say on how her safety was handled.

  “If this program keeps her safe—”

  “It won’t. Just trust me on this, okay? I’m not saying I believe in some of the freaky shit your mom believes in, but I know my gut. When it speaks to me, I’ve learned to listen. And right now, my gut is screaming at me to stop you. You send Heaven to that program, you’ll be sending her to her death.”

  * * *

  The longer Dylan stared at him, the more Layne wanted to find a rock to crawl under. He couldn’t explain all of this to Dylan. That every instinct inside him wanted to rip his friend’s head off for threatening to leave with Heaven. Not just because the thought of not seeing her made his insides shake. He knew it was wrong to feel that way about her. But he hadn’t lied about his gut. If he’d listened to it in the past, it would have saved him a world of trouble. He wouldn’t make that mistake again. Not with Heaven’s life.

  Especially after all of Nate’s threats. Including the ones he’d made toward him. About Layne’s part in… Anger burned through his body. He should have beaten the hell out of Dylan’s dad. Maybe it wasn’t too late.

  “Is there something you haven’t told me, Layne? I have this sick feeling in my gut—”

  “That makes two of us. You’re gut is telling you exactly what mine is. If you walk away right now, Heaven’s life is in more danger. You’re dad will go ballistic.”

  Dylan grabbed the box from the table, glancing over the shipping label. “Well, he’d have to catch us, first.”

  “Don’t tempt him. If you take off, I can’t tag along and help out. Plus your mom is here. Until we can figure out a solid plan, we can’t make any drastic changes.”

  “I don’t know. All I can think about is keeping her safe.” Dylan placed the box back on the table. But not before Layne noticed writing on the side.

  “Who’s that box for?”

  Dark eyes flashed over to his. “For Heaven. Why?”

  Layne pointed to the message. “Why does it say, don’t open in front of Dylan?”

  The box swished across the table as Dylan spun it. He gripped the package in both hands, pulling it to his chest. “What in the hell?”

  Nothing else was said. A snap of tape echoed in the air. Then the rip of paper. Dylan had his arms, elbow deep, inside the box. Shredded paper tossed about the edge. A few pieces dropped against the floor when Dylan pulled his arms back out.

  Inside clenched hands lay a paper clipping. A dated, newspaper clipping judging by the yellow tint.

  “What is it?” Layne asked, stepping closer.

  Flinching his jaw, Dylan finally looked away from the paper in his hands. “It’s a picture of me and Heaven. The first one that showed up in Truth.” He stretched his arm forward, offering Layne the clipping. His eyes never followed.

  With the paper at his fingertips, Layne snatched it up, gazing over the photo. But the words attached to the bottom blew him away.

  You don’t belong to him. You are mine. You will see.

  CHAPTER 11

  Heaven shifted in the passenger seat of Delia’s car, wishing the ache in her back w
ould stop thumping. A touch of guilt gripped her heart for having to leave her sisters. Especially knowing how much Faith needed both her and Hope. Though she’d never admit that. At least Hope was game for more shopping.

  She gazed at the horizon, happy to see the last of the storm clouds heading east. If only they could take away the uneasiness churning her stomach. She’d be a lot happier.

  Seeing the mob of paparazzi up ahead didn’t help soothe the anxiety flooding her body. They would camp at the gate for days, waiting to steal a moment of her and Dylan’s privacy. The last twenty-four hours had been long enough for her. But not to them.

  Vultures.

  She never understood the obsession people had with celebrities. Why someone would want to know what a person did with his every waking moment. Did these people not have lives or families?

  Thank God for tinted windows. And large hats. Add dark shades to the equation and the gossip hungry jerks would have a hard time getting a clear picture. Still, it wouldn’t stop them from trying.

  “Think you’ll ever get used to this madness?” Delia asked, slowing the car as they approached the gate.

  Heaven held her breath when cameras aimed for the car. She focused on her connection with Dylan, letting the hum of his energy wrap around her instead of the craziness unfolding outside.

  But no comfort came from Dylan. His vibrations spun around her, leaving her dizzy, like she’d just stepped off the tilt-a-whirl at the county fair. Guess he’d picked up on her discomfort first. Now their anxiety would reverberate until they were in each other’s arms. Luckily, that wouldn’t be much longer.

  “I doubt I’ll ever get used to it. Have you?”

  “Oh, they don’t bother me. I’m just the mother. There’s no scoop here. But you’re the fiancé. The soon-to-be-wife. Even if Dylan gave up being a rock star, he’d never lose their attention. Not completely.”

  The sound of the gate closing behind them helped to settle her nerves. As did growing closer to Dylan. The thought of running away with him sounded better, even if it was just a thought. And a wonderful fantasy it would be. No press. No flashing cameras. No private moments showing up in the news. Could he honestly make that happen?