Lola: A Reed Security Romance (Reed Security Series Book 8)
Page 26
“It’s okay, man. She’d want this.”
“I know,” I choked out. When I finally released him, we walked back to my group of friends and one by one, they walked over to me and gave me a hug that I gladly accepted. It was cathartic to finally let go after all these years, to know that I wouldn’t let Cassie’s memory haunt me anymore. Lola walked up to me hesitantly and I yanked her into my arms, needing to feel her body against mine. “It’s over,” I whispered in her ear. “It’s time to move on.”
She didn’t say anything, just held me for a few minutes until I felt the pain ease in my chest and acceptance take over. It had taken a long time to get here, but I was finally able to let go of Cassie and truly move on with my life.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Lola
THERE WAS SOMETHING I had been wanting to do for a long time now. Ever since Ryan went to Cassie’s grave and said his final goodbyes to her, I felt that maybe there were some things that I had been holding onto also.If I was truly going to move on with my life, there was just one last thing to take care of. I pulled into Cole’s driveway and parked, taking a deep breath before I got out and headed for the front door. Cole looked a little shocked to see me, but motioned me in and stepped aside.
“Something I can help you with?”
“I’m actually here to see Alex.”
When I looked up at him, I could see the concern on his face, so I tried for a small smile to ease the tension. The last thing I wanted was to bring up bad memories for either of us, but this was necessary for me to move on. Cole nodded and returned a moment later with Alex in tow.
“Hi Lola,” Alex said curiously. “You wanted to see me?”
“Yeah, uh, do you mind if we sit for a minute?”
“Sure.” She walked over to the couch and I took a seat next to her, fidgeting with anything I could to try and work up the nerve to say what I needed to.
“I came here to thank you.”
“For what?”
“That day at the safe house. When Jeffrey got me, I didn’t want you to put down your gun. I wanted you to shoot him, even if it meant killing me too. And then when he had me tied to that chair…”
“I think that’s enough, Lola,” Cole cut in angrily. “We don’t need to rehash this.”
“Let her finish,” Alex said sympathetically.
I nodded and cleared my throat so I could continue. “I was angry that you had put me in the position to be tortured and I never told you this, but I blamed you all these years for not shooting me. I blamed you because I had to relive that nightmare every night.”
“She did too,” Cole said fiercely.
“I know. But I came here today to thank you because you saved my life that day. You knew that there was a better chance for us to both walk away if you went along with his plan. I’m alive today because you were strong enough to do what I didn’t want to do. And I’ve found someone that truly loves me, despite the scars I have. I would have missed out on so much if I had taken the easy way out. So, thank you.”
She gripped my hand and gave it a squeeze. “I think we all saved each other that day. But thank you for telling me.”
“I didn’t mean to bring up old memories, but I really wanted to close this chapter of my life.”
“I live with those memories every day. It never goes away, but it does get better. You know, you saved me that day too. You know as well as I do that if he hadn’t brought you in the house, he would have come right after me. I’m not sure I would have survived that again. So, even though I’m sorry for what you went through, I’m grateful that you were there.”
We talked for a few more minutes, but I could tell that Cole wasn’t too happy with me being there and dredging up old memories. I thanked her for her time and left before Cole decided that he wanted to strangle me. I felt lighter than I had in years and finally felt like I could truly move on with my life.
✯✯✯✯✯
It was just another lazy Saturday around the house. I had gotten used to my weekends being filled with laughter with Ryan and James. Ryan had asked me to move in with him and I took him up on it right away. I didn’t want to be away from either of them ever again. They were the family I never knew I wanted and every day was a breath of fresh air for me.
It was cold outside and the fire was roaring, keeping the house nice and warm. I wasn’t scheduled to work today, so I curled up on the couch and watched movies with James. Ryan was getting some work done on some accounts that he needed to finish up and then he would be joining us.
“So, are you really done with security assignments?” James asked when the movie was over.
“Yeah.”
“And you’re cool with that?”
“It was the decision I made.”
“But…I mean, are you happy?”
“James, I gave my whole life to the military and then to Reed Security. It was what I loved more than anything else in the world.” James’s face fell and I smiled. “But then I met your dad and got to spend time with both of you. Suddenly, my job wasn’t quite so important to me and I found that I really liked the quieter life. I can still train with everyone, but my time for going out on jobs is done. I want this life with you and your dad and I don’t regret walking away for a second.”
“You’re sure?”
“I’ve never been more sure about anything in my life. And you know what? There was a lot of stuff that I went through and maybe someday I’ll tell you about it, but for now, I want you to understand that walking away and being with you and your dad has done more for me than all the therapy in the world could ever do.”
I felt strong arms wrap around me from behind as Ryan sank down on the couch with me. His lips kissed my neck and then my temple. “I love you,” Ryan murmured.
“I love you, too. That’s what made this decision so easy. It was the only thing that made sense to me.”
“So, not to put pressure on you guys or anything, but are we going to be an actual family now?”
“Would you be okay with that?” Ryan asked.
“Dad, you don’t need my permission to move on. You know Mom would be happy and as long as you two are happy; that’s all I care about.”
“Yeah, I’m happy, little man.”
“So, does this mean we’re going to Vegas?” he asked excitedly.
“No,” Ryan said firmly and any hope I had fizzled inside me. “When I ask Lola to marry me, we aren’t going to run off in some quick ceremony with no one around. Lola’s going to wear a pretty, white-”
“Red,” I interrupted. Ryan raised an eyebrow at me. “What? I don’t look good in white. Besides, I’m definitely not the traditional bride.”
“Alright. Lola’s going to wear a sexy, red dress and we’re going to say our vows in front of all our family and friends. Then we’re going to have a big party to celebrate.”
“Where I can drink?”
“Sure,” Ryan grinned.
“Really?”
“No, but nice try.”
“Man! So close.”
“Not close at all, but you can keep dreaming,” Ryan smirked.
“So, when will this wedding be taking place?” I asked curiously.
Ryan ran his fingers down the side of my face, brushing my hair out of the way. “That depends.”
“On what?” I asked.
“On whether or not you like the ring I got you.” Ryan held up the most gorgeous, simple solitaire engagement ring I had ever seen. It wasn’t huge and it wasn’t ostentatious. It was classic and exactly my style. I swiped at the tears that were falling from my eyes and punched him in the shoulder.
He grimaced and rubbed his shoulder. “That wasn’t really the reaction I was expecting.”
“Why did you have to do this to me?”
“What exactly did I do to you?” he asked worriedly.
“You made me into a girl. I cry now. I’ve never been a crier, but I met you and your cryingness wore off on me. Now I cry all the time.”<
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“I’m sorry?” he said apologetically.
“It’s okay. I suppose this is a good cry.”
“Does that mean your answer is yes? Because I’m a little confused by your reaction.”
“Yes, you big jerk. My answer is yes,” I grinned. He slipped the ring on my finger as my eyes filled with tears again.
“You know, this is probably some kind of record,” Ryan said.
“What are you talking about?”
“Well, I was punched and called a name after proposing to you. Not many men could claim that kind of fame,” he smirked.
“You aren’t most men,” I said as I looked into his eyes. He kissed me hard, wrapping his arms around me and holding me close. His tongue clashed with mine, taking every inch of me and melting me into a puddle at his feet. His hands started roaming my body, caressing every curve of my body and-
“Uh, guys? You know I’m still in the room, right?”
CHAPTER TWENTY
Ryan
I WALKED INTO the house that I now shared with my wife, Lola, and my son, whistling happily as I walked into the living room to see James snuggled up on the couch with his girlfriend, Annie. They were both reading books and he was gently stroking her hair. I smiled, knowing that kid would be making his mama proud right now.
Lola was lying down on the couch, her belly protruding with a little basketball size bump that was our daughter. Her legs were resting over the arm of the couch and she had a Guns and Ammo magazine held up above her face. I sat down next to her and lifted her head, resting it on my lap. She continued to read about the latest weapons while I picked up the book that James and I were currently reading.
We had kept with the tradition all this time and occasionally got Lola to join us. Lola and I had gotten married a year ago in a small ceremony with just friends and family. Cassie’s parents had been there and while it made me nervous, they were so happy to see James and I so happy. They had even told me that Lola was like a second daughter to them and they were happy to have someone to spoil. I knew this was hard on them, but they were one hundred percent sincere in their love for the both of us.
“How’s our little peanut doing today?” I asked Lola, rubbing her belly affectionately.
“She’s kicking like crazy. I think she’s trying to kick her way out of me right now.”
“Nah, she’s just getting ready for training at Reed Security.”
She grunted. “Sebastian will be happy about that.”
“I just ask that you limit her training to age appropriate things.”
“So, you don’t want me to give her a knife until, what? Five?”
“Let’s just say, I don’t think you should teach her anything your parents wouldn’t have taught you.”
She snorted and flipped her magazine page. “I don’t think you really want me to follow those guidelines.”
She sat up gingerly and stretched her back, groaning. “Oh, man. I think I’m going to go take a bath. My back is killing me.”
“Okay, baby. I put some new bath shit in there for you.”
“Thanks,” she smiled, leaning forward and kissing me on the lips.
I watched her waddle from the room with her hand resting on her back. She had a month to go and she was in great shape, but she wasn’t used to something slowing her down so much. Some days she overdid it and would pay for it for days. James came over and plopped down on the couch next to me, putting his feet up on the table.
“So, is she doing okay? She’s seems a little tired.”
“Wouldn’t you be if you were carrying around a human inside you?”
He shrugged and reached for the nuts on the table. I nudged him in the side, jerking my head across the room at Annie, who was enthralled in a book. “So, have you, uh, stolen home yet?”
“You know,” he said thoughtfully. “I really thought about what you told me and I really love Annie, but we talked about it and we decided to wait. We’re young. We don’t need to rush into anything.”
I nodded and stole a few peanuts from the dish, popping them in my mouth. “She told you she wasn’t ready, right?”
“Yeah, totally shot me down.”
I laughed as I sat on the couch with my son, eating peanuts and thinking how great life was. Two years ago, I had been finding love with Lola, but battling my feelings for Cassie. Now, I was happily married and had a baby on the way. My son adored Lola and my house was once again a happy place. I still thought of Cassie from time to time, but my memories were now filled with happiness that she had given me such a wonderful son and one great year that I would never forget for the rest of my life.
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For The Love Of A Good Woman Series:
Jack: A romantic comedy
Cole: A romantic thriller
Logan: A revenge novel
Drew: A new beginnings romance
Sebastian: A mystery/thriller romance
Sean: A Love Triangle Romance
Ryan: A Contemporary Romance
The Reed Security Series:
Sinner: A Reed Security Romance
Cap: A Reed Security Romance
Cazzo: A Reed Security Romance
Knight: A Reed Security Romance
Irish: A Reed Security Romance
Hunter: A Reed Security Romance
Whiskey: A Reed Security Romance
Lola: A Reed Security Romance
Ice: A Reed Security Romance, Dec. 18, 2018
Also coming soon: The Cortell Brothers
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