Dean enjoyed the gathering but the one person he needed to speak with privately was constantly surrounded by one person or another. He needed to talk to him and fast before he made any plans.
“You look about ready to jump out of your skin.” Keith laughed as he sat next to Dean in the booth.
“I’ve been trying to talk to Kurt alone since I got here but he’s hard to get away from everyone.” Dean watched Alice and Cora tug Kurt into the pub.
“Uncle Kurt, come here for a sec,” Keith shouted.
“Really?” Dean shook his head.
“Sometimes the obvious works.” Keith laughed.
Kurt plopped down in the seat across from Dean and Keith. He had a grin from ear to ear, and Dean figured he was about to wipe that off his face if the man didn’t want to hear what Dean was about to ask.
“Bull needs to chat with ya.” Keith winked at his uncle and left them alone.
“What’s up?” Kurt slouched back in the seat.
“I need to talk to you, but I don’t want anyone to hear our conversation.” Dean winced when Kurt’s brow furrowed.
“Outside,” he pointed to the entrance and grabbed his jacket from the coat check.
“Where are you two going?” Alice asked as she grabbed a glass from behind the counter.
“I need to show Bull my early Christmas gift.” Kurt winked at his wife and practically pushed Dean through the front door.
Outside the snow slowed but most vehicles in the lot were snow covered. Kurt stomped down the stairs and made his way to the truck on the other side of the lot.
Dean followed and felt like a boy about to be sent to bed without supper. Kurt looked pissed, and Dean prayed it wasn’t because Kurt figured out what Dean was about to ask. If that was the case, it wasn’t going to end the way he wanted.
“Should you really be getting behind the wheel of the truck?” Dean asked as he jumped into the passenger side.
“Do you see me driving?” Kurt snapped. “If Alice asks, you think my new remote starter is great. Now what the fuck is going on?” Kurt turned in the seat and glared at Dean
“It’s nothing bad, honestly. At least I don’t think it’s bad but …” Dean swallowed hard.
“Spit it out for Christ’s sake,” Kurt growled.
“I want to ask Kristy to marry me.” Dean practically shouted.
Kurt’s expression didn’t change as he stared at Dean. It was so quiet inside the truck that Dean could hear the snow clicking against the windshield. He wanted to look away from Kurt’s glare, but his father always said never be the first to break a staring contest.
“She’s my baby girl.” Kurt finally said.
“I know.” Dean nodded.
“She’s the one that’s most like her mother.” Kurt didn’t look away.
“That’s a good thing. Alice is an amazing lady.” Dean smiled but lost it when Kurt didn’t react.
Kurt didn’t speak for a few seconds, but he did turn in the seat and looked away from Dean. He stared through the windshield and Dean did the same.
“You better not break her heart.” Kurt’s voice was barely above a whisper.
“I won’t.” Dean glanced toward Kurt the man was like a stone.
“I’ll kick your fucking ass if you do.” Kurt tapped his fingers on the steering wheel.
“I wouldn’t expect you not to.” Dean did his best not to smile, but it was hard.
“I knew she’d be the first one.” Kurt shifted in the seat. “Let’s see the ring and don’t say you don’t have it because I really will kick your ass.”
Dean reached into his pocket and pulled out the small red velvet box he’d been carrying around for the last week. He placed it in Kurt’s hand and watched him open the box.
“A red heart.” Kurt took the ring out of the box.
“Yeah,” Dean didn’t want to give Kristy the traditional diamond ring. It had to be as special as she was.
“When are you going to ask her?” Kurt put the ring back in the box and gave it back to Dean.
“When do you think I should?” Dean valued Kurt’s opinions, and Kurt knew his daughters very well.
“Her birthday is February fifteenth.” Kurt smiled for the first time since they walked out of Jack’s Place.
“You don’t think I should ask her over Christmas?” Dean had initially planned to ask her on Christmas morning.
“No, I think you should ask her on her birthday at one minute past midnight.” Kurt smiled.
“Why would you be so specific?” Dean chuckled.
“Because that was the time she was born.” Kurt smiled. “We thought she would be a Valentine’s baby, but she didn’t quite make it.”
“That’s perfect. Especially since the house will be finished by the first week of February.” Dean’s plan might have changed, but it became a whole lot better.
“Are you going to do it alone or with the family?” Kurt asked as they walked back across the lot.
“Do you want to be there, Kurt?” Dean laughed.
“I was there the day she was born. You’re fucking right I do but if you’d rather not I understand.” Dean didn’t mind because he wanted the whole world to know he wanted to marry her.
“Then you’ll be there with the family.” Dean wrapped his arm around Kurt’s shoulder.
“I hope she doesn’t say no.” Kurt laughed.
Dean hoped so too.
Chapter 28
Kristy stood on the front porch of Isabelle’s house and watched the snow fall to the ground. Christmas had come and gone, and it was the start of a brand-new year.
She wrapped the blanket tighter around her shoulders and watched the swirl of flakes blow across the steps. She sipped on the glass of wine and listened to the gabbing women inside her sister’s house.
They finally got the chance to have a full-on girl’s night. A crowd that included, her sisters, cousin, cousin-in-laws, friends, mothers, and even her grandmother.
Kristy was in pure heaven and for the first time in her life she was content in everything. Well, almost.
She looked at the house next to Isabelle’s and sighed. The new owners were almost finished with the inside, but the entire outside looked terrific. They’d even installed a porch swing that was currently not there, but she’d seen Matt install the hooks just before Christmas.
“It looks really good doesn’t it.” Kristy turned around to see Billie huddled under a blanket and a hat pulled down over her ears.
“It does.” Kristy tried not to sound disappointed.
“How’s that hot man of yours doing?” Billie linked into Kristy’s arm and smiled.
“Dean is amazing.” Kristy couldn’t help the sigh.
“I remember that feeling.” Billie laughed. “Hell, I still have that feeling.”
“I would hope, so you’re not even married a year.” Kristy laughed.
“I know. Can I tell you a secret?” Billie whispered.
“Of course.” Kristy loved secrets.
“You can’t tell anyone because Mike has this thing about telling everyone at the family dinner, but I’m busting to tell someone.” Billie wiggled back and forth.
“I promise my lips are sealed.” Kristy grinned as Billie glanced behind her to make sure nobody had come outside.
“I’m pregnant,” Billie whispered.
“Oh my god!” Kristy whispered and hugged her.
“I know. We’re so happy.” Billie laughed.
“I guess that’s why you volunteered to be the Driver of drunks tonight.” Kristy laughed.
“Yeah,”
Their private conversation was interrupted when Sandy shouted for them to come in and watch Nanny Betty drink a shot of tequila.
“Jesus, she’s trying to kill my grandmother.” Kristy laughed as they moved back into the house.
She stopped for a moment and took one long look at the house again. With a heavy sigh, she closed the door not only to her sister’s house but to ever owning
the home of her dreams.
Kristy spent the next few weeks avoiding any talk about her birthday. She was about to turn thirty in two days, and for some reason, it bothered her. She didn’t know why but the last thing she wanted to do was celebrate becoming the big three o as her sister kept reminding her.
When she stepped out of the shower and wrapped herself in a huge fluffy towel, she stared at herself in the mirror. She didn’t look thirty or feel it. Well maybe sometimes after a hard shift but she didn’t feel any different than she did at twenty.
So why did the thought of it make her stomach turn? She was happy with her life. She had a man that she loved, and he loved her. She loved her new job. She had a great family and awesome friends. She didn’t want to turn thirty. It was so stupid.
“Kitten, I need to show you something tomorrow night.” Dean pulled her out of her funk as he wrapped his arms around her waist.
“Can you show me now?” Kristy turned into his embrace and rubbed her hands against his bare chest.
“I can show you something now, but I still need to show you something tomorrow.” Dean grinned.
“Please don’t tell me were going to that Valentine’s dinner at Isabelle’s restaurant.” Kristy groaned.
“Okay, I might as well tell you because you’re going to be a big baby about this. Your family has a surprise party planned for your birthday. They are having it tomorrow because they said you’d expect it on your birthday. Please don’t tell them I told you.” Dean sighed.
“I warned them,” Kristy growled.
“I’m supposed to blindfold you and bring you to the restaurant by midnight.” Dean laughed.
“Midnight on Valentine’s day? They think that wouldn’t give me a hint.” Kristy sighed and faked a cough. “I think I’m coming down with the flu.”
“Cute but I’m not getting in trouble with your mother and sisters, Kitten. They scare me almost as much as your grandmother does.” Dean started to back out of the bathroom pulling her with him. “But if you agree to be a good girl I’ll fuck you until you do that eye roll thing and then make you scream.”
He really knew how to get her motor running and get her to do something she didn’t want to do.
“Fine but you have to do that tomorrow night too.” Kristy dropped the towel she had around her and followed the man she loved.
Chapter 29
Dean was seriously about to throw up. He’d glanced at his watch so often that he was sure it stopped a couple of times. Kristy dressed for her surprise party which wasn’t a birthday party at all, but she didn’t know that.
She looked sexy as hell with her red dress that clung to her every curve. It didn’t reveal a lot of skin because of the long sleeves and high neckline but it fit her like a glove. The sight of her walking out of his room with that dress and high heeled boots that went up to just below her knee had him painfully hard.
“You look incredible, Kitten.” Dean grinned when she narrowed her eyes and glared at him.
“Thank you, but I’d rather stay here and forget this whole charade.” Kristy huffed as she plopped down on the couch.
“Come on, they love you and want to celebrate that.” Dean grabbed her hands and pulled her to her feet. “Besides, think about what I have to do when we get home.”
“We could do that now.” She ran her fingernail down the center of his chest where his shirt was open.
“I love you, Kitten but I’m not pissing off any of the O’Connor women.” Dean chuckled.
“I’m an O’Connor woman, and you’re pissing me off.” She pouted.
“Yeah, but I can change that pout by doing this.” Dean pulled her against him and dropped his head so he could suck her earlobe into his mouth.
“Not fair.” Kristy gasped.
Before he could do anything else the alarm on his phone beeped. It was time to put his plan into action. He pulled the blindfold out of his pocket and held it up.
“Do we have to do that?” She groaned.
“If you’re good I’ll let you use it on me later,” Dean whispered into her ear.
He managed to guide her out to his truck and get her inside with no issues. Well, except for her mumbling about her sisters and family but other than that he was on the right track.
He’d spent two days timing himself on how long it would take him to get to the house and walk her up to the door of their new home. Jess had been a stand in the day before as he went through it one last time. He had a total of five minutes to get to the house and two minutes to walk her up to the front porch. Once he removed the blindfold and showed her the house, his alarm would sound to let him know it was time to propose.
God, let this work.
Right on time, he pulled up into the driveway of their new home. Kristy grumbled as he helped her out of the truck and walked her up to the front of the house.
“Where are you taking me?” Kristy sighed.
“Just a couple more steps.” He chuckled
Dean watched Jess and Isabelle through the enormous windows at the front of the house. They pulled the drapes closed so Kristy didn’t see them until he was ready to propose.
“Okay, are you ready?” Dean whispered in her ear and turned her, so she faced the beach.
“Yes, honey.” He smiled at her sarcasm.
Dean untied the blindfold and dropped it to the ground. In his hand, he had the key to the front door, and he dangled it in front of her face.
“What? Where are we?” Kristy spun around once and then again.
“Surprise.” Dean shook the key in front of her.
“What?” Kristy took the key, but he didn’t miss her shaking hand.
“This house is ours.” Dean smiled down at her.
“Ours? Seriously?” Kristy stared at him as if he didn’t speak English.
“Yes,” He cupped her cheek in his hand. “I bought it for you.”
“It’s ours? Really?” She couldn’t look more beautiful if she tried because her smile lit up the whole front of the house.
“If you want it.” Dean laughed.
“Are you kidding me right now? Of course, I want it and …” Kristy stopped when the alarm on his phone beeped, and he pushed the doorbell. His cue to let her family know to open the drapes.
Kristy jumped back when both windows filled with the grinning faces of her family, but when she turned to Dean, he’d already dropped to his knee.
“Oh my God.” Kristy covered her mouth with both her hands.
“Kitten, I bought this house for you because I wanted to see that face light up the way it just did. You came into my life, and for the longest time I kept you at a distance but when I finally let you close you climbed inside this scarred up heart and healed it. I bought this place because I love you more than I could ever tell you and the only thing that would make it better is if we could live here together with you as my wife.” Dean pulled out the box and opened it. “Kristy Elizabeth O’Connor, would you make me the happiest man in the world and say you’ll be my wife? Kitten, will you marry me?”
“Oh my God.” Kristy gasped and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Oh my God.”
“You keep saying that, but I need you to say a little three letter word.” Dean chuckled when she started to stomp her feet but didn’t release the hold she had around his neck.
“Oh my God, Yes. Of course, yes. Are you serious?” Kristy pulled back and stared into his eyes.
“I’m very serious.” Dean stood up and took her hand in his.
“Really? Oh my God, Really?” Kristy shook as he slipped the ring on her finger.
“Really. Happy Birthday, Kitten. It’s not my birthday, but you gave me the most amazing present any man could ask for.” Dean pulled her into his arms and pressed his lips against hers.
The sound of cheering from inside the house slowly disappeared as she melted into his kiss. The love of an incredible woman healed Dean Nash. His love. His heart. His Kitten.
Epilogue
Nick
O’Connor was glad his shift was over. He’d spent his entire shift pouring over coroner reports for the latest of the murdered women found outside the city limits. His brother had put him and three other officers on a task force to find out who the hell killed these women.
The worst part was the four victims had similar features to not only his cousins and his brother Keith’s wife but a striking resemblance to the cute waitress that worked at his aunt Alice’s pub. The one that made his heart race every time he saw her.
His shift was over, and now he was ready to brighten up his day with a visit to Jack’s Place. He wasn’t even going to go home to change because he might miss a few minutes with her. She didn’t know he was there to see her because Lora Norris wasn’t even aware he existed beyond one of her boss’s annoying nephews. No, she wasn’t like most women he met.
Nick wasn’t arrogant, but he never had trouble with the ladies. He knew he was attractive and used it to his advantage. It’s why his older brothers called him and the youngest of the O’Connor brothers man whores. Nick preferred to call it enjoying the beauty that was a woman.
He pulled open the heavy oak door to the pub and sighed at the cool air-conditioned foyer. June in Newfoundland was usually not hot, but over the last three days, it had hit in the mid-twenties. Of course, that would seem cold to some people, but since the temperature was in Celsius, it was pretty hot. It also didn’t help when you had to walk up to a crime scene with a body that had been there at least a few days.
Nick pulled off his cap and walked into the quaint pub that was divided into a cozy eat in restaurant and an old-fashioned Irish pub. His aunt and uncle owned it, but his aunt Alice ran Jack’s pub. His uncle Kurt was the chief of police and a silent owner. The only input he had was the name. Jack’s Place. Named after Jack O’Connor Nick’s grandfather. He’d passed away years before but was still missed by everyone.
Nick scanned the bar, but to his disappointment, she wasn’t there. Instead his cousin Kristy poured a cup of coffee for her fiancé who sat on the other side of the bar.
“I don’t want a huge wedding, Kitten.” Dean ‘Bull’ Nash groaned as she set the cup down in front of him.
Hidden Betrayal (O'Connor Girls Book 1) Page 26
