“I’m still interested in whether you love—”
“He told me we were getting married. Can you believe that? He told me, like I was a child and not a grown woman. What the hell?”
Kyle turned down the radio. “Sounds like his father.”
“What do you mean?”
“When I met Mitch I hadn’t come out yet. I’d been in the closet a very long time. I didn’t want to hurt my family, or that was my excuse anyway. The truth was it was easier to not have to deal with any potential conflict. And Mitch, Mr. High and Mighty, called me on my bullshit real quick. We weren’t even dating.”
“Sounds familiar.”
“We met when we worked for the same tech company. There was a group of us, men and women, that hung out after work. Sometimes we would go to a baseball game or to happy hour. He was out, and one night we’d all gone to his house for a barbeque and I was the last person there. If you think I didn’t plan that then you’re crazy.”
She chuckled and was surprised she still had the capacity to laugh.
“Anyway, I was there and made it entirely clear that I was into him and that I wanted to go out with him.”
“And he said yes?”
“No. The rat bastard told me he wouldn’t date anyone who hadn’t come out. That he’d seen how destructive it could be and he wouldn’t be a part of it. I of course was completely offended and conflicted, because he was absolutely right. But I wasn’t going to tell him that.”
“So what happened?” She didn’t know if there was a point to this story or if Kyle was telling it to distract her from her own misery. Either way she appreciated it.
“We would see each other every day, and say hello. I had a wounded pride, but I’d be damned if I let him see it. Then one day, several months later, he brought a guy to one of our get-togethers. I was crushed. I guess I thought he would wait until I was ready to come out.” He gave her a sideways glance. “Which would’ve been never. Anyway, I went home that weekend and told my family.”
She pulled her knee into the seat and turned to face him. “Why would you risk your family rejecting you over a man who was dating someone else?”
“Because he was right, for one thing, and for another, I owed my family honesty. It was tough in the beginning, but they’ve all accepted it and loved and supported us. But the biggest reason was that I wanted Mitch. Period. And I’d do anything to be with him, even if it meant I had to look at my crap and face it to be with him. Nothing was more important. So you see, I know about bossy Rawlings men.”
She crossed her arms over her chest. “Did Jack tell you to tell me that story?”
“Jack doesn’t know that story, unless Mitch told him, and besides I haven’t seen Jack today.”
Tears splattered to her cheeks. Misery filled every one of them.
Kyle pulled into a strip mall parking lot. He smoothed a hand down her hair. “Honey, what’s the matter?”
“Oh, Kyle, I think I’ve really screwed up.”
“I’m sure you haven’t. Is this about your father?”
She nodded.
“I want to kick your father’s nuts into his throat.” He took her face in his hands and made her look at him. “You are precious, Luanne, precious. You were born into terrible circumstances, but that isn’t who you are. You’re not part of them. You’ve risen above their pettiness and forged your own path with your wits and your giant heart. You will not let them define who you are anymore, do you hear me?”
She tried to nod her head, but he was still holding her face. They both laughed, and he handed her a tissue from the console to wipe her face. “Thanks.”
“Now what does all this have to do with Jack?”
“I don’t know. It’s all mixed up in my head.” She sniffed and wiped her nose. “In my experience, love is mostly a lie. It makes promises and then it takes your soul. Look at the women in my family, me included, who’ve sold their dignity for crumbs of affection. I would die if I turned into my mother over Jack.”
“Luanne, do you feel weak when you’re with Jack?”
She thought about it. “No.”
“Do you feel used or uncared for with Jack?”
“No. Though I don’t like his bossy You are going to marry me crap.”
“Good. And are you going to tell him that?”
“Absolutely.”
“Would your mother ever have stood up to your father, or your grandmother?”
“No.”
“See, you’re nothing like them. And Jack is nothing like your father.”
“You’re right. But if we’re going to get married he has to understand that if he tries that shit anymore, I’ll cut off his balls.”
Kyle’s smile lit up the car. “That’s my girl.”
She stared at her hands in her lap. She really was going to marry Jack, because she loved him. She loved Jack Avery. Crazy.
“Kyle, would you take me back to Mimi’s house? I’ve got a fiancé whose ass I need to kick.”
Jack paced the living room, heartsick and exhausted. He’d royally screwed up and he knew it. But he didn’t know how to make things right. Even though he was apparently horrible at relationships, he knew in his gut she had to come back to him. He’d grovel for days, but she had to be the one to return, or it would never work between them. Bottom line, she had to trust him enough to come back and fight this out.
The sun cast tiny rainbows through the stained glass Mimi had hung in the front window. Luanne was probably getting on the plane by now.
He missed her. She’d become so much a part of his life, he couldn’t imagine a day without her.
His phone dinged with an incoming text. Maybe it was her. The device nearly flipped out of his hand as he yanked it from his pocket. It wasn’t her. It was his dad. With a trembling finger he swiped the screen and opened the text. It was short and to the point and made his knees turn to water.
Ray: I’m sorry I was an ass.
Jack: It’s alright.
Ray: No, it’s not.
Jack: Can I call you?
Ray: Not yet. Give me a little more time. I love you, Jack.
Jack: I love you, Dad.
The thousand-pound weight he’d been carrying around since he read that letter lifted and blew away. He and his dad could work this whole emotional mess out, but it would take some time. He wanted to tell Luanne. Everything he did or thought came back to Luanne. This was going to be one long, lonely life if he couldn’t make it right between them.
He heard Kyle’s car come up the drive. He couldn’t bear to see him. Kyle probably hated his guts too, after talking to Luanne. She’d come to care for Kyle in the short time they’d been there, and would’ve shared all the stupid things Jack had done to make her run.
He couldn’t face Kyle, so he made his way upstairs to avoid the man.
He heard the front door open just as he closed the bedroom door. Footsteps pounded up the stairs and he squared his shoulders, ready for battle. Evidently Kyle wasn’t going to let him off the hook.
When the door flew open he almost went to his knees. His fiery pixie stood there, like an avenging angel ready to do battle.
“Luanne.”
“Don’t Luanne me, mister. I have a bone to pick with you.”
“I’m sure you do.” He allowed a spark of hope to crawl through his belly.
She advanced into the room with a can of whoop-ass in her back pocket. He was in for it, and he’d never been happier.
“You and I, we need to get a few things straight.”
He shoved his hands into his back pockets to keep from reaching for her. He was thrilled to see her, but he wasn’t an idiot. If he tried to touch her right now, he’d probably pull back a nub. “I’m all ears.”
“First, you will not tell me that I am in love with you. I will tell you that I love you, do you understand?”
“Do you?” He could barely get the words out of his throat.
That threw her. “Yes. But that’s no
t the point. Second—”
“Screw it.” He’d risk dismemberment, because he had to get his hands on her. His arms went around her and he crushed her lips with his. She didn’t fight him. She was warm and pliable against his body and returned the kiss with everything she had. Then she tried to push him away. But he had her in weight and didn’t budge, although he did stop kissing her.
“I’m not finished. Don’t try to distract me.”
“You’re right, I’m sorry.” He nibbled up the side of her neck.
“Um…what was I saying?”
He licked the shell of her ear. “Second.”
“Oh, yeah, second. You will not tell,—mmmm…” The moan she let out rattled the windows.
“Yes?” He moved to the other side of her neck.
“You will not tell me we are getting married. You will ask me like any civilized person.”
He stopped feasting on her neck and dropped to one knee and took her hand in his. “Luanne Price, will you forgive me for being the biggest idiot alive?”
She caught her lip between her teeth, then released it. “Yes.”
“Will you also forgive me for not begging you to stay earlier, and for not telling you that you’re the only thing of value in my life?”
A tear slipped down her cheek and she let it fall. “Yes.”
“And will you put me out of my misery and agree to be my wife?”
She nodded while the tears flowed freely. “Yes.”
He scooped her up and spun her around. “I love you, Lou.”
She held his face in her hands. “I love you too, Jack Avery. But if you ever do anything like that again, I’ll cut your balls off and feed them to the pigs.”
“You have such a way with words, darlin’.”
“Shut up and kiss me.”
Epilogue
“Honey, I think I have enough hair spray.” Luanne shielded her eyes from the aerosol attack.
Honey’s laugh could be heard back in Texas. “Oh, girl, you can never have too much hair spray, or good lovin’.”
Luanne examined herself in the mirror, then glanced around the room at Scarlett fussing with Aiden’s bow tie, Kyle coordinating things with the caterer, and Mimi and Leslie arranging the bouquets, and had to agree with Honey. “I guess you’re right.”
She was marrying Jack Avery in twenty minutes. Who could’ve ever predicted that? The ceremony was being held in Mimi’s church, with only family and a few of Mimi’s friends. They hadn’t done it as soon as Jack had wanted. She’d had to return to Zachsville to pass her cases off to another attorney in town, close her bank accounts, and sell her house and her car. That last one had hurt—she did love that car—but when she came to Jack it would be with every tie to her father severed.
Not only had it been about finishing with the past, it had been about securing a wonderful future. Details had to be hashed out. Excitement zipped through her at the thought of the new challenge before her. She wasn’t talking about living with her new husband, although that was sure to be an adventure. She was now an equal partner with Gavin and Jack in Honey Child Records.
Her birth family was nowhere to be seen, but the family of her heart was in attendance, and treating her like she was the most important thing in the world.
“Lou, look how adorable he is.” Scarlett stood Aiden up on a chair to show him off. Aiden promptly stuck his finger in his nose.
“He is adorable. Looks just like his father.”
Scarlett laughed. “Aiden, get your finger out of there.”
The kid giggled and kissed her on the lips.
Kyle clapped his hands. “Okay, ladies, it’s go time. Take your seats and your places and the bride and I will be out shortly.”
Scarlett hugged her and whispered in her ear, “You look beautiful, and so happy.”
She squeezed her best friend and matron of honor’s hand. “I’ve never been happier.”
“You swear on the collective souls of NSYNC?”
Luanne laughed. “I swear.”
Scarlett’s smile was beautiful. “See you at the altar.”
When the room was empty except for her and Kyle she blew out a huge breath. She wasn’t nervous at all—she knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that she and Jack were meant to be together. But the adrenaline overload made it hard to breathe.
Kyle smoothed out the fabric of her flowing wedding dress and adjusted the flower halo in her hair. “You look like a fairy princess. The silver in the dress brings out the light blue flecks in your irises so beautifully.”
She caught his hand and brought it to her lips. “Thank you.”
“You don’t have to thank me for a thing.” He kissed her forehead. “I loved every minute of it.”
How he’d pulled together a wedding in only a few months was beyond her. She kissed his cheek. “Still, I want you to know how much I appreciate it.”
“I’m sorry your grandmother chose not to attend.” He handed her the bouquet.
“Me too, but I’m really okay with it.” She’d invited Gigi, but her grandmother had declined…by text. She’d also received an email stating that she’d been cut out of the will. That had been the most freeing day of her life.
“Thank you for the privilege of walking you down the aisle.” He straightened his tie in the mirror and smoothed back his hair.
He’d become more of a father to her in a few short months than Marcus had been in her whole life. “Who else would I pick? You’re my fairy godfather.”
He chucked her under the chin. “And don’t you ever forget it. Ready?”
She slipped her hand through his crooked arm. “Ready.”
It was a perfect day. Not a cloud in the sky, and the temperature was in the low sixties, but Jack was sweating like a pig.
“You okay, son?” Mitch slapped him on the back.
“Yeah.”
“You sure? You look a little green.”
Jack chuckled and scrubbed his face. “I’m not nervous about marrying, Luanne. I’m positive about that decision. It’s just…”
“Your dad?”
Emotion welled up in him and he couldn’t speak, so he nodded.
“I understand. He’ll come around. This is hard stuff. You can’t blame him for needing some time to process it.”
“You’re right. I know you’re right. I’d hoped he’d change his mind and come.”
“I get it. There’s no substitute for your dad.”
Jack squeezed Mitch’s shoulder. “Hey, you’re my dad too, and I’m happy about that.” And he was. Over the last few months, he and Mitch had begun to forge a relationship that he was grateful for.
Mitch looked away and blinked several times. “Me too, son.”
Jack’s world shifted off its axis and he sucked in a sharp breath.
“What?”
“He’s here.” Jack could barely speak around the ball of emotion in his throat.
Mitch did cry then. “Well, damn it, now I’m crying. I’m happy for you, Jack, for so many things.”
“Thank you. That means a lot coming from you.”
“I’m going to find my seat before I make a scene.” He shook Jack’s hand and went to sit by Mimi.
Jack made his way to his father, who looked small in a suit that used to fit him but was now a size too large. “Hey, Dad.”
“Jack.”
“I’m so happy you came.”
For a minute his father looked uncertain, then he grabbed Jack in a bear hug. “Of course I came. My son’s getting married. Besides, your mama would kill me if I missed this.”
They broke apart, both wiping tears and laughing.
His dad shoved his hands in the pockets of his slacks. “But I can’t stay after and meet these people. Not yet, and maybe not ever. You understand?”
“Absolutely.”
“But you bring that new wife of yours to our house, and we’ll have a proper Cajun celebration.” He patted Jack’s cheek. “I love you, son.”
“
I love you too, Dad.”
Ray pointed toward the altar. “Looks like things are about to start. I’ll sit back here if that’s okay.” He indicated the last row of chairs.
“It’s perfectly fine. I’ll call you in a couple of days.”
“You better.”
Jack made his way down the aisle of Mimi’s little church to the pastor. When he got to his spot Gavin shook his hand. “You ready for this, Jackson?”
“You bet your life I am.”
The music started, Beau began to sing, and a hush fell over the crowd.
“Who’s that?” Gavin said from the corner of his mouth.
“My cousin,” Jack whispered back.
“Did you sign him?” Gavin asked.
“Workin’ on it.”
“Work harder. We need him.”
He agreed, but when he saw Luanne and Kyle come through the double doors of the sanctuary, all thoughts of his cousin vanished. Gorgeous. A huge smile split his face when their eyes met. But when she saw him, she stumbled a step and pulled Kyle to a stop. His heart froze. What was she doing? He tried to ignore the voice in his head screaming, She’s a runner.
She whispered something in Kyle’s ear, and tried to tug her hand from his arm, while Kyle shook his head and tried to pull her back. When she got free, she picked up the front of her dress.
He’d seen this move before—it was how she’d looked when she ran out of the wedding venue the first time. Panic bloomed in his chest. Oh, hell no. But before he could take a step to go after her, she was running down the aisle to him.
When she was only a few steps away, she leaped. He caught her, and swung her around.
“You had me scared for a minute, trouble.”
She held his face in her hands. “Don’t be afraid. If I’m running, it’s only to be with you, sweet talker.”
There’s More!
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Running From the Law
Brides on the Run (Books 1-4) Page 51
