Intense blue eyes met hers. “Yes.”
“Thanks for that.” She shook her head. “Such a small word, thanks. So inadequate for what you’ve done. But sincere nonetheless.”
His lips quirked. “You’re welcome. Tori, Brian is anxious to see you. Are you feeling up to it?”
She appreciated that he’d asked. She guessed that as a Callaghan and a resident of Pine Ridge, he was probably a friend of Brian’s. What impressed her was her belief that if she said ‘no’, Michael would respect her wishes.
But she didn’t want to say no. It had been Brian’s face she had seen up on that mountain. His body looming protectively over hers as he begged her to stay conscious. She knew, without a doubt, that it had been Brian who had noticed she was missing and had found a way to save her.
“Yes, I am.”
Tori smoothed her hair, then realized she was being ridiculous. She had been shot. Brian certainly wouldn’t be expecting her to be at her best. She was far more worried about what he was going to say. Now that she was back, would they once again go their separate ways?
A soft knock sounded on the door. “Come in.”
Brian stepped in, a sight for her weary eyes. Freshly showered, wearing scrubs and a t-shirt, he’d never looked better, at least to her. Her heart sped up, just as it always did when he was near. “Hey.”
“Hey.”
“How are you?” he asked, then winced. “I’m sorry. That was a stupid thing to ask.”
“I’m pretty good, considering. You?”
“Fine. Listen, Tori, I...”
She knew what he was going to say and stopped him before he could. “If you’re going to apologize, save it.”
“But—”
“No buts. None of this was your fault. It wasn’t my fault, either. Believe me. I’ve gone over everything a hundred times, trying to think of what I might have done differently and I kept coming up with the same answer: nothing. Bad things happen, so get over it.”
He blinked, surprised by her little speech.
She cleared her throat, summoning her courage. “What’s more important,” she continued, “what I care about, is what happens now.”
She fixed her eyes upon his, holding her breath and mentally preparing herself for his response. It would probably be some noble speech about how she deserved better than a guy like him. What he didn’t realize was, she didn’t want anyone else. She’d already decided that if she was gifted with another chance, she would not squander it. She couldn’t make him do something he didn’t want to do, but she could let him know the truth about how she felt.
As it turned out, he surprised her. “Tori, I’ve been an idiot. I’ve pushed you away when I should have been grabbing on with both hands and not letting go. And there’s something else you need to know. I—”
She interrupted before he could build up momentum. “Why did you push me away?”
“I didn’t want to drag you into my hell. I’ve got issues, Tori. I’m damaged.”
“You’re not the only one,” she said softly.
He shook his head. “You think I’m a good guy. I’m not.”
She took his hand in hers. “Yes, you are, whether you want to believe it or not. And thank God for it, because if you weren’t, I wouldn’t be here right now.”
“I shouldn’t have let you go in the first place. I shouldn’t have lied to you. I realized my mistake right around the same time I realized that I—"
“Okay, first of all, you didn’t let me do anything. It was my decision and I was going whether you wanted to come or not. But you’re right on the second thing. You shouldn’t have lied to me. That hurt more than if you’d just been honest. I’m not saying I wouldn’t have tried to change your mind...” She grinned, then grew serious again. “And for the record, your damage comes from doing something selfless and honorable. Mine comes from a lifetime of abuse at the hands of delusional psychopaths, my own mother included.”
“Tori...”
The sympathy she saw in his eyes was too much; she looked down at her hands. “I’m not telling you that because I want you to feel sorry for me. In fact, I don’t think I could bear it if you did. I’m telling you because I want you to understand that you’re not alone. I’ve got scars. You’ve got scars. We’re not perfect. Our damage is what makes us who we are, Brian, and I’m sorry if this freaks you out, but ... I love you, just the way you are.”
His eyes opened wide. She was somewhat surprised herself. Clearly, whatever chemicals were in that I.V. were not only keeping her on the comfortable side of pain, but were rendering her brain to mouth filter completely inoperable as well.
She waited for the panic to appear in his eyes, followed by a sprint toward the door. Instead, a slow smile curled his lips. “That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you, if you’d let me get a word in edgewise. I love you, too, Tori Donovan, and I want another chance. I’ll hold you through your nightmares, if you think you can handle holding me through mine.”
Her heart swelled. The monitor beside her bed broadcast the increased tempo. “I can definitely handle that.”
Brian leaned forward, touching his lips to hers. It felt amazing. Better than amazing. He’d just begun to deepen the kiss when a throat cleared behind them.
“As her doctor, I have to advise against any strenuous physical activity for a while.” Michael Callaghan’s voice was stern, but his eyes were dancing with amusement. “Glad you two finally figured things out. Unfortunately, shit’s about to hit the fan. The police are here, and somehow the media got wind of what happened.”
“Oh no. What about Danny?”
“Shane’s on it. We’re going to take him back to the farm with us for the time being. We’ll do everything we can to keep him out of the spotlight. He wants to see you first, though, if you’re okay with that.”
“Of course.”
“Just a quick visit, then I’m going to give you something to help you sleep. They can’t interview you if you’re not awake.”
Deep, chemically-assisted sleep sounded heavenly. Putting off dealing with the police and the news media, even better. She knew she would have to deal with all of it eventually, but putting it off for just one night wasn’t asking for too much. She turned to Brian. “Will you stay with me for a little while?”
“Just try and get rid of me,” he replied, squeezing her hand. “I’m not going anywhere. You’re stuck with me now.”
She grinned, a sense of peace settling over her. Michael returned a few minutes later with Danny and Nicki Callaghan.
Nicki looked different than the first time they’d met. Instead of jean shorts and a tank top, she was in form-fitting black tactical gear, her long black hair tied back in a tight, no-nonsense braid. There was no mistaking those pale, diamond-like eyes.
“See?” Nicki was saying to Danny. “I told you she was okay. But be gentle. No hugs until Dr. Mick says it’s okay.”
“Hey,” she smiled. “You okay?”
Danny remained just inside the door. His gaze took in the hospital bed, the monitors, and the I.V. pole before settling on Tori. “He hurt you. He said he wouldn’t but he did.”
Her heart ached. The boy had already been through more than any child should ever have to experience. She wished she could take some of the pain away, but she knew from personal experience that wasn’t possible. The bad memories faded over time, but they never went away, not completely. She also knew with sudden clarity that she would do everything in her power to make something good come of it. Tori was a firm believer that everything, even bad things, happened for a reason. This could be a new beginning for both of them.
“Danny, come here.”
Danny released Nicki’s hand and climbed up on the chair next to Tori. Tears streamed down his face. She put her arm out and drew him as close as she could. “Don’t cry, Danny. I’m okay.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah. I just need to rest a little and I’ll be fine. Dr. Mick is going to take you somepl
ace safe, okay?”
“Can’t I just stay with you?”
The ache in her chest intensified. He was scared and anxious, though he was trying so hard not to show it. “No. I’m going to have to stay here for a while yet, but they’re going to take good care of you. They’re my friends, Danny,” she said, feeling the truth of her own words. “You can trust them.”
“Will you come?”
Tori looked at Michael, who nodded. “Yes, as soon as I can.”
“Promise?”
“Yes, I promise.”
“Then I guess it would be okay.”
Danny looked at Brian, who had been silently watching the exchange. The boy’s eyes dropped to Brian’s bare arms, his eyes widening when he saw the pale lines of raised scar tissue.
“You’re him, aren’t you? The hero from the story.”
Tori felt Brian’s questioning gaze, but she kept her eyes on Danny when she answered. “Yes, that’s him.”
“The cops are on their way,” Nicki told them. “We need to get going.”
The boy nodded, then leaned over and kissed Tori on the cheek before climbing down from the chair. He turned back at the door. “You promised.”
“Yes, I did. I’ll see you soon.”
Michael came over and fiddled with the bags suspended from the I.V. pole. “You haven’t met my Maggie yet, but trust me, Danny will be in good hands, Tori.”
“I’m counting on it.”
A warm, pleasant sensation began to flow through her veins almost immediately, making her feel as if she was floating on a cloud.
“What was Danny talking about?” Brian asked.
Tori smiled, suddenly feeling very weary. “A bedtime story about a beautiful, brave hero with lots of scars...”
Chapter Thirty-Eight
As expected, the subsequent weeks were difficult. Once the news hit, it was a media frenzy. The Callaghans pulled as many strings as they could to save Tori from the brunt of it, but there was no keeping it completely quiet. The Lonely Hearts Killer was too big a story and too well known to sweep under the rug. It had even gained national attention.
Tori was uncomfortable with the sudden spotlight being cast her way, but she was holding up well. She refused all interviews, allowing Shane to draft official statements on her behalf. Unfortunately, most of those clamoring for an exclusive didn’t easily accept “no” as an answer and stepped up their efforts. Media crews camped out in front of her apartment and Birch Falls Rehab. Paparazzi popped up everywhere, hoping for a glimpse.
Of course, that made returning to any semblance of “normal” practically impossible. Tori had been secretly staying at Michael and Maggie’s farm with Danny since her release from the hospital. At least there she could have a few moments of peace amidst the insanity. The Callaghans knew a thing or two about protecting privacy and providing security, and both Brian and Tori were grateful for that.
The story released to the public was much different than what had actually happened. In the official version, Tori had escaped long enough to call for help, and it had been the police who responded, not the Callaghans. Brian didn’t know exactly how they had managed to fix it, but it was clear that the Callaghans had friends in high places.
The media wasn’t as easily contained. They were like rabid jackals, sinking their teeth in and not letting go. Since Tori wasn’t giving them what they wanted, they went ahead and dug up the information themselves. Before long, Tori’s entire life was out there. Her mentally unstable mother. Her alcoholic, abusive father. Her history of being bounced from one relative to another, many of whom were just as bad if not worse than her parents. Some of those bottom feeders even tried cashing in on Tori’s sudden fame, accepting interviews and money in exchange for their stories, but Ian quietly exposed them for the worthless pieces of shit they were and forced them back under the rocks they’d crawled out from.
As difficult as things were, the situation wasn’t all bad. Brian and Tori were growing closer every day. There wasn’t much he could do, but being there for her was one of them, and he was there as often as she allowed it. Sometimes they’d just sit on the porch together. Other times, they took walks or watched TV or played games with the kids. Since Danny was staying at the farm, too, the three of them spent a lot of time together.
During that time, they learned a lot about one another. Shared some of their fears. Talked about their struggles. Spoke of dreams. They were a lot more alike than he ever imagined.
For his part, Brian fell more in love with Tori every day. He was in awe of her strength and her courage. Simply being around her gave him hope and the motivation he needed. She took joy in the smallest of things—a beautiful sunset, a fragrant flower, baking chocolate chip cookies with Danny—and he was lucky enough to be included in all of it.
He understood it for what it was: a gift. A second chance. And there was no way in hell he was going to make the same mistake twice by wasting it.
What he was going to do with it, well, that required some serious thought. The conversation he’d had with Jack Callaghan that day on the mountain came back to him over and over again, forcing him to focus on the things that were really important, things that he’d thought he’d never have but now once again seemed possible. Marriage. Kids. A tomorrow.
Accepting that he had a future also made him rethink other things, as well. As much as he enjoyed tending bar, he wanted to do something more. Something worthwhile. Something that would give him a reason to get out of bed every morning. That was one of the things he and Tori talked about often. Unsurprisingly, they had similar ideas of what comprised the ideal job: working outdoors, setting their own hours, being their own bosses. Doing work that was physically challenging and spiritually satisfying.
Tori had confessed that her dream job was running her own hippotherapy center, using horseback riding as a form of both physical therapy and rehabilitation. Her enthusiasm came through when she spoke of it, explaining how it could improve things like coordination, balance, and strength.
It sounded like a great dream to him. The problem was, she believed such a thing was beyond her reach. Finding acreage, building a center, buying horses—those things required a lot of money and an extensive commitment.
Luckily, he had a significant nest egg and he knew some good people. After discussing some possibilities with Kane Callaghan, who was quite a savvy investor, and Shane, who knew a lot about the local real estate market, Brian was convinced he could make Tori’s dream a reality.
That was how he found himself walking the perimeter of the Lazy K ranch one day, talking with the realtor who had listed the property. About an hour northwest of Pine Ridge, it covered nearly four hundred acres. Much of it was wooded, though several large areas had been cleared for the main house, caretaker’s cottage, stables, and pastures.
The ranch had been owned by the same family for generations, though it had fallen into disrepair in recent years. The current owner now lived in Florida and had no interest in the property, opting to sell it rather than continue to pay taxes on it.
By the time they’d walked the property and checked everything out, Brian had come to several conclusions. The place needed a lot of work. It was remote. It was secluded.
And it was absolutely perfect for what he had in mind.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
“Where are we going?” Tori asked for the third time.
“It’s a surprise, Tori,” Danny said excitedly from the back seat.
Brian looked in the rearview mirror and winked. The kid had his back. The two of them had become close over the last few months, bonded by the love they both had for Tori. Tori had already filed for permanent custody, and Brian had every intention of making them a family.
“I can’t believe you two are teaming up against me like this,” she huffed, but there was no bite in her tone. Danny laughed.
Brian turned off the main road on to an access road, winding his way up to the main house. The place looked a lot bet
ter than it had when he’d first seen it. He’d been spending as much of his spare time as possible cleaning it up. It still had a long way to go, though, and he hoped Tori saw the potential as much as the reality.
“What is this place?” she asked.
“It used to be a horse farm,” he told her. “They raised and boarded them, did trail rides and stuff on the weekends. It’s been shut down for a while now.”
“Are we allowed to be here?”
“Yeah, it’s cool. I know the owner.” He and Danny exchanged a knowing look, but Tori missed it, her eyes busily taking everything in. “Want the grand tour?”
“Absolutely!”
He showed them the grounds, including the two spring fed ponds, some of the trails, the stables, and ending the tour back at the main house. Tori seemed to like everything she’d seen, but he’d saved the best for last.
Brian reached under the mat and extracted a key.
“Brian, are you sure you should be doing that?”
“Positive. Like I said, I know the owner. Trust me, you are going to want to see this. They don’t make homes like this anymore.”
He grabbed her hand and led her into the house. He’d done some tidying, just enough to let some of the charm come through. He led her through the house, showing her the large country kitchen, formal dining room, six bedrooms, and ending in the massive family room that had a stunning view.
“It’s beautiful,” she whispered.
“I’m glad you think so,” he said, “because I bought it.”
Her pretty brown and green eyes grew huge. “You did what?”
“I bought it.”
“Why would you do that?”
“Lots of reasons. For one thing, it’s about time I got my own place, and I’m really not much of a townie. For another, it seemed like a great investment. I mean, how often does a place like this come up for sale? But mostly, I was thinking that, with a bit of work, it would be the perfect place for a new hippotherapy center.”
She turned to him and blinked. “A hippotherapy center?”
Not Quite Broken: A Callaghan Family & Friends Romance Page 21
