by Force, Marie
“I’m so sorry, Sherri. I just wanted to help you get back on your feet after you lost your job. That’s all it was.”
She nodded. “I get that now. I, um, I’m going to go.”
“Do you have somewhere to stay tonight? The last ferry is long gone.”
“Yeah. I’m at the Beachcomber. I, uh… Bye, Deacon.”
“Take care, Sherri.”
She pushed past them and rushed up the ramp, disappearing into the murky darkness.
Deacon turned to face Julia, seeming adorably uncertain. “Hi.”
She wanted to hug him and kiss him and tell him she loved him, too. “How’s it going?”
“Um, well, you tell me.”
“It’s going rather well, actually. Better than it has in, well, ever.”
He stepped closer to her, seeming to sense that she wasn’t going to let Sherri’s sudden appearance screw things up for them. A month ago, before he’d shown her that she could truly trust him, something like Sherri’s appearance would’ve ruined her. But everything was different now, and he was the one who’d changed the game for her. “I’m sorry about that.”
“I assume you have nothing to be sorry about.”
“Technically, no, but that had to have been upsetting for you.”
“It was a little shocking when she told me she was waiting for her boyfriend, Deacon, but since I knew there was no possible way you could be her boyfriend when you spend every minute you aren’t working with me, I decided to breathe and stay calm and wait to hear what you had to say about it.”
His gorgeous eyes sparked with amusement and happiness and so much love that was all for her. “That’s highly evolved of you.”
“I know, right?”
“I’m very proud of you, darlin’.”
“I’m rather proud of myself.”
“You should be.”
Puppy jumped up and down at their feet, wanting Daddy’s attention after a long day without him.
Deacon bent to pick him up. In a few more months, he’d be too big and too heavy to carry around like a baby. They were enjoying being able to carry him while it lasted. Holding the dog in one arm and putting the other around Julia, Deacon escorted them up the ramp to the pier.
“I got a lot more than I bargained for when I set out to meet you after work tonight.”
“I got a lot more than I bargained for when my brother made me come to Gansett for the summer. I’ve got my own little family now, and I love you both with my whole heart.”
Julia had kept it together during the episode with Sherri, but hearing him say those words again had her choking up from the swell of emotion.
“I’m sorry you had to hear that for the first time when I was talking to someone else.”
“It’s okay.”
Deacon stopped walking and turned so he was facing her. “It’s not all right. I should’ve told you that weeks ago, because I’ve felt it for a long time. The only reason I didn’t tell you was because I didn’t want to freak you out with too much too soon.”
“Who’re you kidding? You’ve been freaking me out with too much too soon from the day you kidnapped me from my sister’s wedding.”
That smile. That dimple. Those eyes. The scruff on his jaw. She wanted to look at that face every day for as long as she lived. “It’s not a kidnapping if the bridesmaid comes willingly.”
Julia laughed. “I was rather easily led that day.”
“For which I’ll always be thankful. That day was the start of the best thing to ever happen to me.”
“Put down the baby,” she said.
Deacon put Puppy down and ignored his whining protest.
Julia flattened her hands on the ridiculously sexy uniform shirt and gazed up at him. “In case you were wondering, I love you, too.”
“You do? Really?”
“You honestly have to ask?”
“I was hoping…”
“Deacon, my God, I’m so crazy in love with you, I can’t see straight—and I definitely can’t walk straight, thanks to you.”
His cocky grin lit up his face. “Is that right?”
“You know it is. I love you. I love everything about you, especially the way I feel when I’m with you and even when I’m not.”
He cupped her ass and brought her in tight against his erection. “How do you feel?”
“Happy, healthy, joyful, amused, aroused, entertained, hopeful.”
“All those things?” he asked in the gruff, sexy tone that got to her the same way it had from the start.
“All those things and so much more.”
“I’m so glad you decided to blow your dick diet on me.”
Julia laughed so hard, she had tears in her eyes, a regular occurrence with him around. “Me, too.”
“Let’s take our little boy home.” Deacon took the leash from her, put his arm around her and directed them toward his place. “I want to get naked with Mommy.”
“Mommy would be all for that.”
He kissed the top of her head and held her tight against his side. “I love you so much, Julia. It’s such a relief to finally be able to tell you.”
“I’ll never get tired of hearing it.”
“That’s good, because I plan to tell you every day for the rest of our lives.”
“I’m all for that, too.”
Epilogue
The week after the July Fourth holiday, the McCarthy family finally had the party they’d been planning to celebrate the successful opening of the Wayfarer. The family and their closest friends had gathered on the back patio that faced the ocean to toast the reopening of one of the island’s most beloved landmarks.
Maddie McCarthy was reclined on the ever-present lounge chair that allowed her to attend social events but stay off her feet. Her belly was so big that she said she could no longer see her feet. Julia couldn’t fathom how she could still have ten weeks to go before the twins were due to arrive.
Working for Mac was fun and interesting and never boring. With every passing week, he relied more on Julia, which she welcomed. She loved being busy and productive, and she was both in that job. And she got to bring Puppy with her every day. That was the best part of a great job.
He was growing so fast that she feared he’d outweigh her by the time he was a year old.
She loved him madly, and thankfully, he allowed her to hug and kiss and snuggle him whenever she wanted. Deacon said Puppy knew exactly who’d saved his life, and she was his person.
As she visited with people who’d become friends, Julia found herself watching the door, waiting for Deacon to arrive. He’d had the afternoon off from work and told her he had something he needed to take care of, but she had no idea what he was up to.
Stephanie came over to her, holding a glass of amber liquid that she handed to Julia.
“I was hoping that wasn’t for you.”
“Haha, very funny. No bourbon for the pregnant lady, but I know how much you love it.” A tiny bump had emerged in Stephanie’s abdomen over the last two weeks. The only other sign of pregnancy in her was a slightly fuller face. “I hope this family is ready for the baby boom that’s about to happen. Maddie, me, Grace and Abby. All pregnant.”
“It’s going to be a big year for the McCarthy family.”
“Sure is. Did you hear that Mallory and Quinn have set their wedding date for October?”
“Mac told me. That’s great news. They’re an awesome couple.”
“They really are. What they’re doing out at the elder care facility is such a blessing for this community. Alex and Paul are so relieved to have their mom back on the island.”
“She’s doing well?”
“By all accounts, it’s been a smooth transition.”
Tiffany came over to say hello, carrying Addie. “Ladies.”
“What’s up?” Julia loved Tiffany and her irreverence. It was probably a good thing that they’d met as adults, because she had a feeling they could’ve gotten into some big trouble
together as kids.
“Not too much. Did I hear you girls talking about the baby boom?”
“You did,” Steph said.
“Add me to the list. Number three is on the way.”
Julia hugged her. “That’s awesome!” Deacon would be thrilled to have another niece or nephew to love. Watching him with Ashleigh and Addie, as well as her niece and nephews, had shown her what an amazing father he would be someday.
She still couldn’t believe that it was finally safe to think about someday and future children with a man who loved and respected her and treated her like a queen every single day. He made all the trials and tribulations she’d endured before him worth it.
“When are you due?” Steph asked Tiffany.
“February. What about you?”
“Late December. Grace is due in mid-January, Abby in late January.”
“It’s gonna be one hell of a winter for the McCarthy family,” Julia said.
“No kidding. I heard Big Mac and Linda are sticking around this winter rather than taking off to somewhere warmer like they’d planned to.”
When she saw Deacon come through the main door to the Wayfarer, Julia felt her heart do the same crazy backflip it did every time she laid eyes on him.
“Our girl has it bad for the harbor master,” Tiffany said.
“Seriously bad,” Stephanie said. “It might be a terminal case.”
“Haha, very funny.” Julia kept her gaze fixed on him as he made his way toward her, stopping to greet friends along the way.
When he reached her, he put his arm around her and kissed her cheek.
Julia leaned into him, always relieved to see him again after long hours apart. She wanted to hug him and kiss him and hold him, but she managed to restrain herself in light of the fact that they were in public.
His hand slid down her back to cup her ass with a light squeeze, letting her know she wasn’t the only one who wished they were alone.
Blaine joined them, bringing a second beer that he handed to Deacon.
“Thanks.”
The brothers had settled into a cordial, friendly relationship that still included a lot of ball-busting, but it came from a place of humor rather than anger these days, a development that both men seemed to welcome.
“Got an update for you on that boat you were tracking,” Blaine said.
“Oh yeah, what’s that?”
“Turns out they’ve been on the DEA’s radar for a while now, and you were right. They were using the Salt Pond as a meeting point to bring heroin into Southern New England. The Coast Guard and DEA waylaid them offshore today, apprehended them and seized their latest shipment.”
“Wow,” Deacon said, grinning widely. “That’s awesome news.”
“The DEA agent in charge asked me to let you know that your work was instrumental, and I couldn’t agree more. Congrats, bro.”
“Thanks.”
Knowing how much his brother’s approval meant to Deacon, Julia was thrilled for him.
“We have a full-time, year-round position coming open at the end of the summer if you’re interested.”
“Seriously?” Deacon asked.
“Dead seriously. You’re a great cop. You’d be an asset to our department. I discussed it with the mayor earlier today, and he agrees.”
“I, uh, well… What about my knee?”
“We don’t do a lot of perp chasing on the island like you did in the city. You should be fine to work here.”
“Could I continue as the harbor master in the summer?”
“I’m sure we could work something out to make that happen.”
Deacon glanced at Julia, and she smiled up at him, delighted that he’d be able to stay on the island and do the work he loved once again. When Deacon raised a brow, silently asking if she approved of the idea, she nodded.
“I accept,” he told Blaine. “Thank you.”
Blaine shook his hand. “You earned it, and we’re lucky to have you.”
Big Mac McCarthy stepped up to the microphone and asked for the attention of his guests. “I want to thank you all for being here to celebrate the opening of the Wayfarer. It took a little longer than we expected to have this family get-together to celebrate our new business, but the extra time gave us a few weeks to work out the kinks. We’ve got a major hit on our hands here, people. Nikki has reported receipts for the first few weekends that far exceeded our most optimistic projections.”
He led an enthusiastic round of applause.
“There’re so many people to thank for making this big idea of mine a reality. First and foremost—my son Mac, who oversaw the renovations with the help of my nephews Shane, Riley and Finn, as well as our business partner, Luke Harris. Gentlemen, I think everyone will agree that you did brilliant work here, and we couldn’t be more thankful.”
Julia and the rest of the crowd clapped for Mac and his team.
“Nikki, where would we be without you and the incredible group you’ve assembled for our first season? Thank you so much for taking on the management of the Wayfarer and for diving into the details the way you have. We appreciate you so much.”
More applause followed for Nikki, who seemed mortified by the attention. Next to her stood her identical twin sister, Jordan, who was spending the summer on the island. While the two women looked exactly alike, Nikki glowed with happiness, while Jordan seemed sad and lost.
Julia knew that feeling all too well and hoped that maybe Gansett Island would work its magic for Jordan, too.
After Big Mac raised a beer bottle in a toast to family and the Wayfarer, Owen and Evan took to the stage to perform. When they played a slow, acoustic version of Maroon 5’s “She Will Be Loved,” Deacon led Julia to the dance floor and wrapped his arms around her, changing the words to “she is loved” as he whispered in her ear.
With her arms linked around his neck, she held on tight to him until he flinched. “What?”
“I hurt my back earlier.”
“How?”
“I’ll tell you about it when we get home.”
“Let’s go soon.”
“I’m ready when you are.”
A short time later, they said their goodbyes and headed to Deacon’s place behind Tiffany and Blaine’s house, the same place Maddie had been living when she met Mac.
Julia followed Deacon up the stairs and into the apartment where they spent most of their time, so much so that Cindy had suggested Julia just move in with him already. She was thinking about that.
Puppy came running out from the bedroom to greet them with kisses and unconditional love. No one had ever been as happy to see her as Puppy was, as if he knew, like Deacon had said, exactly who’d saved his life and would spend the rest of his life thanking her.
Deacon took the puppy outside to pee, and when they returned a few minutes later, he flipped the lock on the door. Ashleigh liked to come over to visit, and they didn’t want her walking in on anything that couldn’t be unseen.
With Puppy settled in his bed, Julia looked at Deacon. “What did you do to your back?”
He flipped on the closest light, pulled off his shirt and turned to reveal a new tattoo in the middle of his back.
When she realized what it was, she gasped and blinked back tears.
A turtle shell.
“Deacon…”
“It’s supposed to match yours.” He gazed at her over his shoulder. “What do you think?”
Julia went to him, put her hands on his shoulders and placed kisses to the left and right of the tattoo. His skin was red and angry looking, and knowing he’d endured that kind of pain for her was almost more than she could process. “I think,” she said slowly, “that you’re the best thing to ever happen to me, and I love you more than you’ll ever know.”
He turned to face her, gathering her in close to him and kissing her. “I’m glad you like it.”
“I love it, and I love what it stands for.”
“I’m your shell, darlin’. Come what
may, I’ll protect you from the storm.”
“And I’ll do the same for you.” She looked up at him. “Congrats on the big bust and the new job.”
His smile revealed the dimple she loved so much. “Thanks.”
“I hope it feels good to have Blaine’s approval and support.”
“I hate to admit that it does. It’s been nice finding out that he’s not a complete asshole.”
Julia laughed, having come to expect nothing less from him when he referred to Blaine, who talked the same way about Deacon. Whatever worked for them. At least they talked to each other and seemed to enjoy spending time together, which was a major step forward for them. “Tiffany told me she’s pregnant.”
“Is that right? Wow, that’s great news.”
“It seems like everyone is pregnant around here.”
“Are you feeling left out?”
“No. Stop. Of course not.”
“Not even a little? Because it would give me great pleasure to knock you up, if that’s what you want.”
“Don’t say things like that.”
“Why not?”
Julia stepped out of his embrace and went to get a glass of water, surprised to find her hands shaking ever so slightly.
He followed her to the sink and embraced her from behind, kissing the tattoo on the back of her neck. She wore her hair up more often these days, letting the world see the tattoo she’d once kept hidden. “Don’t you know by now that there’s nothing you could want that I wouldn’t give you if I could? Including babies?”
Julia took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Sometimes I’m still afraid to believe this new life of mine is real.”
“It’s so real, darlin’. Our life together is as real as it gets, and it’s only going to get better from here on out.” He kissed her neck until she trembled from desire for him and everything that came with him. “You want a baby, love?”
“Yeah, I really do.” After the disaster with Mike, she’d begun to accept that maybe she wasn’t going to find a man she could build a life and a family with. She’d begun to let go of her dream of having a baby someday.
“How many?”
