Page 14 of Reasonable Doubt (Wounded Heroes: The Redemption #7)

New Year’s Eve

Eve came out to the living room and swirled around. She wore a maroon velvet dress that was cut low in the back and flared at her knees.

“Why, Mother, I don’t think I can allow you go out in that outfit and those heels with your boyfriend .”

Eve giggled. She’d never seen her mother acting so…girlish. “Please let me go.”

Nick gave a sham frown. “I agree with your daughter.”

The doorbell rang. “Too late.” She disappeared into the foyer. They heard Tim say, “I’m speechless, darling.” Then some low murmurs which were most likely intimate words.

“Hush,” her mother said. “Come in and see Noreen and meet Nick.”

They walked into the living room. Tall and blond, Tim Standish was handsome in his black tux and pristine white shirt. Next to Mom, they were beautiful people.

Tim crossed to Noreen, knelt on one knee and took her hand. “Noreen, I was so, so sorry to hear about what happened to you. I must say you seem remarkably well after only five days.”

True, some of the bruising had faded and her eye had opened up. She’d put on a peach knit one-piece suit and shoes for the first time. It was, after all, New Year’s Eve.

“Thank you Tim. This is Nick Redmond. My…guy.”

Tim stood. Held out his hand. “Nick, happy to meet you.”

Nick rose, too. “You, also.” They shook. “Going out on the town?”

“Actually, to a party at a close friend’s house.”

“Well, enjoy yourselves.”

The older couple left and Nick said, “Alone at last.” His collared gray knit sweater brought out the color of his eyes, which were full of love.

“And she said not to expect her back till morning.”

“What a woman.” He searched her face. “Are you hungry?”

“Not yet. But I didn’t take any pain meds since this morning so I’d like some champagne.”

“Maybe one glass.”

“I’m much better.”

“I agree.” He’d drawn a bath for her a few days after the attack and had seen how black and blue she was on her torso, legs and arms. But as she said, the bruising was already fading.

“You’re staring at me.” She touched his cheeks. “I know I look frightful.”

“You’re hurt, honey. And I don’t care about the marks on your face. They’ll go away.”

“I know.”

He cupped her cheek. “And thank you for finally telling me about the attack before you quit medicine.”

“My counselor said that was something you should know. The guy’s dead, btw. Car accident.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“No, I’ve moved on. I think fighting Pierson off went a long way in helping me put that behind me.”

“That’s all good.”

She gave him a small smile.

Staring at the Christmas tree, basking in the greenery scent, Nick believed this was a new beginning for them.

He glanced down at her stomach. “How about the other?”

“I feel the loss. But I talked at length with my counselor—" a friend of Eve’s who’d come to the house three times “—and wrote about it in the journal she’s having me keep.

I’ve kind of decided something.” She took in a breath as if what she was going to say was very important.

“If you’re willing, I’d like to get pregnant again. ”

“I’m willing.” He smiled. He slid something from his pocket and reached out his hand. “Open my palm.”

She tugged on his fingers. Inside was a platinum ring studded with glistening emeralds. “Nick!”

“I didn’t want to get an ordinary diamond though there’s a few sprinkled in here. Make no mistake, though, this is an engagement ring. Marry me, love.”

“Yes. Yes. Yes.”

Gently he took her into his arms and kissed her thoroughly. He pressed his mouth to hers. “About time for this,” he murmured against her lips.

She said, “You’ve kissed me before.”

“There was no sex involved in those kisses. They were…consoling.”

“Speaking of sex, we’re alone now.”

“Not yet, darling. You’re still healing. And I know you ache all over.”

She feigned a weary sigh. “Then get my champagne.”

When he returned, they toasted to the future. “I have something else to tell you. I called Anthony Johnston today. I’ll cut the ribbon at the opening.”

The flute slipped a little in her hand. “I’m so glad, Nick.”

“You’re not the only one who’s made progress with your counselor. Luke helped me dissect my feelings about what happened in the park. And he said we had more to talk about in the weeks to come regarding Scotty.”

“You still feel guilty.”

“He said I’ll probably feel bad about my neglect forever. But he’s helping me on the road to regret. That’s better than guilt.”

“You got a lot done for two sessions.”

“They were two hours long. I cried. I got angry. He suggested the ribbon cutting thing could be a new start for me.”

“I’m glad, love.”

“I’m glad, too.”

He gestured to the room. “Shall we live here or at my house?”

“Yours is gorgeous too. I don’t care.”

“This one feels more like us. I like being here.”

“Then you can move your things in. You’re already staying here.” They clinked glasses. “To us.”

“To us.”

The future hadn’t looked so good since his son’s death. Nick was thankful that it was so bright and promising now.