Page 24

SEVEN MONTHS LATER

A new gazebo sat near the pond on the west side of Mountville, the Blue Ridge Mountains in the background. Decorated with white, billowy sheers and sprigs of early spring flowers, Jack stood underneath its covering. Looking out into the small gathering, he grinned at his former Special Forces brothers-in-arms, Tony, Gabe, Vinny, and Jobe with their beautiful wives.

He had come to the area for privacy but found friendship and love along the way. Behind him, on either side, stood his seven Saints, all friends as well as employees.

Two months after her ordeal, he took Bethany riding back up to the scenic overlook on his property where they picnicked on a blanket and watched the sun begin to set. Watching her mesmerized by the brilliant evening sky, he pulled out a princess-cut diamond ring and held it up in front of her. The sunset colors flashed off the gem and her eyes grew wide. She turned quickly, gasping in disbelief .

“I told you before,” he said. “I want you in my home, in my bed, and in my life…permanently.” He watched carefully as her expression morphed into joy as he slipped the ring onto her finger.

It was a rush to put together a wedding in only five months, but the vineyard next door was thrilled to help with the occasion. The wedding coordinator volunteered her services since Bethany would be promoting her as Mountville’s wedding guru.

His gaze wandered to the back, wondering when things would get going. Just then the music began, and he lifted his eyes to see his bride walking between the chairs, her ivory dress fitting tightly at the bodice, then floating behind in layers of lace. It was her tribute to Gram even though she could not be there. She had a seamstress re-work Ann’s wedding dress, which had been much simpler, and incorporate it into the vision in front of him right now. Her hair, pulled back in the front with a crown of flowers, flowed down her back in waves. Her eyes never left his and the smile on her face pierced his heart as it always did.

How did a man like me get so fuckin’ lucky? Smiling as she made her way toward him, her hand on her father’s arm, he stepped forward as they neared the gazebo.

The ceremony did not last long, but the vows spoke of everything that was in their hearts. Bethany smiled up at the man holding her hand as he promised to chase away all her dragons while allowing her to follow her dreams.

Mountville had been her dream and Jack had made sure it still was. She never stayed overnight there after the kidnapping. From that moment, she shared his home…and his bed. They demolished cabin seven, planting a beautiful flower garden there. A myriad of seasonal flowers with a bench in the middle would be all anyone would see.

Encouraged by Jack, she continued to pursue her dream of turning Mountville into a wedding venue, while still allowing rentals when a wedding wasn’t taking place. Building the gazebo was a start and their wedding was the first to take place there.

She now worked with several local wedding coordinators and had weddings scheduled for the next year. The vineyard nearby was thrilled to work with her and, in fact, was hosting her reception later that day.

Mountville had been her grandparents’ dream and Bethany was determined to keep it going…just her way now.

As the vows were completed and the rings exchanged, Jack encircled her in his arms as she lifted herself on her toes to meet his lips in a chaste kiss. Jack leaned back and to her surprise, reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a silver chain with a beautiful silver medallion dangling on the end—Saint Ann. Slipping it over her head and settling the Saint medallion against her breasts, he leaned down and whispered, “There’s a tracker attached to the medallion. Keep it on at all times, and then me…and Gram will always know where you are.”

With her eyes wide and shining with unshed tears, he leaned down again, capturing her lips in a not-so-chaste kiss, pouring his soul into hers, now knowing that he could have his business and get the girl. He had it all. Or so he thought.

One year later

Coming home from an investigation, having been gone for two nights, Jack pulled into the garage and grabbed his bag. Moving quietly through the laundry room toward the kitchen, he toed off his boots so that he would make as little noise as possible.

Entering the living room, he saw Bethany on the sofa, a nursing baby at her breast, her Saint medallion resting next to his son’s face. Her eyes lifted and then sparkled in greeting as he walked over, sitting carefully next to her. Young Peter had almost nursed himself to sleep as his mouth went slack and a little milk drooled down his chin. Shifting slightly, she tucked her breast into her bra and slipped her shirt back into place.

He smoothed his son’s cheek with his rough finger, amazed at the silky softness of his skin. Throwing his other arm around his wife, he tucked them both in tightly to his side. As Peter slept, Jack and Bethany sat watching the sun set behind the Blue Ridge Mountains out of the large picture windows.

The backyard was now surrounded by a white picket fence, perfect for Pete and subsequent children to run and play safely. The fence glowed against the darkening evening sky.

She twisted her head around so she could kiss Jack. He gave her a chaste kiss, then chuckled as he saw her pout. Cupping her face in his hand, he took the kiss deeper. Wetter. More passionate. Pulling back, he smiled at her hooded gaze. “That better?” he rumbled.

“Um hmm,” she mumbled. “I’ll put him down in a few minutes, and we should have time for a little fun before he wakes up again.”

Good with her plan, Jack leaned back once more, his wife and baby son tucked into his side as the brilliant sunset colored the evening sky.

And he knew he had it all.

Don’t miss the next Saint - Cam’s story!