Page 48 of Stone (Claimed and Protected #3)

S tone

“You are going out tonight. Period.” Kekoa had a look on his face that I couldn’t recognize.

“No. I’m staying right here with Tyler.”

“Hey, I wouldn’t mind going out for a night.” Ty had become quite the character in the last few days. His true personality had started to emerge and we were even more alike than I’d originally thought.

Much to my chagrin.

I laughed as I stared at Kekoa’s determined face. “Not to a bar.”

“Nope,” Kekoa said. “I wouldn’t dream of it. Just somewhere I think Tyler would like to see. Since he’s getting into surfing.”

“I’m all down for that.” Tyler jumped up out of his seat. “I’ll put my swim trunks on.”

“We’re not surfing tonight. Maybe something nicer.” Kekoa laughed as the kid shrugged.

“I can do that.”

When Tyler left the room, I headed toward my buddy. “Where are we going?”

“Just somewhere. Christ. Akoni wanted to show the two of you something at his house. I think he did something with a photograph of you winning the competition. I thought it would be nice for Tyler to see.”

“Really? That’s cool. Let’s go.” Why did I have the distinct feeling he wasn’t telling me everything?

He arched his eyebrows. “Change your shirt. Will ya? You look like a slob.”

“You’re the dress police now?”

“Somebody needs to do it.” He hung and shook his head.

I laughed as I headed into the bedroom, my smile instantly shrinking. Another thought about Dani threatened to bring me to my knees. I had to eventually get her out of my mind. How I didn’t know.

I grabbed a clean shirt, even running a comb through my hair.

Tyler was already waiting and I was shocked to see he was in a pair of trousers and a very nice polo shirt. “You’re out-dressing me now. Great.”

“Someone in this family needs to look good. And I look… good.” He spun in a circle and I groaned. Like father. Like son.

Only I doubted he’d ever call me Dad. That was okay. Just having him in my life to whatever capacity was fine.

“I’m driving,” Kekoa told us, already halfway out the door.

“Are we on some timetable?”

“You know how my brother is.”

“Eh,” I admitted. “I do.” Tyler climbed into the backseat and I jumped inside. Maybe it was good to get out of the house even for a little while. Winning the competition had been a pleasant surprise, but not nearly what I thought it would be.

Kekoa laughed as he gunned the engine. With the windows down, the breeze flowing through the truck, the scents of the island filtered through my nostrils.

Another reminder that I lived in paradise.

I closed my eyes briefly, leaning my head against the seat.

To have my son in town, being able to spend time with him was a godsend.

If only Dani could be here to enjoy it with me. What I hadn’t been good at was taking pictures. Maybe I’d take a few tonight and send them to her as a way of breaking the ice.

After a minute or two, I realized the sounds should be different if we were headed to Akoni’s house.

When I opened my eyes, I immediately frowned.

“We’re not headed to Akoni’s house. Where the fuck are you taking me?”

“Relax, bro. Just a pit stop. Nothing more.”

Kekoa had a different tone, one that I knew far too well. He was up to something.

“What the fuck are you doing?” I threw him a look as he shifted gears, not bothering to look at me. That meant he was hiding something.

“Why don’t you just sit back and enjoy, Dad?”

“What do you mean enjoy? I don’t like being ambushed.” It took me a few seconds to realize Tyler had called me Dad. Shock tore through me and now Kekoa lifted his sunglasses as he turned his head slowly.

We looked at each other briefly until my friend nodded. He knew what the moment had meant to me. A smile crossed his face and he nodded several times as if fully satisfied with the evening already.

“It’s tough for Stone to relax, Tyler. He went through a bunch of shit when he served our country, which is why you need to make any decisions on that subject carefully. Serving isn’t glorious and not for the faint of heart.”

Kekoa’s words of wisdom never shocked me. The man also rarely talked about the time he’d served, but I’d known from what little he’d told me what he’d endured.

“Yeah, but my dad is a hero. I hope to be like him one day.”

A flood of emotions tore through me, more so when Kekoa headed into town. My gut told me something was very wrong.

Or very right.

Only seconds later, I knew exactly where he was going. “Hell, no, I don’t want to go here.” I shifted in my seat, entirely uncomfortable.

“Well, since I’m driving, you don’t have a choice.” Kekoa was grinning like some fucking fool. “And don’t sound like a petulant child.”

I bristled, trying to control my nerves, but right now, I didn’t need or want any surprises.

The parking lot of the art center was packed, people milling around the gardens with drinks in their hands. I could hear music booming from their stereo system, the sound creating a festive atmosphere.

As soon as Kekoa parked, Tyler jumped out.

Meanwhile, I lingered in the passenger seat.

Kekoa turned and headed back to the truck, yanking open the passenger door.

“What are you doing, Keke? I can’t take this. You know why.”

“Just trust me, bro. Get the fuck out of my truck.”

Exhaling, I debated walking back even though I knew my behavior was childish. Climbing out, I rubbed my hands on my jeans, now wishing I’d worn something more appropriate.

Neither Kekoa nor Tyler wasted any time, both men heading toward the entrance. I hesitated until Kekoa gave me another look. When he headed in my direction, acting like he was going to manhandle me, I pushed him off and took long strides to the door.

“This had better be worth it,” I grumbled and climbed out.

He slammed the door, even cursing under his breath.

There were too many people inside crowding the entrance to know what the fuck I was walking into.

The crowd was pushed aside seconds later as if someone was coming through and not wasting any time doing so.

“Sometimes fate can play a magical part in a man’s life. If only you embrace the darkness first so you can find the light.”

I looked at my friend Kekoa’s face, indicating he was serious. “A Hawaiian proverb?”

“Nope. Out of a Chinese fortune cookie. They can change your life.”

Laughing, I understood the meaning.

It was time to let go of demons and embrace my life.

No matter what the next day and the next one after that would bring.

When Kage suddenly popped out of the crowd, I was stunned.

More so when Maddox was right behind him.

“What the…” I couldn’t finish the sentence.

“Thought you should use some company tonight,” Kage said then tugged on Juliette’s arm, bringing her closer. The two of them had certainly gotten closer since getting married.

Juliette smiled and immediately wrapped her arms around my neck. “It’s so good to see you.”

Tentatively I slipped my arm around her waist, noticing Charmaine was now standing close to the love of her life and Maddox was beaming.

The two couples looked as if they’d been together for years, their expressions highlighting their happiness.

Meanwhile, I was in a foul mood, more depressed than I should be given my son was here. He was real. He was my flesh and blood.

“What is going on?” I demanded and everyone around me laughed.

“You were never a patient guy,” Maddox told me.

Charmaine laughed and handed me a drink. “I think you need this. The island is amazing. Just incredible.”

“How long have the four of you been here?” I gave Kekoa another harsh glare.

He removed his sunglasses, acting as if he didn’t hear me.

“Long enough to enjoy paradise,” Juliette admitted.

Both women curled their arms in mine. “I think you need to come join the celebration.” Charmaine’s voice held determination.

Just like another woman I knew.

“Not until you tell me what this is.”

Tyler pushed me from behind. “Didn’t you tell me all good things come to those who wait?”

Growling, I allowed myself to be led through the crowd. “Remind me never to give you advice.”

The guests were dressed as if this was a special event, but every person retreated several feet as I passed.

My blood boiled, my heart thudding so damn hard I could feel the rumble in my ears. But I refused to get my hopes up.

Suddenly, the women slipped away, allowing me to fend for myself. I threw back the rest of my drink, placing the empty glass on a dirty dish tray.

There were dazzling works of art everywhere, and some incredible views of the island. My island. My home. The colors were vivid, depicting the incredible life we were all lucky enough to share.

As friends.

But another piece caught my eye, a portrait that immediately drew my attention. All sound was drowned out as I moved closer.

The painting was from the photograph Dani had taken of Kage, Maddox, and me in Paris. “What is this?”

“Pretty cool, huh?” Kage asked.

“I think we look damn good as a team,” Maddox added.

“A team,” Kage added. “Something for the three of us to always remember.”

I glanced at both my friends, nodding in response. We’d been through a hell of a lot together over the years, even deciding to allow our friendships to fade to keep our demons away. We’d failed. Now I was glad because I was better able to face the future.

And I’d be damned if it wasn’t looking brighter and brighter.

My entire system was rattled to the point I was shaking. Unable to breathe, I slowly turned my head, searching the room almost frantically.

Even over the music, I could swear I heard a lilting voice. I pushed my way past people, trying not to stumble like some hapless asshole.

More guests moved out of the way, but I could swear they were all eager for me to find some prize.

Seconds later, I did.

Dani was standing over a young girl, highlighting some art technique with a student. I could hear both of them laugh from something the love of my life had told her.

Holding my breath, I walked closer. I didn’t want to interrupt, but every ounce of my body was on fire.

Dani finally lifted her head, immediately locking eyes with mine. I’d never seen such a beautiful sight in my life. Her smile was slight and she leaned over, whispering something to the young girl before slowly heading in my direction.

For a few precious moments all time stopped.

“Hiya, stranger,” she said. Her eyes were filled with tears.

“What is this… I mean, how are you… What is…”

She pressed her fingers against my lips.

“Let me see if I can read your mind. This is the art studio where I’m lucky enough to be able to work teaching children and adults how amazing drawing and painting can be.

I’m here because I told Francois I had another life that needed living with the man I loved and planned on spending the rest of my life with.

And what you’re seeing is your friends reminding you how amazing it is to have you in their lives. ”

“Wait. Hold on. You’re staying?”

“If you’ll have me.”

Kekoa slapped me on the back as he passed by.

“Kekoa was a huge help. I couldn’t have done this without him,” she admitted and inched even closer. Her perfume was intoxicating, her smile driving me crazy.

“And Tyler?”

“I had a few conversations with him. He didn’t want to miss this for the world. Especially since you’re such an amazing surfer.”

She pressed her hand against my chest but peered over her shoulder. “I think people are waiting for an answer.”

I cocked my head, glancing from side to side. “What answer?”

Her sigh was exasperated. “Will you marry me?”

The question was so unexpected I froze. Then I wrapped my arms around her, yanking her against me. “Lady. You’re not supposed to pop the question. I am.”

“Rules are always meant to be broken.”

“Not in my world.” I lowered my head. “I love you, baby. For now, and for the next twenty years and twenty beyond that.”

“Why don’t you just say forever.” Tears slipped past her lashes.

As I rubbed my thumb through the salty beads, she nuzzled against my hand. There wasn’t a single person in the gallery who wasn’t holding their breath.

“That goes without saying. Forever.” I captured her mouth and our hearts were suddenly still, the quietness surrounding us surreal.

We’d both been through so much. Pain and sorrow, tragedy and doubt. Yet we’d always managed to find each other.

No one would ever be able to tear us apart.

So help me God.

As a collective roar broke out in the gallery, my sweet Daniella melted in my arms.

I had a strong support system, a big, beautiful group of people who I’d forever consider my family.

And the one woman who’d captured my heart twenty years before.

The End