A Most Shocking Revelation (12 page)

“What?”

“No one's ever really cared for me like this before other than my grandmother. Your willingness to do this for me, well, it amazes me.” And touched her so deeply she sensed another fresh rush of tears coming on.

He brushed a kiss across her cheek. “To tell the truth, Val, I've never taken care of anyone before. So if I'm doing anything wrong, you're just going to have to let me know and be patient with me.”

Problem was, Gavin had done everything right, and that made Valerie want to go into a full-fledged crying jag. “You're doing wonderfully.”

“And you need sleep,” he said. “Now blow your nose and I'll turn out the light.”

After he sent the room into darkness, he slid his arm beneath her and held her close. Valerie laid her head on his chest, counting the beats of his heart against her ear. A strong heart. A good heart. A good man. The best. At that moment she wanted to stay with him indefinitely, more than she'd ever wanted anything in her life. More than she wanted to discard the ever-present shame. More than she wanted to find the treasure and resolve the remnants of her past.

But these precious nights in Gavin's arms would only be a temporary respite from the truth. Once he knew that truth, he might never want to see her again, much less touch her. Right now she had to get some sleep and get well. Tomorrow she would be better.

 

When Val got worse before she got better, Gavin O'Neal learned a lot about himself. In four days' time he'd learned he could sleep with a woman with the sole purpose of sleeping—when he wasn't watching her well into the night, listening to her breathing, touching her forehead to make sure her temperature hadn't risen. He'd learned he could bathe her body without any serious thoughts of sex. He'd learned how to prepare chicken soup and how to totally tune out the work that was piling up while he gave her his complete attention. He hadn't realized his capacity for worrying so fiercely over someone or that he could celebrate something as simple as a fever finally breaking.

He'd also begun to understand what a tough time she'd had growing up, even though she was still guarded about her past. He'd learned the depth of her selflessness when she claimed that she'd known others who'd been worse off than she had been and the strength of her compassion when she'd told him about the troubled kids she'd worked with while in college. Above all, he'd come to realize she was a very special lady, and because of that his feelings for her had grown deeper with every moment he'd spent in her presence.

At first he'd tried to liken it to being in the trenches in a less-than-favorable situation, the way he had been with various part
ners during his law-enforcement career. But this was more. A hell of a lot more. He hadn't wanted to be that close with any of his colleagues and he never had been. Not once had he ever discussed his parents' murders with any of them or his overriding grief that still visited him even after all this time. Yet he'd been that open with Val on more than one occasion, and she'd seemed to genuinely understand.

Yeah, she was special all right, as well as stubborn. That much Gavin had discovered that morning when she'd insisted on going back to work, since it was Saturday, and he hadn't been able to stop her. He'd taken the opportunity to go into the department, even though he only spent a couple of hours shifting papers on his desk before he ran a few errands. He had a wedding to attend and a few plans to make, so he'd cut out early with the excuse that he still felt poorly even though he hadn't had a sniffle.

Now nearing 5:00 p.m., he was heading home in hopes that Val had lived up to her promise only to work through lunch. When he pulled up in the drive, he found the GTO parked in the garage, indicating she had returned. A good thing, he decided. He could give her the first of several surprises he had planned for their evening.

With a sack gripped in his hand and a bag draped over his arm, Gavin tore into the house like a kid seeking praise for a good report card. He called to Valerie and when he didn't get an immediate response, a host of concerns followed him all the way down the hall to his room. What if she'd overdone it and passed out? What if she'd fallen and hit her head with no way to get to the phone? What if someone had broken into the house…? No. He wasn't even going to go there.

Once in his bedroom, he tossed the sack on the bed and laid the clear bag beside it, then headed straight for the bathroom, only to find it deserted. He paused a minute to push the paranoia away. Most likely she was in the guest room, changing out of her work clothes. If that proved not to be the case, then he'd keep searching until he found her, even if that entailed scouring every inch of his acreage and every square mile of the county.

The minute he hit the hallway, Gavin heard the buzz of a hair dryer coming from behind the guest room's partially closed door. Relief immediately settled over him, but for some unknown reason he had to be sure. He walked through the door and continued on to the bathroom, where he found Val standing in front of the vanity, bent at the waist, dryer in hand, finger-combing her hair as the strong flow of air blew it in all directions. Only then did he realize she was wearing a shirt that hit her midthigh. His shirt, and apparently not much else.

Gavin really liked seeing her in his clothes. In fact, he liked everything about her, especially her legs. Well-toned legs but not so muscular that they didn't look feminine. He was assaulted by the image of going to his knees before her and running his hands up her bare thighs—and higher. Before he could act on that urge, she snapped off the dryer, set it on the vanity and pushed her hair out of her face.

She gasped when she caught sight of him in the mirror's reflection and spun around, hand at her throat. “You startled me.”

He stayed propped against the door frame, otherwise he might tackle her where she stood. He'd already given her one jolt, she didn't need another. “Sorry. I just got home and I couldn't find you. I thought maybe you'd left town without telling me.”

She grabbed a brush and ran it through her tangled locks. “I wouldn't do that.”

Gavin liked to think she wouldn't desert him without a goodbye, but he got the feeling that one day he'd come home to find her gone. “You look good in my shirt.”

Val stopped brushing her hair and looked down as though she'd forgotten what she was wearing. “I think it makes a nice fashion statement.” After tossing the brush aside, she hoisted herself up on the vanity and smiled. “Actually I got so used to having you around, I really missed you today. And since I didn't know when you'd be home, I decided to keep something of yours close to me. Kind of corny, huh?”

Gavin decided it was the sweetest thing he'd ever heard. He crossed the room and stood before her, itching to touch her, to
take that shirt off her slender shoulders and kiss her all over. “I don't mind you wearing my clothes, as long as you don't expect me to wear yours.”

She slapped playfully at his chest. “Like you could actually fit into them.”

“True.” He shifted one random strand of hair away from her cheek. “How are you feeling?”

She sent him a coy look, took his hand and laid it on her bare thigh. “Why don't you see for yourself?”

Man, oh, man, did he want to. Unfortunately time was scarce. If he didn't control himself now, he wouldn't be able to later. “Well, sweetheart, that sounds like a plan, but I have to get a shower and get over to Logan's house in about forty-five minutes. I'm the best man.”

Val draped her arms around his neck and wet her lips. “I'm sure you are the best man, but I wouldn't object to you providing more proof.”

Neither would Gavin, but responsibility to his friend prevented him from doing what he wanted to do with her. To her. “Tell you what. We can definitely take that up later tonight, after the wedding.”

She sighed. “I guess I can wait.” She hopped down from the counter and landed right up against him. “Why, Sheriff, I do believe your body's having a complete uprising.”

Despite caution clawing at his brain, he circled his arms around her. “Now what gave you that idea?”

Val had the nerve to wriggle her hips. “As you've informed me previously, you don't carry your weapon in your pants. Although I could say you're definitely armed right now.”

He lowered his mouth and flicked her earlobe with his tongue before meeting her gaze again. “And if you keep rubbing against me, I could get trigger-happy real fast.”

She slid her hands up and down his back. “But you don't have time right now.”

“Unfortunately no.” Dammit.

Her lips curled into a smile. “You big tease.”

“I could say the same about you.”

“Believe me, Gavin, I'm not teasing.”

He could tell she wasn't teasing. Not in the least. But she was damn sure tempting him to forget about his duties. “Either we stop right now or you're going to have to explain to the groom why I'm late for his nuptials.”

She sidestepped away from him, her arms folded beneath her breasts. “Okay. I'll be here when you get back.”

“You're going with me.”

“I told you, I don't have anything to wear.”

“Yeah, you do.” Taking her hand, Gavin hauled Val into the bedroom, guided her to the bed and indicated the dress. “This is for you.”

She lifted the plastic covering and ran her palm over the silky red fabric. “Oh, my gosh. You picked this out all by yourself?”

“I had a little help from friends.” More accurately a friend's wife.

She just stood there staring at it, leading Gavin to believe that maybe he hadn't made the correct choice. “You don't like it, do you?” The insecurity in his tone surprised Gavin because that wasn't his normal behavior. But then, he'd surprised himself on many levels lately, thanks to Ms. Raines.

Valerie faced him, genuine appreciation in her eyes, as though he'd handed her the moon and stars in one helping. “It's absolutely beautiful.”

He swiped away an unexpected tear trailing down her cheek. “Hey, it's only a dress, sweetheart. No big deal.”

She laid her palm on his hand where it framed her face. “It is to someone who's never had a dress like this before.”

To think that Val had done without so many things in her lifetime caused a heavy weight to land on Gavin's heart. Taking her into his arms, he stroked her back, held her close and realized that she meant more to him than he'd ever thought possible. She made him feel things he'd never felt before, want things he'd never before wanted. He'd walk through fire to make her happy. He'd do anything to show her she was safe with him and wanted. Later tonight he planned to tell her that very thing.

Regrettably right now he had to get a move on, otherwise he would be late. Pulling away, he pressed a kiss on her lips and said, “The bag has a pair of those really sexy stockings in it, the kind that have the lace at the thighs. And some shoes. The saleslady guessed at your size, but then she said she's been in the diner and she's seen your feet.”

Val smiled. “Must be Mrs. Briggs. She's always looking at everyone's feet.”

“As weird as that sounds, it's probably a good thing. I wouldn't begin to know your size.”

She stared down at his boots. “I'd bet that you wear a size twelve.”

Now how had she known that? “Damn, you're good.”

She let go a laugh. “Actually I looked in your closet, so I cheated a little. I wanted to know if that whole thing about a man's feet—”

He placed his palm over her mouth. “Don't go there, Val. Not unless you want me to be ostracized for months for being tardy.”

After pulling his hand away, she tapped a finger against her lips. “I'll let you go as soon as you kiss me like you mean it.”

Not a problem, Gavin thought. He did mean it, and when he told her tonight exactly how he felt about her, he'd mean it then, too. More than she could ever know.

I
f someone had told Valerie two weeks ago that she would be witnessing the wedding of Gavin O'Neal's best friend, she would have called the person a lunatic. But then, if anyone had claimed she would be staying with the sexy sheriff—
making love
with the sheriff—she would have doubled over with laughter.

Yet here she was, in the home belonging to rancher Logan Voss, waiting for the ceremony to begin. Valerie recognized most of the small group of guests from the diner, with the exception of the well-dressed man seated next to her who'd said he was a former colleague of the bride's. Her place on the aisle gave her a choice view of the arch that framed the glowing fireplace and the mantel decorated with white and red bows and holiday greenery. Better still, she had a prime view of the best man, decked out in an immaculate black tuxedo, his brown hair recently trimmed to perfection. Gavin O'Neal symbolized perfection in her eyes, even though the handsome groom was supposed to be the star of the show. But as far as she was concerned, Gavin was the most beautiful man in the room. Heck, the entire town. And for a little while he had been all hers.

As soft music began to filter through speakers set out about the room, the audience stood to welcome the bridal party. Valerie reluctantly turned her attention away from Gavin to the aisle, where she glimpsed the back of a tall, lithe woman dressed in a sleeveless green satin gown, her slender arms draped with a matching wrap, as she glided past the onlookers. Not long after, Melissa Mason appeared, her chestnut curls secured high on her head, her off-the-shoulder ecru lace wedding dress shimmering in the soft glow of the candles lining the walls.
Radiant
was the first thought that came to Valerie's mind as Melissa passed.
Totally in love
was the second when Melissa took Logan's hand in hers and gazed into his eyes.

Once they were seated again, Valerie's thoughts kept drifting away as the minister began the service. She allowed herself to imagine standing with Gavin, his hand in hers as he vowed to love and honor her all the days of their lives. Although her fantasies of ever after were simply that—fantasies—she refused to feel bad for having them since that was all she would ever have. She saw no real harm in indulging in the musings because no one else would ever have to know, especially not Gavin.

After the bride and groom engaged in the traditional kiss, the crowd broke out into applause and came to their feet again. Only then did Valerie get a good look at the maid of honor as she joined the best man to return down the aisle. The woman was gorgeous, with ample curves and a fall of dark hair that should be featured in a commercial. Gavin crooked his arm for the attendant to take, earning a smile from the lady, who now had a solid hold on the sheriff. Valerie's heart tumbled in her chest, and the beautiful red dress Gavin had chosen for her didn't seem beautiful at all. She despised her insecurity, hated that she felt as if she didn't belong at this event or with him. But when Gavin paused at her side on his way down the aisle and gave her hand a quick squeeze, for a fleeting moment Valerie did feel as if she really did belong with him. To him.

The pastor invited the audience to the dining area for the reception and they heeded the call en masse. Valerie worked her
way through the crowd, searching for Gavin, who wasn't anywhere within her view. She briefly wondered if the dishonorable maid had carted him off to another room so they could get to know each other better.

On top of the bite of jealousy, Valerie also experienced the sting of loneliness that had been such a prominent part of her life over the past few years. She considered taking a seat somewhere out of the way, until she heard, “I knew it would look great on you.”

The comment drew Valerie around to face Alison Lind-Hartman, who'd recently married Mark Hartman, another member of Gavin's secretive group. Her winter-white formfitting suit enhanced her flawless warm-chocolate skin and showcased her elegant carriage. Now Valerie truly felt short, insignificant and definitely scrappy. Yet she'd grown very fond of Alli in recent months, so she certainly couldn't fault her for anything, particularly since she seemed to be involved somehow in the selection of Valerie's new dress.

Intent on covering her stupid lack of confidence, Valerie propped both hands on her hips and smiled. “Let me guess. You got roped into going shopping with the sheriff.”

Alli shrugged. “Mark asked me to help Gavin out. He seemed pretty desperate for some womanly advice.”

“You did a great job.” Valerie drew Alli into a brief hug and told her, “Thanks so much.”

Alli returned her smile. “It wasn't a problem at all. I'm just glad I guessed your size correctly.”

Valerie was glad to have Alli's company. “Where's that beautiful baby?”

Alli pointed behind her. “She's with Mark right now. We hadn't planned to bring her, but Mark's niece isn't feeling well. I think she might have the flu.”

Didn't everyone? “I can relate to that.”

“I know,” Alli said. “Gavin told me you'd been very sick. In fact, you're all he talked about today. He's got it bad for you.”

Valerie definitely had it bad for him. “He's been a wonderful friend.” And the best of lovers.

“Mama! Mama!”

Valerie looked down to see fifteen-month-old Erika wrap her chubby arms around Alli's slender legs.

“There you are!” Alli swept Erika into her arms, popped a kiss on the toddler's cheek and balanced her on one hip. “What have you been up to, baby girl?”

Valerie reached over and took Erika's tiny hand. “Hey, honey. You're getting so big.”

Erika grinned, flashing a deep dimple. “Cookie?”

Valerie laughed over Erika's usual request. “Sorry, sweetie, I left them at the diner. But when your mama brings you in, I'll be sure to have one waiting for you.”

When Erika began to squirm and called for her daddy, Alli released her and she took off through the crowd, sprinting as fast as her little legs would allow.

“She's such a joy,” Alli said. “I don't know what we'd do without her.”

Valerie looked beyond Alli to see Mark holding Erika above his head, causing her to let go a raucous belly laugh. “She looks so much like your husband.”

Alli glanced back, then smiled at Valerie. “Yes, she does. But Mark and his brother favored, too. That's why Erika could easily be mistaken for Mark's biological child.”

“Are you and Mark still planning to adopt Erika?” Valerie asked.

“Definitely. We know that's what Mark's brother and his wife would have wanted. But we don't have a home study scheduled until February because of a shortage of available caseworkers. As much as I want it to happen, the whole process makes me nervous.”

A process that was very familiar to Valerie. “I'm sure you'll do fine, Alli. Caseworkers love adoptions. That's the best part of the job.”

Alli gave her a questioning look. “You sound like you've had some experience.”

“I have,” Valerie admitted. “I was studying social work before my grandmother passed away. I did some interning with Social Services. I hope to go back to it eventually and finish up.”
As soon as she put together her own past in order to help others deal with theirs.

“You should go back,” Alli said. “As much as I love taking care of Erika, I'm glad to be in school.”

When someone called her name, Alli turned and nodded before bringing her attention back to Valerie. “I guess I should join my husband now. He looks like he could use some help with Erika.”

Valerie waved a hand in dismissal. “Go ahead. I'll see if I can find Gavin. He's probably off somewhere talking with friends.” She hoped that was who he was with and not the maid of honor.

“I think that's why Mark's calling me,” Alli said. “He mentioned something about a few of the guys having a brief meeting to discuss whatever it is they usually discuss.”

Valerie suspected it had something to do with the murder investigation, and she also suspected that Alli knew exactly what it was all about. Probably one of the perks of being a Cattleman's Club wife. “Then I'll go mingle for a while.”

“I'll catch up with you in a while.” Alli hugged Valerie again and set off to join Mark near the buffet table.

Valerie considered grabbing a bite to eat, maybe even a glass of champagne, but her stomach hadn't quite returned to normal. Or maybe the heaviness had to do with her sudden melancholy. Everyone in the house seemed to be paired up, and although she was technically with Gavin, she wasn't really
with
him, at least not for much longer.

As soon as she had the opportunity, and her car back on Monday, she intended to seriously seek what she'd been looking for, then return to St. Louis to get on with her life—without the sheriff—even knowing she would never be the same again.

 

Gavin had spent the past hour in a private room filled with fellow Cattleman's Club members, receiving surveillance reports on Gretchen Halifax that amounted to nothing, as well as being the brunt of several jokes about his relationship with Val. Now all he wanted to do was find his girl and get home.

He spotted her sitting in a fancy gold chair in the corner of
the living room without any company, hands folded tightly in her lap. At that moment he hated himself for leaving her alone for so long without any explanation. But he'd wanted to get the meeting over with as soon as possible so he could get to the next phase of the evening—his second surprise.

As Gavin crossed the room, Val glanced up and met his gaze. She looked genuinely pleased to see him, and he was definitely happy to see her. He knelt before her and laid his hands on hers. “You still feeling okay?” he asked.

She rubbed her thumb along his wrist. “I'm fine. They're cutting the cake now and I hear they're going to be tossing the bouquet, which means the garter comes next. You might want to get in there and give it a go.”

Gavin shook his head. “Can't say that I'm interested in any of that.”

She rested a hand on her chest. “What? You don't want to watch the single women fighting over a bunch of flowers like desperate alley cats?”

“I don't think that's going to be much of a competition considering the lack of single women here tonight. Unless you're going to do it.”

“No, not me.” She looked away. “Melissa's maid of honor will probably be there. What's her name?”

“Madison.”

“Oh, so you two are on a first-name basis?” Her smile looked forced. “You work fast, Sheriff.”

Gavin couldn't believe she sounded so jealous and he had to admit he was kind of pleased by that. Male pride, plain and simple. “Look, Val, I talked to her for about two minutes. I also met her husband.”

Now she looked chagrined. “I didn't realize she was married.”

“She is. And even if she wasn't, I'm not interested.” He stood and pulled her to her feet. “I'm only interested in one lady, and she's coming home with me right now.”

When he started tugging her toward the entry, she pulled him to a stop. “Aren't you even going tell the bride and groom goodbye?”

Good point, but he'd call Logan in a couple of days, apologize and tell him Valerie was still under the weather. That might not be the case, but he did plan to get her under the covers real soon. “He'll understand.”

After retrieving their coats from the hall closet, Gavin made sure Val was sufficiently wrapped up before he led her outside to the SUV. Even though Logan was his neighbor, several acres and a couple of miles separated their ranches, so walking wasn't an option. Even if it had been, he would've taken his vehicle to shorten the time it took to arrive at his house.

They drove in easy silence, Val's head tipped against his shoulder, her hand firmly in his. Since the weather had turned warmer, only a few drifts of snow remained on the side of the road. At least the conditions weren't conducive for more weather-related accidents. Tonight he wanted no interruptions whatsoever and he'd told his deputies that very thing. He only hoped they would adhere to his request.

After they pulled into the drive, Gavin cut off the engine and turned to Val. “After we get out, I want you to do everything I ask, no questions.”

She frowned. “What's this all about?”

“I said no questions.” He gave her a quick kiss. “Trust me, you'll know soon enough.” Or at least he hoped she would. He'd relied on assistance to execute the second part of his plan, and if that hadn't panned out, someone was in big trouble. Specifically a group of teenage jocks.

Gavin rounded the hood and helped Val out of the truck, showed her to the front door, then took a red bandanna from his jacket pocket. “I'm going to put this on you for a few minutes.”

She eyed the bandanna then surprisingly smiled. “Why, Sheriff, are you getting kinky on me?”

He rubbed his chin. “Actually not at the moment, but we could consider using the blindfold later. Not a bad idea at that. But first…” He stepped behind her, covered her eyes with the kerchief and tied it. “Is that okay?” he asked when he stepped back in front of her.

“If you mean can I see anything, no.”

“Good.” Gavin unlocked the front door and guided Val through the foyer and into the great room. Just as he'd planned, the surprise he'd designed solely for her benefit had been carried out down to the last detail—every multicolored ornament and flashing light strategically placed on the twelve-foot fir set near the window.

He shrugged out of his jacket and took off her coat, then tossed them on the sofa. Taking her hand, he led her to the tree and loosened the knot binding the bandanna. “Okay, I'm going to take this off now and you tell me what you think.”

When he dropped the blindfold from her eyes, she sucked in a sharp breath. “Oh, my gosh, it's beautiful.” Her tone sounded awed, almost reverent.