Deceived (Private Justice Book #3): A Novel (33 page)

As her brain kicked into gear and memories of last night’s events crashed over her, she shot up from her horizontal position. “Kevin! Is he—”

“He’s still in recovery.” Connor held on to her shoulders, his grip firm and comforting as he scrutinized her. “But I have other news. Are you with me?”

“Yes.” She struggled to throw off the drug-induced haze that was fuzzying her mind, then amended her reply. “Not quite—but better than earlier.”

“I just had a call from the lab. Not that this will come as any surprise after Sanders’s revelations to you last night, but the DNA is a match. The boy he called Todd is indisputably your son.”

She’d already known that, but having the empirical proof . . . she choked back a sob as tears blurred her vision.

A second later she found herself in Connor’s arms, held close against the steady beat of his heart.

It felt like home.

A throat was cleared behind them. “Excuse me . . .”

Connor released her—with obvious reluctance. But he kept one arm around her as he swiveled around.

An aide stood in the doorway. “Ms. Marshall?”

“Yes.”

“Your son is waking up. Would you like to go back?”

“Yes.”

Connor stood first and drew her to her feet. “Are you steady enough to manage on your own?”

Was she? The floor seemed solid—but her emotions didn’t.

“I don’t need the physical support, but I wouldn’t turn down a hand to hold.”

He twined his fingers with hers. “At your service.”

As they followed the aide down the hall, Kate tried to rein in her galloping pulse. She wasn’t ready for this . . . but would she ever be? She couldn’t take away Kevin’s trauma, no matter how long their meeting was deferred. And all she had to offer him in return for upending his world was love. The deep, abid
ing love of a mother who’d never stopped cherishing the son she thought she’d lost.

She hoped that was enough.

The aide paused on the threshold of a door and motioned them in.

“He’s still drifting in and out.” A nurse looked over as she adjusted one of the many monitors attached to Kevin. “But the anesthesia will wear off quickly now. I’ll be close by if you need me.”

Once she exited, Kate moved beside the bed. Kevin’s eyes fluttered open as she approached, and she summoned up a smile. “Hi there.”

His mouth worked for a moment. “Are you . . . the lady from the escalator?”

“Yes.”

He squinted up at her. “Is this . . . a dream?”

“No. I’m really here.”

“Dad said it was a dream, but I knew it wasn’t because you looked so real—and so nice.” He lifted his arm. Examined the IV. “Am I in a hospital?”

“Yes. You had an accident and hurt your leg.”

He scrunched up his face. “I don’t remember.”

That, at least, was a blessing.

Kevin gave Connor a once-over. “Who are you?”

“A friend.”

“Do you know my dad?”

Connor hesitated. “Yes.”

Leaning his head sideways, Kevin searched the room. “We’re supposed to go camping. Is he here?”

“I think camping will have to wait until your leg gets better. And I came to see you instead of . . .” She couldn’t bring herself to use the term that belonged to John. Shifting gears, she tucked her hair behind her ear. “I’ve been searching for you since that day on the escalator.”

“How come?”

“It’s kind of a long story.”

“I like stories. Dad reads me one every night, except now I’m starting to read them myself. The easy ones. Does your story start once upon a time?”

“It can.”

“Does it have a happy ending?”

Her throat tightened. “I hope so.”

“Will you tell it to me?”

Connor grabbed one of the chairs against the wall, slid it beside the bed, and urged her down.

She sat.

And as he rested his hand on her shoulder, she folded Kevin’s fingers in hers, held on tight, and began.

“Once upon a time . . .”

S
IX
M
ONTHS
L
ATER

“So you really did it.” Connor swiped a crab cake off a passing waiter’s tray and grinned at Dev, who was so focused on his new bride he missed the food. That was a first.

“Yeah.” His partner smiled, then dragged his attention away from Laura as she posed for the photographer. “Hey . . . where did you get that?” He sent the half-eaten appetizer a covetous look.

Connor finished it off and gestured to the disappearing waiter. “You were otherwise occupied.”

“True.” His gaze strayed to Laura again. “Besides, there’ll be plenty of food at dinner. Right now I’d rather watch the most beautiful woman in the room.”

Connor scanned the reception area for Kate. She was chatting with Moira and Cal, Kevin at her side, one hand resting on his shoulder. Her blonde hair, a perfect match for her son’s, shimmered in the soft lighting of the country club, and her knee-skimming black cocktail dress showed off her curves to perfection.

The most beautiful woman in the room?

No contest.

But he’d be magnanimous for the bride’s sake. “Laura looks gorgeous today. You’re a lucky man.”

“Trust me, I know. So when are you going to join the club?”

Connor stuck his hand in the pocket of his tux slacks and fingered the small box. “Soon. I didn’t want to rush her, with all the adjustments she and Kevin had to make.”

“I hear you.” Dev searched the crowd, zeroing in on the Marshall duo. “The kid has had some tough breaks, but he seems to be adjusting.”

“Thanks to Kate. There’ve been some rough times, though.” Like the countless nights she’d called him in tears, heart aching for her son after he’d cried himself to sleep or awakened in the throes of a nightmare. But those traumatic incidents were far less frequent these days. “The counselor she found has worked wonders. So has her generous helpings of TLC. She’s a wonderful mother.”

“Speaking of mothers . . .” Dev inclined his head toward Nikki.

Connor inspected their office manager as she approached. She might be eight months pregnant, but her broadening girth hadn’t stifled her eclectic fashion choices. Tonight’s knee-length outfit appeared to be made of dozens of vibrant-colored floaty scarves that billowed as she walked. It was eye-catching, to say the least.

“You look ready to burst.”

Nikki arched an eyebrow at Dev’s greeting. “I see marriage hasn’t mellowed you. Yet.” She turned her back on her auburn-haired boss. “Where’s your lovely date?”

Connor gestured toward Kate. “As usual, she’s a people magnet. It’s hard to get her alone at an event like this.”

“I can help with that. Danny learned some new magic tricks, and I persuaded him to give Kevin a private show so the two of you could steal away for a few minutes. Can’t let all this romantic ambiance go to waste.” She signaled to her teenage brother across the room, who responded with a high sign.

“I owe you one.”

“Lattes cover a multitude of favors—and sins. Just ask Dev.” She smirked at his partner.

“I think I’ll join my bride.” Dev adjusted his bow tie and strolled off.

“Stay put. I’ll send her over.” Nikki picked a piece of lint off his lapel, then moseyed over to the small group that included Kate. She bent down to talk to Kevin, and he gave an enthusiastic nod. Then she leaned close and spoke to Kate.

His date looked his way, and her slow, intimate smile had him reaching up to run a finger under his collar.

Fifteen seconds later, she joined him, still smiling.

He took her hand. “What did Nikki say to you?”

“Why?”

“That look you gave me—it should be rated adult audiences only.”

A soft blush tinted her cheeks. “She said I better get over here quick before the electricity zipping from you to me electrocuted anyone who walked between us.”

“She does have a colorful way with words—and clothes. But I’m not arguing with her conclusions.” He took her hand and tugged her toward one of the sets of French doors that led to the terrace. “Let’s go see the moon.”

“In February?”

“It’s not too cold tonight—and I promise to keep you warm.” He waggled his eyebrows.

She laughed. “I’m game.”

He led her through the crowd, out the door, and onto the flagstones. It was unseasonably mild for midwinter, but still the air was crisp. Once clear of the door, he slipped off his tux jacket and draped it around her shoulders.

“I can’t take this. You’ll get cold.”

“Trust me. I’m plenty warm.” Reclaiming her hand, he strolled
over to the stone wall that separated the terrace from the gardens and golf course beyond.

“I missed you while you were gone this week.” She gave his fingers a squeeze.

“Yeah?” He stopped and faced her. The sky was clear, and the alabaster moon cast a luminous, almost ethereal light on her face.

“Mmm-hmm. It’s been so hectic since you got back yesterday you never told me how it went.”

“No problems, but in between his meetings my client dragged me to every modern art museum in New York City. I should have expected some unusual extracurricular activities. This is the same guy who decided to go diving in Bermuda a couple of years ago on another protection gig.”

“That doesn’t sound too bad.”

“It is when he’s five-seven and you’re six-three and the diving is in submerged caves with narrow passageways. I felt like a contortionist.”

She laughed—a musical sound that never failed to delight him. Best of all, he was hearing it more and more often these days. “You don’t seem any the worse for wear.”

“Tell that to my chiropractor.” He rotated his neck for effect. “Did I miss anything while I was gone?”

“I heard from Diane.”

“So she followed through on her promise to let you know how she was doing.”

“Yes. She’s still going to counseling but embracing her new life in Denver. She likes her job, and she’s starting to date again. I’m happy for her.”

“So am I, after her previous experiences in the relationship department.” His pulse ticked up a notch, and he took a steadying breath. “Speaking of relationships . . . there’s something I’d like to ask you.”

When she lifted her chin, he wasn’t sure if the sudden sparkle in her eyes was real—or just a reflection of the lights shining through the bank of French doors behind them.

The band struck up “Unforgettable,” and he smiled as the melodic tune wafted their way. “Now that’s what I call perfect timing—because you’re exactly what that song is all about.” He reached into his pocket, pulled out the small, square jewelry box, and held it out to her in his palm. “That’s why I’ve had this on hand for three months, waiting for the right moment.”

Her eyes widened. “Wow.” The hushed sound was more breath than word.

“Is that a good wow or an I’m-not-ready-for-this wow? Because I can wait if the time’s not right.” He started to withdraw his hand.

She grabbed his wrist and held tight. “It’s a good wow. Don’t you dare put that away!”

Grinning, he flipped the lid open.

Once again her eyes widened. It wasn’t a traditional engagement ring, like the diamond solitaire on the thin gold band she’d worn from her first husband. Connor had wanted an entirely different style. One that was unique to their relationship and wouldn’t remind her of her first marriage.

Based on her expression of delight, the marquis-cut emerald, flanked by diamonds in a platinum setting, had done the trick.

“Oh, Connor. That’s stunning!”

He handed it to her. “Check inside.”

Her fingers were trembling as she took the ring. His were too as he fished a tiny penlight out of his other pocket and flashed it on the band.

She angled it to examine the engraved inscription. “His heart was yours from the moment you met.” As she read the words, her voice choked. “From the fortune cookie.”

“And very true. There’s a question to go with that ring, but I expect you know what it is.”

She looked up at him through shimmering eyes. “I’d like to hear it anyway.”

“I thought you might.” He took her hands, cocooning them in his, the ring folded inside. “I’ve made some mistakes in my life, as you know. But I’ve learned from them. I know what true love means now. It’s caring more about the other person than about yourself. It’s putting her first, ahead of career or job or ambition or life itself. It’s counting the minutes until you can see her again, and knowing the best place in the world to be is in her arms.”

A tremor ran through their clasped hands as he paused, but he couldn’t be certain whether it came from her or from him.

When he continued, his voice was less steady. “It’s loving everything about her—her warmth and caring and generosity and devotion and sense of humor and even the way she fumbles chopsticks. It’s realizing the life you thought was fine just as it was doesn’t even come close to what it could be with her. It’s learning to love her little boy as much as she does—and wanting to be there for both of them in good times and bad.”

Taking the ring from her fingers, he positioned it at the tip of the fourth finger of her left hand. “I know we’re a few hours short of Valentine’s Day—but every day is Valentine’s Day when I’m with you. So to paraphrase Robert Browning, will you grow old along with me, knowing—as I do—that the best is yet to be?”

“Yes.” The word was a shaky whisper, but the joy on her face as he slid the ring over her finger told him everything he needed to know.

The time was right.

The woman was right.

Life was right.

Framing her face in his hands, he stroked his thumb over her sweet mouth. “Your lips are cold. Shall I warm them up for you?”

“Please do.”

He pulled her close, slipping his arms inside the jacket he’d draped over her shoulders, and bent to seal their engagement as the last few muted bars of “Unforgettable” played on the other side of the French doors.

And for the rest of his life, he knew that whenever he heard that song, he would remember this frosty February moment when love—the most precious of all gifts—had graced his life.

“Hey, you guys! They’re cutting the cake!”

Pulling back, Connor looked toward the French doors. Kevin was standing on the threshold, gesturing for them to come in.

Nikki huffed up behind him and gave them an apologetic look. “Sorry. Danny ran out of tricks before you finished your treat.”

Connor draped an arm around Kate’s shoulder and leaned close to whisper in her ear. “To be continued.”

She snuggled close. “Is that a promise?”

“Count on it.”

As they walked toward the door where Kevin waited, her son cocked his head. “Were you guys kissing?”

He glanced at Kate, letting her take the lead. He’d become a fixture in their lives over the past few months, but while Kevin had seen plenty of exchanges of affection between them and Connor had established a strong bond with her son, was the youngster ready to share the mother he was just beginning to know and love?

“Yes, we were.” She placed her free arm around her son and tugged him close. “In fact, Connor asked me to marry him. Is that okay with you?”

Kevin considered him. “Does that mean you’d live at our house?”

“I don’t know where we’d live, but wherever it is, we’ll all be together.”

He thought about that for a few beats. “Epic. Can we go see the cake now?”

The knot in his stomach unwound. “Sure. You go ahead. We’ll be there in a minute.”

As Kevin scampered inside, Connor regarded Kate. “How come that was so easy?”

She shrugged and dipped her head to fiddle with a button on the tux jacket draped over her shoulders. “I asked his counselor to help me begin laying the groundwork for this.”

Placing his finger under her chin, he tipped her face up. “How long ago?”

A flush rose on her cheeks. “Almost from the beginning.”

“You were that sure of me?”

“No. I was that sure of
me
—and I was pretty certain you felt the same. I’m glad my instincts weren’t wrong.”

Giving her a slow smile, he pulled her close. “What do your instincts say now?”

She put her arms around his neck and snuggled close. “That you’re going to kiss me again—right in front of the Phoenix staff.” She nodded toward the reception room.

He turned. On the other side of the glass, a few feet away, Cal and Dev flanked Nikki. As if on cue, they grinned, raised their champagne glasses—and waited.

“I guess I’m on.”

“I guess you are.”

“Do you mind the audience?”

“I prefer to think of them as future business-in-laws—and witnesses.” She waggled her ring finger their direction, though she kept her gaze fixed on him. “There’s no getting out of this now.”

He chuckled. “That works both ways. Shall I officially welcome you to the team?”

“By all means.”

And with no further delay, he sealed the deal.