The waitress arrived with their drinks and Alex grabbed his bottle of beer and concentrated on picking at the label, his expression closed.
The moment was over, but Tess knew there would be others. That this was just the beginning.
She leaned her elbows on the scarred Formica table. “So, tell me about your meeting with the lieutenant.”
“They’re closing the case,” he said to the bottle.
For a moment she was so shocked she couldn’t say anything.
He pulled off a big chunk of the label and rolled it into a ball. “They think the drug ring moved on. The detectives don’t have any other leads.”
“But that’s not right! What about Jason? The man killed your contact and they’re just closing the case? Just like that?”
Alex lifted his gaze to hers in amusement. “It’s not officially closed, but the detectives won’t be spending all their time on it.”
“It’s still not right.”
A corner of his mouth lifted in a smile. “I agree, but there’s not much we can do about it.”
“Don’t blame yourself, Alex. It’s not your fault.”
“If I could
remember
who shot me and who killed Jason, this wouldn’t be happening.”
“You’ll remember.”
“The doctors said I may not.”
They lapsed into silence until the waitress arrived with their dinner. Then they ate in silence. A miniature train on a track suspended above their heads whistled a long, thin wail. The group of men at the next table laughed.
Tess dunked her last fry in the ketchup, popped it in her mouth and chewed. “So, did the lieutenant want to talk about anything else or just update you on the case?”
His gaze slid away from hers and the fries and burger she’d just eaten formed a big ball in her stomach.
“Alex? What’d the lieutenant really want?”
He pushed the rest of his fries into a small pile.
Tess sat back and put her hands over her roiling stomach. “Damn it, just say it.”
Alex wouldn’t look at her. Because he was afraid she’d see the need in his eyes? The need to return to work?
“Who was it that said we had to stop keeping things from each other?” Her mouth was dry, her words angry. Damn it, she’d thought they were making progress. How could he be angry at her for keeping things from him when he was doing the same thing?
“I planned on telling you. But after Shannon and the baby, I decided to hold off.”
“I’m a big girl, I can take it.”
A few beats of silence followed. “They need me to return to work.”
“When?”
“As soon as I can get Dr. Ford to sign the papers.”
All good things must end.
And the end had come. Soon the cop’s life would suck Alex back in.
“If you don’t want me to go back, I won’t.”
“You’d do that?” He’d give up his career, everything he worked for, just because she asked?
“I’d do anything to save our marriage. I’d hoped you’d realize that by now.”
He was offering her everything she wished for, but at what price? What if she told him to forget the job and the career he loved? How much time would that give them before he resented her for taking away what made him Alexandre Juran?
He sat back, a muscle in his jaw ticking, his eyes hard and cold. “I thought this was what you wanted.”
Six months ago, definitely. A month ago, maybe. Now? Now she didn’t know. She’d learned a lot of things about her husband since the shooting, but more importantly, she’d learned a lot about herself.
Alex wasn’t the only one to blame for their almost-failed marriage. She was stronger than she thought because she’d bucked up and taken over his care when he needed her the most. She’d also reaffirmed her waning belief in the power of love—the power of Alex’s love and her love for him. And they’d come so far discussing Maggie and everything else that had stood like an elephant between them.
She had felt abandoned in their marriage. Maggie’s death had shed a large spotlight on things she hadn’t been happy with for a long time, but they were working on that.
Alex
was working on that. She didn’t feel that way anymore and just because he was returning to work, it didn’t mean he would revert to his old ways.
She hoped. The only way to find out was to jump in with both feet.
“What
do
you want, Tess?”
I want it all. I want what we’ve had for the past month. I don’t want your job to come between us again.
“I want us both to be happy.”
“You want me to make the decision. I can’t do that, Tess, because either way I lose.”
“Either way I lose, too.”
He shook his head. “Why won’t you trust me to do the right thing? Why do you keep punishing me for the past?”
Is that what she’d been doing? Punishing him?
She stared at Alex, her heart realizing her answer before her brain. She didn’t want another separation, and she didn’t want a divorce. She wanted Alex.
She pried his fingers from the bottle of beer he was clutching so tightly. He looked at her with dark eyes and she smiled. “You can’t be anything other than a cop. And you can’t be anything other than my husband. Go back to work, we’ll figure this out.”
He squeezed her hand. “You sure?”
“Definitely.”
***
Everything would work out. For the first time Tess truly believed that. She had Alex. They had their love.
She stretched against her husband. Desire and need pulsed through her stomach, spreading to her arms and legs. Her heart. Alex nipped her naked breast as his body slid up hers. She opened beneath him, sensing a difference in their lovemaking this night, an unspoken vow to remember their love and commitment to each other. The reverence of his touches astounded her, humbled her and brought tears of joy to her eyes.
This went beyond the joining of two bodies, beyond the joining of two souls, into a realm they’d never crossed before.
Alex entered her and paused, staring into her eyes. His feelings warmed her, enlivened her. If she’d been standing, the intense love she was staring at would have brought her to her knees.
Everything would work out.
Everything would be all right.
They had each other and they had their love.
***
“You’re a remarkable man, Mr. Juran.” While Dr. Ford looked over Alex’s file, Tess held her breath. She wanted the doctor to sign the medical release because that’s what Alex wanted, but the doctor had taken her time, checking Alex out, consulting with the physical therapist.
So far, the doctor had remained tightlipped about her decision. She shook her head and clucked her tongue at the pages in front of her. Alex’s fingers tightened around Tess’s.
Dr. Ford closed the file and folded her hands on top of it, looking at Alex over her glasses. “So you want to return to work.”
“I feel I’m ready.”
“I’m sure you do. It’s been three months to the day that you were shot. Quite an anniversary, eh?”
Alex remained silent but Tess could feel him stiffen.
“The knee may seem strong,” Dr. Ford said. “You may walk without a limp, but the ligaments are still healing.”
Alex swallowed but held the doctor’s gaze.
“You’re a determined young man.” She glanced from Alex to Tess. “In more than your recuperation.”
Alex smiled and squeezed Tess’s hand. “Yes, ma’am.”
She tapped the folder in front of her. “And if I don’t sign those papers of yours?”
“I can’t return to work without your signature.” His voice sounded strained.
“No, I don’t suppose you can.” She opened the folder and extracted the medical release. “At the risk of repeating myself, you’re a remarkable man. I saw your determination when we first met and you informed me your wife wasn’t returning.” She shot Alex a mischievous smile, causing them both to laugh.
“I was mistaken,” he said.
Dr. Ford reached for a pen. “Glad to see you’re human.” She signed the release and handed it to Alex. “I can’t allow you to return at full capacity, I’m sorry.”
Tess’s stomach clenched and she glanced at Alex who was staring stony faced at the doctor, the form crinkling in his hand.
“The knee hasn’t had adequate time to heal fully,” the doctor said. “However, I believe you are ready to return to light duty for the time being.” She looked up at Alex and put her pen down. “You’re disappointed.”
“I was hoping for a full return.”
“I’m sure you were. Be patient. It will happen. Three months ago, I wouldn’t have said that. Three months ago, I was convinced you’d never return to police work, but you’ve proved me wrong. Don’t overdo it now, Officer. Take it easy, keep up with your physical therapy and see me in six weeks. We’ll reevaluate then.”
They walked out of the office in silence, still holding hands.
“I’m sorry,” Tess said.
“No. Don’t be. She’s right. We never thought I’d get this far. I just need to be patient.” They laughed together because they both knew patience wasn’t one of Alex’s virtues. “And light duty’s not all that bad. At least I’m going back. You sure you’re okay with this?”
Surprisingly, she was. She’d made peace with the past and with Alex’s career. Things had changed between them. They talked more, they were more open with each other and because of that their love was deeper and sweeter. He swore he’d say “no” more often when asked to take on extra projects and she believed him.
“I’m okay with this,” she said.
Alex grinned and kissed her temple. “I love you, Tessie.”
***
Tess settled the last of the apple pies in the back of the van and straightened, massaging the small of her back. She ached in places long forgotten. Their lovemaking last night had been…athletic. She chuckled and shut the van doors. The sun had yet to rise and she’d already been up two hours. She envied Alex, still fast asleep and warm under the covers with Othello lying on his feet.
Maybe she’d deliver the pies and crawl back into bed with him. After all, they didn’t have many more mornings together like this. She shivered in anticipation and nearly ran to the driver’s side and yanked open the door.
She put her key in the ignition and turned. Click. Nothing. She turned it a second time. Again, nothing. She pulled the key out and looked at it with a frown, thinking maybe she’d used the wrong one. Nope, right key. Just to make sure, she started the whole process over, inserting the key, turning. Clickclickclick.
“Damn.” The battery must be dead.
With a weary sigh, she climbed out of the van. She’d have to take Alex’s pickup. The pies would fit in the cab, but just barely.
After unloading them from the van and loading them into the pickup, she hurried back into the house, running behind schedule.
Alex lay on his back, one arm thrown above his head, the other lying on his bare chest. She’d love to forget her deliveries and climb on top of him to give him a wake-up kiss he’d never forget. Unfortunately, she’d have some irate customers.
“Alex.” She shook his shoulder. Othello thumped his tail and rolled onto his side. “Alex.”
Alex sighed and brushed her hand away. She leaned down and kissed the corner of his mouth. His lips twitched. Unable to resist, she kissed them again.
“Mmmmm. C’mere.” He reached for her, but she backed up.
“Can’t. The van battery’s dead. I’m taking your truck to make my deliveries.”
He rolled over and with a deep sigh fell asleep again. Tess grabbed the truck keys off the nightstand, hoping he’d remember when he woke up, although she doubted it. She thought briefly of writing a note, but decided she didn’t have time. Besides, she’d be back soon and he’d probably still be asleep.
When she climbed into the cab, it smelled of apples, cinnamon and nutmeg. She started the engine and pulled away, tuning in her favorite radio station and singing along.
The weather in this part of the country was so unpredictable—especially in March. Two nights ago it had snowed. Yesterday had warmed enough to melt the snow and last night everything had frozen again. Taking her time, careful to watch for icy patches on the road, Tess turned the corner and headed down the hill. She fiddled with the heat because the still-warm pies, combined with her singing, had steamed the windows.
Noticing a large patch of ice up ahead, she tapped on the brake pedal. When the truck didn’t slow, she hit the pedal harder. Still no reaction. The brake pedal was like a sponge and the truck picked up speed. Panicked, she stomped on the brake and the pedal hit the floor.
Oh, God, the brakes are gone.
To her left, a guardrail and a fifty-foot drop. To her right, houses and trees. The truck raced for another patch of ice. Tess fought to remember all the advice she’d heard about ice and faulty brakes, but panic pushed rational thought aside.
Her sweating hands slipped on the steering wheel and the truck veered toward the guardrail.
The front bumper glanced off the rail, tossing the truck sideways into the hard steel. She jerked the steering wheel in the opposite direction and downshifted. The engine whined. The pickup bucked and fishtailed. Rubber squealed. A pie slid off the passenger seat, hit the glove box and fell to the floor with a wet plop.
She tried the brakes again, but it was no use. She dropped it down another gear. The engine screamed in response, but the truck remained at an even speed.
“Oh, God.” Her gaze flew to the line of trees to her right. The trees, or the guardrail and a fifty-foot drop? She steered toward the trees. Maybe, if she hit it right she wouldn’t cause too much damage to Alex’s truck.
Or herself.
The speedometer remained at thirty-five but she felt like she was going faster than that.
The front tires hit another patch of ice and the truck began to slide sideways. She managed to straighten the vehicle and once again head for the trees.
She tensed. A horn sounded behind her. The tree loomed bigger and bigger until it filled her vision.
Nature and machine met in a sickening crunch of metal. Tess flew forward before the seatbelt jerked her back. A loud pop and the airbag exploded. The engine coughed, then died.
She didn’t know how much time had passed, didn’t even know if she’d lost consciousness. The airbag lay in her lap, looking like a deflated balloon, and white powder was everywhere—all over her, the pies, the inside of the truck. She blinked and her vision blurred. She swiped at her face and her hand came away bloody.