ENFORCER, page 15
“Unbelievable,” I say, shaking my head and turning away. “So, the ex-mayor was behind it the whole time?” I ask Noah, who nods.
“Domestic violence and a man’s bitter need to control.”
Chapter Twenty
Diana
I feel panicky. My heart beating painfully inside my chest. Why would you say all those wonderful things and then just leave like that? Sniffling and wiping tears from my face. I walk to the bathroom mirror and dab at my make.
It doesn’t make any sense. He’s not the type to lead me on and then, let me fall flat on my face. I just took a nap. I fell asleep in his arms. Is that so wrong? Feeling the panic well up within me. I twist my shirt between my fingers. I hear the door click open behind me, and I whirl around.
There, standing in front of me is the man I love more than I’ve ever loved anyone.
“Jake,” I shout, racing toward him barreling into his chest as he stumbles backward in surprise, my body rocking him hard.
“Hey, are you okay?” he asks,
“No, I’m not okay,” I gasp. “How could I possibly be okay when I woke up and you were gone, especially at a time like this with everything going on right now. How could you do that to me?” I sob into his shoulder as he slides his hands into my hair clutching me close to him.
“It’s alright,” he whispers. “Everything’s okay.”
“Where did you go?” I cry.
“I had to go take care of a couple of things.”
“Like what?” I demand,
“Like catching a killer.”
“Are you serious?” I demand. “How is that possible; what did you do?”
“We went to a cabin in the woods and found him there.”
“A cabin. What?” I ask, wondering what I missed during the course of a nap.
“I’ll explain later,” he says. “All that matters is that you’re safe now. You have nothing to worry about. And I’m never going to leave you again.”
“What?” I gasp tears streaming down my face looking after him, as he presses his lips against mine.
“I promise you.”
“Are you saying it’s really over, and I can go home?”
“Yes,” he nods, “you can go home.”
“I don’t have a home to go to,” I whisper, thinking of incinerated building and my child homeless.
“Then we’ll build one,” he says.
“You’ll build a home with me?” I ask as he skims his fingers up and down my cheek.
“Yes, I will. I want to build a life with you. I want to spend every day with you and every night with you. I want to wake up in the morning and see your brown eyes, smiling into mine,” he whispers. “I want to start a family with you. I want you to marry me.”
“What?” I gasp, staring at him.
“Yes. Marry me. Spend the rest of your life with me. Make me the happiest man in the world,” he says, and I look around.
“Jake, are you really proposing to me in a hotel room?”
He looks up as well; then, grabbing me around the waist he tosses me over his shoulder and runs down the stairs.
“Jake, what are you doing?” I gasp, my voice shaking with each step as his long strides eat the ground before him.
“Doing this right,” he says. Opening the door of the hotel, the sunlight blasts us, and he tosses me in the passenger side of the car.
“Where are we going?“ I laugh, feeling delightfully young and foolish.
“You’ll see,” he says, shoving the keys into the ignition. He throws the car in reverse and speeds down the busy road.
“Jake, be careful, we’re gonna get in a car accident,” I shriek closing my eyes and buckling myself quickly.
“No, we’re not. We’re fine.”
“Then you’re going to get a ticket,” I argue.
“No, I’m not going to get a ticket.” I can hear the smile in his voice.
“How do you know?” I ask, peeking through my fingers as he weaves in and out of traffic.
“Because I have an understanding with the chief of police.”
“Is that so?” I laugh despite my fear.
“Yep. He owes me one; so, he can’t arrest me, or give me any tickets for at least a year.”
“Is that really an agreement you came to?” I ask, finding it hard to believe.
“Well, more or less, but if he decides to be an asshole about it, I’ll remind him. Don’t worry.” He throws me a smirk as he pulls quickly off the road.
I uncover my face, and brace my hands against the dashboard, trying to stay upright.
“Jake, you’re driving like a maniac,” I say, looking out at the lake sign.
“Come on, let’s go, it’ll be worth it,” he says racing around the car to open my door. He grabs my hand and pulls into his arms, throwing me over his shoulder again.
“Jake, is this completely necessary?” I ask, amused.
“Oh, believe me, it’s more than necessary,” he says. “You’re gonna love it so much. I only wish that I thought of it sooner.”
“Okay?” I say uncertain as he jogs into the woods, and I see nature bounce up and down around me. “You know I can walk.”
“Yeah, I know you can,” he calls. “But this is more fun, don’t you think?”
“I guess so.” I try not to be nauseous at the rapid up and down motion continues.
“Alright here we are,” he says, dropping me on the ground so suddenly I fall on my butt.
“Jake,” I snap.
“Oh sorry,” he says with a chuckle, reaching down for me, “Okay, here we go.” He helps me dust off. “Diana, you are one of the most fascinating women, I’ve ever known. Do you know why that is?”
“Because I don’t hang out in biker bars?” I ask, and he stares at me.
“Haha funny. But you know what? That’s an excellent example of you. You’re clever, you’re quick with a comeback and always surprise me. On the outside, you look so elegant, like you belong in some kind of country club or on the arm of some English diplomat.”
I smile enjoying the compliments.
“You’re absolutely breathtaking. You’re poise. You’re…” He starts gesturing around failing for words, touching my heart even further. “You are the most sensational woman I have ever known.”
“Jake,” I whisper, feeling tears come to my eye for a whole new reason this time.
“I really don’t know what I would do if I never met you. You make me feel whole. You make everything better. I don’t know how I can possibly say anything more. And that makes me feel stupid right now,” Jake admits sliding his fingers up through his hair and turning away from me. “Believe me, I never thought that I would be in this position with a woman. I never thought that I could love or be loved. I didn’t want it. Do you understand?” he asks, and I nod.
“No, you don’t understand. How could you possibly understand?” he says, closing his eyes and breathing slowly.
“Jake, I think I understand.”
“Believe me, I want you to,” he says, shaking his head. “I want you to understand just how important you are to me and why I’m asking this of you. I want you to spend the rest of your life with me because I can’t imagine spending my life without you. Does that sound selfish?” he asks, as a light breeze teases the ends of his hair.
“No, I don’t think it’s selfish,” I say, filling with joy at the way his eyes burn into mine. “I feel the exact same way.”
“I don’t want to ever be without you. I don’t want to wake up one day and realize that the best thing that ever happened to me was pissed away,” Jake says, shoving his hands into his pockets. “I can’t believe I spoke to you that way earlier, Diana. I’m so sorry. I don’t know that I can ever say anything that will make up for it. Not really.”
“Jake,” I whisper.
“No, please let me finish. You deserve a man who will be kind to you, gentle with you. Someone who will be there for you and not leave you waiting or wondering how he feels. I won’t ever do that to you again, I promise.”
“I believe you,” I say, stepping forward wanting to place my arms around him.
“Diana,” he says, looking around. “This is the most beautiful place that I know of, and you are the most beautiful woman in the world. Will you marry me? Will you be my wife?” he asks.
“Of course,” I say, unable to stop myself from racing forward and throwing my arms around him, pressing my lips against his, and knowing, for the first time in my life, what it is to be loved.
Epilogue
Diana
“Diana, how are you feeling?”
Looking up, I smile at a familiar face. “I’m doing really well, thank you! How are you?”
“Fantastic. It’s so good to be out and about again.”
“You haven’t been going out?” I ask, “Why not? Everyone knows you’re the party couple for wholesome family events,”
“You know, John and I, we decided it was best to stay home, with Sam especially. What with all the arsons going on. It just seemed like the best thing all-around,” Jan says, tossing her long bleached blonde hair over her shoulder. “I’m so glad you were able to miss out on it. Of course, other than losing your house,” Jan remarks. I cringe internally. Leave it to Jan to overlook such a thing and somehow make it about her and her family.
“Oh, yeah. That was definitely a scary thing.” I rake my fingers through my own. “It felt like touch and go for a while there.” I haven’t spoken much about everything that happened with Jake, Michael, or his brother. It seemed best to let things die down and life return to normal. I don’t need all that publicity. “How is Sam doing?” I ask, both changing the subject, and feeling curious about the young girl who has been a tremendous influence on Holly.
“Sam’s doing great. She just graduated; you know?”
“I know, I was there,” I smile.
Jan laughs. “Right. Huh. Well, we’re really proud of her being valedictorian. She’s having a little brunch at the church this week. What if you and Holly come join us? You could even bring that Jake fellow you’ve been hanging around with.”
“My fiancé?” I ask, giving her a careful look.
She shrugs her shoulders. “‘Tomato, tom-ah-tow.’ Either way, he’s invited too.”
“Thank you, that’s very generous of you. I’m sure Holly would love to go. And I will definitely talk to Jake and see what he thinks.” My gut tells me it’ll be a hard pass on his part.
“Excellent. Just so you know, it’s Sunday dress code. What you’re wearing now is just fine.” She gestures to my soft pink tailored suit and skirt. “And, oh, you should have Holly wear that adorable yellow gown she wore to graduation― that was absolutely stunning on her!”
“Thank you, I’m glad you liked it. I’ll talk to her and see how she feels about it,” I say, glancing around for my daughter.
Unlike Jan, I try not to dictate everything my daughter wears, which means she sometimes leaves the house in more scandalous attire than would be appreciated by Jan and other members of the community. But at the same time, kids should be allowed to express themselves. Though there’s no point in discussing this with Jan, of course.
“Where are the girls?” I ask, look about the room to distract myself.
“Oh, they’re around here somewhere. I put Sam in charge of the canned goods section.”
“Oh?” I ask, a little surprised since handing out assignments is my job.
“Yes, she’s got a real knack for volunteer work. I was telling her she should spend more time with you since you’re a true pillar of the community. In this area, few women have done as much as you have.”
“Thank you, that’s very kind of you. Of course, I admire the way you brought up Sam. She’s always so polite.”
“Yes, she’s a gentle soul, my girl. We’re very lucky to have her,” Jan gushes, turning and smiling at the sunny blonde who is bouncing over to us with Holly at her side. “Hello, gorgeous! How are you?” Sam’s face flushes with color.
“Oh, I’m doing great! We’re making a lot of progress over there with the canned goods.” Sam turns and motions to the boxes stacked high with products. “We’ve received so many donations. It’s absolutely thrilling!” Her small hands clap together.
“That’s one word for it,” Holly mutters.
I give her a significant glance, telling her now is not the time for sass.
“What do you mean?” Jan asks.
“Oh, Mom, she just means there are so many words we could use to describe the enormity of the community’s generosity,” Sam quickly chimes in, and I notice Holly stifling laughter as she turns and pretends to examine a box full of peanut butter.
I wonder if Sam’s in the habit of lying this easily to her mother, or if Holly is just rubbing off on her.
“Oh, well, of course, that makes sense. But you know how it goes. When people are in crisis, the community and the church will rally together!” Jan claps her hands, reaching down and grabbing a large box marked Donations. “That’s a wonderful thing about the Baptist Church,” she continues, turning back to me. “We stand together, fall together, and rise together.”
I wonder just how long she’s had that phrase in her back pocket, ready to use for such an occasion.
“Sorry about my mom,” Sam whispers, as Jan strolls away, greeting people with lavish praise.
I laugh. “Oh no, she’s fine. She’s absolutely harmless.”
“Maybe to you. My dad spends an awful lot of time in the garage listening to Hank Williams Jr. and popping what sounds suspiciously like beer cans. All while claiming he has a Diet Coke addiction!” Sam whispers.
“Are you serious?” Holly laughs.
“Absolutely. I cannot wait to get out of here.” Sam shudders.
“When’s that happening?” I wonder, glancing over at Jan who’s reorganizing my neatly arranged meal kits.
“Oh, just as soon as my mom decides on what college I’m going to.”
“What do you mean?” I ask, peering into those soft blue eyes.
“Just that.” Sam shrugs, adding canned soup to the cardboard box next to her.
“Wait. Sam, are you telling me your mom’s deciding what college you’re going to?” Holly asks, her eyes wide with horror.
“Basically. She says she wants to make sure I get into a good one. Somewhere respectable.” Sam nods her head, imitating her mother with such spot-on accuracy I have to laugh.
“Yes, well, your mother loves you very much,” I say, hoping that my encouragement will somehow improve their relationship.
“She does, but she can be kind of suffocating sometimes.” Sam sighs, her face a little sad.
“How long do you think it will take for her to decide?” Holly asks.
“That depends. I have this theory that she doesn’t actually want me to go to college. She’s just trying to keep me as her pet forever.”
“If you didn’t go to college, what would you do?” Holly interjects.
“I don’t know, volunteer like she does every day. Find a suitable husband.” Sam shrugs, nodding her head to a blond haired, blue eyed, teen in a varsity jacket.
“Is that what you want?” I ask.
Sam smiles quickly.
“What? What is it?” I urge, curious now.
“Don’t tell her, Sam,” Holly orders. “You’re one of the few people that she trusts me with exclusively. And I can’t risk losing you.”
“What are you talking about?” I roll my eyes. “Come on, tell me.”
“My mom keeps trying to set me up with this kid at church. Martin Huntington. She’s really into him and his family and keeps pushing us together for service projects, that kind of thing. But he’s not really my type.”
“What is your type?” I ask.
“Guys on motorcycles,” she replies.
I laugh. “How many men do you know who own a motorcycle?”
“Sadly, none. My mom doesn’t allow me to socialize with those kinds of people.” Sam sighs.
“You mean the exciting ones?” Holly asks, and Sam’s eyes take on a dreamy look.
“Yeah, I’ve got a thing for bad boys. Aren’t they the best?” Sam grins.
I smile, looking across the room and seeing my own bad boy, who has just entered the donation center I have been organizing over the last week.
“Hey gorgeous.” He slides his arm around my waist and jerks me forward, fixing his mouth on mine in a sizzling kiss that leaves me breathless.
“Wow,” Sam gawks, staring up at Jake as I push him away.
“Who’s your friend?’’ He wraps a long, leather-clad arm around my shoulder and stares down at Sam.
“Oh, hi,” Sam holds out her hand, “I’m Sam, Holly’s friend.”
Jake shakes her hand, hers all but disappearing in his grasp. “Nice to meet you,” he says, his voice gruff as I smack him on the shoulder.
“Be nice,” I order.
“What, I am being nice,” he says, a slow smile spreading across his handsome face.
“Be sociable,” I say, picking up a box and handing it to him.
“Do you have any idea what she’s talking about?” he asks Holly, who chuckles.
“No idea. She’s always getting on to me, too. It’s annoying, right?” Holly teases.
Gritting my teeth, I turn to my daughter. “Here, make yourself useful. Fix the boxes over there,” I say, pointing to the row of canned food donations.
She and Sam dash away, giggling like little girls. I sigh as he wraps his arms around me again, pulling me close.
“Are you okay?” he asks.
“I am. It just all goes so quickly, you know. One minute, I’m walking around, potty training, kissing her boo-boo’s so she stops crying, and the next, she’s sassing me.”
“Time goes quickly,” he says, kissing my cheek. “What if,” he trails off.
“What?” I ask.
“What if we had one?”
“One what?” I drawl out.
“A kid,” he says, and my mouth drops open in surprise.
“You want to have a baby with me?” I ask.
“Yeah, one, maybe two if the first kid is really quiet.”
