Levi
Drew slept fitfully that night, tossing and turning, moaning in her sleep. I didn’t leave her side all night, and the queen-sized bed was a tight fit for the three of us. Still, each time I touched her, she’d sigh audibly and relax a bit, and I was grateful to give her some reprieve from the demons tormenting her at night.
It would take time before she’d stop having bad dreams about her ordeal. Between the many victims of the virus, to killing Marco, and then The Vicar, to seeing Rubio gunned down before her eyes, well, a weaker woman would have lost her mind. The fact that she was still standing was testament to her character and determination.
I’d never been more in love.
It took a couple of days for my plan to be put into action. Hunter was glad to help me, but he was terrible at keeping a secret.
“Mommy, guess what? Levi and I—”
“Whoa, there, buddy. I thought we talked about this.”
“Oh! Right. Sorry, Mommy!”
“What is he talking about?”
“Nothing. We have a little surprise for you, and Hunter doesn’t like to keep secrets.”
“No, he’s terrible at secrets. What kind of surprise?”
I scrambled to think of something to throw her off the scent. “A, um, new dessert we stumbled on—right, Hunter?”
Hunter looked confused for a moment before I winked, and his face lit up. “Oh, yeah! A new dessert. You’re going to love it, Mama.”
“Uh-huh. Something tells me I’m not hearing the whole story.”
We weren’t fooling her, and I knew she absolutely knew we were up to something, but I planned to keep the charade up as long as I could. Hopefully it would be long enough.
Drew had finally been fitted for a boot and was able to walk short distances. Of course, that meant that she felt it necessary to wash dishes, or pick up the house. I learned real quick that she did not like to sit still. I let her do a little, but gentle reminders that she was going to overdo it and have a setback helped to rein her in.
The entire team had stepped in to help me with my surprise for Drew for the evening. The women of Shadow Force had come over earlier to set everything up. Jolie, Ivy, and Lydia worked on the details while Piper sat back and made demands. She was rather huge and clearly uncomfortable. Piper had offered to take Hunter for the day, returning him before the big event.
It had been pretty difficult keeping Drew away from the house all day, but I’d been successful so far. I took her to her doctor’s appointment, then to the grocery store, and finally back to the house where I’d told her that I was taking her out for dinner.
I waited patiently in the living room for Drew to get ready. I’d already changed into khaki pants and a black T-shirt, which I hoped would be suitable for pictures. Drew emerged from the bedroom wearing a long, white sundress with colorful flowers. The top plunged to a deep V with tiny little strips of fabric over her shoulders. The hemline was asymmetrical, shorter in the front, revealing her perfect legs and the boot she hated so much, and the back nearly touched the ground. Her hair had been swept to the side, and she’d placed a silk flower behind her ear. She was breathtaking.
“You look gorgeous.” I leaned down and kissed her lips, lingering for just a moment longer than I’d intended. She smelled so good.
“You look amazing yourself. This must be a snazzy place you’ve picked out for us.”
“It is. Let’s go out this way.”
“The back door? Why?”
“I just want to.”
“Okay, weirdo.”
Normally that comment would have sent me into a fit of laughter, but I was too nervous. The future of my life hinged on the next few minutes, and the importance of the moment wasn’t lost on me.
I opened the back door and took a step back to let her through. Drew walked out onto the back deck and gasped.
“What—”
Following behind her, I took in the scene before me. Strings of lights were strewn from tree to tree, creating an ethereal glow. A portable dance floor was spread out in the middle of the yard, a candlelit chandelier hanging above it. All of my friends and even my parents, sisters and their husbands were gathered around a cloth-covered table, each holding a champagne flute.
“Levi?” Drew looked up at me with a question in her eyes.
I pointed to the focal point of the yard, a large display that was dimly lit. “Look.”
Nodding to Oscar, he grinned his maniacal grin and lit the fuse. Sparklers began on the first letter, spelling out the question I needed Drew to answer.
M-A-R-R-Y M-E-?
The entire display was lit, the sparklers already beginning to fade. I knelt down on one knee, Drew’s hands in mine, and pulled the ring from my pocket.
“What do you say?”
Tears streamed down her face, and she blinked rapidly as if to fight them back. She smiled, then looked around, and I knew what she needed to know.
“Hunter!”
Hunter bounded up the steps and knelt down beside me. With his chubby little hands, he produced another box containing a necklace with three gemstones set in a circular pattern. They represented each of our birthdays.
“Mommy, will you make us a family?”
Drew lost the battle with the tears at that point, bending down to wrap her arms around both of us.
“Yes! Of course, yes!”
She peppered us both with kisses, and Hunter threw his little fist into the air! “Yay! Now I get a brother and a puppy!” He took off down the steps and into the arms of his new grandmother.
“Um, what?”
I shrugged, unashamed of the promises I’d made to Hunter. I wanted it all, and I wanted it with Drew.
“Just some promises I made.”
“You promised him a puppy and a brother?”
“Not exactly. More like a puppy and a sibling. He was the one who insisted it be a brother.”
Drew threw her head back with laughter, tugging on my hands as we stood to our feet. I wrapped her in my arms, aware of how amazing she felt there.
“I love you, Drew Bellamy Morgan.”
“I love you, too.”
Music poured through the speakers that surrounded the dance floor, and I took Drew’s hand in mine as we swayed to the melodic tones.
“Oscar seemed to have a lot of fun with the fireworks.”
“You have no idea.”
Drew’s giggles warmed my heart as more of the Shadow Force team joined us, each congratulating us on our future.
“So when’s the big day?” Ryder asked, Jolie in his arms.
“I don’t know.” Drew looked to me with a question in her eyes.
“Next week?”
She laughed, shaking her head. “No way. I am not getting married in this damn boot.”
I sighed. “Fine. Four weeks.”
“Four?”
“I’ve waited on you my entire life. I don’t intend to wait any longer.”
Her smile was infectious, so big and bright and genuine. I bent my head and kissed her, slow and tender, until catcalls broke us apart. With grins on our faces, we turned to find ourselves at the center of everyone’s attention.
“Four weeks it is, then.”
The party lingered for hours, ending with a huge fireworks display that Oscar had insisted upon. Once I’d mentioned fireworks, he’d sort of gone a little overboard. Hunter was mesmerized, and as I sat on the ground, Drew on one side and Hunter on the other, I knew there had never been a more perfect evening.
I had it all.
***
Four weeks later
Drew
My wedding day.
Had someone told me last year that I’d be getting married next to my pond a year later, I would have told them they’d lost their mind. And yet there I stood, staring at my reflection in a full-length mirror.
My dress was simple since the wedding was taking place outdoors. The bodice was made of lace, wide bands of it lying over my shoulders, tapering down into flowing layers of sheer fabric from my hip down to my bare feet. It had only been a few days since the boot had come off, and I wasn’t about to chance heels. The layers played peek-a-boo with my legs, but still managed to cover up most of my scars from the surgery.
I’d swept my hair over one shoulder, reminiscent of the night four weeks ago when Levi had proposed. He had whispered in my ear how much he loved my hair that night, so I’d had my hairstylist apply loose curls with a curling iron and had gathered it on the side with a sprig of baby’s breath.
A knock sounded at the door, and I opened it to find my bridesmaids all standing there with expectant faces. Jolie, Piper, Ivy, and Lydia were all stunning in blush-pink dresses, all in different styles chosen by each of them. Piper looked miserable and ready to pop, but I’d assured her she could sit on the front row rather than standing next to me the entire time.
“You ready?” Jolie asked, her eyes assessing me from head to toe.
“I am.”
“Do you have your something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue?”
“Um—”
Piper rolled her eyes. “Jolie is a little old-fashioned when it comes to stuff like this.”
“It’s not old-fashioned! It’s tradition. There’s a difference.”
“Here.” Jolie handed me a pair of earrings. “I wore these when I married Ryder.”
They were beautiful—teardrop pearls dangling from a small diamond in the middle.
“Thank you, Jolie. I don’t know what to say.”
“Nonsense. There’s nothing to say. That’s your something borrowed.”
Lydia took my hand, placing a handkerchief in my palm. “This was my mother’s. She died when I was a teenager, but she meant the world to me and my dad. I’d like you to carry it with you today.”
I blinked back the tears, not wanting to ruin my makeup but finding it difficult to hold in all the emotions I was feeling. “Thank you, Lydia. It’s beautiful.” It was handcrafted, delicate lace trimming the soft cotton.
“You’re welcome. That’s your something old.”
Ivy stepped forward, a long box in her hand. “Levi asked me to give this to you for your something new.”
I opened it to find a stunning tennis bracelet with a delicate heart charm dangling from it. On the charm was engraved the name Slater. “It’s a new bracelet that has your new name on it. I helped him pick it out.” Ivy grinned at the tears filling my eyes.
“It’s gorgeous. You did good.”
Finally, it was Piper’s turn. She held a small velvet box in her hand and held it out.
“Open it.”
I lifted the lid to find a silver oval locket with intricate designs of swirls and loops on the front of it.
“It’s beautiful.”
“Look inside.”
I opened the lock, and my throat closed up, tears blurring my eyes. Inside was a picture of Zoe with hunter in her arms the day after he was born. The photo had been printed in black and white except for the little blue cap on Hunter’s tiny baby head.
“It’s your something blue. We thought you’d want her close to you today.”
The dam broke, and all the emotions that had built up spilled over. I threw my arms around her, holding her close as I cried. The rest of the girls circled around hugging me, holding me together. They were my family now. They were my people. And I couldn’t ask for anyone better.
After I was cried out, Jolie helped me fix my makeup before I stepped outside onto the front porch. I had my wildflowers in my hands, Lydia’s mother’s handkerchief tucked into the ribbon holding them together, and the bracelet Ivy had helped Levi pick out and my locket close to my heart.
Oscar sat on an ATV waiting to take me to my wedding.
“You ready?” He was smiling from ear to ear. It was amazing to me how happy these people were for Levi and me. It warmed my heart to know that Hunter would grow up around such a loving group of individuals.
I climbed on the back, sitting sideways, the train of my dress tucked under my arm. It was a short ride, but I was grateful I didn’t have to walk that far barefoot.
When I arrived at the pond, an arbor sat in front of it draped in beautiful white flowers. A white runner went down the center aisle, and white chairs were filled with friends and family. Hunter was standing under the arbor waiting for me.
Since my father had passed away years ago, I’d thought it fitting that Hunter and I would walk down the aisle together, towards our future. After all, this wasn’t just a marriage; it was the creation of a family.
Oscar stopped and helped me off the back, and I held out my hand to Hunter, kneeling down beside him and kissing him on the cheek.
“You ready?”
“Yeah, Mama. You look pretty.”
“Thank you. You look quite dashing yourself.”
Pleased with himself, Hunter lifted his chin with such an air of confidence, I knew the kid was going to be all right. It had been a rough year, but he’d already begun seeing a counselor, and she felt certain Hunter would have no lasting complications from the trauma we’d endured. I’d also begun counseling, and I was feeling better. It would take some time, but I was confident I would be just fine.
With Levi and Hunter by my side, I could conquer anything.
The music began, and I closed my eyes for just a moment, listening to the beautiful chords of song I’d chosen to walk down the aisle. I opened them, with clear vision for the future I wanted for myself and my child.
Levi stood at the end of the aisle under the other arbor, waiting on me. He was devastatingly handsome in his light-gray suit and light-yellow tie. The men of Shadow Force—Oscar, Cruz, Ryder, and a fully healed Cade—stood next to him, a formidable presence. These men would die for each other.
I looked out over the crowd, Levi’s family watching on with love in their eyes. The puppy Levi had picked out for Hunter was happily gnawing on the corner of the white runner, while Hunter stroked his fur.
In twenty-five years’ time, I probably wouldn’t remember the exact vows we shared with each other, nor the words the minister spoke over us, but I would never forget the people there, watching on with love and support. And I would never forget the way Levi looked at me, his eyes full of love and wonder.
The minister opened his mouth to introduce us as Mr. and Mrs. Slater, when a cry sounded from the crowd. All five Shadow Force men jumped to attention, each reaching for the guns I knew they had hidden under their jackets.
Piper sat on the front row, clutching her stomach, her bridesmaid’s dress soaked.
“Cade!” She tried to stand, bending at the waist. “Honey, my water broke!”
The men visibly relaxed after realizing there was no threat, only a pregnant woman who was in labor. All of them except Cade, who rushed over to Piper, lifting her up under her arms and trying to force her down the aisle and to their car.
“Wait!” she cried, holding out her arms to stop him.
“What? What is it?” He looked around as if the baby had just fallen out onto the ground or something.
She turned back to the minister. “Well? Hurry up!”
The minister looked frazzled, darting a glance from me to Levi. I laughed, finding the whole thing hilarious. Levi shrugged, grinning from ear to ear.
“Better get on with it, Pastor.”
“Oh. Right.” The minister cleared his throat. “I introduce to you, Mr. and Mrs. Levi Slater.”
Applause erupted. Over the noise, the minister yelled, “You may kiss the bride!” And Levi dipped me low, kissing me as if his life depended on it.
Piper clapped as she was rushed to the car by Cade, stopping periodically to hold her belly and growl, with us hot on their heels. It would probably be awhile before she actually had the baby, and Cade promised to keep us posted.
“Cade, so help me, I should kill you for doing this to me!” Piper yelled as they made it to the end of the aisle in front of us.
But none of us took her seriously. Although, from what I’d heard about Piper’s skills, perhaps Cade should be a tiny bit scared.
We danced the night away under the stars in the very same place Levi had asked me to be his wife. We’d filed the papers for Levi to adopt Hunter as his son and had received word this morning that it was official.
Levi took my hand, and we walked over to the stage as he whispered something into the lead singer’s ear. The guy nodded and stepped back from the mic. Levi took the mic off the stand, and took out an envelope from his inside jacket pocket.
“Hunter, would you come up here for a moment?”
Hunter ran over to Levi, hugging him tightly around the knees. The boy loved Levi so much, and I sent up a silent prayer of thanks that he was in our lives.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to officially introduce you to Hunter Slater.”
Hunter jumped up and down then wrapped himself around Levi’s leg again. Levi leaned down and picked him up, and Hunter threw his arms around his neck. “I love you, Daddy.”
“I love you, too, buddy.”
There wasn’t a dry eye in the audience, and I was really grateful Jolie had insisted I use waterproof mascara. My heart was full. Full of love for these two men in my life whom I couldn’t imagine living without.
***
The bed and breakfast Levi had chosen for our short honeymoon was exquisite. The wedding suite held a canopied bed, flowing with white linens and plush pillows. The day had been perfect.
We’d opted for a short honeymoon rather than the two weeks away that we’d initially planned for. There would be time for that later, but Hunter was still struggling with being away from me, and we’d both agreed that staying close to home was best for now. I loved that this man of mine cared more about my kid than his own needs. He was truly one of a kind.
Levi’s arms came around me from behind, his lips landing on the crook of my neck. He inhaled and placed a kiss there, sending chills down my spine.
“You smell good.”
“So do you.” I turned in his arms, reaching up to touch his face.
“I’m so happy. You make me happy.”
“Ditto, Mrs. Slater.”
Levi pressed his lips to mine, tender at first and then with an urgency I knew we both felt. His tongue slid along the seam of my lips, and I opened to him, allowing him in to taste and explore. My hands slid up his taut chest, resting near his heart. Levi’s fingers worked the zipper of the simple dress I’d chosen, grateful we’d ditched the wedding attire before leaving for the B & B.
The garment fell to the floor, and I stood there in only my bra and panties. Levi took a step back, taking in every detail, every curve, every imperfection. I wasn’t tempted to cover up, not with him. I knew he loved me, and if the desire darkening his eyes was any indicator, I knew he wanted me.
My hands fell to the hem of his shirt, and I lifted it up and over his head. He threw it across the room, and with a growl scooped me up and tossed me on the bed, following me down. I giggled, but it was short-lived as Levi found my mouth again, his hands exploring every inch of my body. We kissed and nipped and tasted until both of us were panting with need.
We made love with a fevered passion, both of us aware of the frailty of life. We’d come so close to losing each other, to losing this.
Afterwards, we lay in each other’s arms, naked and spent, bathing in the afterglow of giving ourselves to each other.
“My dad came to see me last night.”
We’d spent the traditional night before the wedding apart, something we hadn’t done since I’d almost died several weeks earlier.
“What did he have to say?”
“When I left the DEA, it wasn’t under normal circumstances. An op had gone wrong, and my entire team had paid the price with their lives, except for Cade. We were double-crossed, but Washington and the president wanted Shadow Force to come about, and so he’d approached me with the offer to lead it. There was a catch.”
“Which was?” I drew circles on his chest, knowing that what he was sharing was hard for him. I wanted him to know I was there, that his past didn’t matter to me.
“Cade and I would take the fall for the deaths of our teammates. We were let go from the DEA and formally disgraced. Things haven’t been the same between my father and me since.”
“That must have been hard.”
“It was. I’ve always looked up to my dad, and law enforcement is in my blood. There was never a lot of drama in my family. We were close. A little smothering sometimes, but still. Close.”
“Your mom is amazing with Hunter.”
“She is. She loves him like he’s her flesh and blood. And so does my dad. He told me that last night.”
I felt like all I did was cry, but I couldn’t help the flood of emotions.
“I shared with him about Hunter’s past. About you. And I finally told him about what happened at the DEA. He said he’d always known there was more to the story.”
Levi shook his head, as if regretting that he’d waited so long to talk to his dad. “All these years, I thought he was disappointed in me because of what happened, when really, he was worried. He hated that I hadn’t trusted him with the truth, but the truth wasn’t really mine to tell.”
“So, you made up?”
Levi chuckled, pulling me closer. “I guess you could say that. With our covers being blown, and Washington changing Shadow Force’s job description, we no longer need to be so secretive.”
“And hopefully the ops won’t be quite as dangerous.”
“We’ll go with that.”
I swatted at his chest lightly, then squeezed him tight. “I don’t like you being in danger.”
“Me neither. I have more to lose now than ever before. What about you, Mrs. Slater? What do you want from life?”
I sighed, settling in next to the man I loved with everything in me.
“You. Hunter. More kids.” I laughed when Levi whispered something naughty in my ear about getting started on that task. It was quite distracting, and after several minutes and another round of lovemaking, I nestled back in, my head resting near his heart.
“I’d like to go back to school. I’m not sure what I want to do yet. Maybe a physician’s assistant. Med school is probably out of the question right now, because I don’t want to be away from you and Hunter that many hours a day. But I can do the PA track in less time and still have many of the same benefits.”
“I’ll support whatever you want to do, Drew. You know that.”
“I do. And now that we have you in our lives, I think it’s time to finally fulfill the dreams I had most of my life.”
“Follow your dreams, angel. I’ll be right behind you.”
Levi’s breathing settled into a rhythmic pattern, and I knew he’d fallen asleep. I slipped out of bed, wrapped the silk robe around myself and walked out onto the balcony of our room. The moon was full and bright, and the stars winked at each other across the sky.
I thought of Zoe Gaines, my best friend, the one person missing from this incredible day. A star shot across the sky, its beautiful tail a dazzling white.
And I knew. Zoe had been there all along. She was looking down from heaven and smiling down at us.
“Thank you, Zoe. Thank you for the beautiful gift you gave me.”
With my heart full of love and hope, I slipped back inside, next to the man I loved, dreams of our future dancing in my head.