Chapter Twelve

Thankfully, instead of arresting Monty, Rusty joined the Longs for dinner. Harper still wasn’t exactly sure what Monty’s issue was with his mother, but Rusty’s concern about her safety and the safety of all of those on the ranch had her worried.

“Mama, that’s not what I’m sayin’.” Henry was on the phone trying to get MeMaw to leave her house and stay with them. “Clevon said he’d move back in with Walt.”

“I don’t think it’s gonna happen,” Monty said as he closed the door to the office where his father was trying to convince Theresa Long to leave the house her husband built for her. “How serious is this threat?”

“Even when I try to reach out to other departments to find out about Yahir, either they don’t respond, or the tip I had about him being in the area gets passed on and he ghosts,” Rusty explained. “I didn’t want to tell you this, but Deputy Anderson found the car Yahir used when he passed you. It was burned out with the driver still inside.”

“Why would he kill the driver?” Harper asked as chill bumps ran over her body.

“Exactly,” Rusty replied. “Why would he? If it was anyone else coming to me about a guy threatening them like he did to Harper, I would brush them off, but if what you’ve uncovered is real?”

“If?” Harper snapped.

“I believe you. That’s why I’m here and not booking Montgomery.” Rusty looked around the table at the Long family and Harper’s mother. “Everyone of you have helped me at one time in my life. Don’t think I forgot that. I know what’s going on around town. There isn’t a cop in the county, no matter our run-ins in the past, that won’t protect this ranch.”

Harper got up and left the room as the men finalized some plans and discussed weak points. Her hand was glued to her belly as it rubbed circles. Now more than ever, she wanted to spend every night with Monty holding her tight. When he held her, nothing could happen.

The cold hand of her mother rubbed between her shoulders. “I used to do the same thing when I was worried.”

“What was that?” Harper asked.

“Rubbing my belly. How far along are you?” Coral placed another cold hand over Harper’s. It was the first time she even spoke of the baby. When Kennedy told the family she was having a baby, it was all her mother could talk about. “Are you sure you’re even pregnant?”

“Want to see the ultrasound?” Monty asked as he leaned against the archway. “Mine’s framed on my nightstand.”

“That won’t be necessary.”

Harper felt an ice pick through her chest. “Why wouldn’t you?” Harp asked. “I know it’s not your first grandchild, but in August, my baby will be born.”

Coral stared at Monty and now Harper got it. Outer. Paper. Surface. She didn’t know or care that Monty had kept his sister safe when a coyote came on their land when she was five. Nor did she care he kept the poetry club alive at the high school after Miles left. Who knows how many people he saved when he volunteered for the help line in D.C.? To this day, Monty wondered if the people he got help or even talked to were still alive or if they had taken their lives.

The judgment was back. His dark skin, smooth and flawless…wasn’t though. It was too dark. There was no chance her child would have the natural blonde Kennedy’s baby has. Acceptable curls by her mother’s opinion. No, her child would be more like Vanessa or Walt Jr. Chocolate skin and deep brown eyes. It didn’t matter that Monty was right, their child had been conceived in love, because even without knowing who he was, she felt his love for her.

“Rusty,” Harper called. “Is there any threat to my mother’s life?”

“Not that I’m aware of,” he said as he poked his head in the room.

“Can you please take her back to Dylan’s car? It’s time for her to leave.”

“It is getting late,” Coral said not even acknowledging she was being kicked out. “If everything you say is true about this gas company and Dylan, well then I’m proud of you Harper Jean.”

Harper’s breath caught in her throat. Her mother had told her over the years she was proud of her, but never for something she did that involved her brain. She was proud when Harper got Homecoming Queen, she was proud when Harper got rushed by the Deltas, and she was proud when Harper landed Dylan. Graduating high school with honors was to be expected, going to college on an academic scholarship gave her a leg up, and getting accepted to five law schools just made her decision harder. Although it was a backhanded compliment, it gave Harper hope for the future.

With her mother gone, Harper crossed the room and once again, took Montgomery’s face in her hands. “Marry me, tomorrow. Your mom is getting the big wedding with Melody and I’ve already had the party for a thousand people I could care less about. All I need is you.”

“Okay,” Monty replied before landing a kiss on her forehead. “But you’re telling my mom.”

 

* * * *

 

“I thought the point of eloping was to not have family members at the ceremony?” Monty asked as they waited outside Judge Landry’s office for her to be free. Getting the license took five minutes, finding a Justice of the Peace to marry them at the courthouse was another matter. Thankfully, Harper called in a favor for a judge she clerked for in college. Standing around them was every Long currently living in the state and a tablet hooked up to the Wi-Fi with JT and Betsy was on stand-by.

“You’re the one who told them we were going to the courthouse,” Harper kidded as she sat in a lovely pale pink dress with a cowl neck that fell between her breasts. The back was open down to the small of her back.

It made a nice open patch for him to trail his finger down her spine. Monty liked seeing the chill bumps form on her skin. “Was this dress tucked away in your closet?” he asked before giving the back of her neck a little nip.

“Why did you think it took so long for me to get here? Your mom and I went shopping.”

“It looks like it was made for you,” Monty said as he kissed her shoulder.

“Monny…” Nessa called as she walked over holding a little basket that had been her flower girl one from JT’s wedding. “I don’t got no petals.”

“That’s okay, we can rip up some paper.”

“No,” she replied with a stomp. “I need petals!”

“Maybe they have some flowers at the newsstand,” Harper suggested.

“Because nothing says congratulations on your conviction, more than roses,” Monty kidded.

“Irises are for convictions. Daisies if you’re innocent,” Miles explained. “Do you not know your flowers? Are you sure you want to marry him?”

“This is why we elope and not tell people,” Harper said. “Every one has an opinion on how to get married.”

“That’s because you have never planned a party in your life,” a woman said.

Harper jumped up and got caught up in a big hug. Behind the woman with the dark honey colored skin was a white man with light brown hair who stood holding two bouquets of white roses in one hand and a gift bag in the other. “Look at this dress. You were right Mrs. Long, God is blessing this union.”

“I’m sorry,” Monty asked. “Who are you? And how do you know my meddling mother?”

“Look at the child,” MeMaw said as her hand waved at the new woman. “If that ain’t Harper’s light skinned twin, I don’t know who she is.”

“Kennedy?” Monty asked as he stood up and approached the woman who finally released his fiancé. “Am I right?”

“Yes. And you must be Montgomery.” Kennedy came over and gave Monty a big hug. “I heard you’re finally making my sister an honest woman.”

“You heard wrong. Your sister finally decided to be an honest woman. I’ve been trying to marry her for months.”

“I like you,” Kennedy said as she scanned the hallway full of family. “Sorry mama couldn’t come, but you know how it is if you miss a committee meeting, you get put in charge of everything. But your matron of honor is here and daddy is parking the car, so you’re set.”

“Daddy is here?” Harper exclaimed.

“Mr. Long, Ms. Maxwell,” the clerk for Judge Landry said as she stepped into the hallway. “The judge is ready.”

“You wait here for your dad,” Monty said as he saw the concern flood her face. “Nessa will stay with you. I’ll be the sexy one by the judge. See if you can find your way to me.”

Harper gave him a little smile before looking over her shoulder for the tenth time in a minute.

“Nessa, we got you petals,” Monty said as he plucked one flower from the smaller bouquet and pulled it apart so Nessa’s basket was full.

“Thank you Monny,” Nessa beamed.

When Monty got to the office, MeMaw was sitting in one chair and Tina sat in the other with Quinton on her knee. He gave a goofy wave that had JT rolling on the tablet before calling out, “Dead…man…walking.”

“You were right,” Monty said now regretting the joke from the week of JT’s wedding. “It wasn’t funny.”

“Dead… man… walking,” JT called one more time.

“Montgomery,” MeMaw said. “Where’s the woman? You lose her from the door to here?”

“Her daddy showed up. Ya’ll made this a real wedding, now you have to wait.” Monty was getting nervous. How long did it take to park a car? Kennedy said she liked him, but as he watched the door, he feared he wouldn’t see Harper come through it.

“You’re Montgomery,” Judge Landry said. She stood about five feet tall with her hair pulled back in a tight bun. Her skin was wrinkled by the sun and she had to be in her late sixties.

“Yes ma’am.”

“You’re not a politician are you?”

“No ma’am, I’m a rancher.”

“My father was a rancher.” Judge Landry fluffed her robe a bit then gave Monty a little smile. “Never knew a better man in my life.”

Walter was the first to appear at the door with Nessa waving him away. “I know Daddy. Geez.”

All the adults let out a little giggle before Nessa dropped the petals one at a time by flipping them up high and taking a little step. Monty tried to will her to go faster, but she wasn’t about to cut her moment short. Not when she got to wear her sparkle shoes again.

Kennedy was right behind her and Monty realized he hadn’t picked a best man yet. “Miles,” Monty said under his breath. “Miles.”

“Miles!” MeMaw yelled and Monty dropped his head. “Monty wants you.”

Miles cut through the family members and stared at Monty. “What?”

“I need a best man.”

“You want me to find someone?”

“I will kick your ass before MeMaw and everyone.”

“Don’t make that boy suffer any longer,” MeMaw said. “It’s taken long enough for his bride to get in the room because of old Norma Desmond with the flowers.”

As if on cue, Nessa dramatically tossed a petal and it landed on MeMaw’s head.

Miles took his place by Monty then smacked Monty’s chest. “I’m supposed to hold the ring.”

“Right, where are your keys?” Monty countered.

“What do my keys have to do with anything?”

“You don’t know, do you?” Monty said giving the judge a knowing nod as she checked her watch.

“Harper,” Judge Landry called. “I love you darling, but I have a bail hearing in twenty minutes.”

Harper appeared at the doorway and all of Monty’s jokes went out the door.

Her dress hugged her curves as it flowed down to her knees. A little bit longer in the back than the front and she proudly stood with her father on her arm.

At six-four, and dark as the day is long, Jefferson Jenkins had been an all pro defensive end in college. Set to go in the first few rounds of the draft before a set of offensive linemen chop blocked him and blew out his knee. If marriage wasn’t intimidating enough to make Monty a little weak in the knees, Jefferson Jenkins was. How Coral lorded over them all and he sat back, Monty could not see. Then again, whatever Harper wanted, Montgomery Long knew he would provide.

The bride’s walk to the judge was considerably quicker than the flower girl’s. Tears were flowing from most of the eyes in the room as Harper and Monty promised to love each other from now until forever.

The ceremony lasted less than ten minutes, but when it was over, MeMaw pulled Montgomery aside. “I know you want to go and be with your bride,” she said as she cupped her hands over his. “You done good kid. You look just like your Paw-Paw and your wife… you better hope she looks as good as I do when she’s my age.”

“Uncle Clevon—”

“I lost your Paw-Paw too early and I was mad at him,” she confessed. “I know you were little but damn, if you didn’t remind me of him so much. It wasn’t right, but—well I took my anger out on you for him dying and that was wrong.”

Monty pulled her into a big hug.

She laughed into his chest. “Didn’t help that you were a little shit,” she said when he let her go. “And you,” she said as Harper joined Monty. “Ain’t shit slick to a can of oil. Only woman gettin’ any in my house is me. You hear me?”

“If she didn’t, I did,” Monty blanched.

“Don’t give me that face, your Paw-Paw made me a widow, not a nun.”

 

* * * *

 

“I just realized something,” Harper said as her sister’s camera flashed them for the thousandth time since they came out on the steps of the courthouse.

Monty was nose to nose with Harper and both were beaming. “That you’ll have to change all your business cards?” he teased.

“That, and MeMaw is now family.”

“Oh, yes man, you’re kinfolk now, she’s not gonna hold back anything.”

“Has she ever?” Harper teased before giving her husband a peck on the lips.

“Not that I’ve seen,” Monty replied. “But I’ve made peace with her and you’ve made peace with your mother at the level she can handle.”

“Mr. Long I think we’re making shit work.” Harper’s heart felt as if it were about to burst.

“Mrs. Long, I think—”

Shots went off in rapid succession as people scrambled and Monty threw himself on top of Harper.

Was he hit? Did he block a bullet? Harper’s mind raced as she felt the hard concrete of the steps digging into her back. “The baby!” she cried, but Monty didn’t move from on top of her.

The sound of concrete splintering and bullets whizzing by had the world slowing down. From where she lay, she saw Walt in the same position as Monty, only he had two children under him and his brother helping create a barrier. Her father was lying face down at the bottom of the stairs and for a moment, she thought she lost him until she saw his arm reach up and pull her sister down.

Where was Nessa? Where was her brother in law? Too many people were unaccounted for.

Frantically, she searched for all the family members. There were too many. MeMaw. Her MeMaw now lay not ten feet away holding her thigh as dark, red, blood pooled underneath her and trickled over the light gray of the steps.

“MeMaw is hit Monty,” Harper cried and he looked up at her. “I’m fine.”

“You sure?” he asked as a second round of gunfire went off, but it wasn’t from the street. No this time, it was Miles who shot while running down the steps followed closely by Henry and Clevon.

“I’m sure, what are—?”

“Can you get MeMaw?” Monty asked as he pulled out a gun Harper didn’t know he had on him from his ankle.

“I’ve got her. You …” It wasn’t the time to ask why Monty had brought a gun to their wedding. More importantly, how he got it through security. Instead, Harper stayed down and got to MeMaw. Applying pressure to the wound, she looked for Melody. She was a veterinarian not an MD, but some things were universal. “Mel,” she cried and found a pile with Sunshine on top. When he rolled off, she saw he had covered Nessa and Melody.

“Where did they go?” Sunny asked.

“I need help with MeMaw,” Harper replied not wanting another person chasing after the gunman.

Court officers soon surrounded the place as well as Las Cruces’ finest. An ambulance was on its way and Melody had thankfully taken over stemming the bleeding with MeMaw before Harper lost her lunch.

When the men returned, they did so in cuffs and Harper knew her wedding night would not be the one dreams were made of. Still, she couldn’t help running to Monty, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him deeply.

“Careful there Mrs. Long, you know how I get when handcuffed,” he said as he jingled the cuffs.

“I demand their release,” she said.

“I’m afraid that…we can’t do,” one of the officers replied.

“Why not?” she asked. “What have they been charged with? I’m an assistant district attorney.”

“I thought you looked familiar. Didn’t we talk about a DUI sting?”

As if after being shot at multiple times, the first thing Harper could do is play ‘name that random cop’ she may have met once. “Handcuffs,” she said not wanting to get side tracked.

“Like he said. We found these four guys alive and two other guys are dead. I’m not saying it wasn’t self defense, but either way, none of them are confessing.”

Loretta came up behind Harper and held tight to her upper arms.

Harper was glad for it because the world became a bit tipsy. “It’s my wedding day.”

“God has a plan,” Loretta said. “God has a plan.”

The loud wail from the ambulance made them all turn as Melody fought with MeMaw. “Fine, don’t go in the ambulance. I’ll come by in a few days to cut off your leg. Then we can start callin’ you Lucky.”

“It barely hit me.”

“It’s still in your calf,” Melody hollered.

“Oh dear Lord, that woman,” Loretta said as she let go of Harper.

Now, Harper had to remember how to stay upright. “How do you know they even did it?” she asked focusing back on the guys. “And even if they did, it was self defense.”

“Not two blocks down and one block over,” the officer said. “Unless you, Ms. DA, changed the definition in the last thirty minutes. Now, since none of them are confessing, they’re all going to jail.”

“I did it,” a voice called out.

Harper’s heart stopped while she looked past the police to see which one of her new family members confessed. “Not Monty, not Monty,” she prayed under her breath. “Please God, not Monty.”

“I said I did it,” Miles confessed. “Just me. These two are too old and blind.” He arched his head toward the patriarchs of the family. “And it’s this one’s wedding night.”

“Seriously Miles,” Monty protested.

“Best man duties,” he stated plainly. “Although, you asked a bit late…you did ask.”

“Come on guys,” the main officer said. “That’s not good enough to not book you all.”

“Yes, it is,” Harper said. “You have a dozen witnesses to interview as well as surveillance footage for days to review. None of these men are a flight risk. Let them all go and keep that one. We’ll still be spending our wedding night trying to get Miles out of jail, but you have a confession. Now you need to make your case.”

Her heart broke as she watched him being led up the courthouse steps. Every part of her knew she could get him out, but still she couldn’t help feeling as if a part of her soul was being ripped out of her chest.

Suddenly, they stopped walking and one of the officers turned to her. He looked between her and Miles then removed Monty’s cuffs.

Harper rushed up the steps and fell into his arms. One wrapped around her and the other fell to her belly. “Tell me the baby is okay.”

“As far as I know, but we’re still going to the hospital to make sure. Who was it?” she asked even though she was afraid to know.

“Yahir was one of them, but there were two cars. It’s been almost three months since the last attempt, maybe they’ll give us time.”

Harper shook her head. “I doubt it. I got a call earlier today. The charges have been filed.”

“What the hell did you marry into Harper?” Kennedy screamed. “Are they drug dealers or something?”

“They’re ranchers,” Harper replied as she held Montgomery’s hand. “On one of the oldest ranches in New Mexico. The bullets were for me. Not them. They saved me.” Harper turned to Montgomery and curled against his body. “He saved me, and it wasn’t the first time. I just pray it’s the last, but if it isn’t, I know I’ll still be safe.” She turned to look up at her husband. The father of her child. The man who in one night showed her not only that love existed, it could exist for her. “I’ll always be safe with him.”