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Damien guided the Mustang along the gravel drive that led passed the sprawling country home of Hollywood and Mia to the cottages at the rear. Of the five, two were functional while the remaining three were being finished. A lot of the landscaping had been seen to, with trees planted between cottages to provide privacy without the claustrophobia that often came with traditional fencing. Small plants and shrubs had been set in front of verandas, with natives making up the bulk of the species. Beside him, Penny’s eyes flickered from one feature to another, taking in the surroundings.
“Hollywood owns this?”
He nodded, easing off the accelerator as they neared a cottage. “Riley and the team were paid very well for protecting Stevie. The Mustangs have more money than commonsense.”
She eyed him curiously but he left it at that. After spending the last forty-eight hours walking her through her harrowing, and often life-threatening escapes, he didn’t want to talk about near-misses and disasters any more. The extent of her trauma was deeper than he’d anticipated and while she’d confided in him every emotion she’d felt, he didn’t want to worry her with events of old.
“Who else is here?” she nodded toward the cottage further down the drive where a car sat out front.
“His name is Colt Manning. He was in the Army, injured in Afghanistan. He works at the local hospital now.” And while Colt no longer needed time for physical recovery, his mental state appreciated the peace and tranquility Hollywood’s estate offered.
“I see they’re building more.”
He nodded and brought the Mustang to a stop in front of the cottage Magnus had vacated. “Hollywood is intent on rehabilitating returned soldiers.”
“I’m not a—”
“I know, but you may as well be. The trauma you’ve experienced is similar. Besides, I’d feel safer knowing you’re here.”
If the last forty-eight hours had taught him anything, it was that he wanted her to live free of worry and stress. He didn’t want to risk a random burglary should she stay somewhere in town, or the drunken violence that sometimes erupted at the pub. If anyone needed peace and tranquility, it was Penny. He’d rather take her home, but they weren’t there yet. Working through her recent history proved a hurdle they needed to jump before considering what lay ahead for them.
“It’s a bit isolated.”
“Hollywood is just a call away, as is Mia.” He tried to reassure her. “And if you need me, I’m only five minutes down the road.”
Her half-smile warmed his heart. “What do you mean if?”
Reaching across, he took her hand and kissed her knuckles. “I’m not going anywhere. Come on, let me show you around.”
Damien pushed open the car door and shuddered at the cold breeze. At least the lakeside cabin hadn’t seen any snow, but as he straightened, tiny flakes fluttered around him. He hoped Hollywood had lit a fire in the cottage’s hearth like he’d asked.
Rounding the rear of the car, he paused to stare at Penny. After hearing her convey the tragedies she’d witnessed, he had a newfound respect for the bravery she’d shown. Like a firefighter running into a burning building, she willingly stepped into warzones to treat the wounded, heal the sick, and protect the living.
She’d done the job he’d hoped to do when he defected to the Army, and he had no doubt she did it with more compassion and empathy than he ever could. Her actions impressed him and her efforts reignited in him the hopes he’d had as a young man.
Her door opened and he hurried to greet her. Two feet stepped out, no longer wrapped in bandages but shod in comfortable slip-ons. He took both of her hands and lifted her, watching her face as her weight settled on her feet. A tiny grimace flashed briefly but was soon replaced with a smile. Having her independence back pleased her.
“I’m fine.”
“I know.” He squeezed her hands. “Doesn’t mean I can’t help.”
Her cheeks turned red. “At least you don’t have to carry me anymore.”
His loss, but he refrained from saying anything and offered her an elbow. Leading her up the two steps onto the narrow veranda, he saw the flicker of orange flames through the window. The door was unlocked and he swung it open before stepping aside and allowing her to enter first. Warm air greeted them and once she was safely seated on the couch, he returned to the Mustang to collect the clothes Mia had bought for her.
Hollywood’s Hilux rolled into view. He watched it close the gap and stop beside him. Mia jumped down from the cab first, the grin on her face bright and expectant. She paused by his side to kiss his cheek and disappeared into the cottage. Hollywood, relaxed as ever, stepped down and shook his head.
“She’s too excited. It’s not even her mother.”
“Let her be,” Damien admonished. “She knew Penny long before Stevie came along. Thanks for starting the fire.”
Hollywood leaned into the Mustang to pull out some bags. “Speaking of your daughter, she is beside herself with worry. Go home and tell her, for cripes’ sake.”
Worry gathered behind his sternum. Telling his daughter that her mother was alive was one thing, having the two of them meet? Quite something else. Already he sensed Penny’s desire to nurture but would Stevie accept her? After all this time, what would Stevie expect from her? The void of the unknown wanted to suck him in.
Hollywood’s hand landed on his shoulder. “It’ll be okay, you know?”
Damien collected more bags from the car. “Will it?”
“You think too much, old man,” Hollywood laughed. “For all the wisdom you’ve bestowed upon us over the years, how come you don’t have any for yourself?”
“Wisdom, as you put it, is subjective. Besides, it’s easier to bestow onto others than oneself. Trust me.”
They entered the cottage, where Mia sat beside Penny. The two women gushed over an ultrasound image and he saw how the prospect of children made Penny glow. It dawned on him that he’d yet to tell her Stevie was pregnant and decided immediately he’d let his daughter do the honors. He crossed the room to put the bags on the dining table. He watched the gathering at the couch, with the expectant couple informing the guest of their plans for the nursery. Damien smiled at the family-like atmosphere.
From one bag, he pulled out a carton of milk, a tub of butter and half a dozen eggs. From another, he withdrew fresh produce, chicken drumsticks and a bottle of orange juice. Stocking the fridge, he tucked away the shopping bags and joined the others.
“I should go,” he announced. Penny’s head snapped up. “I want to talk with Stevie. You should get some rest.” He nodded. “She’s a bit of a hurricane.” And he suspected the minute he told her about Penny, she’d hop in the car and drive over here. Penny needed to be ready for the whirlwind about to greet her.
Hollywood chuckled. “Usually I would agree with you. Right now, she’s a little wrung out.”
Damien met his gaze and silently demanded Hollywood keep his mouth closed. “Yes, Max can be a handful.”
A nod from the younger man followed. “Like mother like son,” he agreed. “I’ll walk you out.”
Damien squeezed Penny’s shoulder. “I’ll be back later, okay?”
“Don’t worry.” Mia crossed her legs to settle in. “I’ll keep her company.”
Outside, he headed for the Mustang. Hollywood met him there. “Please don’t let on about Stevie’s pregnancy.”
“You got it. I’ll make sure Mia understands.”
Damien scratched his chin. “The minute I tell her about her mother, she’ll want to come over.”
“You can’t control everything, Damien, so don’t bother trying to. Whatever happens, happens. You have them both back, now, and somehow, in your special kind of way, you’ll make sure everything works out. It’s what you do.”
He almost rolled his eyes at the confidence in Hollywood’s voice. He was too sure of himself. “When are you going to start calling yourself James? You need a respectable name now that you’re going to be a father.”
“Ha, ha. Good one. The only person allowed to call me that and get away with it, is Mia.”
Damien opened the driver’s side door. “I see Colt is in. Would you get him to check Penny’s feet and wrists? She assures me they’re healing but I want a second opinion.”
Hollywood nodded. “Will do. Now go, tell Stevie the good news so we can all breathe again. It’s been killing all of us to keep this secret.”
He folded himself into the low car, wincing at the pinch of pain in his lower back. Maybe it was time to put the classic beast in storage? His old bones weren’t enjoying the cramped space like they used to. “Will do. And thank you. I know it was tough.”
“Yeah, you’ll have to answer to Riley on that one.” He shook his head. “I don’t know how he did it for so long. Me? I would’ve caved in a heartbeat.”
The short drive to Riley’s homestead didn’t give him enough time to think. He pulled around back, not entirely sure how the conversation with his daughter would go. Stevie stood on the rear deck, swathed in a blanket as snow drifted around her. She smiled when she saw the car but didn’t come down to meet him. Her pale face caught his attention and the altogether fragile picture she painted worried him.
Leaving the car where it was, he stopped the engine, engaged the park brake and dashed up the stairs to be by her side. “What’s wrong?”
“Morning sickness,” she groaned. “Or rather, all day sickness is kicking my ass.”
Damien gathered her in his arms and hugged her tight. He pressed a kiss to her warm forehead and worried some more. “I’m here now, honey.”
She sighed and snuggled into his embrace. “I’ve missed you.”
“I know. I’ve missed you, too.”
“Where were you?”
He pulled back and looked into her weary face. “At the cabin.” She didn’t look strong enough to take the news but he couldn’t keep it from her any longer. “I have something to tell you, but I think you should come in out of the cold.”
“No. I feel better out here. It’s too warm inside.”
He pressed the back of his hand to her forehead. “Are you sure it’s just morning sickness?”
“And fatigue, but I’m okay.”
He doubted it. Behind him, the door opened and Riley appeared with Max sucking on a pacifier. Damien turned back to Stevie. “Then we should sit.”
He led her to the outdoor setting and waited for her to sit down. Taking the chair next to her, he inhaled a deep breath and tried to formulate the words needed. Her hand slipped out from the blanket and touched his face. “It must be big news.”
Riley moved into place beside them. Max reached for him and Damien took the boy’s hand. “Your mum’s alive.”
Damien blinked and cursed himself. With everything he could’ve said, he chose the simplest three words possible. Talk about cutting straight to the point. No small talk here. Opposite him, Stevie grew paler.
“Huh?”
He swallowed, released Max and took hold of her exposed hand. “It’s a long story, but it’s true, Penny’s alive. That’s where we went, to rescue her. And that’s why I’ve been at the cabin, to have some time with her. She’s been to hell and back.”
Stevie’s eyes darted between him and her husband. Disbelief followed a flash of anger before comprehension set in. “I want to see her.”