After the Storm (23 page)

“It’s just my brother Garrett,” he explained to ease the look of alarm on Eve’s face. “You’ll be seeing a lot of him. Well, and of everyone. Sam and Sophie will want to bring Charlotte over to meet you, Cammie.”

Cammie smiled shyly and shoved her thumb in her mouth.

Donovan went to the door, irritated with the interruption. But he should have expected it. Garrett, being Garrett, would have wanted to see for himself what Donovan had involved himself in. Better to get it over and done with now so Garrett would back off. No way Garrett wouldn’t take one look at Eve, Travis and Cammie and do a complete one-eighty about warning Donovan off.

Garrett might be the grumpiest and the growliest of the Kelly brothers, but he was also a complete softie when it came to the people he loved. And Donovan had no doubt that he’d love Eve and her siblings on sight.

To his surprise when he opened the door, Garrett was holding a foil-covered baking pan.

Donovan’s eyebrow arched. “To what do I owe the pleasure of this unexpected visit?” The emphasis on
unexpected
wasn’t lost on Garrett, but he ignored Donovan’s dig and pushed his way inside.

“I brought over a pan of caramel num-nums. I thought Cammie would like it. They are Charlotte’s favorite and she’s always begging her uncle Garrett to make her some,” Garrett said in amusement. “Plus my wife informs me that there isn’t a woman alive who can resist chocolaty caramel goodness.”

Donovan grinned and took the pan. “Come on in. We just finished a late breakfast. Everyone is at the table. I’ll introduce you. Just, Garrett? Try not to scare the hell out of them.”

Garrett adopted a look of pure innocence. “Me? I’m the nice guy, remember?”

Donovan snorted. “Whatever. Just be on your best behavior. They’re . . . they’re family now, Garrett. I’ve told them that. I’ve told Cammie and Travis that. That not only are they my family but that my family is theirs as well. I’ve informed them of how many uncles and aunts and cousins they have, not to mention Ma and Dad.”

“And how did they take that?” Garrett asked quietly.

Donovan breathed out and glanced in the direction of the dining area to make sure they weren’t overheard. “They were overwhelmed, man. And if you could have seen the hope and the longing in their eyes. It damn near killed me. They were afraid I was going to let them go and that whatever help I was giving them was temporary.”

Garrett scowled. “I hope you dissuaded them of that notion.”

“Oh yeah, I did. I let them know in very clear terms that I wasn’t going anywhere and neither were they. And that not only did they have me in their corner but all of you as well.”

Garrett nodded. “Good. Now go introduce me to your family.”

By those words, Garrett told Donovan that he’d accepted the situation. That Donovan had his full support. Donovan knew that Garrett wouldn’t hold out, but hearing it still gave him a huge measure of relief.

Yeah, his big brothers worried about him and they even pulled the mother hen routine from time to time, but when it came down to it, they were behind him one hundred percent. Just like all the Kellys. There wasn’t another family in the world like them and Donovan wasn’t just saying that because they were his.

The Kellys were a loyal, loving, kick-ass bunch of people and Donovan wouldn’t trade them for anything.

He and Garrett walked back to the table where the others sat and Cammie was now perched on Eve’s lap, her nervousness broadcasting over the entire room. As soon as Garrett’s eyes lighted on the little girl, his entire face softened.

Garrett was gruff. Grumpy and a complete hard-ass, but he was a loyal son of a bitch. Loyal to his toes and he’d sacrifice his life for any one of his loved ones. Hell, he’d taken a bullet for Sophie. And he’d do it again for any of his sisters-in-law.

“Guys, I want you to meet my older brother Garrett. Garrett, this is Eve and her sister, Cammie, and their brother, Travis.”

Travis hastily rose, grimacing when he got up too fast. But he straightened and solemnly extended his hand toward Garrett.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir. We’ve heard a lot about you.”

Garrett eyed the teenager, respect gleaming in his eyes. He took Travis’s extended hand and shook it.

“I’m glad to meet you too, son. I’ve heard a lot about you too. Donovan is very proud of you for the way you looked out for your sisters. A lot of grown men don’t have the integrity you’ve shown.”

Travis flushed, pleasure evident in his expression over Garrett’s praise. Then Garrett turned his attention to Eve and Cammie, his smile warm and welcoming.

“Hey, little bit. I’m glad to meet you. I have another niece your age. Charlotte. I think you two will become great friends.”

It was Eve who looked immeasurably pleased by the fact that Garrett had called Cammie his niece. She’d picked up on his acceptance and even now, a glitter of tears shone in her eyes. She looked briefly away as if to compose herself and not become too emotional. But Garrett didn’t miss it.

“I brought you a special treat, Cammie,” Garrett said, keeping his tone light, though he kept his gaze on Eve.

Cammie perked up, a shy smile emerging around her thumb. Her hand slipped away, allowing the tip of her thumb to rest on her lips. “What is it?”

He reached for the pan Donovan was holding and tore off the aluminum foil.

“Caramel num-nums. I don’t know exactly what they’re called, but they got their name from me because when you eat them all you can say is
num-num-num
because they’re so good.”

Cammie giggled and tentatively reached for one of the squares. Garrett lowered the pan so she could easily reach it, and then Garrett offered it to Travis before setting it in front of Eve.

“I’m very happy to meet you as well, Eve,” Garrett said quietly. “And I want you to know, as I’m sure Donovan has already told you, but I want you to hear it from me. First, I and my brothers and all of our organization as well as our entire family will do everything we can to help you and make damn sure nothing ever hurts you or your brother and sister again. And second, welcome to the family.”

Eve lost the battle to hold back her tears. They streamed down her face and she wiped self-consciously at them. Travis reached for Cammie, but Donovan intervened, scooping her up before Travis could hurt himself by lifting her.

Garrett then bent over and enfolded Eve in a fierce hug. She hesitated at first but then rose and returned Garrett’s hug. Garrett grinned as he stepped away and then slapped Donovan on the back.

“You’re a lucky son of a gun, Van. Can’t say the same for them, getting stuck with a geek like you, but you certainly lucked out with them.”

Donovan rolled his eyes. “How many times do I have to tell you? Geeks are hot.”

Eve laughed but nodded vigorously. “Intelligence is very attractive on a man.”

Garrett joined in her laughter, and then he ruffled her hair affectionately. Acting just like an older brother. And Eve soaked it up, loving every minute of it. Her eyes shone with happiness.

“I’ll get out y’all’s hair. I just wanted to pop in and introduce myself. Heads up, bro. I’d expect similar visits from the rest of the clan, just so you know. The wives are all champing at the bit to see the woman who landed you, and of course they’ll want to give their stamp of approval. You know how protective they get of you and Joe since y’all are the only two unattached ones. And I guess now it’s down to just Joe.”

Donovan glanced at Eve, taking in her reaction to Garrett speaking of his and Eve’s relationship like it was a done deal. A fait accompli. Her cheeks were flushed but she didn’t seem embarrassed. She seemed . . . happy. A fact that made Donovan every bit as happy.

Her
acceptance was the only obstacle in their relationship. As ridiculous as that sounded, given the fact that she was a wanted criminal and she and her siblings were on the run from an abusive asshole, but those things could be overcome. Her acceptance couldn’t be forced. She had to give that freely and of her own accord no matter how Donovan wished that he could will it to be.

“Come on. I’ll walk you out,” Donovan said, eager to have his family to himself again. He wasn’t ready to share them with the rest of his family. Not yet. That would come. And he most definitely wanted to introduce them to his big, boisterous, loving family. But for now he just wanted to hide them away and savor the shine of something so new and very precious.

Garrett said his good-byes and then headed toward the door, Donovan on his heels. When they got outside, Garrett turned to Donovan, his expression serious.

“She’s beautiful, man. And you’re right. Very fragile. Christ, I look at her and it pisses me off that some asshole had his hands on her.”

“It’s worse,” Donovan said, anger bubbling in his chest. “He was making moves on
Cammie
when Eve intervened and got them out of there.”

“
What the fuck?
” Garrett roared. “Jesus Christ, she’s a baby! And her own father was trying to molest her? Did he succeed? I’ll take the son of a bitch apart myself. Over my dead body will he ever get near Eve or Cammie again.”

Donovan shook his head. “I don’t know. Eve doesn’t think he did. She’s questioned Cammie, albeit vaguely and very gently. She doesn’t want to upset her or plant suggestions. But Travis is the one who called Eve. It’s a long story and one I’ll share with you and the others when I get a chance. But he was a controlling bastard who had everyone around him under his thumb and when Eve bucked that control, he punished her and made her life miserable. And when he killed Eve’s mother, he expected Eve to step in and take her place in his bed.”

“The little bastard,” Garrett growled. “I’d like two minutes alone with him. I’d take off his balls and choke him on them.”

“Yeah, tell me about it,” Donovan said. “You’ll have to wait in line for your shot. I plan to get to him first.”

“I was serious about the rest of the family, Van. They all want to meet Eve and Cammie and Travis. They’re worried about you, but I think once they meet her, those worries will evaporate on the spot. I know they did for me. I can’t say I blame you one bit now. I don’t know of anyone who could look at them and not have the reaction you did. They’re good kids. Especially Travis. He acts a hell of a lot older than fifteen.”

“Buy me a little time, man. Okay? Give me today at least. Maren will be over in a while to check on them all and she’s bringing more IV solution for Cammie, so things will be hectic today anyway and I’d really like some time with them and let them settle in before the family descends.”

Garrett nodded. “I’ll call them and explain. Once I tell them I met Eve and the kids, they’ll be somewhat appeased until they can check her out themselves.”

“There’s one other thing,” Donovan said. “Eve’s stepfather has already shown up at the hardware store. Rusty came out earlier to tell me he was nosing around, asking questions. He knows Travis was there, so Rusty didn’t even try to lie to him. She played it good and did what she should have. She admitted he’d worked there a few days. She was up front about everything except where they are now, so he wouldn’t get suspicious or suspect she was lying to him or trying to hide something. But you need to pass the word. I don’t want Rusty in that store by herself anymore. Nor do I want Dad there alone either. Sean is aware of the situation and he’s going to arrange drive-bys and he’ll check in periodically. But until this is all resolved, I’d feel a hell of a lot better if you could get with Sam and arrange for one of us or one of Nathan and Joe’s team to be at the hardware store at all times.”

Garrett’s expression became thunderous. “The little fucker is here already? How the hell did he find them so fast?”

“He’s got a lot of money and resources, not to mention connections. Sean did some digging. Eve is wanted for kidnapping and her stepfather created medical records documenting her supposed history of mental illness. He’s methodical. I have to give him that. He made it so he has proof that she’s unstable and a danger not only to herself but to anyone who comes into contact with her.”

“Son of a bitch. That sucks, man. Any idea what you’re going to do yet?”

Donovan shook his head. “No, not yet. I’m taking it one day at a time and as bad as it may sound, right now my focus is on getting her in my bed and making her realize that this is the real deal. She has to trust me first before I can do anything to help her. I’m afraid she’ll run, so I want to be damn sure she’s in this with me as deep as I am.”

Garrett nodded. “Makes sense. I’d do the same thing.”

Donovan chuckled. “I know you would. Hell, you
did
.”

“Yep. And I don’t suffer one iota of remorse. It got me what I wanted. Sarah. The only thing I regret is not being up front with her a hell of a lot sooner and her finding out what she did the way she did.”

“It worked out. That’s all that matters. And now you’re married with a baby on the way.”

Garrett’s face split into a goofy, idiotic grin. His entire face lit up and joy reflected in his blue eyes. He looked like a kid who’d just gotten exactly what he wanted for Christmas.

“You see now why I wanted what you and the others have?” Donovan asked softly. “Think about how you feel about the fact that the woman you love is pregnant with your child and that she’s in your bed every night and she’s there waiting every time you come home from a mission.”

“Yeah, I get it. I just didn’t want you to . . . settle. I didn’t want you to jump at the first opportunity because you were afraid it would never happen for you. I—we all—just want you to be happy.”

“I understand, but Garrett, I’m not settling. Eve is the one. It hasn’t happened for me before now because I was waiting for her. She’s it and I can’t explain it any more than that. I can’t explain it any more than you can explain why you took one look at Sarah and knew she was the one, why Nathan knew from the start that Shea was it for him. Like Sam knew Sophie was his and pined his dumb ass for her for months before we pulled her out of the lake. He was a hell of a lot more stubborn than the rest of you and he resisted more, even going so far as not to trust Sophie when she showed up begging for help. I’m not going that route. Eve is it for me and I’m not going to fight it at all. Hell, I want it too much. I want . . . her.”