Love To The Rescue (24 page)

But he had to.

If one of Amy’s friends had done the same, he couldn’t have told her until the authorities or the hospital or family had contacted her first, officially.

When he was married to Barbara the confidentiality component of his job hadn’t been an issue. She could have cared less about his work. The entire universe revolved around her: her painting, her music, her friends, her parties, her networking. Sometimes Kevin thought she’d forgotten she was married. Not that he’d ever caught her cheating. But he’d never been included in her social circle. Of course, she’d never been involved in his either. Her choice, not his. Two islands that would join together, meet over the occasional meal or spend a weekend together, and then drift apart in life’s sea again.

Amy was different. She sensed when he’d experienced something troubling on the job, knew when he was holding back a part of himself along with the confidential information he couldn’t divulge. He hated the fact he couldn’t share every part of his life with her. But he loved his job, and there was no way in hell he’d jeopardize his career. She seemed to understand. He knew she hated it, but she accepted it nonetheless. And he loved her even more for it.

But would she agree to marry him? To sign on for a lifetime of the same treatment? Only time would tell. He’d dropped by his favorite jewelry store a couple weeks ago. The ring was cleaned and sized. Now, he was working on a speech, and working up the nerve to ask what could be the most important question of his life. And he was praying the answer would be yes.

He wandered into the guest room, pulled back the covers, and crawled between the cold sheets. Soon, his body heat warmed the bedding, and he yawned. That last beer might have done the trick. He could sleep now. He heard Rover’s toenails clicking across the tiled floor. Amy’s dog was heading back upstairs to sleep with her. A flash of jealousy surged through Kevin. He would give anything to trade places with the dog. Sleep next to Amy all night, wake up snuggled against her warmth in the morning. Make love before his daughter woke up.

Maybe some day.

Maybe.

Chapter 19

On Christmas morning, Amy woke up abruptly when Sarah jumped on her king-sized bed just before seven o’clock. She groaned aloud, having stayed up past midnight talking to Kevin after spending a pleasant evening playing cards with her uncle and aunt and Mrs. Harris.

Together, Amy and Sarah tiptoed downstairs without waking anyone else. Rover followed on their heels. He must have returned to her room sometime during the night, she deduced.

Sarah shooed Rover outside and closed the back door. “It’s cold outside, Amy.”

“Especially if you leave your slippers upstairs. Look at those bare feet. Sneak back up there quietly and fetch your bunny slippers. Then come back down here again.”

“Okay,” whispered Sarah, taking the ‘quietly’ instruction seriously.

Amy smiled and peeked outside through the family room draperies. A fresh dusting of snow covered the ground. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a flash of blue pass by on the street. The car disappeared around the corner, but Amy would swear it was the same older model vehicle she’d seen hanging around the neighborhood for several days now.

“Wonder if they’re still lost? Or just out and about early this morning?” she thought aloud.

Sarah raced into the room. She couldn’t contain her excitement and peeked at her Santa presents and looked in her Christmas stocking, gasping at all the goodies she found. “Santa brought everything on my list!” she exclaimed.

“Shh, you’ll wake up Mrs. Harris. What did Santa bring you?” asked Amy, smiling. Sarah had only asked for a special Barbie she’d spotted at the mall, and a new bicycle.

Finally, Sarah wound down her Santa commentary and followed Amy into the kitchen. “Can I help?” she piped up.

“Sure, Sweet Pea.” Amy dragged her hands through her hair. “We have to get this big old bird in the oven. So let’s get busy.”

At eight o’clock on the dot, Amy shoved the turkey into the oven. Just as she straightened and closed the oven door, a pair of strong hands covered her eyes. “Morning and Merry Christmas, beautiful,” mumbled a sleepy male voice.

“Who is this?” inquired Amy.

“Guess.”

“Is this George Clooney? Brad Pitt? ”

“Close. I’m often mistaken...ouch,” Kevin chuckled when she elbowed him in the stomach, playfully.

“Good morning, Mr. Robertson.” Amy turned, slipped her arms around his waist, and closed the distance between them again. “And Merry Christmas to you, too.”

Kevin wrapped his arms around her and claimed her mouth.

“Good morning. Got any coffee out here?”

Recognizing her uncle’s voice, Amy pointed to the fresh pot on the counter and continued kissing Kevin.

“Don’t let me interrupt you,” her uncle chuckled while he rattled his coffee mug, and then the cream jug and sugar bowl. “Just getting a coffee for me and a doggie bone for my friend here.”

Rover woofed.

“You’re welcome. Good dogs deserve a bone on Christmas morning.” On his way out of the kitchen, her uncle added, “Thanks for the coffee, Amy darling. Merry Christmas.”

Amy waved her hand to acknowledge his thanks.

Later in the morning, Amy sat on the living room sofa, breathless with anticipation, and unwrapped Kevin’s gift—a beautiful long-sleeved cherry red cashmere sweater. She couldn’t fault him for remembering her love of cashmere, but she covered her disappointment well, gushing over the beautiful garment and insisting it was the perfect color for the season. Rover sat beside her on the sofa. He sniffed the garment and then woofed as if inspecting it before granting his approval.

“Rover agrees that it’s lovely. Thank you, Kevin.”

She’d pumped Kevin’s buddy, Garrett, for ideas, and finally decided on a high performance fishing rod for him to use on the boat next summer. He loved it.

“Amy, did you check your stocking?” Sarah pointed to the remaining two stockings hanging from the fireplace mantel.

“No, Sweet Pea. Those are just for decoration.” Amy smiled, holding her new sweater against her and running her hand down the soft material.

“Maybe you should check it out anyway.” Kevin reached for her hand and led her toward the fireplace.

Amy removed her stocking from the hook and stuck her hand inside while she muttered, “I don’t think Santa...” All thoughts of the jolly old fellow ended when her fingers wrapped around something small and square. She pulled out a velvet box.

Kevin took it from her, flipped the lid up and dropped to one knee. Wearing his white t-shirt and Calgary Flames pajama bottoms, he spoke with conviction. “I love you more than life itself, and I’ll spend the rest of my days proving it to you. Will you marry me, Amy?”

“Daddy!” Sarah tugged on her father’s t-shirt and glared at him.

“Sorry, sweetheart, I forgot.” Kevin met Amy’s eyes as he rose to his feet. “Correction. Will you marry
us
?”

Amy burst into laughter and then the tears flowed. “Yes! I’ll marry you. I’ll marry both of you.” She leapt into his arms, hugged his neck, and kissed his lips.

After a few moments, Kevin set her on her feet.

“Don’t worry, Daddy,” said Sarah, beaming. “She’s crying, but she’s happy.”

“Yes, Sweet Pea. I couldn’t be happier.” Amy hugged the child she already considered her daughter. “In a few months, I’ll be your forever mommy. Just like Rover became my forever dog.”

“Yippee!” Sarah jumped into Amy’s arms and hugged Amy’s neck.

Finally, Kevin slipped the ring on her finger, and the one carat solitaire surrounded by smaller diamonds fit perfectly. “This was my grandmother’s ring. She wore it every day for over fifty years of wedded bliss to Grandpa. And then my mom wore it until she passed a year ago. I hope it brings us equally memorable times and a happy marriage.”

“It’s beautiful! I’ll wear it with pride, and I’m certain it will bring us good luck.” Amy kissed Kevin again.

Total chaos broke out, and everyone extended their congratulations while hugging and kissing the bride-to-be and her fiancé. Even Rover joined in the festive atmosphere, jumping up on everyone and barking his congratulations. Amy doubted the dog had a clue what the excitement was all about, but she bent down and hugged him around the neck.

“Just think, big guy. If that rotten teenager hadn’t broken into my house, I never would have met Kevin, and I never would have adopted you.” Amy blinked back a fresh batch of tears. “Fate does intervene in a person’s life, ensuring that meant-to-be things happen. I couldn’t be happier.”

“Daddy, can I get a sister now?” asked Sarah. “Amy said I can’t have a sister unless you guys get married.”

Her innocent question sent everyone into peals of laughter.

“We’ll see what we can do about that,” answered Kevin, blushing profusely. And then he met Amy’s eyes. “But it sounds like a darn good idea to me.”

“I could go for the pitter patter of little feet. And not the four-footed variety this time.” Amy grinned, remembering a daydream from months ago when she’d first adopted Rover. She recalled imaging two adorable little kids playing on the floor with Rover. She revised the picture in her mind and included a special big sister.

****

After all the congratulations were extended, the ring admired, and the wrapping mess cleared away, everyone took turns using the showers and dressing in their holiday best. Amy filled the elaborate sound system with CDs and Christmas music wafted throughout the house.

Mrs. Harris, Aunt Amelia and Amy prepared a lovely breakfast buffet. After the dishes were cleared away, the ladies relaxed over coffee while Uncle Jimmy and Kevin played Wii Bowling, sending everyone into hysterics at their antics. Sarah surrounded herself on the family room rug with her Barbie doll and other new toys. Rover lay nearby gnawing on his new bone.

Amy met Kevin’s eyes. “I forgot to tell you. Your boss called while you were in the shower. He wanted me to tell you his daughter was going to be okay.”

“That’s great news.” Kevin smiled

“Was she in an accident or something?” Amy frowned. “Your boss said to tell you that you could explain everything to me with his permission.”

“We’ll talk about it tonight,” whispered Kevin, tipping his head in Sarah’s direction.

Amy nodded in understanding. Whatever had happened Kevin wouldn’t discuss it in front of his daughter. “Okay,” she whispered.

A few minutes before one o’clock, the doorbell rang. Rover woofed enthusiastically.

“Hush, Rover. Stay,” instructed Amy.

“Surely, the gang isn’t starting to arrive yet,” observed Aunt Amelia. “I thought you told everyone any time after two?”

Amy had invited Tiffany and her family and Leslie and Rick to join them for Christmas dinner. Sally Wilson met a new man recently, and they were expected, too.

“I did. I have no idea who it could be.” Amy leapt off the family room sofa and headed down the hallway toward the front door. She paused to check her appearance in the hallway mirror. She wore her new sweater from Kevin, black dress pants and black pumps. Her hair fell loosely around her shoulders.

Amy whipped the door open. “Merry...” The holiday greeting died on her lips the instant she recognized the person standing there.

“Who’s at the door?” inquired Kevin, stepping up beside her and slipping his arm around her waist.

“Um...um...” stammered Amy.

Kevin met the new arrival’s eyes and stiffened. “What the hell are you doing here?”

Chapter 20

A shiver raced up Amy’s spine when she glanced over and noticed the dark blue sedan. The same vehicle that had prowled her street for days was parked on her driveway. Had the young thief been planning to confront her? Had he been waiting for the opportunity to find her home alone? Had he realized there was a houseful of people living here and just rang the doorbell anyway?

A tall black man in his early thirties stepped forward. He wore a dark suit, white shirt and tie, underneath an unbuttoned gray woolen coat, looking like he’d attended a Christmas church service.

“Hello, I’m Ronald,” he said, smiling broadly. “I’m this young fellow’s sponsor. I’m aware of your history with Blaine, but don’t be frightened, Ms. MacArthur. I respectfully ask that you hear him out.”

Amy stood, rooted to the tile flooring in her front entryway. She crossed her arms, glaring at both of them. “Say what you have to say but make it quick. I’m expecting guests in an hour. Besides, I can’t imagine what he could say that I’d be interested in hearing.”

Amy realized she sounded rude, and her brave front was a total facade. Would Blaine see right through her? She hadn’t laid eyes on the kid since he’d frightened her half to death, uttered threats against her on her front lawn last April. She felt safe and secure today, however, with Kevin’s arm wrapped around her. She’d felt him tense up when he recognized their visitor.

She examined the culprit who’d plagued her dreams for weeks after the break-in. His designer jeans and bomber style leather jacket fit him well; he appeared to have put on a few pounds. Same haircut, but his hair shone, not greasy like before.

“Ms. MacArthur, I’ve been clean for four months now, since the day I was arrested the second time after robbing your house.”

Amy gasped and glanced back at Kevin.

“Confidentiality,” he whispered.

“Figures,” said Amy, shaking her head. She returned her attention to the kid standing in her doorway.

“I’m in a recovery program, and one of the steps is to apologize to you, and that’s why I’m here. I’m not the same guy who uttered those threats that day. I look in the mirror and I don’t even recognize myself sometimes. I’ve totally changed.”

His blemish-free complexion suggested improved health, his face was clean-shaven, and his clear eyes indicated he was clean. Perhaps he was attempting to reform, thought Amy.

The teenager continued, “One of the main reasons that I got involved with drugs was boredom with high school. My parents forced me to change schools, and I’m enrolled in an advanced program. I’m taking some university courses even though technically I’m still in high school. I’ll be graduating as an honor student in June.”