One Heart to Give (Heart's Intent Book 1) (16 page)

Dani couldn’t have said better if she tried. With Ren at her side she was a better person, one she was always meant to be. His love allowed her to open herself up to more possibilities. She was finally happy and free. It was beautiful and oh so amazing. 

A part of her would always remain with Ren. He owned her heart after all.

Epilogue

Dani stared out the window as Ren drove to her parent’s house. She still had trouble wrapping her mind around the fact she had not only two parents, but an irritating brother as well. Sullivan visited her as much as she would allow. He was being pushier than either of her parents were. They’d respected her wishes for space and agreed to let her come to them. The time to give in and allow them into her life had arrived. Sullivan insisted she attend a family gathering. It was a good way for her to visit with them and still have enough space to not feel claustrophobic. They’d all been wonderful, and it was silly of her to keep putting them at a safe distance.

“They’re not going to bite you know,” Ren reminded her. “They want the chance to know who you have become.”

Damn had he been hanging out with her brother? Seems like Sullivan had uttered that phrase before… She wasn’t sure if she was amused or scared how much her newfound sibling was insinuating himself into her life.

“I know. It’s not easy for me to let anyone in. It terrifies me.”

“Take it one day at a time. Don’t over think it.” He pulled the car into the long driveway on the Brady estate. It stopped in front of a house and looped around a massive fountain. It was amazing to look at. That was what it must be like to have money. The water sprayed up and fell into the pool.

“How rich are my parents, anyway?”

“I don’t know.” Ren laughed and opened his car door. He walked around and opened the passenger side for her. “Maybe you should ask them.”

“I don’t think so. That’s a rude thing to ask.” She scrunched up her nose and stepped out of the car. “What if they think I’m after what they can give me financially?”

“Seems like that doesn’t matter. You’re rather rich in your own right after all the paperwork is sorted out with your identity and inheritance.”

Damn if he didn’t have a point. Why did he have to bring that up? It was the reason she’d spent so much time in the hospital of late. Damn Anderson Nettles for putting a bullet in her. He was sitting in a jail cell awaiting trial. His bail had been denied. Sullivan explained how her family had rallied for that outcome. They didn’t want to give him another chance to murder her. The judge, thank God, had agreed. She didn’t want to face him with another gun flashing in front of her. The next time she laid eyes on Nettles would be when she had to testify, and at his sentencing. She had no desire to sit in court each day and watch his trial unfold. She’d be there when it was necessary.

“Don’t remind me. I think I might become a philanthropist like my family. A lot of that money is going to charity to help underprivileged kids. I want to help some of them as much as I can. I know what it’s like to be where they are.”

Her family didn’t like to think about her in foster care. Whenever she brought it up to Sullivan he changed the subject, but she couldn’t ignore it. Growing up without a family is what made her who she was. She had to accept it and move on. It was one of the things she worked on each day now. It had been a month since Anderson Nettles had shot her. It’d changed all of her priorities. Ren was at the top of that list. They walked up to the front door, and Dani hit the door bell.

“Hello. Can I help you?” A middle-aged woman with red hair streaked with gray filled the door way.

“That’s Dani and Ren, mom. Let them in.” Lana stepped up behind the woman. “The Brady’s would have your head if you didn’t let their daughter through the door.”

“I’m so sorry.” She held her hand over her chest. “I should’ve seen the resemblance. You’re the spitting image of your mother.”

“Don’t stress about it. I’m still acclimating myself to the idea. No reason you should’ve realized who I was in an instant. Where is my family located in this mausoleum?”

Anxiety pooled in her stomach. She wanted to become more acquainted with them, but couldn’t help being nervous at the prospect. This was only one part of a huge endeavor. They had time to figure it all out. At least that was what she kept reminding herself.

“They are in the family room. I will show you the way,” Lana said. “Mom, go gather some refreshments. Mrs. Brady is going to want something.”

The housekeeper nodded her head and wandered away. She appeared happy to be given a task. Dani could relate. She wished she had something to do to avoid the upcoming meeting.

“Your mom seems nice.” Dani attempted to make small talk. “How long did you say she worked here?”

“My whole life.” Lana led them through a long winding hallway and stopped in front of a set of mahogany double doors. She pushed them open wide and entered. “I’ve brought you a couple of guests.”

Siobhan Brady stood as they entered the room. “I’m so glad you were able to come.”

Dani fidgeted and reached for Ren’s hand. She didn’t know what to say to this woman who was her mother. Ren squeezed her hand, reminding her he was there for her.

“I think it’s time to start getting to know who my family is.” She glanced between her mother, father, and brother. “If you’re willing to put up with me.”

“We would do anything for you.” Her father’s voice was husky with emotion. “All you have to do is ask.”

The knot forming in her stomach eased at his words. They never meant for her to be abandoned. That wasn’t their doing. They were good people, and she needed to stop blaming them for the trouble she endured growing up. If they could change any of it, they would. There was no use looking back and wishing. It wouldn’t do any of them any good. All they could do was move forward. Ren was constantly reminding her of that fact.

“Good. We have news and we’d like to share it with you.” Dani gestured toward Ren. “We set a wedding date, and we’d love it if you all would be a part of it.”

“Of course we want to be part of it,” he father replied. “We’ll even pay for it. It’s tradition after all that the bride’s family take care of the wedding costs.”

That wasn’t what she’d been aiming for. They didn’t have to anything so extravagant for her. All she wanted was to get to know her family. The wedding was the begging of allowing them to be a part of her life.

“I couldn’t allow that.” Dani frowned. “I haven’t been a part of your family very long. I refuse to take advantage of your generosity.”

“You’ve always been a part of this family.” Sullivan replied defiantly. “You may have just returned, but don’t believe for one minute we think any less of you. That was none of your fault. You should have grown up here. It’s your birthright don’t, deny it.”

“Listen to your brother. It’s how we all feel,” her mother said softly.

Was she being too difficult? She thought she was being reasonable. They were her family and they wanted what was best for her. Would it really be too much to let them help with her wedding?

“I still say it’s too much.” Dani shook her head. “Can’t we reach a happy medium?”

Ren lifted her hand and kissed it. “I have a suggestion.”

She looked up at him and asked, “What?”

“Why don’t we have the wedding here? It could cut down costs, and give your family the opportunity to show you the home you were denied.”

“Oh that’s a lovely idea,” her mother exclaimed. “Everything can take place here and it will give us more time together before the wedding.’ She glanced over at Dani and asked, “What day have you picked dear?” Siobhan Brady raised her hand to her chest and sighed. “We’d love nothing more than to be a part of your big day. If you’ll allow it, I would love to help you plan it.”

“Three months from today,” Dani added. “We don’t want to wait too long to begin our lives together as husband and wife. We’ve waited enough.”

“Be careful what you agree to.” Sullivan smiled at her. “She’s been secretly planning your wedding since the day you were born.”

“Oh, stop.” Her mother smacked Sullivan in the chest. “You’ll scare her away.”

“If Sully hasn’t scared her away already, nothing will,” Lana piped in. “He is annoying enough for the whole family.”

“I’m on my best behavior, I’ll have you know. I only irritate you these days.”

Dani laughed at their exchange. This was what having a family was like. They laughed, teased, and embraced every part of her. She’d missed so much not having them in their life. Why had she kept her distance this long? She should have given in sooner and allowed them in. It was a mistake she intended to rectify. Her wedding was only the beginning.

“Ha. I knew you did it all on purpose. Don’t worry, I can and will get even.” Lana glared at Sullivan. “You wait, when you least expect it I’ll pounce.” She waved her fist at him. “For now I will go see if my mother needs help gathering refreshments.” She exited the room shaking her head as she went.

Lana knew Dani’s family better than she ever would. It saddened her in some ways. Still, she looked forward to learning everything about them all.

“I want you all to take part in the wedding. Ren and I agreed it is a good way for us to begin again. A way for us to become the family that we were denied so many years ago—a new start. If you’re willing, I am.”

“We’re more than willing,” her father said. “Anything you want, I will make it happen.”

“All I want is for my mother, father, and brother to be at my wedding. I want to celebrate with the only other people besides Ren who mean anything to me.” She gazed at each one of them. “In time we will become close. For now, I’m happy to have you here and willing to put up with my idiosyncrasies.”

Malachi Brady pulled her into a bear hug. “You’re my daughter. It’s my job to protect you. I failed you once, and I won’t do it again.”

“I don’t blame you,” she whispered. “I know whose fault it is. Don’t worry about me. I have everything I need.”

She did. Ren was there for her every day, and now she had a family she could lean on if necessary. There wasn’t anything else she could possibly ask for. One day she’d have children of her own. She wanted them to know her uncle and grandparents.

Her father let her go. “I know. But I have a hard time letting go of my perceived guilt. It might take me—us—a while to realize your safe and happy. I have to ask you to be patient with us, as we are with you.”

Dani smiled. “I think it runs in the family. We are all a little hard headed.”

“Move away old man. It’s my turn to grab a hug.” Sullivan pushed his way past their father and wrapped his arms around her. “I’m so glad you’re finally here.”

“Me too,” Dani sighed with contentment. “We all have so much to be thankful for.”

“That we do, little sister. Welcome home.” He let her go, glancing down at her with a soft smile.

“I’m exactly where I’ve always wanted to be. When I was little, I’d stare up at the sky and wished I had a family who loved me. I didn’t know then I was lucky enough to already have one.” She glanced at each one of them. “All my wishes have come true. Thank you for loving me.”

“It’s our pleasure,” her mother said as she wiped a tear from the corner of her eye.

The housekeeper rolled in a tray filled with little sandwiches, cakes, cookies, and a pitcher of iced tea. She set it up on a nearby table and then turned toward them. “If you need anything else, let me know.” She exited the room as fast as she’d come in.

“I think we need to toast to Dani and Ren’s upcoming wedding,” Sullivan stated. “Too bad we don’t have something stronger than tea, but it will have to do.” He poured a glass for everyone and handed them out. Then he lifted his glass. “To my long lost little sister and the lucky bastard who won her heart. May they forever be happy and know love that will stand the test of time.”

They all lifted their glasses and drank to Ren and Dani’s happiness. Dani glowed with pleasure as she glanced at them all. They were everything she’d always wanted, Ren more than anything. She’d taken a long, hard path to arrive in the spot she found herself in. Even though it had been difficult, she wouldn’t change any of it. Her struggles made her who she was. Now she had a family and the love of her life. What more could she possibly ask for.

“Are you happy?” Ren asked.

“Blissfully so.”

He leaned down and kissed her lightly. This was worth fighting for. She’d demolish anyone who tried to take it away from her. She’d already lost too much in her life to do anything less. She’d been her own worst enemy in the past, but she wouldn’t make that mistake ever again. These people were more important than she could ever explain with mere words. Yes, she’d put them at a distance at first. Now though, they were, and always would be, a priority for her. It’d taken her too long to come to that realization.

“Me too,” he said. “If this is a dream, don’t ever wake me up.”

“My dreams are never this good.” She laughed. “I promise nothing could ever be as perfect as our reality.”

Keep reading for an excerpt from Heart’s Intent book two: An Unveiled Heart

Chapter One

A soft breeze fell over Matthew Price’s face. The constant beeping from a car horn could be heard in the distance. The distaste of bile rising in his throat was becoming equally hard to ignore. He clenched his fist and allowed his nails to bite into his palms. All of his senses worked as they should. He counted them off each day as a reminder he hadn’t lost everything. It was only his sight that continued to elude him. Dr. Sousa told him to be patient, and that his vision wouldn’t return overnight, but he’d been hopeful. It had been foolish and a complete waste of his time. He’d been released from the hospital a mere two weeks ago and he still couldn’t see more than a blur. He managed all right moving around the safety of his home, but anything else he was completely dependent on others. For someone who’d prided himself on his independence it’d brought him down to the lowest of levels. As far as he was concerned there was no reason to keep trying. What was the point? He was resigned to the circumstances life dealt him, at least he was trying to be. This was who he was. The blind man—a lawyer who couldn’t even read the law briefs he’d written. Research? It would be nearly impossible to complete now. What kind of lawyer—or man would he be without one of the most basic of human abilities?

“Are you ready to go inside now Matt?”

Claire Jackson—his babysitter, and the woman he desired beyond reason. At least until he had the misfortune of losing his capability to look at her. Hell who was he kidding? He still wanted her. It was doing something about it that baffled him. Like everything in his life after the accident, this was a change he hated. He couldn’t be the man she needed, and now she was something neither one of them anticipated she’d be. She was his constant companion. When she wasn’t at work she was with him, a continuous nag and voice of reason. Between her and the medical personal that came by weekly to check in on him he’d never been alone. He wanted the space to breathe. She was a constant reminder of all he believed he could no longer have.

“Go away,” Matt barked. “Can’t you leave me alone for five minutes?”

“You’ve been out here an hour now. It’s starting to get chilly.” Her voice was calm and soothing. “I can make you some lunch if you’re hungry.”

Didn’t she understand? Of course she didn’t. How could she when he didn’t fully get it himself. There was no reason to do anything anymore. He had no purpose in life and he was struggling to find his place in the world. The car accident that blinded him had taken far more than his sight from him. It erased who he saw himself as. So what if it was chilly out and he’d been sitting in his backyard staring at nothing. It wasn’t as if he could actually see what was in front of him. It took the phrase staring blindly to a whole new level for him.

“I don’t want food.” He clenched his fists. “I don’t want a damn thing except for you to leave.”

There was a time he’d have loved having her in his home. An all too brief moment when he’d imagined her with him, loving her in every possible way. He’d been an idiot to ignore his feelings for her. Now he didn’t think he could have her the way he’d always wanted. His short-sightedness cost him a lot. The opportunity to be the man in Claire’s life was one of them. He’d thought he had time, sweet time, what a joke. If he could go back he’d make so many changes. She wouldn’t be his nursemaid, but his lover. How could he even begin to think he could be more than someone she’d have to take care of? Seduction? That was laughable. He’d grope her all right—but not in any romantic way. He’d latch on to her as his guide to make sure he didn’t walk into a wall or trip over his own feet. The helplessness he experienced every day didn’t make him feel suave or romantic.

“I’m not going anywhere.” She sighed. “You need to realize that and accept it. Yelling at me isn’t going to achieve the results you’re hoping for.”

What would? She was as unflappable as he remembered. He yelled at her every day, hell several times if he was being truthful, and she still came back. She remained calm and steady. The picture of her as he remembered her flashed through his mind, long golden blonde hair and warm brown eyes. She was so beautiful, caring, and independent. There wasn’t anything she couldn’t do. Claire was perfect, at least to him.

“I don’t understand why you’re here. Find someone else to stay with me. I don’t want you around.”

It was a lie, but maybe if he said it often enough she’d finally understand and leave. He couldn’t handle her being around him every day. Not when it seemed as if he’d never see properly again. This was what he needed to get through his ordeal. She had to go and fast. Someone else could do what she did every day. Claire deserved better than what he had to offer her.

“I care about you. No one else, save Dani, would have your best interests at heart. She has her own problems and healing to do.” She lifted his hand in hers and rubbed it. “Be reasonable.”

“Why?” He yanked his hand from hers. “As far as I can tell this is how I’m going to be for the rest of my life. I think I’m being perfectly rational.” He clenched his jaw tight. “Let’s quit pretending this is going to get better. I am blind. You’re the one not accepting things that aren’t going to change.”

“Matt…I…” Clare’s voice broke apart as she spoke. “It’s only been a couple weeks. You can’t give up yet. Ren said it would take some time. Your body needs to heal and only time can give that to you.”

Yeah Ren, the great Dr. Sousa, who acted as if he knew it all, but wasn’t any more infallible than anyone else was. His law partner, Daniella Brosen, loved the good doctor, had always loved him. They seemed to be rekindling their relationship and taking it in a different direction than the friendship they had in high school. Matt was happy for Dani, honestly, but he was irritatingly jealous of it. He’d wanted that with Claire. Now he didn’t think he’d ever have it with anyone ever. He hated who he was now and knew it wasn’t a good place to begin something as fragile as a relationship.

“I don’t care what he had to say. What matters is what I want and know in this moment.” He turned toward where he thought she was and lifted his head. “I may or may not regain my sight. That isn’t the bottom line right now. You want to know what is? I’m sick of you being here in my house, invading my space, and ordering me around like I’m a child. I’m supposed to be
your
boss. So find someone to replace you. I want you gone by dinner.”

It might turn out to be the worst decision he ever made, but he believed it was the only one he could make. His feelings for Claire made him second guess everything. One thing he was certain about though. She wouldn’t move on with her life if she was always taking care of him. She was wonderful, and he was far from it.

“I don’t know what crawled up you and turned you into a raging prick, but you’re right I don’t have to deal with it.” Her voice sounded like it had an edge of steel behind it. Good for her; it was about time she stopped being the calm and comforting caregiver. Her hair whispered across his face with tiny tingles as she drew close.  Her declaration shocked him more than anything. “If you want to battle me every step of the way counselor, game on, I’m willing to give as much as I get, but you should know—I plan on winning the war.”

Holy hell she was sexy. He wanted to yank her into his lap and ravage her in every way possible, but that wouldn’t be conducive to his plan. She couldn’t see this as a challenge or she’d never back down. As much as he liked the idea of entering into a clash of wills with her it couldn’t be allowed.

“We’re not at war.” He waved at her dismissively. “That would imply this mattered to me. You don’t, and never did.”

A lie, but she couldn’t know the truth.

“You can act like a repulsive jerk all you want, but I see you for who you are. The unveiled truth of what you have in your heart has always been visible to me. We all have inner demons we conceal from the world. There’s no hiding when you believe there is nothing worth keeping your walls up for.” She hammered her point home. “But make no mistake, I’m not your punching bag. As much as I care about you I can’t be the person you beat up on every day.”

Pain shot through him at her words. He hated hurting her even when it was necessary. In the long run she’d thank him for it though. “I never asked you to be. Go and find something else to do with your time.”

“I didn’t say I was leaving.”

She had to be smiling. Her face was a blur, and fine details were lost to him, but he could almost make out the outline of her lips. Matt almost grinned back in response. Claire was a fighter and wouldn’t give up easily. It was one of the qualities he admired in her. She made a damn good legal assistant. He should have known she wouldn’t go because he’d ordered her to.

“Then what was all that nonsense you were spouting?” He frowned. What new tactic was she about to unleash on him? “I thought you’d finally seen reason and was about to bow out before the real skirmish began. I wouldn’t hold it against you if you did.”

“So generous of you.” Claire snorted. “I’ll pass.”

“So?”

“So what?” she asked. “Oh you want to know what I have planned.” She laughed. It was so lovely to hear, his lips twitched in amusement. “And spoil the surprise? What kind of idiot do you take me for? You’re the best strategist I know. It would be moronic to give you a heads up.”

Damn, he admired her. He’d hug her if she’d not see it as encouragement. “Not very sporting of you.”

The cool breeze was doing nothing for his overheated skin. He had to get his hands on her. No, he couldn’t do what he wanted. Claire wasn’t meant to be mauled in desperation. If he ever was lucky enough to have her she was to be savored. She was the finest of women and should be treated accordingly.

“Well I never said I’d be fair.” Her tone was light and filled with amusement. It left him with giddiness flowing through his veins. “You know the saying.”

“No, I can’t say I do.” He waited on bated breath. The banter was so good he couldn’t get enough of her. “Why don’t you enlighten me?”

She leaned in close and ran her hand across his thigh. He hardened to the brink of pain. If he reached up he could pull her into his lap and kiss her senseless. Matt wanted to, but refrained from acting on it. If she knew how much she affected him he’d never win this war they started. He’d be putty in her hands, and she’d be able to mold him as she pleased. He almost begged her to do it. One moment of insanity might be worth it for the lifetime of pleasurable memories.

“All’s fair in love—and war.” Her hot breath caressed his ear. “And Matt, make no mistake this has nothing to do with merely one of those, and everything to do with both.”

Without another word, she left him to think about her parting shot. What the hell had he managed to get himself into this time?