Текст книги "Uncovered by Truth"

Автор книги: Rachael Duncan

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Текущая страница: 13 (всего у книги 14 страниц)

BRYCE

I PULL UP to a modest home in a small town. An old Cutlass sits in the driveway, having seen its better days. A well-manicured garden lines the front of an otherwise plain, single-story house. To say I’m nervous is a gross understatement. A lot rides on this and it’s my last shot. If this fails, I have nowhere else to turn.

Reaching my hand up, I knock on the door and wait. My sweaty palms rub down the front of my pants. Finally, the door opens. “Hi, can I help you?” A petite woman asks.

“I hope so. Are you Mrs. Montgomery?” I know she is. I’d recognize those eyes anywhere. They’re the same as Elizabeth’s.

Her eyebrows dip in curiosity. “Yes,” she says hesitantly.

I hold my hand out to her. “You don’t know me, ma’am, but I’m Bryce Daniels.”

She shakes my hand. “Oh, I know who you are.” Releasing my hand, she crosses her arms over her chest protectively.

“Would it be a bother if I came in and talked to you for a minute?”

She ponders my request for a moment or so and finally relents. “Sure, come on in.”

She leads me to her living room where we have a seat on the couch. A tall, brooding man, who I assume is Elizabeth’s dad, enters the room. I stand back up and hold my hand out to him. “Hi, sir, I’m Bryce Daniels. You must be Mr. Montgomery.”

He shakes my hand. “Yeah, what do you need?” He sits down in the recliner and I resume my place on the couch. Now that I’m sitting in front of them, I have no idea what to say.

“I—” I rub the back of my neck with my hand. “I don’t know where to start.”

“How about from the beginning?” Mrs. Montgomery suggests. Looking into her eyes, I feel like she knows more about the situation than she’s letting on, so I just spill it.

“I’m in love with your daughter.”

She laughs softly, taking me off guard a little bit. That’s definitely not the reaction I expected. “That sounds more like the end, but I guess we can start there too.”

God, I’m such an idiot. “Sorry, I guess I’m messing this up.”

“No, just relax and tell me why you’re here.”

I nervously glance at Mr. Montgomery before continuing. “I miss her. I walk around in this fog with nothing to look forward to. She’s all I think about.”

“Why the hell are you telling us this instead of her?” Mr. Montgomery grumbles.

“I’ve tried, but she won’t listen to me. She wants nothing to do with me. I know I’ve hurt her, but she has to believe that it wasn’t my intention.”

“What did you do?” Mrs. Montgomery asks.

“I lied to her,” I say on a sigh as I lean forward with my elbows on my knees. “I wasn’t upfront about certain things to keep her safe.”

“From her husband.” It’s not a question, but a statement. I see the guilt wash over her and I know she probably feels bad about the role she indirectly played in all of this. I don’t know the extent of her knowledge and have no intentions of filling her in since it’s not my story to tell. But considering her daughter had to shoot and kill the man she was married to, I’m guessing she has some insight into what her life was like with him.

“Yes, ma’am,” I say with a nod.

“I see.” She leans forward in her seat before continuing, “Let me tell you a little bit about Elizabeth. She’s closed off and doesn’t let people get close to her. Looking back, I don’t think she’s ever had a real relationship with anyone where they knew the real her. No friends, boyfriends, and certainly not her husband. Until you.” I’m momentarily taken back by her statement. I knew she was lonely, but I didn’t really get it until now. She’s never had anyone.

“She doesn’t think I picked up on it, but I knew you were different. Just the little things she’d say or the tone of her voice would give away her real feelings toward you. No matter your motive, you have to understand that handing over that level of trust was very hard for her, and in her eyes, you betrayed her.”

This is not at all what I wanted to hear. A piece of me dies knowing I might have messed this up beyond repair. My head sags while listening to her words.

“I also know she’s never had anyone fight for her. You have to show her what she means to you, that you’re not going to give up. I feel like I’ve failed her as a mother.” She looks down at her hands in her lap, her voice shaky and a look of shame written all over her face. “All I want is for her to be happy. You make her happy.”

I lean my head back against the couch. “I just wish we could start all over. Have a blank slate where she never heard of Alex Matthews.”

“What if there was a way to do that?” I bring my head back down and see the wheels turning in her head. “I’ve got an idea.”

“I’m listening.”

I was told to be here at eight thirty sharp. Looking at my watch, it says eight twenty-nine. I get out of my car and walk toward the restaurant that Mrs. Montgomery had told me about. I guess her and Elizabeth had dinner plans already for tonight. She told me where they’d be and said the rest is up to me. The closer I get to the door, the more my stomach knots up.

Opening the door, I immediately spot her sitting at the bar with her mother. Her back is to me with her long, brown hair falling down her back. She turns toward Mrs. Montgomery to say something, allowing me the opportunity to look at her profile. I probably look like a creeper standing by the door watching her, but I don’t give a shit. It’s been too damn long since my eyes have landed on her, and I’m going to enjoy the moment.

She laughs at something said to her, but I can tell it’s forced. She’s pretending to be happy for the sake of her mom, and I hate that I’m the reason she’s upset. Taking one final breath, I head over to her.

Clean slate.

It’s the phrase I repeat in my mind over and over as I approach her. Her head is still turned away from me when I get to the bar. Damn, I’m nervous. I clear my throat and say, “Excuse me Miss, can I buy you a drink?” I know the moment she recognizes my voice because her spine straightens. She turns around ever so slowly until her wide eyes land on mine. Her gaze travels all over my face as if she can’t believe I’m really here, but she recovers quickly.

“No, thanks,” she responds coolly, turning her back on me. Ouch, that stings.

I look over her shoulder to see Mrs. Montgomery staring at me. I’m not giving up yet. I move around Elizabeth and hold my hand out to her mother. “Hello, ma’am. I’m Bryce Daniels. How are you this evening?” She accepts my outstretched hand and shakes it. Okay, I might be overdoing it, but I’ve got to crack her exterior and find a way in somehow.

“I’m doing well, thanks,” she responds.

“Any advice on how I can get this beautiful lady to have a drink with me?”

“Ugh, fine,” Elizabeth reluctantly agrees with a roll of her eyes.

I signal for the waiter and order her another glass of wine and a beer for myself. “I’m Bryce Daniels, by the way.” I hold my hand out to her. She looks at me from the corner of her eye before giving in and placing her hand in mine.

“Elizabeth Montgomery.” Bringing her hand to my lips, I place a kiss on the back of it while looking up into her eyes. I hear her breath catch and that one sound sends me soaring. She’s still affected by me. There’s still hope.

“Nice to meet you.” I release her hand and she swallows hard.

“You too,” she replies quietly.

“So, you from around here?” The corners of her mouth tilt up just the slightest bit at my cheesy line.

“Yep, born and raised.” She plays along, allowing me to chip away a tiny piece of her shield.

“Nice. I’m just passing through myself. Had something important I needed to take care of.” The waiter puts down our drinks and I take a pull from mine.

“And what was that?”

“You see, there’s this girl that I’m crazy about and she just walked out on me.”

“I find it hard to believe she left for no reason.” She arches an eyebrow, daring me to argue with her.

“No, she had plenty of reason and I don’t blame her. I tried to give her space, but I just can’t take it anymore.” I push down the nerves that threaten to choke me. This is it. I just laid it out there in a way, and I’m scared shitless of her response.

“Hmm, she must be pretty special for you to come all the way out here to see her.”

I smile at her comment, but it quickly dies so she sees how serious I am when I say, “I’d travel to the moon if I had to.” We lock in on each other and it’s there. The invisible electricity that we became so familiar with. It’s crackling, ready to pop, until she looks away and breaks the connection.

“What do you do for a living, Mr. Daniels?” She messes around with the napkin in front of her, tearing off tiny pieces and putting them in a pile.

I lean in closer to her. “I work for the FBI,” I whisper loudly. “But you can’t tell anyone.”

She grins. “Your secret is safe with me. It’s too bad though.” She makes a show of being disappointed.

“What’s too bad?”

“I’m more of a soldier kind of girl.” She shrugs her shoulders as if to say sorry. Yeah, we’re joking around, but I think this is her way of confirming the things I’ve told her and seeing what’s true and what’s not.

“You’re in luck then,” I reply.

“Why’s that?”

“It turns out that I’m former military.”

“Is that so?” I nod. “Well, you might just have some potential then.” She picks up her wineglass and takes a sip. Her response to me has been a relief, but I didn’t come down here so we could dance around the topic.

“Can we talk?” I ask.

She sighs and says, “Yeah. Just let me make sure my mom gets home and we can go somewhere quiet.”

“Oh, don’t worry about me, honey,” Mrs. Montgomery says. “I drove, so you go ahead with Bryce and I’ll head home by myself.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah, go.” She waves her hands at her in a shooing motion. Elizabeth hugs her and I hear her say, “I know you’re behind this.” I throw some cash on the bar and guide Elizabeth to the exit. As we’re walking out the door, I turn over my shoulder and mouth a thank you to her mom. I owe her big for this.

Once we’re in my car, I turn to her. “Where to? I’ve got a hotel room not far away. Or we can go to your house, or a coffee shop, I don’t care.” And now I’m rambling. Shut up, Daniels.

“Let’s go to your hotel room. Hank probably won’t be too thrilled with you coming over.” Hank? Who the hell is Hank? My face must say it all because she continues. “I got a dog about a week ago. He doesn’t like strangers.”

“Good to know.” I try for casual, but I know she’s not buying it.

The twenty-minute car ride is quiet. It’s a little awkward, but I’m thankful that she’s willing to talk to me. I walk her to my room, unlock it, and hold the door open for her. “This is nicer than the rooms we’d been staying in,” I joke.

“Yeah,” she says with a small laugh. “Much better.” She comes in and has a look around, stopping at the sofa against the far wall.

The silence stretches out between us and I can’t take it anymore. It’s either now or never. I’m just going to lay out all my cards and hope she picks them up.

I walk over to the couch until I’m standing in front of her. “God, Elizabeth, I don’t even know where to begin. I’m so sorry that I lied to you. I regret that every day, but you have to understand that when I was sent in to do that job, I never imagined that I would meet the woman of my dreams. A woman that would occupy every waking thought and appear in all my dreams. I fell for you hard, and there was no way to put my feelings for you on hold while all the shit was sorted out. I miss you so goddamn much it hurts. I need you, sweetheart.”

A lone tear rolls down her face. “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss you too. I’ve been completely miserable. It’s just so hard. Every time I think about you I want to call you Alex. Then all the feelings of hurt and betrayal resurface.”

“I know, and I’m so god damn sorry.”

“I was constantly lied to by Cal, and I refuse to be in that situation again. Then I didn’t even hear the truth from you. I heard it from someone else right after I had just killed my husband. It was a lot to take in.”

“I get it, trust me, I do. But can you honestly say that I’m anything like that monster you were married to?” She shakes her head. “You’re my better half, the one that makes me a good man. I wouldn’t hide things from you unless it was necessary. And when I’m undercover, it’s necessary. Everything else is all yours. I’m all yours.” Cupping her face in my hands, my thumb wipes away her tear. I rest my forehead against hers. “Say you’ll forgive me. Give us another chance, Elizabeth. I promise you won’t regret it.”

“I don’t know. I’m having a hard time getting over the fact that you used me.” She shuts her eyes.

“Please, look at me,” I say softly. When she does, I continue. “Think about it. If I was using you, would I still be chasing you?” She doesn’t answer me, just looks me over some more. “Please believe what I’m saying to you. Let me back in.” I pull away from her slightly and hold my breath waiting for her answer.

She nods and chokes out, “Okay.” I can’t hold back another second. My lips crash against hers in a demanding kiss. As soon as our mouths connect, I feel at home again. I savor the sweet taste of her lips having gone too long without it. Our tongues dance together, eliciting a moan from me. Soon, our hands are all over one another, each just as frantic as the other. There’s no time for foreplay, we’ll do that later. I need to be inside her right now.

Stripping off all of our clothes, I take a step back to admire her body. She moans in protest when our lips disconnect, but I have to look at her. Her chest rises and falls with her quickening breath as I map out every inch of her with my eyes. I run a finger over her collarbone, down her right breast, causing her nipple to harden, then down her flat stomach toward her center. Her heat hits me the closer I get and I can’t wait to feel her wrapped around me again. “Damn, sweetheart, every inch of you is perfection.” She bites her lip and that’s my undoing. I back her up until she’s up against the wall.

Without missing a beat, I lift her up and her long legs wrap securely around my waist. “Hang on tight. This is going to be hard and fast.” Her arms wrap tighter around my neck as I position the head of my erection at her entrance. Entering her slowly, her eyes close and her head tilts back. I take advantage and place kisses up and down her neck. Once I’m buried deep inside her, I move a couple times in and out slowly. “You good?” I ask against her neck. It’s been a while and I don’t want to hurt her, but I’m hanging by a thread here.

“Yes, harder,” she pants out. I quicken the pace, slamming into her over and over. The only sounds are of our breathing, moaning, and skin slapping together. “Oh, God, Bryce. I’m going to come!” she yells out. Hearing her use my name for the first time almost has me coming on the spot. It’s the hottest damn thing I’ve ever heard.

“Do it. Come for me.” I push into her harder, sending her over the edge. Her nails dig into my shoulders as she screams out with her release. I slow down to allow her to ride out the final waves of her orgasm before I’m falling over the cliff with her. I push inside of her as deep as I can go before letting go. My head rests on her shoulder as I attempt to steady my accelerated breathing.

“I love you, Bryce.” She says it so quietly, so vulnerably. Almost like it’s a confession. Either way, hearing those four words makes me feel like the luckiest bastard in the world.

Pulling back, I look into her eyes. “I love you too, Elizabeth. Forever.”

6 MONTHS LATER . . .

LIFE DOESN’T GET much better than this. After reuniting with Elizabeth that first night, things moved pretty quickly between us. We got a place together close to my work in Virginia Beach. She started teaching and loves it, which makes me happy seeing her do something she’s passionate about. I will say that if my ninth grade English teacher looked like her, I’d have never missed a day of class. I’m sure she’s every horny teenager’s fantasy.

And now I’m here. Standing at the end of a long aisle waiting for my bride to join me where we’ll say our vows and be united as one forever. Six months might not seem like a long time, but when you know, you know. I’d waited my whole life for her, and I couldn’t wait to make her Mrs. Daniels.

We’re getting married in a small church in her home town. It’s a very small ceremony with only our immediate family present. There are no bridesmaids or groomsmen, just the two of us. I remember picking up a bunch of wedding magazines on my way home from work one day for her, thinking she’d want to start using them to plan.

“I don’t need any of this,” she says as she pushes them away.

“What do you mean?” My heart starts to accelerate afraid she’s getting cold feet.

“I don’t want a grand wedding. I want something small and intimate. My entire life has been built on elaborate lies. I want this to be minimal, stripped down to the truth. Just you and me up there promising ourselves to each other in this life and the next.”

How could I deny her? Looking around, that’s exactly what she got. Candles line the aisle in big glass jars and the ends of the pews are draped in white fabric swags. It’s understated and perfect, just like Elizabeth.

The music starts, signaling that it’s almost time. I look at the doors, anxious to see her. Finally, they open slowly, and everything stops. Standing there waiting for me is the most gorgeous thing I’ve ever seen. She’s always beautiful, but right now she takes my breath away. This moment will forever be burned in my mind.

With one hand holding her dad’s arm, a small bouquet of white flowers in the other, she makes her way toward me. I swear it takes her forever and I have to resist the urge to run down the aisle, scoop her up, and sprint back to the altar. When she’s finally in front of me, her dad gives her away, placing her hand in mine. Because that’s what she is now, all mine. Her smile stretches from ear to ear. She’s glowing and absolutely stunning in her strapless, lace gown that hugs every curve. A crystal belt wraps around her waist emphasizing how tiny she is. Her hair is swept up with a long veil trailing behind her. She looks like an angel.

“I love you,” I whisper to her.

“I love you, too,” she whispers back before turning her attention to the minister who begins the ceremony.

I’m so fixated on her, grinning like an idiot, that I almost miss my cue. The minister clears his throat, catching my attention. “You wanted to say a few words?”

“Oh, yeah, sorry. I got distracted by my girl.” Quiet laughter comes from our small audience. Holding both of her hands in mine, I say, “Elizabeth, from the first moment I laid eyes on you, I knew you were something special. Ever since that day, I’ve fallen more and more in love with you. You bring out the best in me and I vow to do the same in return. I will spend the rest of my days honoring, cherishing, and loving you, and when my time comes to an end, I will be patient and wait for you to join me in Heaven. I know a lifetime with you won’t be enough. I need eternity because you not only have my heart, but my soul. I love you, sweetheart. Forever.” I give her a wink as the tears stream down her face.

She giggles a little as she dabs a tissue under her eyes. “You’re making me mess up my makeup.” She sniffles a little and I reach my hand out to wipe a tear she missed.

“Elizabeth, you may say your vows now,” the minister says.

“Okay,” she clears her throat before continuing. “Bryce, you came into my life at an unexpected moment, but it was perfect timing. You saved me from myself. You taught me what it was to love me for who I truly am, and I want you to know how important that is to me. To be able to love you unconditionally, I had to do the same for myself first, and you showed me the way. It may not have been an easy road, but I’m thankful every day that you chose me to be your life partner to grow old with. I, too, vow to honor, cherish, and love you.”

Her words go straight to my heart and will forever hold a spot in it. I can’t even describe how she made me feel at this exact moment. I just know that I’ve never loved a woman more in my life and I can’t believe I got her to marry me.

After we exchange rings, the minister says, “By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Bryce, you may kiss the bride.”

“My wife,” I correct. With bright green eyes staring back at me, I wrap my arm around her waist, dip her, and plant a kiss on her that’s probably a little indecent for this church. The crowd hoots and hollers, and all too soon I’m pulling away. With her still leaning back, holding onto my biceps for support, I look down at her. “It’s legal, Mrs. Daniels. You’re mine forever now.”

“I was yours long before today, Bryce.” I kiss her one more time before we walk hand in hand down the aisle as husband and wife.

The rest of the wedding goes by in a blur. The reception was held in a huge barn. It was the one request I had. After a little nudging, she finally caved. Elizabeth had this vision where everything was done in white with warm lighting, and that’s what she got. Candles are everywhere and white fabric drapes from the rafters. It turned out really nice. Once toasts are made and dinner is served, it’s time to cut the cake. I’m nice and gently place the piece of cake in her mouth, careful not to mess up her makeup. She, on the other hand, isn’t as thoughtful and smears it all over my face. “Don’t worry, I’ll get you back.” Leaning into her ear, I say, “And you’ll have frosting in places only I’ll be able to clean up.” Her eyes widen in shock, but quickly darken with desire. My sweetheart has a kinky side to her. Nice to know.

Next to the cake is a box. We walk over to it and I say, “You ready?” She nods her head. We release the string and it pops open just before three doves fly out. No one knows the significance of this but us. They symbolize us and our baby. Elizabeth never told anyone about the abortion. I didn’t see a reason for her to. It’s something we dealt with together, but it never leaves our minds, and today is no exception. We wanted to incorporate her in the ceremony somehow and thought this was the best way. Elizabeth’s eyes mist over and she smiles sadly at me. I know she’s thinking about what it would be like to have her here with us today, just like I am.

Finally, the bouquet and garter are thrown and I can’t wait another minute to take Elizabeth to our honeymoon suite and make love to her for the first time as my wife. We casually make our way outside, and when we think no one is looking, make a break for the limo, laughing the whole way.

“I have a small gift for you when we get to the room,” she says once the limo takes off.

“I’ll bet you do,” I respond with a wag of my eyebrow.

She scoffs and nudges me with her elbow. “You’re such a pervert.”

I lean in and nibble on the exposed skin at her collarbone. “You’re stuck with this pervert, so get used to it.” She moans when I hit the spot behind her ear. “You looked beautiful today,” I say into her ear.

“You didn’t look too bad yourself.”

We spend the rest of the drive making out like a couple of love struck teenagers.

Up in the room she seems anxious, nervous even. She’s twisting her hands together and biting on her lip. “What is it, sweetheart?”

“Like I said before, I have a little something for you.” She reaches into her bag and pulls out a rectangular box with a ribbon tied around it.

“You didn’t have to get me anything. You’re all I wanted,” I say as I take the box from her hands.

“Well, there’s a no return policy on this one, so you’re just gonna have to deal.”

I untie the ribbon and open the box. What I see nestled in some tissue paper has me at a loss for words. “You’re—we’re—when—” I can’t string a sentence together to save my life as I pick up the positive pregnancy test.

She nods with tears in her eyes. “I’m pregnant.” Her words come out in a whisper, no doubt thinking about the last time.

“Holy shit! I did it!” I shout in excitement, causing her to laugh. I scoop her up, hugging her while I twirl us both around. I look back down at the box and notice there’s two tests. “Why are there two? Wanted to make double sure?” I joke.

“Not exactly.” She lifts up the tissue paper and I see an ultrasound picture. To be honest, I can’t tell what the hell I’m looking at, but that doesn’t lessen my happiness. “You see that small circle right there?” she asks as she points to a blob on the picture.

“Yeah,” I draw out.

“And you see this circle over here?” She points to a different blob this time and realization hits me like a bullet.

“Twins?” I ask in disbelief.

“Twins,” she replies.

I stumble slightly, suddenly feeling lightheaded. Fucking hell. Twins! What am I going to do with twins?

“You okay?” There’s laughter in her voice.

“Oh, you think this is funny, huh? I’m good, just a little shocked. When did you find out?”

“Last week. It’s been killing me keeping it from you, but I wanted to tell you in a special way.”

I place my lips on hers and show her what I can’t express verbally. “How far along are you?” I ask when I pull away.

“I’m six weeks now.”

“How are you feeling? Have you been sick? Are the babies okay?” I start rambling off question after question, causing her to laugh again. I’m glad she finds me amusing tonight.

“I’m fine,” she says through her giggles. “No major sickness and the babies look great.”

I’m relieved to hear they’re doing well. “Twins,” I repeat, still trying to wrap my mind around it. Her only response is to laugh at me again. “Enough laughing, come over her so I can make love to my wife.” And she does.

I was wrong earlier when I said life doesn’t get much better than this, because it did.

A whole lot better.

But I have a feeling I’ll be saying that quite often in the new chapter of my life, and I can’t wait.