Chapter 49 #2
His casual response ripped the air from my lungs. “Stealing?”
He almost grinned. “It’s my pleasure to bleed those bastards dry, and we make sure that money goes where it’s needed most.”
“You can create new identities? Like in the witness protection program?”
“Similar, but more detailed. I create whole histories for them. Old medical records and doctor’s visits. Schools and jobs. Birth places and families. Make sure that every detail appears legitimate.”
Awed disbelief rolled out. “And how did you learn to do that, Mr. Star Quarterback?”
His laughter was rough.
A sprig of joy sprouting from his consciousness.
It was wild to feel the difference in him. The reservations—the walls he kept so high—surrendered to us.
“Found I was a bit of a whiz at the computer when I got to LA. Cracking codes and getting us into places we weren’t supposed to go.
When you live the life of a criminal, whole new opportunities open up that you didn’t know existed.
I learned quickly how to hack into most anything, and once we changed course and started living this new life, I took it and applied it.
A little of my bad nature given to the good. ”
“I had no idea that was even possible. I wish I would have…”
He palmed the top of my thigh. “If I’d known, Daisy. If I’d known what was going on with you, I would have gotten you out long ago. I’m sorry I was too much of a coward to look after you, thinking I was doing you some sort of service by staying out of your life.”
“It’s not your fault, Cash.”
“Sure it is, but I’m going to rectify it.”
Nerves buzzed through me, and I looked away for a beat before I peered over at him. “What’s the next step?”
“Easy. I find Ethan and put him in the ground.” He said it like it was just that simple.
“It’s beyond my—” I clipped off, not sure how to handle what he was suggesting.
His life was so different than mine, but our needs were the same. How did I come to terms with it?
“I don’t want you to imagine it, Daisy. Don’t want to take you to that place, but I won’t lie to you, either. Won’t hide who I am.”
“You gave me every warning, and I’m still sitting right here.”
“That’s because it’s exactly where you’re supposed to be.” It was close to a growl. Forest eyes a blaze of intensity as they flashed to me, then he turned on his blinker and made a left at the motel’s long drive.
We wound through the dense concentration of trees, passing by a few cabins that were tucked within them. A long, one-story building was in the distance, sitting close to the shoreline of the lake.
The big blue sign sat above it.
The Sanctuary.
“We have a few special cabins that are reserved for those we’re helping on the far backside of the property.” He pointed in the general vicinity. “It’s where Piper first stayed this last winter when she was running from her ex.”
He made another left onto an even narrower drive, barely enough room for one car to travel through.
Massive pines and oaks lined it in their beauty.
It opened up to a small clearing with a gorgeous cabin right next to the lake.
“And this is Theo’s place and, of course, now Piper’s, too, since the man couldn’t keep his grubby paws off her. ”
Cash’s voice was light.
“I can only imagine,” I said with a small laugh.
He turned to me. His expression had gone soft. “Funny how I never imagined I could be like them. That I could ever open my heart this way. Thought they all lost their damned minds. But I guess I have, too, Daisy, because God knows I’ve completely lost mine over you.”
“I thought I was always on your mind?” I let it come out a tease.
His chuckle was raw, and he reached out and palmed my cheek. “Wasn’t a day that went by that I wasn’t thinking about this sweet face and these beautiful eyes. You haunted me, Little Wallflower.”
He started to dip in when a commotion burst on the front porch. The door banged open and a herd of kids clambered out, their little voices carrying into the SUV.
“Mommy and my Mr. Cash! Did you get here?” Colin shouted.
“Mr. Big Gwumpy Giant!” Eva’s little voice filtered through, just as Nolan’s meshed with my children’s as he called, “Hi, Uncle and Auntie!”
My entire being clutched with affection.
They all ran up to the railing. Addy, Colin, Eva, and Nolan. Each gripping onto it and beaming their smiles in our direction. Little Finn came tottering out behind them, followed by Piper and Theo and an older woman I assumed was Piper’s grandmother.
Emotion gripped my spirit. A feeling of belonging that rushed in to overpower me.
“I never thought I would have this. Never thought I would meet a group of people who immediately made me feel as if I were accepted in a heartbeat. As if I could be myself. Safe and comfortable. I always thought it would only be me and my kids.”
Cash cast his attention their way. “And I guess I was always terrified of fully accepting their love and care. Afraid I didn’t deserve it. Afraid I would lose it.”
He turned his gaze back to me. “It’s so easy to get caught up in the fear. In the loss and the mistakes that will cloud and cover every portion of your psyche. Make you think you’re better off going it alone. But I won’t submit to it anymore, Daisy. I see what’s right in front of me.”
Love pressed full. Thick and sticky and beautiful. “I see you, too. I see you, and I don’t ever want to look away.”
He dove in then. Kissing me so tenderly and with so much passion that I felt as if I were going to rupture apart. A blooming of adoration and hope.
No longer did I want to hide.
No longer would I hide.
I would stand in the sun with Cash at my side.
He pulled back, and the slightest smile tweaked the edge of his mouth. “I feel you glowing, Little Wallflower.”
“How could I not after last night and this morning?”
His grin widened, and the shouting from the kids grew. “Come on, let’s go get those ragamuffins,” he said.
He pulled away and opened the door, and by the time I had mine open, he was there, helping me out. “Come on, wife.”
He threaded our fingers together and led me around the front of the SUV.
“Mommy!” Eva called.
“Mr. Cash!” Addy beamed at him while Colin jumped where he stood between his sisters. “I been missing you a whole lot, but we got a sleepover at the lake, and it’s like camping, and you know I really like campin’.”
“Can they stay forever?” Nolan asked.
All four of the kids shouted at us, all while Piper smirked from over the top of their heads. “Huh, looks like that fake wedding did the two of you some good.”
More redness, and I gnawed at the inside of my cheek. “It certainly did me good.”
“That’s right, it did.” Cash pressed the words into the side of my head.
Theo laughed from the porch, smirking down at Cash. “Told you, brother.”
“What can I say? Sometimes the light gets through when you try to shroud yourself in the dark.”
“Don’t I know it.” Theo tossed an arm over Piper’s shoulders and squeezed her tight.
A brilliant smile broke out on her face.
“How were they?” I asked.
“Angels,” she said with a little wink.
“See, Mom. I told you we were really good at following all the rules.” Colin climbed up onto the second rung of the railing as he said it.
“Watch yourself there, little man. Don’t want you falling and hitting your head.” A gentle warning filled Cash’s voice.
“I not bonk my head.” Finn peeked his adorable little face through the lower rungs.
Affection rushed and wound.
“It looks like you had a ton of fun,” I whispered as I climbed the steps with Cash ushering me up from behind.
“The best time, Mom.” Addy tipped her face up toward me. “Maci got to stay, too, but her mom and dad already came to pick her up.”
“I’m so glad.” I brushed my hand down her cheek.
Piper reached for me and pulled me into a hug. “I’m so happy for you,” she whispered in my ear.
Emotion crested, brimming to the point of breaking. I clung to her, my voice hushed, “I’m really happy, too.”
“I mean, I knew it earlier yesterday, but after that wedding kiss? There was no faking what was behind that.”
My chest buzzed with the memory. With the memory of the way it’d felt like I’d tipped over an edge into a dream.
Piper took my hand. “Come on, I want you to meet my grandmother.” She dragged me toward the woman behind her. “This is my Nelly.”
“Well, aren’t you the prettiest gift to ever walk into Cash’s life.” Nelly stepped forward with a mischievous smile, reaching out for me and giving my free hand a squeeze.
Some of that timidity tried to rise to the surface, but instead of succumbing to it, I sent Cash a flirty glance. “Cash thinks so.”
Nelly’s chuckle was low. “I bet he does.”
“Oh, I’m betting he does, too. The man looks the most relaxed I’ve seen him in years,” Theo razzed. “Not a grunt in sight.”
Only Cash gave him a warning grunt, though there was no irritation behind it. “You’re lucky I’m feeling extra affable today.”
“Ah, we know who got lucky, brother.”
I ducked my head a fraction, fighting the laughter that crawled up my throat, and I peeked over at Cash.
Maybe I was surprised to find the most adoring expression shining from his rugged face. Those hazel eyes brimming with something that had never been in them before. No denial left.
Peace swelled. This joy that I never expected when I came here wrapping me in a blanket of security.
Colin hopped over to Cash and took his hand. His little face filled with so much innocence I didn’t know what to do with myself. “Well, I guess that means you gotta be my dad now, right?”
I was sure it would be fear that held Cash’s expression when he looked over at me.
But no.
I swore he was asking me for permission as he squeezed my son’s hand.
Moisture burned at the backs of my eyes, and my throat and chest felt so full as we stood there beneath the bright summer sky gazing at each other.
The energy between us whipping and stirring. Winding and winding until there was no chance we weren’t completely one.
Tied.
Tethered.
Found.
I gave him the slightest nod.
His thick throat bobbed as he swallowed, his hand eclipsing my son’s as he finally turned to look down at him. “Yeah, Colin. That’s exactly what it means.”