Chapter 13
Chapter Thirteen
Weeks later, after Michael and Becca discovered that each of them were only seeing half the picture of the kills, they put the pieces together.
Michael could fill in the blanks that Becca hadn’t seen, and she could do the same for him.
It was when they had started comparing each scene that they realized they had the smoking gun to get Danny charged and convicted of killing Lucy.
With the pieces of the puzzle put together, it made one big, condemning picture, including where Danny had his bloody clothes.
DNA would do the rest, even though the authorities would never contribute the find to either Michael or Becca.
She might have lost a childhood best friend, but she’d gained someone even closer.
Michael and her connection might never be understood, but he was like any one of her sisters.
He was family, and she protected and would always be there for her family. No matter what continent she was on.
Becca glanced around the servants standing in front of the stone monstrosity. Ian had his chest bandaged and one arm in a sling while holding her hand. Margarete stood on the other side as all of the McDougall servants crowded the driveway.
There was no question which woman was Ian’s mother. She stood tall and proud in the center, wearing the McDougall plaid.
“I thought you said she was sick,” Becca whispered to Ian.
“Sick and tired of his playboy ways.” Margarete chuckled. “Welcome to the family, Becca Thatcher.” Margarete bumped her shoulder before going to greet her mother.
“You lied to me.” Becca turned toward Ian, ignoring the crowd.
“Aye. I took a bullet for you, fiancée. You wouldnae hurt an injured man, would you?”
Becca crossed her arms over her chest and grinned. “The thought crossed my mind.”
“Come here, child,” Lady McDougall called out, her voice as regal as her stature.
“Was she talking to you or me?” Becca asked.
“You, she would have called me something else entirely.”
“Caveman?” Becca chuckled.
“Worse.”
Ian took Becca’s hand again and walked toward his mother. “This is she, Ma.”
“It’s about time, Ian,” Lady McDougall said. “I thought I was going to have to get on a flight and bribe her.”
Becca tossed her head back and laughed as Lady McDougall wrapped her arm around Becca’s and walked back toward the door. “Come, dear, we have a wedding to plan, and the sooner, the better.”
“Are you afraid I’m going to change my mind?” Becca teased.
“No, dear. Your Aunt Betty called and mentioned you’d be in need of a room for a nursery.”
Becca’s mouth parted as Ian’s laughter echoed around the large open room.
Lady McDougall put her finger beneath Becca’s slack jaw and slipped it closed. “You’re having twins.”
Ian rushed forward and lifted Becca with his good arm, ignoring the bandage around his chest. His eyes sparkled as he held her gaze. “I love you, Becca Thatcher. I’m ready for you to wear my plaid today.”
“Really?” She squished her nose. “Because I was thinking I liked the colors in Quinn’s plaid better.”
Lady McDougall and Margarete chuckled as they walked arm and arm out of the room. “Come on, you two love birds. We need to get you married before she’s put on bed rest for the bairns.”
Ian stood behind Becca and had his arms wrapped around her baby bump.
It had taken them only two months to plan the wedding and his little lass was already showing.
He didn’t mind, although he knew she did.
She was beautiful carrying his bairns. They stood on the landing staring down at the party below.
The soft lighting, music, and flowers were everything she’d asked for.
He’d give her anything to always keep that smile on her face.
“Was it everything you hoped it would be, Lady McDougall?” he asked.
“And more,” she said, turning in his hold. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed a kiss to his lips.
“I guess there’s some truth to the story about catching the bouquet and the garter. We were destined to end up together.”
Becca rolled her eyes. “I think it had more to do with your persistence.”
“You said yes.” He grinned.
“Want me to let you in on a little secret?” she teased with mischief in her eyes.
“Aye,” he answered.
“I knew the day Quinn found the emerald that you were coming for me, and no matter how hard I tried to push you away, you’d stay.”
“I’ll always stay, lass. I told you once, and I’ll tell you again. You’re my freakin’ damn bundle.” He lowered his head and kissed her lips.
“Want to hear another secret?” She smiled, the lines of her face softening.
“I want to hear all your secrets,” he answered, pulling her closer.
“That extra bundle we’re having….”
“Aye.” He tried to hide the worry from his face. God only knew what she was about to tell him.
“They’re twin girls.”
He cupped her cheeks and lowered his head to look her in the eyes.
“This time.” He pressed another kiss to her lips. “I have it on good authority that the next two we have will be boys.”
Becca’s eyes widened. Ian didn’t always have a chance to throw his little psychic far off her game, but with the help of her family, he had the rest of his life to try. “I love you, wife.”
“I love you, caveman.” She leaned into his chest.
“How about we skip the rest of the party and I show you what we Highlanders really wear under our kilts.”
“It’s about damn time,” she answered with a wink and took his arm, leading him toward their chamber.
Thank you for spending time with Quinn and her sisters. I enjoyed writing their crazy stories and watching each of them fall in love and find their happy endings.