Jamie (30 page)

When Jamie tried protesting, she called him “son” and scolded him one moment, then hugged him the next.

When that unsettled him, Tracy told him she was a mom and a grandma, and she loved him by association, so he might as well get used to it.

Her generous heart left Jamie tongue-tied and with a lump in his throat the size of a grapefruit. He couldn't remember ever being mothered before.

It was the kind of thing a man could get used to.

Joe's kids were fascinated with Cory. Willow, a young lady at sixteen, took Cory under her wing. But Austin, the scamp, had her doing parlor tricks and ridiculous predictions.

Jamie discovered that his daughter had a wicked sense of humor. She got even with Austin's constant prodding by telling him outrageous things. One night, she claimed a snail would creep in and sleep in his mouth, leaving behind a pile of slime. Austin didn't sleep a wink all night, and Faith ended up scolding Cory, who gave Austin a most insincere apology, while she and Jamie shared a private moment of humor.

Joe, understanding Jamie's predicament, made sure he had plenty of time alone with Faith. It wasn't hard, given that Cory adored the lake. Even now, dressed up for the wedding, she stood at the edge of the shoreline, skipping rocks with Austin.

Joe sauntered over to the park bench where Jamie sat with Faith close to his side. “You two having fun?”

“It was a beautiful wedding,” Faith said. “The lake as a backdrop is just perfect.”

“We think so.” He eyed Jamie, cocking one brow in blatant suggestion. “Everyone seems to want to get married here. And you can tell Luna adores organizing it all.”

Jamie looked away. He knew he should have cemented things with Faith by now, but damn... he'd never had to spill his guts to a woman before. And even when he had privacy with her, he knew there were people looming just around the corner.

Suddenly Faith stood. Somewhat militant, she propped her hands on her hips and glared at Jamie, but spoke to Joe.

Her voice bright and cheerful, a direct contrast to her expression, she said, “Do you still have openings?”

Uh-oh.
Jamie knew his time had run out. And if Joe's grin was any indication, he knew it too.

“Of course we do. In fact, last night, Luna had the calendar out, and she's marked all the available weekends.”

Jamie said, “Ah—”

But Faith plopped down on his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck. The skirt of her pretty pink floral dress spread out over his jeans—jeans she'd objected to his wearing, until he'd explained he didn't own anything else.

She was so busy rehearsing what she'd say to Jamie, she left herself wide open, and he heard it all before she'd voiced a single word. He'd never tire of experiencing her love. And no way in hell would he ever let her go.

Others seemed to have sensed that something historic was about to happen, and a small crowd gathered around him.

For a man who'd had immeasurable privacy for damn near a decade, the imposition of so many people privy to his personal business should have been unsettling. But Jamie wasn't unsettled. The warmth of their caring satisfied a long-buried hunger. The only way his life could be fuller would be to make Faith his wife, and claim Cory legally.

He intended to do it, soon as he found the right words to explain. But now he wouldn't have to.

Faith gave the words to him.

When she started to speak, he kissed her, and felt her hot blush along with her stirring interest.

“Jamie,” she scolded.

“You're right,” he said. “We should get married.”

Her eyes widened. Beautiful, stormy blue eyes that had captivated Jamie from the moment he'd found her on his mountain.

Determined to work out all the kinks, Faith cleared her throat. “Your cabin—”

“Joe thinks it'd make a great private retreat for the soon-to-be-wed and the blissfully married.”

Startled, Joe said, “Yeah, I do. I was going to suggest that.”

“I know.” Jamie put Faith's hand to his chest and held it there. “Because I own a hundred and twenty-five acres, it should stay private.”

“You own—”

“Yeah. There's enough land for us to build something closer to the road. Or we could buy something here by the lake. I'd really like to stay in Visitation—if that's okay with Tracy.”

Everyone looked at Faith's mother, who preened under the attention. “It's wonderful here. It'll give me a nice place to visit.”

Jamie stared at her. “You won't live with us?”

The question flustered her.

“I'd like for you to,” Jamie said. “Or at least be close by if you prefer your own place.” To Faith, he added, “I really do have enough money for... whatever. ”

Faith bubbled out a laugh that sounded shaky with tears of happiness. “Why don't we let my mom think about it for a little while?”

“All right.” He kissed her again. “So, will you marry me?”

“Will you tell me you love me?”

His smile came slowly, unlike the emotion that had walloped him upside his head the moment Faith had invaded his life. He cupped her face. “I love you.”

Laughing, Cory scampered onto the bench to sit on the other side of Jamie. “You love me, too.”

“Yes.”

Joe put a hand to his heart and teased, “What about me?”

Jamie scowled and said, “Even you.” He looked around at the group and nodded. “All of you.”

“Ah, shit,” Joe complained, pretending to mop his eyes. “You're gonna make me cry.”

“There's lots of love,” Cory exclaimed. Then on her fingers, she counted off, “Mommy and Jamie, Alyx and Deputy Royal—”

Jamie straightened. “Hey. Where did they get off to, anyway? They haven't put on one single public display through this whole gathering.”

They all looked around, and finally spotted them out on the lake in a small rowboat. Everyone could see them smooching.

“Good grief,” Joe grouched.

Luna leaned against his side, laughing. “Maybe it could be a double wedding. As long as Jamie and Faith aren't waiting too long, because I heard Alyx tell Scott the sooner the better.”

Cory piped up again, still holding her fingers in the air. “And Clay and Willow.”

Joe jerked around to stare at his daughter in shock, before narrowing his eyes at Clay. “What's she talking about?”

Cory grinned. “He's sweet on her.”

Jamie hugged Cory tight. “Sweetheart, you can't just go around telling everyone's business—”

That brought a round of guffaws from Bruce, Bryan, and Clint, because Jamie had always done just that. But Joe was still too speechless to chime in.

Willow turned bright pink. “Joe,” she complained under her breath.

Taking her hand, Clay smiled. “She's special.”

“She's
sixteen.”

“Yes, sir. I know.”

Left with nothing brilliant to add, Joe nodded. “All right then.”

And with a roll of her eyes, Willow dragged Clay off.

Luna hugged Joe. “You're learning.”

Tipping her head in a thoughtful way, Cory watched them as they headed toward the lake. “Willow's embarrassed, but Clay's not. I think he's lots like Joe.”

Floored by the possibility, Joe muttered, “Dear God.” He started to go after them, but Luna caught him by the seat of his pants and pulled him up short.

Jamie squeezed Cory again. “You're torturing Joe.” Then he added with a laugh, “But I like it.”

A mischievous twinkle appeared in Cory's dark eyes. “I know.”

Keeping Willow and Clay in his sights, Joe said, “She sounds just like you, Jamie Creed.”

And Jamie, grinning with the thrill of a family, friends, and a brand-new life, said simply, “Yeah ... I know.”

Epilogue

The hot August sun reflected off the rippling surface of the lake. Willow floated to her back, more than a little aware of Clay in the water beside her, studying her in her new bikini, as aware of her as usual.

She was eighteen now, no longer a child. This was her last summer before she'd head off to college. Because Clay attended a local university, they'd be two hours away from each other. The nightly visits, the weekend dates, the teasing kisses and curious touching ... would end.

She loved him so much, but with distance between them, would he start looking at other girls? Clay had not only school, but a job. Would he even have time to come visit her?

Girls hit on him all the time, of course, not that Clay paid them much attention. Yet. He stayed serious about his education, about paying his own way, and about her.

But with her leaving, would they grow apart?

Would he look for a more convenient relationship?

The thought of him with anyone else made her ill. Ever since she was fourteen years old, she'd been infatuated with Clay. Even when he'd been mean to her after her mother's death, and even while he'd butted heads with her new guardians, Joe and Luna, she hadn't been able to stop caring.

After they'd discovered his stepfather was her real father, and that he'd not only disdained her and her brother, but that he'd tried to drive them away, she'd been heartsick at the thought of losing Clay.

Instead, they'd grown closer.

And she'd fallen irrevocably in love.

The heat of the sun warmed her face, but it was nothing compared to the heat of Clay's gaze. She wished for a way to convince him of her feelings. He was so blasted responsible, so determined to “respect” her, to show Joe that he was trustworthy.

So determined to be a better man than his stepfather.

“Where are Joe and Luna today?”

His deep voice sent a shiver down her spine. Willow knew what he was asking, but she stayed relaxed and kept her eyes closed as she floated. “They're in town, visiting with Bryan and Shay.”

His palm, always a little rough from working construction, slid over her stomach. “And the squirt?”

Willow bit her bottom lip. If Austin heard Clay refer to him that way, he'd bristle. Along with the entire town, her younger brother had changed. At thirteen he was happier, less confrontational. He had stability and positive reinforcement and many good role models starting with Joe, but also with Bruce, Bryan, Clint, Scott, Jamie ... and Clay himself.

To some degree Austin would always be a hell-raiser—Luna said it was in his blood. Joe seemed to enjoy Austin's wilder side and claimed his entire family sported a similar streak of wildness. If that was true, then she suspected Austin would turn into a very good man—much like Joe.

And much like Clay.

Hoping to sound cavalier, Willow said, “Last I saw Austin, he was shooting hoops out front of the house.”

Clay moved closer. “So we're alone?”

Her heart started that familiar rapid tattoo. “For another half hour or so.” By noon, the lake would have many visitors. But this time of the morning, they had it to themselves.

They'd drifted nearer to shore so she dropped her feet and found the sandy bottom of the lake. Squinting against the sun, she stared up at Clay.

The water lapped over her breasts, but Clay was so much taller it only reached his ribs.

He was so gorgeous, with wide shoulders, sun-streaked brown hair, and probing, sincere green eyes.

She let out a sigh.

“When you look at me like that...” Clay murmured. He glanced around, then with his hands at her waist, drew her toward the dock to shield them from prying eyes.

He studied her mouth, her chest, and his expression hardened. “You don't make it easy, Willow.”

“I don't want it to be easy.” She wanted it to be nearly impossible for him to resist her. That way, she hoped, he'd want her as much as she wanted him, and maybe, just maybe, he'd wait for her to finish school.

He groaned, then bent to take her mouth.

For so long he'd treated her with tenderness, with caution. Only since she'd turned eighteen several months ago had he really ramped it up, making her desperate for more. The hot way he used his tongue, how his hands moved over her skin, always lingering near her hips, her breasts, without ever actually going there.

Until now.

She inhaled sharply as he slid one lean hand down her back and into her swimsuit bottoms. When she arched closer to his body, he groaned and opened his palm on her cheek, squeezing and caressing.

It was the first time he'd touched her that way and she loved it. She loved
him.
Freeing her mouth, she whispered, “Clay?”

“You are so soft, Willow.” He put an openmouthed kiss on her neck, making her toes curl.

She thought he might mark her and the idea of it excited her. She tipped her head to give him access.

Breathing hard, Clay went still, then straightened to look at her. As soon as she met his gaze, Willow knew he would pull away. Almost desperate, she took his other hand and, staring up into his beautiful green eyes, put it to her breast.

His jaw locked. And then suddenly he was kissing her again, his tongue in her mouth, his hand oh so gently touching her. She felt his erection against her belly and instinctively moved against him.

With a curse, Clay broke the kiss, moving both hands to safer ground, one at the small of her back and the other between her shoulder blades. He crushed her close in an unbreakable hold.

Frustration boiled over and Willow struggled against him.

“Shh,” he said. “I'm sorry.”

“Why do you do that?” she demanded. “Why do you make me think we'll—”

“Don't say it, Willow.” His voice rasped, and against her breast his heartbeat thumped. “This is tough enough already.”

He didn't act like it. “Can't prove it by me. You always manage to stop.”

“Because I care about you.”

Fine. If he cared, she wanted to know how much. Pushing back so that she could see him, Willow lifted her chin. “I love you.”

He closed his eyes, pained.

Willow was about to be insulted—and horribly hurt—when Clay lifted shaking hands to frame her face. “I love you, too. So damn much.”

Her heart soared. “You do?”

“How could you not know that?” His thumb touched her mouth. “I've loved you forever.”

“Then—”

“But you're going away, and more than anything, I don't want to hold you back.”

Hold her back? She shook her head. “I don't know what that means.”

Clay released her, dropped back in the water to submerge his head, and came up a few feet away. He slicked his brown hair back with one hand. Expression made of stone, he said, “You can do better than me.”

Oh, now that just ticked her off. Willow slapped a spray of water at him. “That is the dumbest thing you've ever said!”

“It's true. My stepdad ... he's going to be locked up for a while.”

“Ha! He's my
real dad,
and he never wanted me. So what?” Far as she was concerned, they were both better off without Quincy. The miserable creep could rot in prison for all she cared. “You've tortured yourself long enough over Quincy and his idiotic behavior.” Cruel behavior. Unforgiveable behavior. God, she detested that man. Not for what he'd done to her, or what he'd tried to do to Joe.

But for what he'd done to Clay.

“I have a lot to prove.”

“No, Clay, you don't. You're the only one making judgments.”

“Maybe your family doesn't judge me, but the rest of the town—”

“We're the only ones who matter.” She waded farther out to him. Her long hair floated on the water, forming a pale blond halo around her. “Tell me I matter, Clay.”

“More than anyone.”

“And I love you, so that's that.” She reached him, put her hands on his wide shoulders and let him support her in the water. “Will you wait for me?”

Clay hesitated. “You'll meet guys at college.”

“They won't be you,” she assured him.

He didn't let it go. “You have a right to live, Willow. To date and play and enjoy life without being tied to me.”

She hugged herself closer to him, their bodies aligned. “If I'm not tied to you,” she whispered, “there won't be any enjoyment.”

He tipped his head back and groaned. “You're killing me.”

“Tough.” She wrapped her legs around his waist. “I'll only be two hours away.”

“Two hours there, and two hours back... with my classes and work—”

“I'll come home some weekends and when you do find free time, you can visit me, too.” She kissed him, soft and sweet. “We can text and talk on Skype and online.” She kissed him again, a little deeper this time. “There are holidays and breaks.”

This time he kissed her, and oh how she loved the way Clay kissed her.

“Willow...”

A horrible thought occurred to her, and she voiced her worry aloud. “Unless ... you don't want me?”

He gave a gruff laugh. “I know you're a virgin, Willow, but you're not dumb. You can feel that I do.”

Yes, she knew he was excited. “That's not what I mean. Sex without caring is nothing. Worse than nothing. I would never do that.” Not after her poor mother had birthed two children with a man who didn't care even a little, not about her mother, and not about her or Austin.

“I want you in every way there is.” Clay cupped her bottom, keeping her close. “But for my peace of mind, I don't want to be your first when you're going away.” Before she could protest, he said, “Let's wait and see how college goes. Once you're there, after you've given it a chance and you've met people, then you'll know if I'm what you really want. ”

Since Willow didn't have a single doubt, she reluctantly agreed. It wouldn't be easy. But without Clay, it'd be impossible.

“Just don't stop loving me,” she warned him. Clay lightly touched his mouth to hers, and gave a vow: “Never.”

 

 

On his stomach on the ground at the side of the house, half hidden by a boat trailer, field glasses to his eyes, Austin searched the surface of the lake. The dock blocked his view of his sister, but every so often he saw the top of Clay's head.

He knew they wanted to be alone, and he knew why.

He liked Clay, he really did. But he loved Willow and he didn't want her doing anything crazy with Clay. She'd be heading off to college soon. Austin was aware of how the girls talked about Clay.

His sister had been hurt enough in her life. Things were good now. Better than good. Joe and Luna were... well, they were incredible. Fantastic. Real and fun and sometimes goofy, but always
there.
Always caring and supportive. They were a real family now.

If Clay did anything to hurt Willow, he'd—

“You're going to get in trouble.”

Austin jumped so hard, he bumped his head on the steel frame of the trailer. “Ow, damn.” He glared at Cory. She had the nasty habit of sneaking up on him, always lurking about, always taking him by surprise. “Where did you come from?”

She stood there, arms folded, feet braced apart, her dark, curly hair bouncing even though she didn't seem to be moving. She was a ten-year-old pain in his butt.

“Daddy is going to take me fishing. He said I could come over to wait for him as long as I didn't go near the lake.”

Austin scowled. After Jamie and Faith got married, they'd bought the property next door and built a house. Since they both had lots of land, they weren't exactly close, but they weren't really far away either.

Far too often, Cory came to visit. Luna adored her; Willow treated her like a little sister.

Austin just tried to avoid her—without success. “Wait for him somewhere else.”

His mean attitude didn't faze her. It never did.

Her big chocolate brown eyes watched him with suspicion. “What are you doing?”

Taunting her—his own nasty habit—Austin asked, “You mean you don't already know?”

“Sure I do.” She nodded at the field glasses. “You're spying on your sister.”

A lie tripped to the tip of his tongue. “I was—”

“Because you're worried about her,” Cory said with sage, world-weary intuition. Dropping down, she stretched out on her belly beside him and propped her chin on her fists. “You don't need to, though. She'll be okay.”

“What do you know about it?” Such a stupid question. She was just like Jamie, knowing everything even before it happened. It was eerie and annoying and it freaked him out.

She took the field glasses from him and did her own peeking. “I know Clay is crazy about Willow.”

Austin scooted a foot away from her. Sure, he always took Jamie Creed at his word. But this daughter of Jamie's ... she was only a little girl, but if he was honest, he'd admit that Cory intimidated him a little when no one else ever did.

Prompting her, Austin said, “And?”

“And telling you anything more wouldn't be nice. Daddy says I shouldn't go blabbing everyone's business.”

So she did know something? He scooted closer again. “I won't tell anyone.”

Lowering the glasses, Cory gave him a penetrating stare that made the fine hairs on the back of his neck stand on edge. “Okay.”

Austin let out the breath he hadn't realized he was holding. “You'll tell me about Clay?”