Rising Storm (25 page)

"Well, I guess I can put up with having a farmer in the family then. Luckily I have enough time to find a new pair of pants and then I’ll come back and check on you. Maybe we could spend the afternoon together?"

"I’d like that." She even meant it this time.

Katelyn couldn't stop wringing her hands. She should’ve driven. Instead she was in the back seat of her grandfather's Cadillac, next to her father who was wrapping up a phone call. Finally they arrived at the large farmhouse. She jumped out of the car and hurried around the car as the rest of her family got out.

"So, it really is a farm. How quaint," her father said as he buttoned his suit jacket.

She looked down at her jeans and colorful wrap shirt she picked up on a photo shoot in Greece. Maybe she should’ve worn a skirt? She looked up at the house when she heard laughter and raised voices floating out into the night. She had been so eager to get here, but now she was afraid to go in. What would happen if his family didn't like her? Of course she and Paige had been friends for a while, but dating her brother was something different.

"You coming, dear, or are you going to just stand here and stare?" her grandmother asked as she walked up the stairs and rang the bell.

"Come on, I want to meet this boyfriend of yours." Her father held out his arm and she gladly took it as they made their way into the house.

Katelyn stepped through the threshold and scanned the room looking for Marshall. She saw Marcy giving her grandmother a kiss, Jake was talking to Miles, Pierce and Cade were teasing Cole, and Paige and Annie looked like they were comparing their slightly rounded tummies.

"Which one's yours? I like the one in the suit."

"That's Miles, he's the oldest. He's in corporate agriculture. I don't see Marshall yet. Come on, I'll introduce you to everyone." Katelyn began to lead her father over to Miles when Marcy intercepted them.

"Oh, Mr. Jacks, it is so wonderful to have you in our home. I sure hope you're hungry. We’ve got fried chicken, fresh sweet potatoes, and sweet corn that we just picked. Then I made a huge chocolate trifle with bourbon caramel for dessert. Let me introduce you to my husband."

Marcy grabbed his arm and steered him through the crowd over to her husband while talking to him about all her kids. Katelyn figured her father was in good hands and headed over where Paige and Annie were waving at her.

"Have you been filled in on the investigation?" Paige asked.

"No, what happened after I left?"

"Cole called in the full force of the FBI…"

"And Romero, my old boss, called in the DEA…" Annie put in for Paige.

"They all met up at Cole's office and went through the book they got off of Nancy. It had names of all the drug dealers, the gunrunners, and the people participating in the dog-fighting ring. Well, you know how well she managed the Belle's annual fundraiser, it was no wonder she kept such particular notes. Anyway," Paige continued, "It took over one hundred officers from state and federal law enforcement agencies, but by this morning close to three hundred people had been charged."

"Of course, some were charged on small things like illegal gambling. But, some were charged with serious drug and weapons charges. They even found a man who was involved in human trafficking that they had been looking for," Annie told her.

Katelyn hugged herself with her arms. She was happy so many people were going to be brought to justice, but she still saw the crazy look in the dog's eyes when he lunged to attack her and Ruffles. It was the same look Nancy had when she pointed the gun at her. She feared she'd dream of those moments for the rest of her life.

She glanced back around the room and saw that Cade was now talking to her grandfather and by the gestures she bet it was about football. Marcy had taken her grandmother to the kitchen. Miles and her father looked to be in a serious corporate discussion.

"Katelyn," Jake touched her elbow to draw her attention.

"Oh, hello Mr. Davies. Thank you for inviting us for dinner. After all the events recently, it’ll be nice to have a big dinner like this."

She looked up at Mr. Davies in his Kentucky Athletics t-shirt. His brown hair was starting to turn gray, but his body showed years of working outside. His arms were large and muscular and his skin was deeply tanned.

"You're welcome anytime. You're good for him, you know?"

"I'm sorry?" What was he talking about?

"You keep Marshall on his toes, just like my sweet Marcy does. And call me Jake." With a wink he headed to the other side of the room to talk to Pierce.

The front door opened and Katelyn watched as Marshall strode in. He looked tired, but so very handsome. He wore jeans that sat low on his waist with a worn brown leather belt. His eye was swollen and matched his dark blue shirt. She smiled nervously and was about to head over to him when Paige stopped her.

"What do you think of Bridget for a girl's name?"

"Hmm? I’m sorry, what did you ask?" Katelyn tried to focus on Paige, but she kept watching Marshall as Cole walked over to him.

Marshall was sure he was part of the walking dead now. He was so tired he could barely stand. By the time he wrapped up the paperwork, did press interviews over the phone, and visited the jail to interrogate witnesses, it was almost time for dinner. He had wanted to go see Katelyn, but his mother had called twice, once interrupting a video interview with Anderson Cooper, to make sure he came to the weekly family dinner.

So, instead of going to see Katelyn, he had run home and showered before heading over to his parents' house. When he pulled up to the house he became worried when he saw the car parked by the front door. That area was reserved for guests and he didn't recognize the car. He was quite fearful of a set up. Some woman his mom met at the grocery store, or some nurse’s daughter, or just some girl she saw in the mall. His mother was very friendly, much to his displeasure.

Being the coward he was when it came to his mother, he had tried to sneak in the door and without being noticed, but Cole had spotted him immediately. He kept his head down and tried to hide himself behind Cole as they talked. He just wasn't in the mood for some ditzy blonde his mom found. There was only one blonde he wanted.

"Saw you on the news," Cole said with a grin.

"Which one?"

"All of them. Thanks for crediting the FBI and DEA for the roundup today. I know both my boss and Romero's were very happy with the praise you gave us. I even got a call from the Director congratulating me on the bust and complimenting us for our inter-agency work."

"You guys deserve it. That roundup was orchestrated to perfection."

"Thanks. Oh, it looks like I need to go see my wife and let you have a chat with your potential father-in-law," Cole winked and then laughed at the confused look on Marshall's face.

"So, you're the farmer my daughter is dating."

Marshall turned around and came face to face with Jack Jacks. That had to mean Katelyn was here. He scanned the room and found her surrounded by Paige, Annie, Cade, and Cole.

"I'm sorry, farmer?" Didn't Mr. Jacks recognize him? And why did he think Katelyn was dating a farmer?

"Yes, my daughter's dating a farmer and he wasn't here yet. Since you just got here, I’m guessing you're the farmer."

"I'm not a farmer."

"Oh, then I guess you're not him."

"I’m pretty sure I'm him."

"But you said you're not a farmer."

"I'm not. I'm the Sheriff of Keeneston."

"Oh, I know you. You wouldn't arrest those old ladies. I guess you were right about that now that I think about it. Just didn't recognize you out of uniform. So, who is this farmer my daughter is dating?"

Marshall took a deep breath and let it out slowly. What was this about a farmer? Did he think because he owned a farm he was just a farmer? He guessed technically he was a farmer. Ah crap, now he was all confused about it.

"Excuse me, sir, I think I'll ask Katelyn about that myself."

Marshall took a step towards Katelyn. She looked up and saw him then. They both smiled and he lengthened his stride to reach her side quicker.

"Hey, I need to talk to you."

"What is it Miles? Now's not the best time."

"Morgan's back in town."

"Morgan? Not
the
Morgan?" Holy cow. How many more surprises could he get today?

"Oh, good! You're here. We can sit down for dinner now." Marcy sang out to the crowd the second she saw him.

"We'll talk later?" Miles asked.

"Definitely."

His brothers pushed him toward his seat in the dining room and his mother took Katelyn's hand and led her right past him to her seat directly across from his at the long table. Marshall sat down and almost groaned when Mr. Jacks sat down next to him. Beauford took the other seat next to him and immediately started talking crops with his father.

"I guess he didn't show up," Mr. Jacks said he sat down next to Marshall. "I was really hoping to meet this guy."

"I think there's been some miscommunication here. I’m pretty sure the man you want to meet is me."

"You? Are you dating my daughter too?"

"No, I mean yes. I am dating your daughter, and to my knowledge, I’m the
only
man dating your daughter."

"So you're a farmer and a sheriff?" Marshall paused and then nodded. Technically he was correct. "Well, if you're the one dating my little girl, I have some questions for you."

Damn. Maybe he shouldn't have said anything after all. He looked across the table at Katelyn who was sandwiched between Miles and Pierce. If he thought he had it bad, she had it worst.

He leaned forward across his plate and whispered, "Psst. Katelyn."

"Didn't anyone tell you it was rude to whisper at the table?"

"Shut up Pierce."

He leaned forward again, "Katelyn, I need to talk to you after dinner."

"What?" she whispered back.

Marshall put his elbows on the table and leaned forward again, "I said…"

"What's the matter, son? Why can't you sit still? You got ants in your pants?" Beauford laughed.

"I was going to ask the same thing," Mr. Jacks mumbled as he took another bite of his fried chicken.

"I was just trying to talk to Katelyn." Marshall let out a sigh and sat back in his chair. It was hopeless.

"Well go ahead, she's right there." Mr. Jacks pointed at Katelyn who flushed red as Miles and Pierce turned to look at her.

"No one is stopping you, son. Go ahead and talk." Beauford slapped him on the back.

"At least he wants to talk to her with his clothes on this time," Mrs. Wyatt said from the other end of the table. "This chicken is wonderful Marcy!"

His mother sputtered, Pierce laughed so hard he was worried he'd fall out of his chair, Mr. Jacks became very still next to him, and Katelyn was red as a beet. Then suddenly everyone started talking at once. He heard Mrs. Wyatt telling the story of walking in on him, not just once, but three times while he was naked in her house. Beauford was having fun talking about pointing a gun at him. Pierce was being Pierce, his sister was giggling, and Miles was even laughing. He couldn't take it anymore! He slammed his hand down on the table as he stood up so fast it sent his chair falling to the ground.

"Dammit! I am trying to tell her I love her!"

Silence met his ears as everyone turned and stared at him. Beauford cleared his throat and slowly put down his fork and knife.

"Son, did you forget my advice on wooing her?"

"I love you too!" Katelyn blurted out. She sat back in her chair and smiled at him. "I love you too, Marshall!" she said slower and quieter this time.

His heart soared and he wanted to leap across the table and pull her into his arms. She was his, all his, and he couldn't wait to show her how much she meant to him.

"Well, I believe it's time for dessert. Everyone into the living room!" Marcy stood and ushered everyone out of the dining room.

"You want to get out of here?" Marshall asked from across the table once Pierce was finally dragged away by his mother.

"Yes!"

Marshall ran around the table and scooped her up into his arms. He kissed her then like a man possessed with love. She writhed against him as he feasted on her mouth. His tongue tasted hers as he deepened the kiss even more. He felt, rather than heard, her moan as she flung herself into the kiss. He felt her fingers clutching the back of his head, urging him on.

"Come on. We'll go out the back," he grinned as he reluctantly pulled away and put her small hand into his.

He had never felt so alive or so invincible in his life. If she was by his side he could do anything.

Chapter Twenty-One

Marshall opened his door and led Katelyn into the living room. Bob strode out of the kitchen with spaghetti sauce all over his face. It looked like he learned how to open the refrigerator door. It was only a matter of time.

He turned to Katelyn and realized she was suddenly shy. He pulled her into his arms and she laid her head on his shoulder. It fit perfectly. He placed a gentle kiss on her neck and when she leaned further into him he moved his lips up her neck. She shivered as he made his way across her jaw and then seized her lips with his. After he had his feast, he pulled back and ran his hands through her hair.

"How can you possibly love me when I’ve been such an ass to you?"

"You're just too loveable to resist once I saw under the hard exterior you put on." She paused and then looked him in the eyes, "I also understand why you thought I was cold. I had to finally trust someone. And even when you were being an ass, you were always looking out for me. I could always trust you to be there for me. When I looked into my heart, I found you had already taken up residence there."

"Is there room for me to taken permanent residency in your heart?" He whispered.

"I think you already have."

"Katelyn Jacks, will you let me love you and stand proudly by your side for the rest of our lives as your husband?" He took her hands in his and went down on one knee, "Will you marry me?"