Vegas Vacation (15 page)

“Lady Bradshaw was my grandmother. My name's Tamlyn Ames, at least until we get the marriage annulled.”

“OK, Tamlyn. I need you to tell me everything from the beginning.”

Tamlyn shrugged, then crossed the room and sat down.

The door opened and the other officer, DS Philips came in, with a file. “The fax from the Vegas PD finally came through. Sgt. Ames was Lady Bradshaw's protective services officer. They were interested in her after a suspicious death and an attempt on an officer's life. She was apparently the only witness to both incidents. Not that they termed it as such, due to her diplomatic status.”

Tamlyn bit her lip. “Martin took over after my bodyguard was murdered, and now he's my husband.”

DS Holmes stared at her. “It would appear that death is following you around. From the beginning, please?” He started the tape.

She took a deep breath. “I'd gone to Vegas on holiday, with Raleigh. He'd been my bodyguard since I was sixteen...”

 

****

 

Tamlyn sat in her room in the hotel opposite Victoria Park. DS Holmes had arranged the room for her last night and told her she might be needed to answer more questions at some point. She leaned against the window, watching the leaves on the trees as they blew in the wind.

A car drew up outside, a door slammed, and the car pulled away again.

Tamlyn didn't see who it was, her attention caught by a child in a red jacket riding his bike along the pavement opposite.

The phone rang. “Hello.”

“Mrs. Ames, there's a gentleman here to see you.”

“Thanks. I'll be right down.” Figuring it was the police again, Tamlyn grabbed her room key. She shoved it into the pocket of her denim skirt and went downstairs. Her breath caught. Her heart skipped a beat, then pounded hard. She'd recognize that strong outline silhouetted against the lobby window anywhere. “Hello, Martin.”

Martin turned and took three long strides towards her. He wrapped his arms around her, hugging her tightly. “Tamlyn, I thought you were dead.”

She stood stock still, her own hands by her sides, and then slowly she hugged him back. She closed her eyes. His scent filled her every sense, only serving to remind her of what could never be.

“I am so sorry about your father, hon.”

“He's not my father.”

Martin pulled back a little, his eyes searching hers. “Hon?”

“Garth said so before he killed him. And he confirmed it.”

Martin nodded. “DS Holmes faxed the reports over to us. Your parents adopted you because your mother couldn't have kids.”

“Oh.” Everything suddenly made sense.

“Vance is at the station now listening to the interview tape.”

“He's here, too?”

“He came with me, to take you back. We have flights booked for tomorrow.”

Tamlyn pulled away. “Quicker than extradition, I suppose.”

“You're not under arrest. We need your testimony to put Garth and Daniel away. But that's not why I came and you know it.”

She tugged off the engagement ring and held it out to him. “You came for this then.”

“For crying out loud, woman.” Martin sighed. He snatched the ring and slid it back onto her finger. “You know that's not true, either.”

“Do I? I get more emotion from a lump of concrete than you.”

Martin's brow furrowed. “Tam, we need to talk.”

“Not here.” Tamlyn headed out of the hotel and into the park opposite. Leaves rustled and birds sang in the trees. She sighed.
This man is so infuriating. He does this every single time. I can't think straight around him
. “You didn't bring the cane.”

“Like you said, it was a crutch. I don't need it.” He took firm hold of her hand. “It's pretty here.”

“We spent every Christmas and holiday here for years. Why did you come if it wasn't to arrest me or get the ring back?”

Martin stopped dead and swung her to face him, holding her gaze. “I'm a fool. I saw that house on fire, knew you were in there, and when they gave me your burned ID, I thought you were dead. My life ended at that point.”

“Hah, yeah, right, of course it did.”

“Will you shut up and let me finish.”

“Shut up?” Tamlyn pulled free and put her hands on her hips. “Shut up?”

“Yes, shut up.”

“Make me.”

She gasped as Martin grabbed hold of her and pushed her against the rough bark of the tree trunk. He covered her mouth with his.

She turned her head away. “What are you doing?”

“Shutting you up,” Martin whispered. “Now, shut up and kiss me.”

Tamlyn closed her eyes as his lips moved on hers. She could hardly breathe with the intensity of the kiss, his hands moving across her arms, his lips on hers. She brought her hands up, sliding one across his back, the other in his hair.

Trapped between the hard roughness of the tree and the firm hardness of his chest, Tamlyn never felt more alive than she did at that moment. When finally he pulled back, she stood there breathless.

Her whole body seared with fire, begging for his touch. “Not fair.” Her voice came out as a low whisper, as if it too stood in awe of what Martin had done.

Martin's finger traced her lips, and down her neck, sending goose bumps down every part of her. “Why isn't it fair, Tam?”

“Because I love you. But there was no point saying anything. I tried after I married you and you just pushed me away. You keep pushing me away. You light the blue touch paper and run.”

“I have no idea what that means, but it sounds like what you do to me.” His lips crushed hers again, and his gaze met hers with an intensity that made her shiver. “That's how I feel about you, Mrs. Ames.”

Her breath caught. “Mrs. Ames?”

He nodded. “I love you so very much. That's why I agreed to marry you in the first place. I could have simply gotten a fake marriage certificate; it would have been far easier. But I didn't. I married you legally, in God's sight, with Peggy, Vance, and my parents there—even if that was unintentional.”

“Then I don't understand. Why sleep on the sofa? Why insist on a marriage in name only? Is it because of the scars? I tried to show you they're not that bad.”

Martin's gaze clouded. “The burns are worse than they look. I can't...” He paused, shifting on his feet, looking embarrassed. “The doc said with therapy the damage might not be permanent, but I might never be able to make love to you. I have all these feelings, like a normal man does. Only I can't act on them or probably ever have kids. It isn't fair to keep you in a name-only marriage.”

Tamlyn hugged him tightly. All that mattered was the fact she loved him and he loved her. “I don't want kids.”

“Every woman wants kids.”

“Not me. I want you.”

Martin shook his head. “It's not physically possible. Or weren't you listening?”

Tamlyn sighed. “I'm your wife. I love you. All I want is to be with you, and honestly, I'd settle for kisses like the one you just gave me and hugs and sleeping in your arms. Where are you and Vance staying?”

“We have a room on the same floor as yours. Why?”

“Public displays of affection aren't exactly illegal here, but I'd rather kiss my husband in my room, if it's all the same to you.”

“Tam…”

“Martin, God wants the two of us together for a reason. We just need to work out what that reason is.” She looked at him. “We said at the outset this isn't a normal marriage, right? I didn't marry a certain part of your anatomy. I married
you
because I love you.”

“You may say that now, but what about five years down the line, when you're still a—”

“Then I'll still love you. I'm not asking for the moon and the stars, just a couple of mind blowing kisses a day and falling asleep in your arms every night and knowing you love me and put me first—well after God. Can you do that?”

Martin took her hand firmly in his. “Yeah, I can.”

She smiled. “Then that will do me. For now and always. And I'm sure Vance won't mind not sharing a room with you tonight. After all you snore something chronic.” She squealed as he playfully tapped her arm.

“I do not snore.”

“You do so snore. I'll record it on my phone and prove it.” She tugged his hand. “Come on.”

 

 

 

 

18

 

One year later

Tamlyn lay on the couch, and reached for the phone. She didn't normally bother Martin at work, but this couldn't wait.

Martin had un-resigned and passed all the physical exams he needed to get back out on the streets. Even Vance commented how happy he was and blamed that solely on Tamlyn. She knew better. The therapy, though Martin found it arduous, had finally paid off and he'd become her husband in the way he wanted.

Her faith had blossomed right alongside his and for the first time in her life she was truly happy and content.

“Vegas PD. How may I direct your call?”

“Can I speak to Sgt. Ames please? It's his wife.”

There was a long pause before Vance answered. “Hey, Tam. Martin's in with the captain. Can I take a message?”

“No, it's fine. I'll see him tonight.” She put the phone down and closed her eyes.

What seemed like moments later, the front door slammed. “Tam, where are you?”

Tamlyn opened her eyes.
Had she been asleep?
“I'm in the lounge.”

The door flung open and Martin ran in. “Are you OK?”

She looked at him, confused. “What are you doing here?”

“I live here.” He wrapped his arms around her tightly. “Vance said you'd called. I tried calling you back, but didn't get an answer. Peggy tried knocking and didn't get an answer, either.” He pulled back, worry filling his gaze. “She said you'd gone to the doctor. Why didn't you say? I'd have gone with you. I know how sick you've been the past few weeks. What's wrong?”

“There's nothing wrong.” She grinned at him. “I'm pregnant.”

Martin's eyes widened as he stared at her and then down at her still flat stomach. “Pregnant?” he repeated, his eyes lighting up. He pulled her into a hug. “Oh, hon, that's wonderful. I love you.”

She hugged him tightly. She could feel the tears from his eyes falling onto her neck, matching the ones in her own eyes. “I love you, too. Did you come in just because you were worried?”

“Partly, and partly to give you this.” He reached into his pocket, pulling something out.

“What is it?”

“The big case Vance and I have been working on. We've been tracking something the past few weeks and the captain said we could return it to its rightful owner.”

She glanced up, seeing Vance standing in the doorway. She smiled at him.

“Congrats, Tam. When are you due?”

“Middle of April.” She looked back down at the box. “But if you're returning it, then why give it to me.”

“Open it, hon.”

Tamlyn did as he said, gasping as the gold cross glinted up at her. “My necklace.”

She picked it up, her eyes sparkling as she held it. “You found it.” She flung her arms around Martin. “Thank you.”

“We found Garth and he had it on him. It was too hot to get rid of it after we put out all the APB's. He's been charged with the murder of your dad, Raleigh, two counts of attempted murder, aggravated assault, involuntary manslaughter, kidnapping and arson to start. I think the cops in Headley Cross have a few warrants for him as well for the death of your aunt and forgery. Daniel is facing similar charges. I'm sorry to dredge all this up on such a happy day.”

“No, it's perfect. It is God's way of letting me know He is in control. On this day when we open a new chapter in our lives, an old one is closed.”

He didn't say a word. He didn't have to as he gave her one of those mind blowing kisses he'd promised to give her every day.

This man had taken her from someone who mattered little, to wife, and now mother-to-be. He'd filled her life in a way she'd never imagined when she went on holiday in Vegas.

She'd found the love of her life, and her Savior, in Sin City.

God put two broken people together and made them both whole. He truly worked in mysterious ways.

 

 

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