Chaos (27 page)

“God, I’m sorry.” He feared the worst.

“When she was free, I was so sure she was dead. She looked
so little and pale. Believe it or not, I’ve never seen a dead person but I
think that’s what one would look like. Chris told me I fainted when I saw her
face. When I looked around again, the rescue squad was with her.” Alyssa raised
her eyes to his. “She’s not dead, Shane. Somehow, that tiny child lived through
being tossed over a hundred feet from where the house had been and buried
beneath all sorts of stuff. She has a few scratches and bruises but other than
that, she’s fine. I saw Sally at the hospital and they told me the little girl
broke away from Dave because she wanted her doll. He went after her but they
didn’t have time to get to the storm cellar. Dave broke his arm trying to hold
onto her and had quite a gash on his head from being hit by something.”

“That’s amazing!” Shane was awed as he looked at the
destruction that was obvious in Alyssa’s picture.

“More than amazing,” she agreed. “I stayed with her
overnight since Sally went with her other kids to the temporary shelter they
set up in the school. She and Chris convinced me that I had to come home this
morning. I can’t stop thinking of her.”

“What’s this little angel’s name?” Shane finally asked.

“Cherlene.”

He gasped. “Charlie!”

She nodded slowly. “I wish…”

“What? Tell me what you’re thinking.”

“I wish we could get married right away. Today. I feel like
I wasted so much time this summer and I don’t want to wait. And then, I wish we
could go get her. I know I shouldn’t ask this but do you think you could ever
accept a child that didn’t start out as yours? I don’t think I’ll ever be able
to put her out of my mind. I only knew her for a day but I love her, Shane.”
Alyssa looked at him with tears in her huge, green eyes.

“There’s something I need you to see. After that, if you
still want me, then yes to all of it,” he said seriously.

“You mean…”

“I mean, yes, we’ll get married this afternoon. And yes, we’ll
go get Charlie and see if she wants to be our daughter. I can see how she
affects you and I know I have room in my heart for her. You said she’s four so
I think she’s old enough to have an opinion. What if she doesn’t take to me?”

“When I left, I promised to visit. I asked if I could bring
you and she said it would be all right even though you are big. Can we really
do this?”

“Hell yes! Let me make a call while you put your stuff away
here. We might not be back this week and I don’t want you to worry about
anything. Then we need to stop for some clothes for you and we can go.”

“Are we going to our house? I’m sure it’s great so I don’t
need to see it first.”

“It is great but no, there’s something else. Do you trust
me, Alyssa?”

“Completely.”

“Then go do what you need to do and let’s get out of here.”
Shane kissed her before he shoved her toward her office. “Bring the pictures of
Charlie with us, okay?” he asked as he pulled out his phone.

“Okay. Going to tell me who you’re calling?”

“Nope, it’s a surprise.” He had such a huge grin on his face
that she didn’t argue.

While Alyssa tidied up her supplies and shut down her
equipment, Shane called Jesse and set everything in motion. He would find
Brett, stop for Shane’s tuxedo and meet them at his parents’ home. Along the
way, Jesse would arrange for the judge to be waiting to perform the ceremony
and would see about papers that would legally make her Flynn’s mother after
they were married. He had already found her an engagement ring one day when he
and Flynn had walked around town. There was a matching set of wedding bands and
Jesse was going to call his father, asking him to take Flynn to get the three
rings. He’d instructed Jesse to enlist his mother to make reservations for
dinner at The Mill. His life with Flynn had been celebrated there so it seemed
right to start theirs with Alyssa there too. Then Jesse promised to check on
Cherlene since Alyssa was unsure if she’d be able to stay with her foster
family who was currently homeless. Alyssa walked back in just as he hung up.

“Ready?” Shane asked as he pulled her against him.

“Yes.” She laughed as he spun her around.

“Sure you want this? We could wait and have a real wedding.”

“I want you. We’ll have a party for all our friends soon.”

“What about your parents and Kiley?”

“They’ll understand and if they don’t, they’ll just have to
get over it. If you’re there and I’m there, I really don’t need anyone else. Do
you want to wait?”

“Not a minute longer than it takes for you to see what I
need to show you.” He kissed her thoroughly. “Seriously, Pixie Queen, I mean it
when I say you need to think about this after we get there. It might make you
change your mind and, if you do, you have to promise to tell me.”

“I doubt that whatever it is will matter but what if I do
change my mind?”

“If you do, I’ll go back to my plan of wearing you down
until you decide it’s easier to marry me than it is to keep resisting me. I’ll
never give up. It’ll just take us longer.” He chuckled at her expression.

“You’re making me wonder, McKade. Let’s go so I can see what
this big mystery is.”

“You’re on, Campini. You need clothes and then I think I’ve
stalled long enough to let everything else get underway.”

“Why don’t you try to grab a little nap?” Shane suggested as
he drove away from her apartment. “You have plenty of time.”

“Where are we going?” she asked.

“I can’t tell you that just yet.” He patted his leg. “I’ll
let you use me as a pillow.”

Alyssa gave in and stretched out across the seat that Shane
had already adjusted so the consul wouldn’t be in her way. When she snuggled
against him, she noticed the scar peeking out from his shorts on his other
thigh. Reaching to trace it, she gasped, “Shane. How could I have forgotten? If
I hurt you…”

“Relax. The pleasure you gave me far outweighed any
discomfort.” He smoothed her hair from her forehead. “It doesn’t bother me much
at all anymore. I would have told you if it had hurt too much.”

“Promise?” she sounded doubtful.

“Promise,” he assured her. “I had a checkup last week and
I’m healing just great. I’ve been walking and swimming so I don’t lose much
muscle and I can start lifting slowly in another week or so.”

“Okay, if you say so. I’ll let you rest later.”

“No way. If you think I’m not going to make love to my wife
on our wedding night, you have lost your mind!”

Alyssa giggled, lifting his shirt and kissing his stomach.
“God, that sounds so good.”

Shane groaned. “Yeah but you better not do that again while
I’m driving.”

“Distracting, huh?”

“Oh yeah.” He grinned wickedly. “Sleep, Campini. I plan on
keeping you up most of the night and I don’t think you’re up to it at the
moment. I’ll wake you when we’re almost there.”

She sighed. “Wherever there is.” She settled more
comfortably. “We’ll see who keeps whom up tonight.”

* * * * *

“Isn’t this the town where you grew up?” Alyssa asked after
Shane woke her.

“Yep.” He was even more nervous now than when he had brought
the Kid here.

“You okay, McKade? Or are you squirming because you’re
having second thoughts? I’ll let you back out today, if you want but I have to
warn you. I’ll be sticking close until you decide it’s easier to marry me than
it is to keep resisting.” She deliberately used his words.

“Not a chance, Campini. You’re stuck with me.” Why was he
even bothering to worry about this? With her reaction to Cherlene, she’d surely
accept Flynn. But it wasn’t the same. Not at all the same. Cherlene was a
little girl who had people who loved and cared for her even they weren’t her
parents. Flynn was an ex-gang member with parents who spent most of his life
making him feel unwanted and useless. Would she want Flynn? What the hell was
he going to do if she said no and forced him to choose between them?

Shane approached his parents’ house and saw that Jesse
hadn’t parked his car out front. At least that explanation could wait. When he
grabbed her things, he heard the door open. Turning, he saw Flynn standing on
the steps. He was clearly unsure what to do. When Shane and Alyssa reached him,
he shifted nervously, moving close to Shane’s side.

“This is my surprise,” Shane said as Alyssa looked
suspiciously at the boy, not understanding.

“I don’t get it.” She switched her gaze away from the boy
and back to Shane.

Shane laughed. She didn’t recognize him! “Let me introduce
you. Alyssa Campini, my fiancée, I’d like you to meet Flynn McKade, my son. You
may remember him better as the Kid.”

Alyssa gasped. “Oh my God! Is it really you? Wait, did you
say your son? When… How… You look incredible!” Suddenly she moved, grabbing
Flynn to her in a hug as tears started streaming down her cheeks. Through her
laughter, she said, “You’ve grown. And your hair. McKade, why the hell didn’t
you tell me?”

“I wanted Flynn with us when you found out.” He wrapped his
arms around both of them. “I almost told you though, when you asked if I could
ever accept Charlie.”

“Who’s Charlie?”

“Well…” Shane waited for Alyssa.

“Hopefully, if she’ll have us, your little sister.” Alyssa
quickly explained how she met Cherlene. “Can you believe I was afraid Shane
wouldn’t want a kid who wasn’t his?”

“Does that mean you’re going to be my mom instead of just
Dad’s wife?” Flynn asked, not wanting to take any chances.

“Your mom,” Alyssa sounded awed. “Flynn McKade, my son.”

“Sounds damn good, doesn’t it?” Shane grinned at both of
them.

“I’m so happy you’re here.” She hugged him again. “For the
last six weeks, I thought you were dead. As soon as we figure out how to do it,
we will.”

“It’s really very simple.” Jesse joined them on the steps,
along with Brett, and Shane’s parents. “All you have to do is fill out the form
I happen to have with me and get the judge to sign it after he signs your
marriage license.”

“Jesse!” Alyssa flung herself at him.

“Why is it they always do this after they’re committed to
someone else?” he teased.

“Must be that fate and destiny stuff you keep talking
about,” Brett commented as he captured her from Jesse.

“I guess this means we’re getting another daughter-in-law to
go along with our grandson,” Danny took his turn welcoming her.

“Actually, Alyssa managed to find us a daughter too. Just as
soon as we go get her.” Shane’s grin grew.

“So that explains the plane tickets Jesse mentioned.” Rose
tugged Alyssa inside, making the rest follow.

“Why don’t you show them your pictures?” Shane urged as he
reclaimed her.

After Alyssa passed them around, she told them the story of
her last few days. When she was finished, Flynn spoke up. “Damn, she looks like
a fairy princess! Oops.” He looked sheepishly at Rose. “Grandma doesn’t like it
when I swear.”

“Then I’ll need to watch my mouth too,” Alyssa declared,
causing them all to laugh.

“Hmm.” Shane studied the picture over Flynn’s shoulder. “A
fairy princess to go with our pixie queen. Think we’re up to it, son?”

“I don’t think we get a choice, Dad. We can’t give them up
so we’ll have to figure out how to handle them,” Flynn stated.

“He’s only eleven,” Shane muttered as Alyssa looked
surprised. “Our son is this insightful and he’s still only eleven.”

“Wow,” Alyssa whispered. “I have so much to learn about this
parent stuff.”

“Don’t worry, Pix, Flynn will help us.” Shane kissed her as
the rest broke out in chuckles again.

“I hate to interrupt but I think it’s time for you to get
ready. The judge will be here soon and you might want to change your clothes,”
Rose suggested. “Come with me, Alyssa. You can get dressed in our room and let
this bunch take over the rest of the upstairs. Gentlemen, give us an hour and
we’ll see you back here.”

“Okay.” Alyssa’s eyes went huge and glazed over with fear
when she glanced over her shoulder at Shane as Rose propelled her away from
him.

“Wait.” Shane stopped them and tugged Alyssa into the
kitchen. “I love you.” He kissed her sweetly. “Last chance to say you want to
wait for something more organized and formal with guests you invite.”

“This is perfect.” She rested her head against his chest.
“The man I love, the boy who’s chosen to become our son, the two friends who
were with us from the beginning and the couple who took care of my guys when I
wasn’t around to do it myself. That’s all the people who matter the most. I’d
like Cherlene to be here, the rest of our families too but I’m not willing to
wait for that.” It was Alyssa’s turn to kiss him. “I can’t believe you did all
this.”

“I had help. All right, since you’re certain.” He knelt in
front of her and took her hand. “Will you marry me?” He held up the box that
his father had slipped into his hand.

“Shane!” Alyssa stared at the ring he lifted from it. “How…
When…”

“You keep asking those same questions. I’d really prefer it
if you answered mine instead.” He was still on his knee.

“Yes! Definitely and forever, yes!” She watched as he slid
it on her finger. “It’s beautiful.”

“You think so? Flynn and I picked it out a few weeks ago.
There’s a matching band too.”

“I love it. I never expected this.”

“Why not?” He kissed her more thoroughly. “I want the world
to know you have someone at home when you’re out, taking your pictures.”

“Does that mean you get a ring too?”

“It does. I’m not one of those men who isn’t willing to
display my commitment. I’ve never worn one but I’ll get used to it. I want
everyone to know that I’m spoken for too.”

“Somehow, I’m not at all surprised. Let’s go, McKade. I have
this incredible guy, all hot to marry me and I don’t want to keep him waiting.”

“I wouldn’t worry, Campini. I know he’d wait forever if it
meant he got you in the end.”

Their kiss was interrupted by the sound of Flynn clearing
his throat. “I’m not looking.” They saw he had his hand over his eyes. “Dad,
Mom, please. Don’t make me go back out there without you. Grandma has that look
on her face and she’s starting to scare me. You can do that stuff later on.”

“Mom,” Alyssa sighed.

“Ah, jeez, not you too.” Flynn rolled his eyes.

“Knock it off, kid.” Shane yanked him between them. “It’s as
big a deal as the first time you called me Dad. Get used to it.”

“Yeah, yeah, can we go now? If you don’t get the wedding
stuff over with, you don’t get to sign the paper and I won’t say it again.”

As Flynn tugged on their arms, Alyssa asked, “Is he this
tough about everything? I thought we were parents and he was the kid.”

“We are and he is but I gotta admit that I haven’t done much
with the authority bit yet.”

“Don’t believe him for a second, Mom,” Flynn declared as
they walked back into the living room. “He’s been making me spend almost
everyday getting caught up so I’m ready for school and he reminds me to be
polite all the time.”

“Did you hear that, Danny? Flynn called her Mom,” Rose
sniffled.

“Oh shit!” Flynn grumbled. “That’s it. I’m done with that
until later. I was just seeing how it felt.”

“And?” Brett asked.

“As good as it did when I called him Dad and them
grandparents and you guys uncles. I’m sure Aunt Kiley and Uncle Jordan will be
just as bad. Christ, just wait ’til Charlie says it. We’ll have to do this shit
all over again. Ah, damn!”

“Alyssa, I think that’s our cue to go. Flynn forgets himself
more when he’s excited.” Rose overlooked it this time.

“Will you keep me company while I get dressed?” Alyssa asked
her soon-to-be mother-in-law as they went up the steps. “I never thought I’d
ever get married and, even though doing this today was my idea, I’m a little
nervous.”

“Of course you are, dear,” Rose replied. “After all, it’s
not every day that you…” The rest of her comment was lost when she closed the
door behind them.

“Dad,” Shane turned to his father, “care to offer any advice
of your own? I suddenly feel a little shaky myself.”

“Only natural, Shane. Don’t worry. It’ll pass as soon as you
get to the kiss the bride part of the ceremony. Happens to all of us round
about this point. You and Flynn go on up and get changed and we’ll put out the
flowers your mom picked. Just keep reminding yourself that you’ll be ending the
day with that little girl as your wife and everything will be fine.”

* * * * *

Walking across the parking lot toward The Mill, Shane was
lost in thought as Brett and Jesse claimed Alyssa’s attention. He did it! He
actually married his Pixie Queen. And she kept telling him how much she loved
him. She’d signed the paper, claiming Flynn as her own with him. Soon, his
family would be on their way to bring their daughter home too. To their own
home! Brett promised to arrange for Alyssa’s apartment to be packed and
relocated before they got back from visiting her parents after they collected
Charlie.

How had he gotten so lucky? In a few short weeks his entire
life had been turned completely upside down. He was so incredibly happy. Just
months before, he was a frustrated, lonely cop with nothing to look forward to
at the end of the day. Now he had an amazing wife, a spectacular son, soon, a
beautiful daughter, a comfortable house that his family would rapidly transform
into a home and, thanks to his brilliant brother, no financial worries to
pressure him to rush into another career that would take him away from his new
family.

“Shane!” A squeal wrenched him from his thoughts as an
overdone, bleached-blonde hurled herself at Shane, forcing him to catch her to
prevent her from falling. “Shane McKade! I heard you were back. I’ve been
meaning to come by and see you.” The woman arched against him and pressed her
mouth to his for a kiss. “Handsome as ever too. Are you here for dinner?
Perhaps you’d rather join me instead? We have so much catching up to do.” She
tried to link her arm in his and tug him away with her.

Shane refused to budge. “Hello, Deb,” he said evenly as he
removed his arm from her grip. “You haven’t changed a bit.”

“Aren’t you glad to see me, darling? You must be climbing
the walls, staying with your parents, no offense. Maybe we can work something
out to alleviate your boredom?” She leaned toward him again, pressing her
breasts against his arm, pouting seductively.

Shane glanced around him and couldn’t miss Alyssa’s glare.
He also noticed that Flynn moved protectively to her side. “What a generous
offer,” he commented, not hiding the sarcasm in his voice. “But you’re a little
out of touch.”

“Still playing hard to get?” She refused to release the arm
she had claimed. “You can’t still be angry over that little thing after all
this time? Really, Shane, we were kids.”

“I assure you, Deb, it’s completely forgotten.”
As were
you until ten seconds ago,
Shane added silently, reaching his free hand
toward Alyssa. “Before you continue to embarrass yourself, perhaps I should
introduce you to my wife, Alyssa. And this young man is our son, Flynn.” He
slid his arm possessively around Alyssa, instantly feeling the tension in her
body and rested his hand on Flynn’s shoulder. “I can also assure you that I
will never be stupid enough to jeopardize my future with the absolute best
woman in the world by even looking at another female. No one could ever tempt
me from my family.” The woman sputtered and took a step back. He motioned for
his parents and friends to proceed. “If you’ll excuse us, my family and I have
plans. Goodbye, Deb.”