My Sweetheart (18 page)

             
“You don’t have to stop Jane. It’s good to get it out,” Layla said quietly, staring at her with sad, knowing eyes.

             
Jane nodded and tried to clear her throat. “I don’t know why I’m being such a baby,” she whispered. “I’m fine. He didn’t . . . they said he didn’t . . .” she stopped, for some reason unable to actually voice what she had feared the most.

             
Kit leaned forward and touched her cheek. “He didn’t rape you Jane. Probably the only reason he’s still breathing. Hunter told me how Tate went after Alex for hitting you. I don’t even want to think about what he would have done to him if he’d taken things that far.”

             
Jane breathed in and out slowly trying as hard as she could to calm her emotions. “He was watching me last night when I was out with Meredith. I didn’t even know he was there. She wanted to go dancing and when I went to find the bathroom, he grabbed me. He hit me on the head and I woke up this morning in a strange bed and wearing a weird lacy nightgown,” she said, shivering at the memory.

             
Layla nodded. “And then what happened?” she asked gently.

             
Jane closed her eyes and recounted her experience up until the point where she was dangling from a two-story window . “And then I dropped down from a side window. I’ve never felt pain like that before,” she muttered, looking down at her wrapped ankle propped up on a pillow. “I tried to get to the road to call for help, but he caught me. I started screaming and then that’s when he hit me and everyone showed up,” she said tiredly, feeling woozy from the pain pills she’d been given for her ankle.

             
“
Jane?
”

             
Everyone turned around and saw Tate standing in the doorway, wearing his uniform and looking grim. Kit and Layla immediately stood up.

             
“Sweetie, Kit and I are going to go talk to Michael and Hunter outside for a moment while you speak to Tate. We’ll come back in a little while,” Layla assured her and then walked to Tate, throwing her arms around his neck and kissing him on the cheek. Kit touched his arm briefly, smiling at him and then she was alone with him.

             
Tate shut the door behind her sisters and walked quickly to her, sitting on the edge of her bed and touching her cheek.

             
“How are you,” he asked, frowning at the bruise on the side of her face.

             
Jane nodded her head once. “I’m okay,” she said simply and reached out to take his hand.

             
Tate stared at her, his eyes an ocean of pain, anger and relief. “Meredith thought at first you’d ditched her at the club. She left after waiting for you for an hour. That was about ten or ten thirty. She said she kept calling you but it went immediately to voicemail. Around midnight she called Kam and he called me. I woke up your sisters and that was around one in the morning. We wondered for a while if you were just driving around or if
um
, . . . you had met someone. Meredith mentioned a man asked you to dance and how cute he was,” he said looking at her with a faint smile.

             
Jane’s mouth fell open in shock. “You all were wondering if I’d found someone at the club to hook up with and left with him?”

             
Tate grinned at her expression and shrugged. “It happens. I was working late, you might have been bored.”

             
Jane’s eyes narrowed and she crossed her arms over her chest. “Everyone knows I’m crazy in love with you. I wouldn’t even dance with that guy,” she added, seething that anyone would think for even a second she’d just take off with some strange man.

             
Tate patted her knee and continued. “Well, I didn’t believe it. I had a feeling something was very wrong. But we waited for you to show up for another hour. I went back to the club and talked to the manager. He showed me a phone he’d found in the hallway and I recognized it as yours. It was at that point that we started to seriously think that you were in danger.”

             
Jane licked her lips and closed her eyes for a moment before looking at Tate. “Was Layla okay? Was she really upset when you told her you thought something bad had happened to me?”

             
Tate frowned and nodded. “She was hysterical. Last night she was so upset Michael couldn’t calm her down. Kit was quieter but she was freaking out. Around four we all started driving around Fircrest and Tacoma. We called all the hospitals and all your friends. We looked everywhere for you. There were no witnesses to your abduction so we were stuck. We can’t do a missing persons report for twenty-four hours, so our hands were tied.”

             
Jane nodded, feeling bad that everyone had been so upset about her last night. “You all must be so tired,” she said as Tate picked up her hand and kissed her knuckles one by one.

             
“We’re fine, don’t worry about us. I still have so much adrenaline in my system I probably won’t be able to sleep tonight.”

             
Jane grimaced and moved to the furthest side of her hospital bed and then slowly moved her injured leg. “Do you mind? I just want to feel your arms around me. I feel safer that way,” she said softly, looking up at him hopefully.

             
Tate glanced at the door but nodded his head and lay down beside her, pulling her into his arms. Jane immediately felt herself relax as she put her cheek against his chest, feeling his heartbeat.

             
“How did you find me at Alex’s house?” she finally asked, curious now how they found her.

             
Tate rubbed his chin softly against her hair. “I knew it was him. When you didn’t show up and it kept getting later and later, I knew it had to be him. You’re not the type of girl to ditch a friend, or hook up or just take off for no reason. I knew you were in trouble. I could feel it. So I drove to Alex’s house. I didn’t have a search warrant of course, but I could tell no one was there. Hunter got on his computer and helped me do a little digging and we found out that Alex has a sister who just got divorced and moved away. Alex was going to sell her house for her but hadn’t listed it yet. We all headed over and there you were, getting beat up in the front yard. I couldn’t believe my eyes for a second,” he said, his voice going raspy with rage at the memory.

             
Jane shivered and cuddled closer to his chest. “He’s completely insane. He refuses to accept that I don’t want to be with him.”

             
Tate nodded and ran his hand over her arm soothingly. “He’s in jail right now being questioned. Jane, I’m not the officer on this case because I’m emotionally involved. Pretty soon, Officer Abrams will be here to question you. I’ll be here with you though, so you won’t have to be alone.”

             
Jane sighed and let some of her anxiety go. “I never want to see him again.”

             
Tate made a sound and his arms clenched. “I wouldn’t mind seeing him one more time,” he said quietly.

             
Jane looked up at Tate’s hard face and smiled. “I don’t want you to kill him Tate. Visiting you in prison would be such a pain.”

             
Tate smiled and kissed her forehead. “Fine, but just for you. If Kam hadn’t stopped me, I don’t know if I would have stopped.”

             
Jane frowned and hugged Tate hard. “It’s over. What do you think will happen to Alex now?”

             
Tate pulled his fingers through her long hair. “Kidnapping, assault and battery, the list goes on and on. They found some evidence in his house that makes them think this was premeditated. He’s going away for a while. You don’t have to worry about him anymore.”

             
Jane relaxed and closed her eyes for a moment. “What a relief. Thanks for finding me Tate,” she said softly.

             
Tate tilted her face up to his and kissed her very softly on the lips. “Of course I found you. I love you,” he said, his eyes softening as he looked at her.

             
Jane smiled and kissed him back. “I kept thinking of my family and you and I couldn’t let Alex separate us. You know, I jumped out of a window to get free. I think that proves I’d do anything to be with you too,” she said, smiling.

             
Tate grinned at her and shook his head. “A woman willing to jump out of a window to find her way back to me. That’s not a woman to be taken lightly.
That does it.
I insist you marry me Jane,” he said, his eyes serious as he smiled down at her.

             
Jane sighed happily. “I can’t believe it, I was just about to say the same thing,” she murmured, laying her head back on his chest.

             
Tate laughed quietly and talked to her for a few more minutes before leaving. Kit and Layla followed by Michael and Hunter immediately filed into the room bringing balloons, flowers and a large take out box of Rob’s gnocchi she loved so much.

             
The next hour was filled with visits from Meredith, Kam, Tawni and Feke. Meredith surprised her by bursting into tears as soon as she saw her. Kam kept a comforting arm around her shoulders the entire time. Tawni had brought her magazines to read and Jane smiled in gratitude. They kept their visit short, but it was nice to know that they cared about her.

             
Rob walked in after Meredith and Kam left holding a large box of chocolates and a stuffed teddy bear. Jane smiled and hugged him when he bent down to kiss her cheek. He looked genuinely upset.

             
“Hey, I’m okay Rob, really. And thanks for sending the gnocchi,” she said, hoping he didn’t check the box. She hadn’t felt like eating but she still appreciated the gesture.

             
Rob ran his hand over his mouth and looked at his feet. “Just thinking of what you’ve been through makes me want to tear that guy apart.”

             
Kit laughed and patted Rob on the back. “Don’t worry, Tate beat you to it. Thanks for stopping by Rob,” she said and showed him to the door.

             
Rob waved goodbye and Kit shut the door and smiled slightly. “Jane, everything you touch turns to gold. Even Rob.”

             
Jane smiled and touched her head, feeling a headache build. “I have a sneaking suspicion that Rob was always gold.”

             
Kit looked doubtful and Layla looked surprised, but Michael winked at her. She closed her eyes and rested for a moment and felt strangely peaceful. She didn’t have a lot of friends and family, but the ones she had were the best.

             
Jane spent the morning surrounded by her sisters until they were kicked out by Tate and Officer Abrams. After an hour of questioning, Hunter was left to babysit her while Kit and Layla ran to the bakery to put up a sign letting their customers know why they were closed. Michael had to run to the office to cancel a few appointments and pick up Stella, leaving her and Hunter on their own.

             
Hunter thumbed through a celebrity magazine with a faint frown on his face. “I still don’t get why this is interesting,” he said staring at a picture of different celebrities wearing the same dress.

             
Jane laughed and took the magazine from him, throwing it on her bed. “You wouldn’t. You’re a man. When can I leave do you think? I’d much rather be lying around at home than here,” she said pouting slightly.

             
Hunter smiled and scooted closer to her bed. “The doctor was worried you might have a hematoma, but you’re looking good. I bet they bring your discharge papers in less than an hour,” he promised, glancing at his large silver watch.

             
Jane sighed and looked at her toenails and the red polish Kit had brought her. “You could paint my toenails for me?” she suggested, laughing at his expression.

             
Hunter’s eyebrows went up to his hairline as he stared at the red polish with a frown. “Hmm, well Kit did say I had to do anything I could to make you happy. I was picturing me sneaking French fries and pizza in here. Are you sure?”

             
Jane nodded, grinning. She didn’t really care, but it would give Hunter something to do and he looked bored to death. He grabbed the little bottle and went to work.

             
“Hunter, you are a good man. I’m so glad you’re going to be my brother in law soon,” she said laying back and picking up the ridiculed magazine.

             
Hunter looked up with a smile. “Yeah, I’m pretty excited about it too. You Kendall sisters are an exciting bunch. I have a feeling that my life will be forever changed.”

             
Jane grinned and flipped a page. “Hunter, if I haven’t told you yet, thank you for helping to save me. You kept Alex down while Kam helped Tate. I really appreciate it.”

             
Hunter looked up from her foot, frowning. “Actually, that’s the fourth time you’ve thanked me and like I keep telling you, there’s no need. Jane, I already love you like a sister. I was glad to be there for you.”

             
Jane nodded as she studied the quiet, serious man her sister Kit had fallen head over heels for. “Where did you learn how to flip people over and throw them around like that? As Michael carried me away, I saw what you did to Alex.”

             
Hunter reddened slightly and cleared his throat. “Actually, that was kind of all instinct. I design a lot of games and so we study martial art moves. That’s the first time I’ve ever actually tried anything like that physically.”

             
Jane blinked in surprise. “
Wow
. Hunter, you are amazing.”             

             
Kit and Layla breezed through the door, catching her comment. Kit grinned and walked over to stand by Hunter. “How cute. Now that I know you do pedicures, you’ll have to give me one. Why are you so amazing?”

             
Jane smiled as Layla walked over grabbing her hand in hers. “Well, everything’s been so crazy I haven’t had the chance to tell you what Hunter did this morning.”

             
Layla sat down beside her grinning at Hunter as he looked embarrassed and shook his head at Jane. “Tell us about Hunter. All anyone could talk about was Tate trying to kill Alex.

             
Jane described Michael carrying her to his car and looking over his shoulder to see Hunter flipping Alex over and slamming him on the ground. Kit stared at Hunter in surprise before wrapping her arms around him and kissing him. “You are my hero,” she said as Hunter puffed out his chest, looking pleased.

             
Layla laughed and got up to hug Hunter too. “Mine too. Kit you two better take off though. Your appointment with the florist is in twenty minutes.”

             
Kit and Hunter hugged and kissed Jane before hurrying out and Layla helped her to sign all of the discharge papers. Tate showed up and helped wheel her outside, lifting her into Layla’s car.

             
“I’ll be by tonight okay. I have to run up to Seattle but I’ll be home around seven,” he said, kissing her quickly.

             
Jane frowned but nodded. She’d wanted to spend the rest of the day with Tate relaxing
. Darn
. “Okay, but hurry,” she said. She didn’t want to admit it, but she felt anxious now when Tate wasn’t with her. She understood from the trauma counselor who had talked to her for about a half an hour that feeling anxious and stressed and scared were normal after what she’d been through.

             
Layla helped to get her comfortable on the couch and brought in a tray with a large Diet Coke, straw, popcorn and a large bag of peanut M&M’s. “Dang Layla, I’m getting spoiled.”

             
Layla frowned and shook her head. “No honey, never spoiled. But can you blame me? Here’s my little sister safe and sound when just last night I wondered if I’d ever see you again,” she said, her voice breaking dangerously before she kneeled down on the floor in front of her and burst into tears.

             
Jane’s mouth fell open as she tried to move to hug Layla. “Layla, I’m okay. I’m fine I promise. He banged me up, but besides my ankle I’m pretty good.”

             
Layla lifted her head, tears still streaming down her face and shook her head. “Jane, if anything had happened to you, I wouldn’t be able to handle it. I know I’m your older sister, but I practically raised you. I sat there last night and looked at all the people there who loved you and who would never be the same again if you were lost to us. Tate was so scary. Cold, calm but really really scary. I’m actually shocked Alex is still alive. And Kit was so upset she wasn’t even coherent last night. It’s a good thing we had Michael and Hunter and Tate to find you because Kit and I were a mess. I couldn’t stop crying. I still can’t stop crying,” she admitted, wiping her nose with a tissue and sighing.

             
Jane smiled and ran her hand down Layla’s long silky blond hair. “I promise to never scare you all like that again. When I woke up this morning I was more worried about you than I was for myself. I kept picturing you with your baton walking the streets like Cat Woman trying to find me.”

             
Layla laughed and shook her head. “Trust me I would have.”

             
Jane frowned. “But I was praying you wouldn’t because I was worried about the baby. Did you tell Michael last night? How’d the big reveal go?”

             
Layla’s face immediately brightened and she sat up, smiling happily. “Oh Jane, it was the cutest thing I’d ever seen. We were all sitting at the table having dinner and I asked Michael if he’d get the bread out of the oven for me. He knows how tired I’ve been lately so he jumps up and runs to the kitchen and I swear he’s in there for fifteen minutes. He finally walks in and he has this huge smile on his face and he’s holding our bun we made in his hands and he says,
Really?
And I just nod and of course start crying again and then he’s in front of me, kneeling down, hugging me. And then he laid his head on my stomach and when he looked up at me, he had tears in his eyes. I was so worried he’d be stressed out because it’s so soon, but he’s ecstatic.”

             
Jane laughed feeling all the joy Layla and Michael must have experienced the night before. “That’s beautiful Layla. I’m so happy for you both. How did Stella take it?”

             
Layla grinned and reached for Jane’s bag of M&M’s, pouring some in her hand. “She was so confused at first. She thought Michael was sad because she saw his tears, but when he told her she was going to be a big sister she jumped around the dining room like you and Kit do all the time. It was a perfect moment,” she said, sighing happily before eating more candy.

             
Jane grinned and pushed the popcorn over towards Layla. The woman was pregnant, she deserved to snack on anything she wanted to. “Well, sorry to ruin your beautiful evening with my disappearance.”

             
Layla’s face lost a little of her glow and she reached over and grabbed Jane’s hand. “Stop it Jane. No feeling guilty. This is all Alex’s fault. Not yours. Everything is perfect now. Now that Alex will be behind bars, we can all breathe a sigh of relief and not have to worry about him stalking you or bothering you anymore. We can focus on Kit’s wedding coming up and the baby.”

             
Jane smiled to herself and looked away. “Add one more good thing to that list while you’re at it.”

             
Layla looked at her in confusion. “
What
?”

             
Jane took in a big breath and let it out as she grinned. “When Tate was with me in the hospital room this morning, he was holding me and he told me that he wanted to marry me. He’d brought it up before but I thought he was just kidding you know. He’s such a tease. But today he wasn’t teasing at all. Layla, he was serious,” she said, swallowing down a nervous giggle.

             
Layla blinked in surprise and then she grinned, standing up and yelling as she jumped around just like she and Kit did whenever they were happy. Jane laughed happily enjoying her older sister’s antics.

             
Michael and Stella walked in carrying pizza boxes and laughed when they saw Layla jumping and doing high kicks.

             
“What in the world is going on here?” Michael demanded, laughing as Stella joined in on the fun, jumping and kicking just like her step mom.

             
Layla paused, breathing heavy now and grinning as she threw her arms around her husband’s neck and pulled him down for a big smacking kiss. “I’m just so happy I can’t stand it.”

             
Michael put his free arm around Layla’s waist and smiled down into her eyes. “Is this about the baby?” he asked softly.

             
Layla smiled sweetly up into Michael’s face, running her hands through his hair as she kissed him again. “No, I’m very happy about our baby, but that’s not why I’m acting like an idiot. Tate told Jane this morning that he wants to marry her. Wouldn’t that be amazing?”

             
Michael let go of his wife and set the pizza down before turning to look at Jane. He lifted an eyebrow questioningly. “Marriage huh? That’s kind of fast Jane. Are you sure you don’t want to wait?”

             
Layla snorted loudly behind him. “You’re one to talk.”

             
Michael laughed and sat on the floor next to Jane. “No, what I’m saying is that, today was crazy and horrible and traumatic and you probably shouldn’t make a big decision like this until life has calmed down. I saw Tate today Jane. He was ready to tear Alex apart for hurting you. He’s got so many feelings racing around; he’s probably jumping on the one thing he thinks will make his world make sense again.
You
. Safe with him.”

             
Layla pulled a chair over to Jane and frowned at Michael. “Well crud, there went all my happy,” she said in disappointment.

             
Michael winced but reached for Jane’s hand. “I’m not trying to rain on the parade here, I’m just saying, take some time. Don’t jump into marriage with Tate unless you know for certain that he’s the one for you and that he loves you. Truly, deeply, unconditionally, forever love.”

             
Jane smiled at Michael and leaned over and kissed his cheek. “You know if I had a father, I’d probably expect him to say something like that. So I know you’re only saying something reasonable and logical like that because you care. And you’re right. But the thing is, I’ve loved Tate ever since we moved here practically. And I know Tate loves me. I really know it Michael. And I understand he went a little crazy when he saw Alex hit me, but put yourself in his shoes. What would you have done if you saw Layla, getting hit by a man who had taken her from you? How would you feel?” she asked softly.

             
Layla and Jane watched Michael’s face transform into a stranger’s. Hard. Mean.
Merciless.

             
Michael looked down at his hands and nodded. “I get your point. I guess I’m surprised he didn’t do more damage then. Of course he’d been up all night and was probably a little tired.
Fine
. I’ll back off. If Tate shows up with a ring and you say yes, you have my blessing. But I still think a little time would be wise.”

             
Layla grinned at Michael and he blushed standing up. “I don’t care if that makes me a hypocrite. Jane’s my sister. What am I supposed to do?”