Brady grabbed the mail, anxious to get back inside to Hailey. She was making them tuna fish sandwiches with fresh cut veggies for a late lunch. It was so normal, yet exciting to be with her. He was loving every minute. He hadn’t loved hearing her story, but he recognized the amount of trust she’d placed in him by sharing it. His hand clenched into a fist. He wanted to hunt down Gage Tantrum and thump him. Next time they played Pittsburgh would not be a good experience for Gage. How could the man act so happy and friendly with everyone, yet exploit a woman like that, especially sweet Hailey? She was sunshine and a peaceful brook rolled into one for Brady. Oh yeah, the next chance Brady had, he would put such a hit on Gage Tantrum that William Fonnesbeck and the League would have plenty of reason to suspend him.

He sorted through the small stack of bills and ads as he walked up to his porch. There was a postcard from the stalker. He didn’t open the letters anymore, just left them in a stack for the police to look over, but he noticed the postcard was addressed to Hailey not him. He flipped it over, and cold dread washed over him.

You don’t deserve Brady. Keep your hands off him, or I will cut those pretty fingers off.

Brady hurried into the house and to his office. He pulled out his cell phone to call the officer assigned to his case as he yanked yesterday’s letter off the top of the stack and ripped it open. It was filled with professions of love for him and threats against Hailey.

“Cardon here.”

“Officer Cardon, Brady Giles.” Brady’s hand shook as he tore open the letter from two days ago and scanned it. More threats against Hailey. Ugly, terrifying threats and explanations of why she wasn’t good enough for Brady. “My stalker has changed her tune. She’s threatening my wife, and we need to do something about it.”

“Okay, sir, was it in a letter?”

“A postcard today, but I’m looking through the letters we haven’t opened from the past few days. They’re full of threats against Hailey.”

“We’ll be right there.”

“Thank you.”

Brady sank into his office chair and opened another letter. A pit of horror filled his stomach. Before today, he’d wanted to be done with the stalker because it was annoying and creepy. Now, this person was taking it to the next level, and he wanted to heave. He would see what the police had to say, but they’d never been able to track the letters. He was going to hire a private security company. Nobody was going to hurt Hailey. Nobody.

She walked into his office. “Hey there, handsome.” Her beautiful smile slipped when she saw his face. “You okay?”

“No.” He passed a hand over his face, stood and opened his arms. “Can I please just hold you?”

“Sure.” She crossed the distance and wrapped her arms around his back.

Brady tucked her into his chest and savored her coconut scent and how she fit perfectly against him. Protectiveness for his wife surged through him.

She leaned back and asked, “What is it? Can I help?”

Brady shook his head. “The stalker has changed her game plan.” He gestured to the notes.

Hailey tried to move out of his arms and read one. He stopped her, pulling her in closer. “No. Don’t read them.”

“What? Why?”

“She’s threatening you now, love.”

Hailey glanced up at him. “She’s never threatened anyone before.”

“No.”

“But you have no clue who she is. She’s never tried to contact you besides the letters. I’m sure she’s not going to do anything to me.”

Brady hoped that was true, but he had no clue. “I’m going to keep you safe, Hailey.”

She looked at him with such trust and love. “I know you will.”

He couldn’t resist tenderly kissing her.

There was a quick rap on the office door. They both looked over at Nissa, who was dragging a vacuum behind her.

“Excuse me,” she said. “We’re almost finished cleaning the rest of the house, and I wondered if you wanted me to dust and vacuum in here today.”

Brady arched an eyebrow and glanced down at Hailey. “No, it’s fine. Thanks, Nissa. We’ll see you in a few days.”

She gave him a wide smile. “Okay. Have a great afternoon.” She waved and strode away.

Brady focused back on his wife. “The police are on their way over.”

“Do you want to eat first?”

He shook his head. “I couldn’t eat right now. I just want to keep you close.”

She stood up on tiptoes and framed his face with her hands. “You can always keep me close, Brady Giles.” She kissed him.

Brady clung to her. “What about when I have to play football?” He sounded like a scared little boy.

She grinned. “Lucky for you, I’ll be right on the sidelines.”

He laughed. “Okay, you’re right. Are you trying to tell me to relax?”

“Maybe.”

“Sorry, it just completely terrified me to think that someone could hurt you.”

Hailey squeezed his waist. “How could they possibly get through my tough husband?”

Brady felt strength pour into him from her trust and faith. Nobody was getting through him, and nobody would ever hurt her.

* * *

Hailey was drained by the time the police left. She hadn’t slept much the night before because Brady had been there holding her, and she didn’t want to miss a moment. Then this morning, she and Brady had done that killer leg workout and finally kissed before she’d opened up to him about Gage. Just when she thought she was going to be happy with her husband, the stalker changed the game plan. The police had no clue how to track someone down from the letters. It was a nightmare. All she wanted was to eat some dinner and fall asleep in Brady’s arms.

The doorbell rang, and she rolled her eyes at Brady. “If that’s the police again, apologizing because they have no way to help us, I’m going to throw a glass of water in their faces.”

“Ooh, so violent, my love.” He pulled her in close and trailed his fingers down her cheek. Hailey shivered from his warm touch. She arched up, anxious to kiss him.

The doorbell rang again. Brady took her hand. “Let’s get rid of whoever it is quick. I need to spend some time kissing my wife.”

She giggled at that. Brady was amazing. He wasn’t going to push her to do more than she was ready for, and she loved him for it, and for a lot of other reasons. “Now that sounds fun.”

He squeezed her hand and winked at her. A delicious tremor passed through her. The stalker could take a flying leap. She had Brady, and that was all she needed.

They walked into the entryway, and Brady checked the security monitors and gave her an inquisitive look before pulling the door open. “Hi.” He pulled it all the way open to reveal her mama and daddy.

Her mama threw herself against Hailey. “Oh, sweet girl! I’ve been so worried.”

Hailey hugged her. She’d missed seeing her mama for the past two weeks, but why would she be worried? “Don’t be, Mama. Brady is the best husband ever.” She grinned at him.

Mama stared Brady down. “He’d better be, but I’m talking about this scary stalker chick. If I find her, I’m going to bust her butt.”

Brady stepped back, and her parents walked into the foyer. Her husband’s jaw was tight. “How did you know about the stalker threatening Hailey?”

“Officer Cardon called me,” her dad said to Brady. “What I’m wondering is why neither of you called.”

“Sorry, Daddy. We just finished up with the police a little bit ago.” Hailey went to hug her daddy, but she could feel the tenseness radiating off of both of the men she loved. “Why don’t you come in and sit down?” she said, glancing to Brady for help.

He nodded shortly.

They walked silently to the living room and sat.

“Can I get y’all a drink or something to eat?” Hailey asked.

“Hailey!” her dad said sharply. “This isn’t some social visit. We’ve come to take you home.”

“Home?” She repeated dumbly. “Why?”

Brady sat straighter. His eyes darted from her daddy to her.

“We did this fake marriage to get William and the stalker to ease off, but it’s all backfired. The media is circulating more stories about you being pregnant, and now, they have some guy claiming he’s the father. To top it all off, the stalker is now threatening you? It’s over, love. I’ll deal with whatever the commissioner’s office wants to do to me and my team, but I’m not placing you in danger.”

Hailey had never seen her daddy this fierce and upset. Her mind raced trying to think how to pacify him yet explain that she didn’t care about the media or the stalker. She wasn’t leaving Brady.

She looked to Brady for help. His jaw was tight.

“Brady?” she asked.

He gave her a strained smile then looked at her dad. “Sir, I promise you I will protect your daughter with my life.”

Her dad’s eyebrows drew together. “Her being with you is why she’s in danger.”

Brady’s lips pursed. “I understand that, but I am her husband, and I will take care of her.”

Her dad jumped to his feet and jabbed his finger at Brady. “This is a fake marriage.” He practically roared. “You are not her husband!”

Brady stood, and Hailey rose next to him. Her mama clung to her daddy. “James? Calm down, sweetie.”

He turned on her. “I will not calm down! This is my baby girl, and I will not allow anyone to hurt her.” He turned back to Brady. “Especially you! I told you what would happen if you crossed any lines with my girl. Why is she looking at you like you invented the airplane? Did you take advantage of my daughter?”

“Daddy!” Hailey hurried across the living room and threw her arms around him. “Daddy, I love you so much.” He hugged her back, resting his chin on her hair. Her mama’s arms came around the two of them, and Mama trembled as she cried.

Hailey looked up at his craggy face. “Daddy, I trust Brady, and he has done nothing but treat me with respect and kindness.” She glanced over at Brady, standing all by himself and looking torn and miserable. “Brady is my husband. I won’t leave him.”

Time stretched and almost cracked as she watched emotions trace across Brady’s handsome face. He looked relieved at her statement, but also worried sick about the stalker. Hailey realized he was in a horrible position as he needed to make a choice between what his new boss wanted and what his new wife needed. If he cared about his career, he’d listen to her daddy and dissolve their marriage. If he cared about her, he’d choose her and they would both deal with the consequences.

“He’s my husband,” Hailey said again.

Brady crossed the room, and Hailey turned to him, reaching out her hand. He took it, staring at her like she was Christmas morning. Her mama pulled back and dabbed at her eyes. Her daddy looked back and forth between the two of them. Finally, he released Hailey and stared Brady down. “I already threatened once what would happen if you crossed any lines. You protect her in every way possible or I won’t stop with your career and your man parts. Do you understand me?”

Brady nodded. “I already told you, sir. I’d give my life for her.”

Hailey sucked in a breath. Did Brady truly care for her that much?

Her mama walked to Brady and wrapped her arms around his broad back. Hailey had to smile at how cute it was to see her tiny mama next to her huge husband. He held on to Hailey’s hand, but wrapped his other arm around her mama.

Mama glanced up at him, her eyes shining. “Take care of her. She’s my life.”

“I know.” He nodded a few times. “I know. She’s my life too.”

Hailey could hardly swallow through the thickness of emotion in her throat. She couldn’t believe Brady really meant the things he was saying, yet they rang true for her. He was her life too. She’d be lost without him at this point, and she trusted him like she’d never trusted any man, Daddy excluded.

Her mama stepped back, and her daddy put his arm around her and escorted her toward the front door. If Hailey had thought she was emotionally spent before, now she was completely drained. She kissed both of her parents goodbye, and they opened the door. The evening sun was bright which seemed so weird as she felt like it should be nighttime and she should be afraid of the stalker, but the brightness of the sun and the love from her parents and her husband chased away any fears.

“Please be careful, sweetheart,” her daddy said as he hugged her.

“I will. We don’t go anywhere anyway.” She smiled up at Brady, wanting nothing more than to cuddle him and kiss throughout the night.

“Okay.” He glanced at Brady. “Have you hired a good security company and private investigators?”

“I haven’t had a chance, sir. I asked the police for referrals, and they gave me a list.”

“I’ll take care of it. I have the connections to find the best.”

Hailey held her breath. Brady was independent and all man. Would his pride prevent him from allowing her daddy to help like this?

Brady released her hand and stuck it out to her father. “Thank you, sir. I know you’ll find the best.”

Daddy shook his hand and finally offered a tight smile. “I’ll have them get in touch with you and Officer Cardon.”

“Thanks.”

They both hugged Hailey once more then slipped out the front door. Hailey watched them go until her daddy helped her mama into the car and waved back at Hailey. She loved them completely, but her place was with her husband. Her husband. The very thought sent thrills and chills down her body. She was quickly falling in love with him, but was still terrified of giving herself completely to him. This marriage had started out as a farce. How could she have known that two and a half weeks later it would be the stuff that eternity was made of?

Brady quietly shut the door and kept his hand on it. Hailey looked up into his handsome face. “Are you hungry?” she asked.

“Hungry?” Brady repeated and then shook his head. “Only for you.”

Hailey’s heart thumped harder, and she backed up toward the door. Brady stepped around and pressed his other hand on the door so he was framing her face with his hands yet not touching her.

“When you told your dad that you weren’t leaving me, that I was your husband?” He took a long breath and stared at her. “I’ve never been so happy. I love you, Hailey. I’ve never felt like this about anyone before.”

Hailey blinked quickly to keep the tears from cresting. “So you liked me sticking up for you, huh, big guy?”

Brady chuckled. “Yeah.” His voice dropped low and husky. “But I’m going to like what’s going to happen next even more.”

Hailey’s heart rate sped up. She couldn’t catch a full breath. “Oh, really? Dinner and a movie? Sounds amazing to me too.”

Brady growled low in his throat and slid his hands off the door to gently grasp her shoulders. He bent closer and his breath warmed up her lips. “Hailey, I promised you I would take things slow, and I will stand by that, but I want to kiss you and hold you all night long, and the only person who can stop me from doing that is you.”

Delicious tremors ran through her body. He was going to wait until she was ready. Who knew when that would be, but Brady didn’t seem to mind. He’d promised her daddy he’d protect her, and he’d promised her he’d take it slow. She loved him so much.

Sliding her hands up his muscular arms, she couldn’t hide her smile as he trembled under her touch. She framed his handsome face with her hands and said, “Hmm, I might be persuaded to let you kiss me a few times. Let’s see how good you can kiss.”

Brady smiled, and he was so close his lips brushed hers. She sucked in a quick breath. “I can kiss almost as well as I can tackle,” he murmured.

“Big talker.” She arched up onto her tiptoes. He reacted quickly, his hands coming around her hips and pulling her in tight against him.

“So I have to prove it?” He gently kissed the side of her lip.

She moaned and leaned into him. “Dang straight you do. Then I’ll be the judge of how good you are.”

Brady laughed again but turned serious as he stared at her. “Thank you, Hailey. You’ve made me happier than I could ever have imagined.”

He didn’t give her a chance to reply as he softly kissed her. It was as gentle and undemanding as his kiss at their wedding. Hailey let him take the lead, savoring each tender touch of his lips. Her hands slid around his neck and entwined in his thick hair. He pulled back and smiled at her.

“I’m thinking you should grow your hair back out,” she said.

Brady laughed. “I grew it out to give my sister a hard time, but I think I’m done looking like a hippie.”

“What do you want to look like now?”

His eyes swept over her face then met hers again. “Your husband.”

Hailey tugged him closer, and their lips connected. She poured all the passion and love she felt for him into that kiss. Brady groaned and deepened the kiss. Hailey gasped from the sheer pleasure of it. Brady scooped her legs out from under her and, still kissing her, carried her toward the stairs.

Two weeks ago, she would have been terrified to have a man carrying her toward his bedroom. Right now, all she wanted was to be in Brady’s arms. Nothing had ever felt so right.