Laney smoothed down her suit jacket for the tenth time as she tried to wait. Her patience was running thin. She breathed out, reminding herself that the situation could have turned out so much differently. She’d been lucky. She was alive. The monster was dead. Dead! A shiver raced down her spine. Everything remained a blur in her mind, but she was learning to cope, to handle everything that had happened. Even the knowledge had sharp edges. A series of visions rushed into her mind.

“No!” she screamed as she twisted, limping from falling over a fallen tree. Panting, she scrambled to race into the darkness. There was no escape. The man who’d believed her dead had found her.

“This way,” Troy reached out, grabbing her by the arm. “Just stay behind me.”

“He’s got a gun.”

“He’ll have to take me down first.”

They ran, racing through the forest, Tony Scavuli on their heels.

Pop! Pop!

As if in slow motion, she heard the shots, could feel them whizzing by. Close. So close.

“You can’t get away from me this time!”

The deep baritone voice was followed by a laugh, one so evil the sound chilled her to the bone.

Garcia squeezed her hand. “Are you okay? You look pale.”

“Just remembering.” She would never forget Tony’s face, the vile look, crazed with the need for vengeance.

“Are you sure you want to do this?”

“You know I should and I want to. I feel very good about this. Troy actually saved my life, our lives in truth. He was only trying to protect me. He was in over his head.” She knew Troy could have lost his life in deciding to help her.

“But he was working for Tony Scavuli.”

She leaned against his shoulder. “He had no idea what that man was capable of.”

“You don’t really believe that, do you? He worked for him in Miami and again here. There is no way…” He didn’t finish. “No, we’ve talked about this. You’re right. He saved your life. You’re here with me because he refused to follow orders.”

She exhaled as she thought about the terrifying moments one last time. Troy had literally grabbed her, forcing both her and Topper out of the house. She’d fought him, punching him twice until he’d confessed that he’d been hired to burn down her property, with her inside. The chance of this occurring had been something only karma had a reason for. “Remember, his little boy was threatened. I can’t even imagine the horror.”

“The asshole is at least dead,” Garcia growled. “If Troy hadn’t shot him, I would have killed him myself.”

“I know you would have. You risked your life, too. Tony was aiming right at me. You’re my hero.”

“I’m nobody’s hero. Just a regular man.”

She rubbed her fingers across his cheek. “You are anything but. You are kind and strong, sweet and loving.”

Garcia leaned down, capturing her mouth and eased his arm around her, holding her head. The kiss was sweet, then a roar of passion, a need they both knew they could never deny.

Pushing back, she broke the intimate moment and nipped his lower lip. “I know what’s on your mind.”

“I bet you don’t.” Grinning, he shook his head. “My beautiful woman.”

“So possessive.”

“I am and proud of it.”

Laney adored the way he’d remained protective, standing by her side through every interrogation by the local sheriff’s office as well as the FBI. Every day seemed to melt into the next, leaving her exhausted. “When do you think Tony knew I was here?”

“You know the answer. He thought you were dead until that detective of yours allowed the information to slip. Mother fucking asshole. I hope he rots in jail.”

“I knew the moment I called the Miami Police Station what had happened. Detective Braxton was so different on the phone, almost gleeful. He hasn’t been on the force for over six months. He’d been searching for me for six months working for Tony. I can’t believe he’d do that.”

“Money is a huge lure for anyone, Laney.”

Laney snickered. “You’re not going to call me Alexandra?”

“Only when you’re bad,” he said, his tone of voice husky.

She shivered both from desire and the realization she could have lost him that wretched night. “At least Troy shot Tony.”

“Only because I threw you out of the way.”

She tipped her head, looking into his eyes. “Troy wasn’t going to shoot me. He had plenty of opportunities.”

“I know. I just wish he’d come to his senses earlier. By all rights he should leave town.”

“He has a little boy. He lives here. He has a good job, one I’m going to try and help him keep.”

“Not up to you, honey. You know that.”

“Maybe so, but he could have died as well. So could have his sister and that precious little boy.”

Garcia kissed the top of her head. “I know that. I do. I’m just angry.”

“A wonderful man once told me to let my past go. I’m planning on doing that. So, should you.”

“After today.” He got up from the bench and began pacing.

She eased the statement she’d written out of her purse, reading the passage again. This was the right thing to do.

“Ms. Cavanaugh? They’re ready for you.”

Holding her breath, she looked up at the officer and nodded.

Garcia moved closer, taking her hand as she stood. “Knock them dead.”

“Wait?”

“I’ll wait for you every day for the rest of my life.”

As Laney walked into the courtroom, all eyes were on her. She wasn’t merely trying to help Troy Bruester keep his career as well as his family, she was tying up loose ends, no longer afraid of her own shadow. She’d garnered the support of her mother and had talked to her dad. Even the nurse had said her father’s condition had improved in the two weeks since she’d been reborn.

However, Alexandra Christian died almost four years ago, and she was happy to keep it that way. Laney Cavanaugh was another woman altogether, a hell of a lot stronger and certainly much happier. She held her head high as she passed by Troy. The man was beaten, yet smiled when he saw her. The truth was, he’d been more of a protector than she could have imagined. The poor man had poured out his heart, begging forgiveness for falling into a scheme he’d had no way of understanding. Karma had certainly kicked them both in the teeth.

“Raise your right hand.”

She lifted her arm and looked out over the crowd. She was finally home.

* * *

The fire crackled, embers kicking over the oversized logs. Garcia sat in the chair, Topper at his feet and stared at the flames, thankful for the quiet moment, a slice of true peace. As long arms wrapped around his neck, he inhaled and issued a husky growl. The woman was intoxicating, leaving him breathless with desire.

“Sitting alone in the dark?” Laney cooed as she nuzzled her face into his neck, pressing her lips against his skin.

A jolt of current rushed into his legs, forcing his cock at full attention. The woman’s touch alone made him hungry. “Admiring the fire.”

“Ah, a content man.”

“You know what? I am. For the first time in my life I really feel as if I know what lies ahead.”

She licked the base of his earlobe, allowing her hair to fall across his chest.

“I think someone is trying to keep me from remembering her spanking.”

“Who me?”

He laughed and tugged at her arm. “Come here.”

“Why, yes, sir.”

As he eased her onto his lap, he brushed the strands of hair from her face, savoring the way the fire gave her skin an almost luminescent look. Using the flat of his hand, he rubbed down her neck to the swell of her breasts. The slip of crimson silk accentuated her voluptuous body, thin waist and rounded hips, leaving him aching all over. “You’re certain about this?”

“You? Montana? Or any relationship in general?”

Pinching her nipple, he lifted a single eyebrow. “You are so asking for it.”

“Mmm…” she moaned and closed her eyes briefly. “You keep saying that.”

“I’m serious, Laney. I only want to make you happy.”

“I know you do. And so do I. I’m alive inside, eager to share everything with you, including the fact you want to be the Head of Household.”

Even hearing her saying the words seemed foreign, unexpected. “I love you.”

“I love you and I adore what we share. I’m just learning to accept the woman inside, so I’ll need patience.”

Garcia placed her hand on his heart. “You have me, all of me including my heart and soul. You made me whole again.”

“No longer fighting the man inside?”

He exhaled and thought about the question. “I know who I am and more importantly, who I want to be, the kind of person. Being a smokejumper is important to me and I realized just how much when I thought you’d died in that fire. I’m only sorry your things couldn’t have been saved.”

“Garcia, those were just things. I have Topper, I have you and I have my entire life ahead of me. What else could I possibly need? Well, a new car.” She laughed, her voice light.

“We’ll get you that car tomorrow.” He would never be able to tell her how many nights he’d turned and simply watched her sleep, guarding her in a way she might not understand. As he kissed her lips gently, rubbing his tongue back and forth across the seam of her mouth, he was ready to let the anger, the fear and the ugliness that had nearly consumed his mind break free.

Laney eased off his lap, standing over him. Her look one of adoration as well as respect, she slowly lifted her teddy, pulling the slip of material up and over her head.

His heart racing, he knew she had to be the most beautiful woman in the entire world. He patted his thighs, fearing any words would be incoherent.

She crawled over his lap, planting her palms on the soft rug.

Holding his breath, he rubbed the tips of his fingers down her spine several times as he controlled his lust. He tapped both ass cheeks before pressing his hand on the small of her back. “Thirty tonight.”

“Yes, sir.”

Crack! Pop!

Her body shifted, a single moan floating up from the floor.

Whoosh! Slap!

He shuddered as he fell into a rhythm, alternating between caressing and spanking.

Smack! Crack!

“Oh!” she squealed but maintained her position.

“You’re learning to be calmer, have more patience.”

Whap! Pop!

“Yes, sir.”

Crack! Pop! Slap!

“And you’ll learn more,” he whispered.

Smack! Pop!

“And I love you for trusting me.” Garcia realized this was everything he’d ever wanted.

Whap! Crack!

As the spanking continued, Laney seemed to become more relaxed, her moans becoming whimpers of pure ecstasy.

Smack! Pop!

“You’re my everything,” she whispered.

“Two more.”

Smack! Crack!

He helped her off his lap and as she stood on shaky legs, he undressed. When he stood naked, he took her into his arms, holding her close to his chest. Without saying another word, he eased onto the rug and pulled her down on top.

She wrapped her legs around his as he held her aloft and dangled her arms over his shoulders

His fingers dug into the skin on her hips and nipped her chin before yanking her down, thrusting the entire length of his cock inside her pussy. “Oh!”

“Garcia!” Throwing back her head, she gripped his shoulders, her mouth opened to a perfect ‘O’.

He held her as his cock throbbed, swelling inside then repeated the move, once, twice, grunting at the sound of skin against skin. Growling, he licked down the length of her neck then placed his hand in the middle of her back, easing her into a deep arc.

Laney’s head lolled back as he mouthed her skin, moving down from her shoulder to her breastbone then engulfing her breast into his mouth.

Licking, sucking, his tongue swirling, he was on fire as she began to move up and down, riding him as he bit down on her nipple and pinched the other one between his thumb and forefinger.

Using her strong thigh muscles, she moved forward and backward, rocking until she was pumping him, forcing his shaft deep inside. “Oh, yes!”

He loved to hear the way she moaned, her scattered mewing sounds every time he inflicted even a hint of pain. He slid his mouth over to her other nipple, watching the way beads of glistening perspiration trickled down the side of her face as he dragged his tongue around her taut nipple.

Her panting became breathless and she clenched her eyes shut, her body trembling. “Oh…”

“Come, baby. I want you to come.”

“Oh, yes, may I, sir?”

He swirled his tongue around her nipple and breathed a swath of hot hair across her skin. “Come for me.”

Her lips pursed and her actions became faster, harder, driving him into the rug. “I…”

“Come!” The command issued, he could see she let go, allowing the simple word to take over.

Inhaling, her nails dug into his shoulders, trailing down his arm as she tensed. “Ah!”

He held her, moving up and down, keeping his throbbing cock buried inside. The scent of her was amazing, the way her body shimmered from the light perspiration was almost too powerful.

When she stopped shaking, she laughed and leaned her head against his shoulder. “You are…”

“I can’t wait to taste you, suck every drop of cum.” He held the back of her head as her breathing slowed.

She jerked up, the look in her eyes one of mischief, and continued riding, her legs squeezing against his.

Hunger continued to drive him to a euphoric state until he had difficulty focusing. He held his breath as she gyrated her hips until he could take no more. He pushed her back then forced her onto her hands and knees. Fisting her hair and pulling back, he pushed her legs wide open with his knees and traced a line down her spine with his fingertip. When he reached the crack of her ass, he moved down slowly, pushing the tip just past her folds.

Whap! Crack!

Issuing two hard smacks against her ass, he grunted then pushed two fingers into her pussy, flexing them open as he pumped in and out.

She clenched her fists around the rug, pulling, tugging as he pumped. “Mmm…”

When his fingers were wet, soaked with her cum, he slid them to her asshole, wiggling until they slipped inside easily. “I’m going to fuck that pretty ass of yours.”

“Yes, sir!”

He kept his hand wrapped around her hair as he slowly moved in and out of her asshole, two fingers becoming three. When she was relaxed, soft cooing coming from her lips, he slipped his cockhead just inside her dark hole, inserting an inch at a time. “Relax.”

“Fuck me. Please.”

Halfway inside, he gripped her hips then drove the entire length into her asshole.

“Oh! Fuck!” A nervous laugh bubbled from her lips.

Garcia hissed and pulled out until just the tip was inside. Pushing again, he grunted then pulled out, then repeated the move. Harder. Faster. Electricity roared through every cell, every muscle as he pumped until his balls swelled, anguished from need.

Laney met every hard thrust with one of her own until the force of his powerful thrusts pushed her forward.

He continued pumping and hearing her moans, the way she responded, he almost stopped. Almost.

Jutting her hips backward, she tilted her head until she could look into his eyes. “More.”

A wash of current blanketed his entire body as he continued until his entire body began to shake. “I can’t hold it. I can’t…” The words died off as the cum rushed from his balls, up the length of his shaft. He threw his head back and allowed the primal scream as he exploded, shooting hot cum inside her ass. “Fuck!” He let go of her hair and hunkered over.

Panting, she dropped her head.

As they lay in front of the fire, their bodies entangled, she sighed as if contented. “I could do this forever.”

“So could I,” he whispered as he stroked her hair.

“Day at a time.”

“Day at a time.” As he studied her face and kissed her lips, Garcia prayed to God this wasn’t just a fantasy for both of them.

* * *

Valentine’s Day

“I’m a nervous wreck. I don’t know what I’m doing. I think I’m going to throw up.”

Laney watched as Stoker’s face paled, sweat beading across his upper lip. “You’re going to be fine.” The day was cold, snow falling in the middle of the night, but the outdoors wedding was going forward. The area was decorated with reds and silver, heaters lining the exterior of the oversized canopy. The sweet fragrance of flowers filled the air and guests were already in their seats, excitement in the air. She couldn’t think of a more beautiful setting for a wedding or a more perfect day.

“Nope. I don’t know if I’m enough for her. I mean she’s a big country star and I’m just a—” Stoker’s face was contorted.

“An amazing hero the entire town loves?” Laney interrupted. “Are you going to help your friend through this?” she chastised, giving Garcia the evil eye.

“He got himself into this. He can certainly be a big boy,” Garcia teased.

“I should take you out and beat you to a pulp.” Stoker grinned then broke into a laugh. “I don’t know why I’m nervous.”

“Because this is the rest of your life.” Laney kept the words in a commanding tone then rolled her eyes. “This is a celebration. You two love each other. Just breathe and relax.”

“How come she’s so calm when everyone else is jumping out of their skin?” Shannon asked as she approached, holding Landen with a strong grip.

“Because she’s new to the likes of us.” Landen winked and pulled Shannon closer, kissing the top of her head.

“When are you two getting married?” Garcia asked.

“Not you, too. Everyone keeps asking. Marriage isn’t for everyone you know.” Shannon groaned.

“She’s right. We are happy just like we are.” Landen licked her earlobe.

Shannon pushed gently. “We truly are. What about you two?”

“No marriage for us either,” Garcia stated, the words full of an absolute.

Laney was caught off guard hearing the vehemence of his words. Yes, things had been both wonderful and odd the last few days. He’d worked more than she’d expected and had wedding duties, but this demeanor was almost ice cold, confusing as hell. “We’re taking our time.”

Shannon gave Garcia a shake of the head. “Almost time.”

Garcia kissed Laney on the forehead. “I have duties to perform, including keeping this big man calm.”

“I know.” She offered a smile, but she was forced to admit she was saddened by his comment, more than she cared to admit. No, she didn’t expect some proposal, but this and today?

“I’m glad you’re here cause the tequila is looking pretty damn good,” Stoker joked.

“I think we both need to do a shot,” Garcia bellowed, winked at her and walked away, both men laughing and joking.

Laney groaned and folded her arms.

“What’s up with Garcia? One minute you guys can’t spend any time apart and the next minute he’s being a guy again.” Shannon snorted.

“I don’t know. He’s been so distant, as if second guessing us being together. I think I’m going to have to find a place to live for a little while, just to give him some space.” Laney hated saying the words, but she knew he was doubting everything again. She could see it in his eyes.

“Well, you can always stay with me for a while. I have an extra room.”

“I might take you up on that.”

“I better get back to the very nervous and pregnant bride. She is starting to show and almost had a fit when the wedding dress had to be let out.” Shannon rolled her eyes and started to walk away. “Oh, and don’t forget, things have a way of working out.”

“I guess.” Laney found a seat and for the first time, had never felt so lonely in her life. She was just starting to become friends with Jessica and Shannon and now, Garcia’s mood swings. Oh, well. Not today. She was going to be happy for two people who so clearly loved each other. Maybe love wasn’t in the cards.

Only minutes later the music began, and Garcia took his place beside Stoker. Laney had to admit, they both looked so handsome in their tuxedos. As Shannon came down the aisle, the area draped in scarlet velvet, she had a difficult time not tearing up. This was her dream. This was every little girl’s dream.

When Jessica came down the aisle, she was beaming, her eyes remaining locked on Stoker.

As the audience, friends and family sat down, the minister took his place in between them, his smile beaming from ear to ear. He took Jessica’s hand, placing it into Stoker’s.

She searched for Garcia’s face, to see if he was even bothering to look in her direction. He wasn’t, only concentrating on the loving couple.

“Friends, we are gathered here today in celebration of two people who’ve come together to profess their love and honor their relationship with a lifetime commitment.” The minister’s voice was clear, his words so heartfelt.

Jessica was glowing, tears already slipping past her lashes.

And Laney closed hers, fighting to keep the tears from giving her sadness away. She heard the minister but the words echoed.

“Jessica and Stoker have written their vows. Jessica.” The minister took a step back.

Jessica gripped Stoker’s hand, intertwining their fingers. “I, Jessica Dunn, take you, Stoker Hansen, to be my lawfully wedded husband. There is no man I’d rather be with, no other person who completes me as you’ve done. You are my knight in shining armor, my hero and the man I want to share my life with. I promise to honor, respect, love, trust and obey you for the rest of my life.”

Laney heard the oohs and ahhs and cringed deep inside.

Stoker shook his head and pressed a kiss against her palm. “Jessica Dunn, you are the kindest and most incredible woman I’ve ever met. Through your eyes I found salvation, peace and a love I never knew existed. Without you, I would die. I promise to love, protect, honor, respect and adore you until the end of time. For you are my princess.”

“Do you have the rings?”

She remained numb, wishing Garcia’s hand was in hers. She had to force herself not to run away, find a safe hiding place. Why? He loved her. She knew he did.

As they exchanged rings, both Jessica and Stoker were in tears.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife.”

The crowd erupted as they kissed, clapping and cheering.

This was too much, too intimate and Laney was an outsider looking in. She waited until the congratulations settled down and noticed Jessica moving toward a microphone. She couldn’t take any more. Time alone. That’s what she needed. Her steps quiet and slow, she moved back toward Stoker’s house.

“Thank you all so much for being here and sharing in our celebration. Stoker and I are ecstatic to spend this special moment with you. The joy we feel we know others share and I wrote a very special song for a wonderful man, his words inspiring me more than I can say.” Jessica nodded to the musicians.

Laney found herself unable to move, to run away like she’d done her entire life. She stood in the back as Jessica began to sing. The words of love and adoration were the most beautiful ones she’d ever heard and she could no longer stop the tears.

By the time the second verse started, the words seemed wrong, not what she would have expected. Jessica couldn’t be singing about their love story. She moved closer, wanting to see Stoker’s face, but he wasn’t there. Neither was Garcia. What the hell? She inched closer, moving down the same aisle that Jessica had walked only moments before.

Suddenly, there was another sound, a strange clopping noise. She inched even closer as the audience moved away, opening a space on the side. Laney stood frozen as Garcia approached. In his hands were leather reins as he walked a horse toward the site of the ceremony. The Palomino had a large red bow tied around her neck. She was majestic as she was led toward them, her long mane flowing.

She had no idea what to think but she took several steps, her eyes locking onto Garcia’s.

Garcia blinked several times.

Laney could see tears in his eyes.

As the song ended, Jessica’s voice rang out into the sun filled day, Laney turned her head in her friend’s direction.

“The song was written for a very special lady and a relationship that was forged in fire, freed from fear and near tragedy. Laney, this is from Garcia who wanted to make certain you understood how much he loves you,” Jessica whispered.

Laney closed the distance until she stood a foot in front of Garcia.

“Laney Cavanaugh. You gave me back my life and my will. You are the strongest and most wonderful woman I know.” Garcia choked as he said the words.

“What are you doing?”

“This is your Valentine’s present, baby. Her name is Alexandra. You said you always wanted to own a horse.”

Tears slipped down her face as she held out her hand, rubbing her fingers across the horse’s nose. “I… She’s beautiful.”

“So is her name. I never want you to forget who you are.”

Laney shivered as Garcia pulled a velvet bag from around Alexandra’s neck then eased down into the snow on one knee. “What are you doing?” Visions flashed in front of her eyes. The past. The present and more importantly, the future, a life spent with one man, her husband.

“I fell in love with a feisty woman on a snow filled day. From that second, I knew you were the woman for me. Will you please do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

The entire world seemed to stop as he opened the small box.

“Oh, Garcia. Yes!”

The crowd erupted, cheering as he placed the ring on her finger.

“I have one more present for you.” Garcia rose to his feet and pointed toward the side of the house.

Laney squinted as a car pulled up. “What is this?” As the doors opened and two people emerged, she yelped and fell against Garcia.

“I love you, baby. I knew your mother and father wanted to be a part of this,” Garcia whispered as tears streamed down his face.

“You did this? For me?”

“I had some help.” He motioned to the group. “I couldn’t have done this without them.”

She threw her arms around Garcia, weeping and for the first time from joy. “I love you. I love you so much.”

“I love you too, baby. Go.”

As he let her go, she blew him a kiss then ran to her parents.

On this day, this cold Valentine’s Day in the middle of the most romantic setting in the entire world, she began a new life and one no one would ever force her to run away from.

Through the darkness comes light…