Chapter 31

He lay in the bed next to her and watched her sleep. She’d fallen asleep before they left the Palmer estate and didn’t move the entire drive back to Hopedale. The only time she opened her eyes was when Ian lifted her out of the truck to carry her in the house. Neither James or Ian would allow Keith to lift her.

“The last thing you need is to hurt that wound,” Ian whispered as he eased Emily down on the bed.

The two brothers were now drinking coffee in his kitchen, but he didn’t want to leave Emily’s side. He didn’t know if he was going to be able to let her out of his sight after this.

He pulled the quilt over her and eased off the bed. As much as he didn’t want to leave her side, he had to find out if that bastard Palmer had been in the house when it exploded. He deserved nothing but to go straight to hell.

James and Ian had been joined by Sandy. She was wrapped in Ian’s arms, and James was on the phone with Marina. Keith grabbed a cup from the cupboard and poured himself a cup of coffee.

“Emily still sleeping?” Sandy whispered.

“Yeah, she crashed pretty bad.” Keith plopped on the stool next to James.

“I’ll be home as soon as I can. Give the boys a kiss.” James said. “I love you too, Sweetheart.”

“Marina checking on Emily?” Keith asked James.

“As well as everyone else.” James shoved his phone into his pocket and stared at Keith.

“What?” He glanced between Ian and James.

“You went into the building without even knowing if it was rigged to blow. Keith, you know better than that.” James was right.

“I couldn’t help it. I just knew she was in there and that’s all I could think about.” Keith stared down into his cup. “My life wouldn’t matter without her.”

“We know the feeling, bro but it was a dangerous move,” Ian said.

Keith’s door opened, and Bull stomped in with Truck. The men looked like they’d been to hell and back. Sandy took on the duty of hostess as she made another pot of coffee.

“I’m assuming the rest are on the way here.”

“Yeah, and we should beat the hell out of you for that shit you pulled back there,” Bull growled.

“Oh, calm down, Chrome Dome,” Sandy grumbled. “He knows it was a dumb thing, but you tell me you wouldn’t do the same if it had been Kristy.”

“Chrome Dome? Good one.” Truck laughed.

“Fuck you, dick.” Bull gave Truck a push, but he didn’t comment on what Sandy had said. Keith knew his friend well, and if Kristy had been the one in Emily’s place, Bull would have run through a burning wall of fire. Even if Kristy didn’t know how Bull felt about her, Keith did.

“Seriously, Rusty what were you thinking?” Leave it to Truck to go back to that.

“It’s over. Drop it.” Kurt stood in the doorway, but Keith had no doubt the man was pissed.

As requested the subject of Keith’s disregard for his own life was dropped. The new topic was that the body of Alfred was found in the house or at least pieces of him. They would have to verify it with DNA, but Kurt was pretty sure.

“All these years of being in the medical field and it still baffles me how the human mind can snap.” Ian shook his head.

“Mitchell said he changed after the stroke.” Everyone spun around at the sound of her voice.

“Did these assholes wake you?” Sandy was instantly at Emily’s side giving her a hug.

“Maybe.” Emily smiled. “I think it was probably waking up in bed and not remembering how I got there.”

“You fell asleep in the truck.” Keith wrapped her in his arms when she stepped beside him.

“Is there any word on Mitchell?” She looked like she was about to burst into tears.

“I’ll see if I can find out.” Ian stepped out of the kitchen with his phone to his ear. A few minutes later Ian returned with good news. Mitchell was going to be fine.

It had taken two weeks before Keith was able to keep himself from dropping into Snippy Gals. Emily had to threaten him with no sex to get him to stop showing up finally. He didn’t think she’d really do it because Emily was insatiable but he wasn’t taking any chances.

Keith was plopped down in his grandfather’s chair enjoying the warmer weather. It wasn’t take off his shirt warm, but it was T-shirt weather. His phone beeped, and a message popped up from Smash. It seemed Keith had a guest.

He stood up as he watched Mitchell hobble up the walkway. The man’s father had really done a number on him. Mitchell had several broken ribs, and he was covered from head to toe with cuts and bruises. Keith could not believe that a father could do that to his only son.

“You’re looking better.” Keith met Mitchell at the bottom of the front step with his hand held out.

“I’m about ready for a marathon.” Mitchell chuckled.

“I bet.” Keith motioned to the front door, but Mitchell shook his head.

“I won’t be staying long. I just wanted to drop by and thank you.” Mitchell dropped his head. “And apologize.”

“You have nothing to apologize for, bud.” Keith didn’t blame Mitchell for his father’s behavior.

“That’s what Emily said when I dropped by her salon to say goodbye.” He shuffled from one foot to the other.

“Goodbye? You’re leaving?”

“Yeah, I’ve got some friends in Montreal. I’m going to spend some time with them. Take some time off and get my head together. I’m having a lot of trouble with what happened.” Mitchell’s eyes filled with tears.

“I’m sure you do. Have you talked to anyone?” Keith knew better than anyone how talking things out could be difficult.

“My friend’s partner is going to help me find a doctor when I get up there.” Mitchell held out his hand.

“Keep in touch. I’m sure Emily doesn’t want to lose contact again.” Keith shook Mitchell’s hand.

“Yeah, she’s already threatened me.” Mitchell laughed.

“Take care of yourself.” Mitchell nodded as he walked away.

Keith wondered if the man would ever be the same. How someone got through things like that was beyond him? Family was supposed to support and love you. Not hurt and nearly kill you.

That Sunday his family gathered at Jack’s Place. The pub his Aunt Alice owned. They were having a private gathering to celebrate Alexander’s baptism and Emily’s birthday. Keith had a huge surprise for everyone too, but before he sprung it on his family, he needed to be completely honest with them about what happened in Yellowknife.

It was still a miracle how he’d managed to keep it from most of them for so long. It was time they all knew, and then he could do what he’d been itching to do for weeks.

“Everyone, can I have your attention.” Keith grabbed the microphone from the stage where his brothers were setting up the equipment for the band.

Everyone turned towards him, and he froze for a moment. Everyone in the place meant the world to him, especially the beautiful auburn haired beauty smiling at him.

“I’ve got a couple of things I want to say to everyone.” Keith cleared his throat. “It’s about me and how what happened to Sandy last year was connected to me.”

Keith scanned the group of his loved ones as they gave him their full attention. Before he could continue his grandmother walked up next to him and motioned for him to bend down.

“Keithy, if dis is about dat sweet girl ya married and she was murdered by dat crazy sister of hers, we already know.” Nanny Betty kissed his cheek and walked away.

Keith stared after her with his mouth hung open. Then he narrowed his eyes and searched for Ian. His brother was the only one that would have opened his mouth, but when Keith located Ian at the bar, Ian was just as surprised the family knew.

“How do they know?” Ian asked him.

“I’ve got no idea.” Keith glanced at Sandy. She was glancing around the room as if she hoped he didn’t see her. “Sandy?”

“Yes?” She smiled at him sweetly.

“Did you tell my family about Tessa?” He asked.

“Yes, because it was stupid you didn’t tell them so I had a few drinks with the girls one night and I might have let it slip. Nan was there, and well that was the end of that secret.” Sandy lifted the baby into Keith’s arms and walked away.

“I feel really sorry for you, bro.” Keith shook his head. “I’m glad you married her, but you would be the only one to have patience with her.”

“Don’t I know it.” Ian laughed.

Keith gazed down at the little bundle of white squirming in his arms. His godson was about to help him with the big surprise he had for Emily. Keith searched the room for her parents to let them know he was ready.

Keith had talked to them earlier that week and asked them for their blessing. Nelson hadn’t seemed the least bit surprised by Keith’s request. According to him, Cora had already prepared Emily’s parents for the impending engagement. Of course, Cora knew Keith and Emily were going to be together before he’d even met the love of his life.

“Okay, so I guess that makes one more thing.” He held up little Alexander so everyone could see his face. “This little man would like Emily to come take him.”

Emily wearily walked towards Keith. What she didn’t know was he’d put a box in Alexander’s little hands. When he eased the baby into her arms, she narrowed her eyes at Keith.

“What are you up to?” She asked.

“Not me, Alex has a present for you.” Keith pointed to the black box under his now sleeping nephew’s little hands.

Emily carefully removed it from under the baby’s hands and stared at the box. Sandy relieved her of the baby, and she opened the box. Inside was a folded piece of paper, and Keith watched her open it.

“Read it out loud,” Marina shouted.

“To find your surprise you need to follow the clues.” Emily gazed up at him and sighed. “What is all this?”

“You’d have to ask Alex, but I don’t think he’s going to tell you much.” Keith chuckled. Emily rolled her eyes and continued to read.

“Go to the man that first loved you.” Emily read. Keith hoped she knew that the answer was her father.

Emily stared at him for a moment and then looked around the room. She moved toward her father, and when she got next to him, her dad gave her another black box. She opened it to find another piece of paper. Keith chuckled when she groaned.

“Are you kidding me?” Emily glared back at him.

“Alex, what are you up to?” Keith looked down at the baby in Sandy’s arms.

“Take six steps toward the bar.” Emily read the piece of paper. “Turn to the person on your left and receive the next clue.”

Keith laughed when she slapped the piece of paper against her father’s hand and took the steps she was required to take. As he’d planned Kim was exactly where she should be holding another black box.

“You too? I thought you were my friend?” Emily snatched the box, and Kim laughed.

“You love me.” Kim hugged her. “Happy Birthday.”

“Go to the bar and receive your next clue from the bartender.” Emily again glared at Keith with a cute little grin on her beautiful mouth. He’d planned for Bull to be behind the bar but his friend had to leave town again. So now Aaron was there with that sly grin on his face.

Emily moved to the bar and held out her hand. Aaron shook his head. Keith was about to go over and smack him in the back of the head. His brother was only supposed to give Emily the box.

“A.J.,” Emily sighed as she wiggled her fingers.

“Sorry, this clue requires payment.” Aaron turned his cheek and tapped his finger against it. Emily glanced back at Keith and giggled. Keith wasn’t amused.

“If I must, but it’s an awfully high price to pay.” Emily leaned over the bar and gave Aaron a quick kiss on the cheek. He held out his hand with the little black box in the middle of it. Emily snatched it and turned towards Keith.

“How many more of these are there?” Emily opened the box and held up the folded piece of paper.

“Guess you’ll have to keep going to find out.” Keith raised an eyebrow and grinned.

“I’m not liking you very much right now.” She unfolded the paper and glanced down at it.

“Walk to the front of the stage and close your eyes.” Emily held up the paper. “If you hit me with a pie I will hurt you.”

“That isn’t going to happen,” Keith assured her.

Emily walked slowly to the front of the stage and turned, so she was facing the crowd. She didn’t close her eyes as she stared at him.

“Close your eyes, Princess.” Keith reminded her.

Marina stepped behind her and put a blindfold over Emily’s eyes. It had been her idea. She didn’t believe Emily was going to keep her eyes closed long enough for them to pull things off.

“What are we doing? Playing pin the tail on the horse?” Emily laughed as Marina made sure Emily’s eyes were fully covered.

When his sister-in-law nodded, everyone scattered to the job they’d been given. John and James brought out a huge birthday cake with Princess written on it in purple icing. Stephanie brought out a tiara and placed it on Emily’s head. Emily squeaked when she reached up and touched what was on her head.

The next thing was the huge black box that was brought out for him to climb into. It had taken an entire day driving all over the city to find one big enough for him to crouch down into. He and his brothers had finally gotten a bunch of big boxes and put them together in a way that looked like it was one big one. Kristy and Isabelle had wrapped it covering all the seams. Jess and Pam had managed to find a big ribbon to put on the cover.

The box was set up so when she lifted off the cover the sides fell open, and he would be inside on his knee holding the last black box. One that contained the engagement ring he’d picked out for her. A single tear drop diamond on a delicate gold band. He also had Burlap inside the box in her carrier. It took some major begging for his aunt Alice to allow him to bring Burlap into her pub.

Once Keith was situated and had Burlap in the crook of his arm, John, James Ian, and Mike closed up the sides while Nick placed the cover on top. Keith knelt in the box his heart pounding in his chest. He could hear everyone whispering around him, and he pressed talk on his phone. When Emily opened her eyes, she would see the cake and Jess would hand her a phone with his recording on it.

Grandda wish me luck.