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“Congratulations,” Dalton says as he steps up to give Marley a hug before slapping his hand down on my shoulder with a squeeze. “I always knew you were a smart man, boss. I’m glad you aren’t letting her get away. She’s a keeper.” Marley’s face is blood red from all the attention and praise. The guys begin to file out, leaving my brothers with me and Marley.
“So, you’re giving up your bachelor card?” Bo asks with a grin. I glare at him, not wanting him to upset Marley with his childish behavior. “Don’t give me that look. I’m happy for you. I wish I were in your shoes.” My eyebrows shoot up in shock. I can’t believe, my brother the perpetual playboy is saying he wishes he was getting married and settling down.
“Bo? Are you feeling all right?” Enos asks, he voice laced with unease. Bo turns to give him a glare.
“Don’t act so surprised,” Bo grumbles. “I’m not a total ass.” My brothers and I share a look that blatantly disagrees with him. “Good grief! I’m not that bad. Am I?”
“Yeah, bro, you kinda are,” Enos comments. “I mean we all get it. Well, except for Luke now. No strings, no attachments, means you don’t have to worry about letting anyone down. We allknow you’re the master of the one-night stand.” Bo rolls his eyes.
“Well, maybe I’m sick of all that,” Bo argues, shocking all of us. “I see how happy Marley’s made Luke. I can’t help feeling a little jealous, you know?” Whoa! My brother the playboy is contemplating actual feelings. The world maybe coming to an end. “But today is not about me, but Luke and Marley and their happiness. I’m really pleased for you both.” Bo walks over to us, patting me on the back. “Welcome to the family, sister.” Marley looks up at Bo with tears in her eyes.
“I’ve always wanted a brother,” Marley confesses. “Now I have three.” A huge smile crosses her face as my brothers all chuckle. Bo bends down to kiss the top of Marley’s head as he hugs her. Enos is next to give Marley a hug.
“I’m happy to call you sister,” Enos declares as he pulls away. He runs his hand over the top of my head to mess up my hair with a chuckle. Asshole. He loves to mess with me. Rosco is holding back, not joining in on the celebration. I’m really hoping he doesn’t ruin the exuberant atmosphere. Bo and Enos look over at him, then leave the room. I study my brother. He’s always been on the serious side and even more so after leaving the Navy. I wish I knew what was going on in his head. Eventually he heads over to us. I can tell Marley is as concerned as I am over Rosco’s reaction.
“So,” Rosco begins. I wait expectantly for him to continue. “You’re tying the knot?” I nod as does Marley. He smiles then which totally transforms him. It’s good to see. “Marley, I’m really thankful you chose to forgive Luke that first week. I thought I had ruined everything when you stormed out of the house. Luke has always looked out for me, even though he’s only a few years older than me. He was the father I never had. He is an old man”—he grins at me—“but, he deserves to have you in his life. You’re one lucky girl, and he’s an extremely lucky man. Welcome to the family, sis.” Marley beams at Rosco as he jerks her to her feetgiving her a fierce hug and kissing her forehead. He leaves us alone then.
“Luke, I’m so happy.” Marley sighs, settling back onto my lap, laying her head on my shoulder. I tighten my arms around her.
“Me too, baby,” I murmur. “Me too. I never thought I’d find you, my love, my everything, but I’m so glad I did. I can’t imagine life without you.” Marley’s face is glowing with her happiness.
“I feel the same, Luke,” Marley whispers so softly. We share a tender kiss before deciding it’s time to get back to the business of providing security to our clients. Additionally I need to get back to looking for clues as to what this terrorist group is planning and how we can stop it before Marley or anyone else is in danger.
LUKE
It’s been three days since Agent Morris gave us an update. It seems his informant is no closer to getting any more details than I or my brothers have been. It’s frustrating, to say the least. I’m consumed with worry. I haven’t allowed Marley out of my sight the last few days, insisting she work in my office. She rolled her eyes at me when I first suggested it. After all, she’s just down the hall, but she’s the first person to come in contact with someone when they come to Invictus. She’s a sitting duck in the front office. I think she can sense my worry, my unease. Being the loving woman she is, she relented only in an effort to ease my discomfort.
Marley’s nightmares and anxiety have greatly improved since she’s been working with the therapist, while mine have only gotten worse. Perhaps I need to consider seeing one, too. I keep dreaming of Marley being taken from me, and I’m helpless to stop it. She’s strapped with a suicide bomb and forced into a crowd of people. I try desperately to fight my way through the throngs of people to reach her, but I’m hampered by my chair. It always ends the same. An explosion so bright I’m blinded, beingthrown backward and out of my chair before waking in a cold sweat.
I haven’t shared my dreams with Marley. I don’t want to worry her even more. I know my sister has had premonitions in the past through dreams, and I fear this is what’s happening now, and I’m helpless to stop it. Maybe I need to ask my sister for advice. She’s been here the last couple of days helping Marley with the wedding arrangements. Mom is arriving in a couple of hours and still doesn’t know about the wedding. I’d elected not to tell her when I’d called inviting her to visit. I’m putting off the fight as long as possible.
As if I conjured my sister by thinking about her, Daisy pokes her head in my office door. “Hey, Luke!” She grins at me. “Can I borrow Marley? I promise I’ll keep my eyes on her the whole time.” I nod. I know I’ve been a little crazy lately. It seems everyone else is picking up on it, too.
“Marley?” I ask as Marley gets to her feet. She stops and looks at me as does my sister. “Um, baby girl, could you do me a favor and get me another cup of coffee?” Marley nods, heading toward the breakroom. Once I’m sure she’s out of ear shot I turn to Daisy.
“I need a favor,” I say without preamble. Daisy smiles. I’m sure she’s thinking this has something to do with the wedding, but she couldn’t be further from the truth. “Actually, I need some advice.”
“More foreplay followed my multiple orgasms.” Daisy laughs, causing me to be confused, not following her train of thought.
“What?” I frown at her as I’m trying to understand what she just said. “Eww! No! I don’t need bedroom advice. Jeez! Is your mind always in the gutter?”
Daisy shrugs with a grin. “It didn’t used to be. I blame Ace. He’s corrupted me.” I shake my head in frustration.
“I’m serious Daisy. I need your help, not to hear about your sex life.” I shudder at the thought. “I’ve been having very vivid,frightening dreams about Marley.” I glance at the door not wanting Marley to overhear. Daisy notices my actions and pokes her head out into the hall.
“Talk fast, she’s just coming out of the breakroom,” Daisy whispers, conspiratorially.
“I think it’s a premonition. Like what you’ve experienced before. What I want to know is, can I stop it?” I give Daisy a pointed look. I know she understands what I’m asking. She frowns and worry mars her face.
“I don’t know, Luke,” Daisy admits. “There have been times I made different decisions based on the dreams I’d been having, and they didn’t happen exactly like I dreamed, but it’s no guarantee. I’m sorry I can’t be more help.” Marley enters the room. Her steps faltering as she senses the tension our conversation has created. I reach out to take the cup from her hand.
“Thank you, baby.” I kiss her before sipping my liquid energy. “Now I’ll let you two get back to the wedding plans.” Marley stares at me. I know she can see into my soul. She’s my other half after all. She knows I’m keeping something from her, but I see the moment she decides not to push. I’ll tell her everything when I’m ready, and I think she understands that. It’s amazing how close we’ve become in such a short amount of time.
“Come on Marley,” Daisy demands. “I want you to try on some dresses.” Both women’s faces light up. I can’t wait to see what they decide on, but I’ve been informed I can’t see until she walks down the aisle. Thinking about her in a beautiful white wedding gown reminds me I need to check on my suit. We are planning this rather quickly, and it’s not going to be a highly formal event, but still, I want it to be everything Marley wants. I want it to be a day we will always look back on with fond memories.
Preparations are well under way. We are getting married at the house on the boardwalk, which leads from my patio to the beach, overlooking the ocean. My brothers will be my best men,and Marley has asked Daisy to be her maid of honor. She’s also invited some of her old friends and classmates as bridesmaids. One is coming later in the week to spend a few days with Marley to help with the arrangements and catch up before our big day.
The cake has been ordered, and Jay is catering the food from his bar and providing the alcohol for the reception. Jay knows an officiant who is free to perform the ceremony. He’s still a little pissed at me for taking Marley as my secretary, effectively ensuring she won’t be back to work at his bar, but I know he’ll eventually get over it. He’s been a good friend for most of my life.
