A Side of Faith, Hope and Love: The Sandwich Romance Novella Collection Page 9

  Jared stood on the opposite side of the room, gun slack in his hand as he stared at her.

  Had someone seen her note?

  Using the tampons had been her last ditch resort. She’d tried toilet paper, but the wind took hold and ripped it off after the first try, sending it sailing into the air and to a nearby tree. Passersby would think they’d been TPed.

  But the tampons were sturdy. She’d tied as many together as she could in less than a minute, scrawled her message on the window, then came out just as Jared started pounding on the door.

  Embarrassing? Yes. But if it worked and saved their lives, she’d get over it.

  “I don’t believe you.”

  She jerked from her thoughts back to the madman across the way. “What?”

  “Sean. He looks just like you.”

  “I promise he's not your child. Sean, do you have a Facebook?”

  Jared lifted the gun and pointed it at her. “What are you doing? Trying to get him to send someone a message?”

  Holding her hands up, she backed up a step. Her chest ached with the racing of her heart, but she worked not to show her fear. “Of course not, Jared. I was just saying, if he gave you his password, you could log on and see. He probably has pictures of his mom on there.”

  Sean leaned forward. “Uh, I don’t, but my mom does. You could look at hers and see.”

  Jared looked at them both, then slipped Rachel’s phone from his pocket.

  As he started to turn it on, the doorbell chimed.

  Rachel swung around and looked at the door. Had someone seen her note? The police? Why hadn’t they just barged in? Or positioned the swat team on the roof and crashed through the windows like on the cop shows?

  Jared turned the gun to the boys. “Get in the back bedroom. Now. Try anything funny, and I’ll kill her.”

  They scurried from their spot on the couch toward the back of the house.

  He turned the gun back on her. “I’ll be standing in the hallway listening. Open the door and get rid of them. Got it?”

  She nodded, not trusting her voice.

  “One wrong move and the boys are dead.”

  With one last wave of the silver revolver, he moved to the hallway, just out of view of the door.

  A sliver of hope crawled up her spine. She could do this.

  Reaching to the top of the shelf, she grabbed the case and slipped the gun out.

  Jared’s voice pounded behind her. “Hurry up and get the door, Rachel.”

  Glancing at the bullets still in their case, she opted to not press her luck. One step at a time. “Sorry, I—I’m opening it now.”

  Sliding her hand over the lock, she turned the deadbolt and opened the door a foot.

  Her heart lurched at the sight of Cameron on the other side.

  “Hey. I know I’m a little early but couldn’t sleep. Saw your light on and figured you might be up too.”

  She glanced back to the hallway entrance, then back at Cameron. Had he seen her sign? “I, uh, I can’t leave right now. I’m still too tired.”

  His gaze locked on the gun in her hand. Before she could protest, he slipped it from her hand, pushed her behind him, and stepped into the room.

  No. No. No. He was going to face Jared with an unloaded gun.

  “Cameron, please, I just need—”

  Jared stepped out of the shadows, gun drawn. “Should have listened to the little lady.”

  Both men had guns pointed at each other.

  Rachel couldn’t let this happen. Without thinking of the risks, she flung her body in front of Cameron just as the horrific sound of a gun firing filled the air.

  A blast like a searing hot iron tore through her middle as she heard Cameron’s shout. Strong arms circled her and eased her to the ground as the room blurred.

  Screams and shouting mixed in the air, the voices unintelligible.

  Time blurred. Hands clasped her face, then probed her body. Something hard pressed on her stomach. Shards of pain riveted through her body, and she heard a loud moan.

  A moment later, she realized the sound was coming from her own mouth.

  Darkness pulled on her, offering her sweet relief.

  No. She couldn’t black out. The boys needed her.

  A familiar voice called her name. Begging her to open her eyes.

  She forced herself to obey.

  Cameron’s face was inches above hers. “It’s going to be okay. An ambulance is almost here.”

  She opened her mouth to ask a question. Make sure the boys are okay. But her throat went dry and words refused to release.

  Her red-headed knight brushed a hand against her head. “Shh. Don’t try to talk. The boys are fine, and the police have Jared. Don’t worry sweetheart. Just stay with me, okay? I need you.”

  Sirens blared in the background, backing up Cameron’s words.

  He leaned down and brushed his lips against her cheek.

  The darkness beckoned again, but this time, she had no energy to resist.

  As the black ushered her away, she looked one last time at Cameron’s face, a sad thought filling her heart.

  We’ll miss our first date…

  Thirteen

  Cameron sat beside the hospital bed, the sterile stench of alcohol assaulting his nose.

  He let his fingers trace the veins in Rachel’s hand, willing her to wake up and talk to him.

  The nurse told him she’d been awake and asking for him, but sleeping beauty had her eyes closed at the moment, her breathing even. The monitor overhead displayed a bunch of colored numbers he hoped were good.

  Taking advantage of the quiet moment, he leaned down and kissed her hand. He’d almost lost her. Had thought for sure after Jared pulled the trigger that either or both of them were doomed.

  He rested his forehead against the hospital bed rail. The crazy woman really had thrown herself in front of him. Taken his bullet.

  The bullet he deserved for being so stupid.

  He’d taken her gun, disregarding the panic in her eyes as fear instead of the warning it was. Of course it had no bullets. If it had, she’d probably have already shot the guy.

  Such an idiot. His plan had only been to let her know he was there. He was going to just pretend to leave, then take Jared down when he wasn’t looking.

  But when he’d seen the gun, he’d thought he had a chance to save the day. Be the knight in flannel pajama pants, riding in on his inflated ego.

  Instead, he’d gotten her shot in the stomach.

  Thankfully, it’d missed all major organs, a miracle the doctor had shaken his head in disbelief at. It’d hit her diaphragm only, which they’d repaired during surgery in the middle of the night.

  The night had been full of miracles, like his car overheating for no apparent reason. He’d tried it again to drive to the hospital, and it started like a charm. No sputtering. No smoking. Nothing. God’s doing, no doubt.

  Then there’d been that woman out for a run, who just happened to be a police officer. She’d seen Rachel’s note too and had come in, gun drawn, just as Jared’s gun had gone off. If not for her, who knows how it would have ended?

  The other miracle was the bullet had gone clear through Rachel, only grazing Cameron’s side as he stood behind her.

  Part of him wished it’d gotten him in the gut. It wasn’t fair Rachel was sitting here in a hospital bed while he was walking around with only a little bandage to show for it. He’d give anything to trade places and take her pain.

  Rachel’s hand fluttered.

  Cameron lifted his head to see her looking at him. Her mouth tipped into a small smile, the corners of her lips tight with pain. “You’re here.”

  He reached up and touched a limp curl of her dark, matted hair. “Wouldn’t be anywhere else.”

  She moved her hand on top of his and squeezed. “Are the boys okay? The doctor told me they were fine, but I needed to hear it from you.”

  “They’re fine. Back at their homes, no physical harm done
.”

  Her mouth dipped to a scowl. “And Jared?”

  Rage filled his gut at the mention of that scum of the earth. “He’s in jail where he belongs.”

  Rachel closed her eyes, a sigh on her lips. “He’s a troubled man.”

  “He can rot there for all I care.”

  The woman who had officially stolen his heart opened her eyes and captured his gaze. “He’s broken, Cameron. What he did was very wrong. And he deserves to pay. But I was broken once too. The difference is, I had someone to fall back on. Jared never did.”

  Guilt tugged at him. She was right, even though it went against every desire for revenge that raged through him.

  Rachel winced as she struggled to reposition herself.

  Cameron stood to help. “Here, let me—”

  “It’s okay.” She winced. “I just needed to sit up a bit.”

  He leaned over and offered his arm. She held on and used it as leverage to pull up a little, the pain in her face easing slightly.

  Her closeness disrupted every thought in his brain, despite the fact they were in the hospital, which had to be the most unromantic place ever.

  He fluffed her pillow, then sat back down. “Better?”

  She nodded. “Thanks. Now tell me what happened. Everything’s fuzzy.”

  “I was an idiot and tried to protect you with an unloaded gun. That’s what happened.”

  She flicked his hand with her index finger. “You were not. It was—heroic.”

  “Considering the princess got shot, I make a poor excuse for a hero.”

  “Princes aren’t perfect, you know.”

  Her prince. Now that sounded as close to perfect as he’d ever hoped. A desire to protect her for the rest of her life swarmed over him. He knew he couldn’t push it, but the thought of letting her go was more painful than any gunshot wound ever would be. “This prince is a little bummed our Saturday night date is in a hospital.”

  “I’m a little hungry. You could go sneak me some decent non-hospital food, then we could watch a movie on the TV.”

  He wiggled his eyebrows. “Dinner and a movie. Sounds good to me.”

  Rachel snagged his hand and gave it a weak squeeze, letting her fingers rest on his. “You know, after this, we’ll have our first date behind us.”

  He turned her hand over and outlined circles on her palm with his thumb, then leaned down and trailed his lips over the invisible shape he’d just made. Her skin was just too tempting. “You know I’m awful at following the rules, right?”

  She shrugged. “Some rules are overrated.”

  He pressed a kiss to her wrist but stilled when he heard her sharp intake of breath. He glanced up, his eyes darting to the monitor. Except for a little red number being about ten digits higher, it looked the same. He looked back at her, noting her flushed cheeks. “You okay?”

  Her lips parted, and she whispered a breathless, “Perfect.”

  Standing up, he leaned over the hospital bed, carefully putting a hand on either side of her. He rested his forehead to hers, his lips only inches away. “I think I’m falling for you, Rachel Carter.”

  Her IV-covered hand reached up and brushed his cheek.

  Lowering his lips, he tasted her mouth, slowly, gently.

  His injured princess pulled back, her heart in her eyes. Her hand stroked his cheek. “I think I’m falling for you too, my handsome red-headed giant.”

  Smiling, he winked at her. “I’ll be happy to shave it off if you’d like. I don’t want it to be a bad reminder.”

  She reached up and took a moment fingering his hair, then smiled. “No. I like it. Although, I gotta admit, bald men are kinda hot too.”

  A laugh erupted from his belly, and he leaned down to claim her lips again.

  Tomorrow, his head would be shaved.

  Epilogue

  Maddie and Reuben’s house was brimming with people, mostly family, a few friends and employees from the restaurant.

  Rachel wasn’t sure why she and Cameron had been invited, or even the purpose of the party, but she was having a fabulous time being on the arm of her man in public for the first time. It’d taken her a few weeks to recover and feel like going out again.

  Cameron made a point of putting his arm around her waist as they chatted with Betty, Reuben’s mom. The possessive pressure felt good. Not demanding but protective.

  Betty turned toward Rachel, a sympathetic frown on her lips. “Are you feeling okay, dear? If you need to sit down, please do.”

  “No, I’m fine, thank you. I feel like I’ve rested enough these past three weeks to last me a decade.” Allie had demanded she stay at her house during the recovery. That woman was a drill sergeant, except instead of making her do stuff, she commanded her to do nothing.

  Betty’s husband, Gary, stepped up and put an arm around his wife. “Do they have a court date yet for Jared?”

  The mention of his name brought the familiar pain to her heart. “No, but he’s in jail on a million-dollar bail and has no chance of getting out anytime soon.”

  Betty reached over and squeezed her hand. “You’re holding up so well, dear. I’m just amazed. And Kyle is doing much better than I expected. Maddie says he and Sean are almost inseparable now.”

  Cameron laughed. “I told Rachel I might have my Big Brother role taken from me if it continues.”

  Goodness, he would make an amazing father someday. Rachel elbowed him playfully. “I doubt that.”

  Reuben yelled above the crowd, tapping a spoon to his glass of sparkling grape juice. “Attention, everyone!”

  Betty whispered, “That’s my cue. I’ll be right back.”

  She rushed out of view as a hush settled in the overcrowded room. A moment later, Betty and Allie came back in from the kitchen with trays full of desserts. Each partygoer was given a foil-lined cupcake.

  Reuben shouted above the commotion. “I’ll explain in a minute, but don’t eat your cake just yet.”

  Cameron took two from the plate as it went by and handed one to Rachel.

  Once everyone had their cupcake, Reuben continued. “I know you all must be wondering the purpose of this party. You’re all our friends and family, and we wanted to announce to all of you first.”

  Someone shouted from the back of the room, “We already know you’re pregnant, dude.” Rachel was pretty sure it was Stew, Allie’s husband.

  Laughter echoed through the room.

  Reuben shook his head. “If I was pregnant, well, we’d have much bigger issues than cupcakes at a party. But alas, no. However, we did find out the gender of our baby this last week, and thought you would like to know what we’re having.”

  He looked to Maddie and nodded.

  The pert little brunette settled a hand on her large belly, a giddy smile on her lips. “So, on the count of three, everyone bite into your cupcake!” Worried looks appeared on the faces of the guests. “And don’t worry, Betty baked them.”

  Another round of laughter bounced off the walls, followed by relieved expressions.

  Maddie and Reuben counted off.

  “One, Two, Three!”

  Rachel peeled off the foil to her cupcake and took a big bite.

  A pink and blue swirled cake became visible.

  Reuben, his chest puffed out prouder than a peacock on steroids, announced, “We’re having twins!”

  The room erupted in excitement and cheers. Rachel clapped her hands, trying to hold back tears of joy for her friend.

  Cameron’s arm came around her, pulling her close. His warm breath tickled her ear. “Someday, this might be us.”

  Warm jitters filled her belly. “Cart before the horse, mister. I think we need a few more dates under our belts before we talk marriage and babies.”

  He laughed, then he kissed the spot just below her earlobe that made her want to throw caution into the wind and suggest elopement.

  Not for the first time in the last few weeks, she wondered what she’d done to deserve such a wonderful man.
/>
  She closed her eyes, enjoying the moment. The picture of Jesus floated into her memory. If she wasn’t mistaken, Jesus winked at her again. O ye of little faith…

  A Side of Hope Dedication

  To all those who have, or will have, marriages that aren’t always easy.

  (Which is pretty much all marriages everywhere.)

  While circumstances may vary widely, the Bible tells us that three things remain.

  And I’m here to tell you, hope is one of them, friends.

  Grab hold of the hope that ONLY comes from Jesus.

  One

  What a cruddy day.

  Slamming the door of her Chevy coupe, Tilly Davis wanted nothing more than to go inside, take off this stupid outfit, throw these heels in the trash, and soak in a nice, hot bubble bath.

  Yes. That sounded just about perfect.

  How stupid could she get? Everyone had dropped hints about her birthday for weeks, and every time, she’d reminded them how she did not want a big production made out of her fortieth birthday. She was turning thirty-five for the sixth time. That’s all. No big deal.

  But as much as she did not want a big fuss over this day, never in a million years had she imagined they would actually listen to her—especially Beth, Maddie, and Allie.

  Because of her love for her friends, she'd decided to be a good sport about whatever they were planning behind all their whispers and conversations that quickly changed when she entered a room. She’d taken a little extra time with her clothes this morning. Worn a skirt instead of dress slacks. The only skirt in her closet, actually. And heels. Yes, she had walked around the Sandwich Emporium, schmoozing with customers, helping frazzled waitresses, talking a few of the kitchen staff out of spitting in irritating customers’ food, all the while wearing stupid, stupid, stupid cursed heels. She almost broke her ankle on three occasions, too.

  And all that misery, for what?

  Beth, her best friend and bowling partner extraordinaire, had dropped off a card this morning and hugged her, then rushed off to the florist shop, claiming she was doing a big wedding that weekend and still had a billion things to do. Reuben had waved and called “Happy Birthday!” as he headed home for the day, and reminded her that she could take off at seven. His “gift” to her or something. Maddie, Reuben’s wife, had called to let her know she couldn’t have lunch with her as planned because the babies would not stop rolling around and kicking each other in her belly, causing some not-so-stellar digestive issues. Tilly had stopped her before getting a graphic play-by-play of the issue.