Forever's Affection (Forever In Luck Series Book 3) Page 20

  Getting up from the picnic table at the same time the first sheriff emerged from his cruiser, he said rather loudly, “We need to speak with Alexa Reed, is she here?”

  “That’s me,” Dani said, moving towards them.

  Joined by his coworker, the sheriff continued. “Ma'am we need to have a word with you.”

  Duh? “Yeah, I gather that. What seems to be the problem?”

  “You’ve been difficult to find Ms. Reed,” the second one said. “We’ve been asked to have you call this number immediately.”

  He promptly handed her a slip of paper with writing on it. Lot of good that would do, she couldn’t read what it said. There were some numbers though, so that was going to have to be good enough. Folding the paper and putting it in her pocket, she looked at the men. “Thank you, I will.”

  “Now,” the first one said firmly.

  She wanted to argue, tell him she wasn’t giving Junie up. Pulling out her cell phone and the piece of paper, she looked at it and carefully found the numbers on her phone and punched them in. Putting the phone to her ear, she listened as it rang.

  “Boulder Police Department.”

  She paused and hesitated, looking at the two men before responding. “Yes, hello, I’m Alexa Reed, I was told to call you.”

  “Do you have a contact name, ma'am?”

  Dani shook her head in confusion, then answered weakly. “No.” It was probably on the paper they gave her.

  “Just one moment please.”

  There was silence, followed by a series of clicks, then a man picked up. “Officer Hayes speaking.”

  Clearing her throat, Dani said, “Yes, hello, I’m Lexy Reed, I was told to call you.”

  “Ahh, Ms. Reed, we’ve been trying to find you for several days now. Are you alone or is someone with you?”

  Looking at the two sheriff deputies, she paused. “Ahhh, the sheriff’s department is here and I also have family with me. What is this all about?” Dani heard the squeak of what sounded like a chair and imagine the man shifting his position.

  “Ms. Reed, are you a relation to one Tippy Reed from Buffalo, Wyoming?”

  So help her God, what had she done now? Dani paused, then answered solemnly, “She is my mother.”

  The officer’s voice softened. “Ms. Reed, we believe your mother was involved in an accident but have been unable to verify that directly. Might there be any identifying marks on your mother to validate her identity.”

  Turning and looking out unto the pasture, Dani stared upon her horses. Thinking hard for anything but the obvious, she tried to remember, then said reluctantly, “Umm, well, there are two tattoos, one on her lower abdomen and one across her back side, both sexually explicit.”

  “Very well. Ms. Reed, I regret to inform you your mother did not survive the crash.”

  A very loud buzzing noise went through her head and she could have sworn the earth wobbled a bit, because her vision rocked as her knees buckled a little before she caught herself and swallowed around the dryness of her throat. The noise in her ears sounded like humming electrical lines. She blinked. “Excuse me, say that again, please.”

  Clearly uncomfortable, the man on the line cleared his throat. “Ma'am, your mother, she was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. I’m sorry.”

  Silence. Then the vocalizations of birds chirping and calling loudly, sounded in the near periphery of her head as she heard, strangely enough, a rooster crowing.

  “Believe me when I tell you, you two are not going back to Wyoming, Wisconsin is your home now.”

  Time warping and snapping back to the present, she looked around as she fought back tears. Tipping her head up, she watched as the clouds of a gathering storm parted in the sky and the sun peeked out, shining upon her. It was over, and the two of them were free. Lost in the moment, she took a deep and satisfying breath. “Thank you, Officer Hayes. Have my brothers been notified?”

  “No ma'am. Your name was the only one we found in her wallet.”

  Naturally. “Thank you again, I will call them. Have a nice day.” Dani was about to hang up, when she heard the officer say something. “Excuse me.”

  “Her body, it’s at the county morgue. Could I give you the number? I’m afraid someone will need to make a positive ID and claim the body.”

  Turning, she looked at Kris, she should really talk with him about this. She shook her head. No, that woman never cared for her one bit, and she wasn’t about to honor her with the status befitting of a loved one. “Officer Hayes, I will contact my brothers, one of them will be in charge of making decisions regarding my mother from this point moving forward. Their names are Clint and Wade Reed, one resides in Casper, the other in Cheyenne.”

  He paused, clearly sensing the disconnect. “Very well, Ms. Reed, we’ll wait to hear from one of them then.”

  Hanging up the phone, she looked at the two men standing in front of her. “Are we done?”

  “Yes ma'am, is there anything we can do for you?”

  She shook her head. “No, thank you. I’ll be fine, thank you for coming. I’m sorry for your trouble. I need to call my brothers. Thank you again.” She was rambling. Turning, she wobbled and walked away. Pulling up Wade’s number, she headed for her swing.

  *****

  Standing when Dani looked at him, Kris watched as she turned from the men and walked to her swing. Looking back when he heard the doors of the cars slam shut, he watched as both vehicles backed up and headed out the way they came.

  Coming to stand next to him, his dad said, “You better go see what’s going on. Something’s happened, she damn near fell when she turned around.”

  Tipping his head down, Kris looked at Junie and noticed she’d reverted to the way she’d been when they’d picked her up from the airport. “Junebug?” She simply snuggled closer to him, tightening her grip. “Sweetheart, the men have left.” He turned so she could see. “You’re alright. Can Papa Karl hold you while I go talk to Nonny?”

  Shifting her head a little, she looked to where the men had been. Sitting up, she reached for his dad and did something she’d never done before. She started sucking her thumb. Oh boy, she had to be scared to death. Running his hand over her head, he tried comforting her. “Stay with Papa, honey, I’ll be back to get you, I promise.”

  Hightailing it over to Dani, he heard her talking on the phone as he neared.

  “I don’t care what you do, you can do anything you want, but I will not be coming back there.” She spluttered and threw a hand up in the air. “Oh well, you two figure it out, and if you do nothing, than it can be the county’s problem, but I’m not dealing with it, I won’t. My focus is Junie.”

  She scooted over, as he came to sit by her. Putting his arm around her, he listened as she talked.

  “All I want are any important papers that have to do with me or Junie, that’s it.”…“You’ll have to come here then, because I won’t be going there.”…“I have no idea, you’ll have to talk with Officer Hayes from the Boulder Police Department. If you choose to do nothing, then at least let him know.”…“You’ll call Clint?”…“Alright, I’ll talk with you later.”

  Hanging up, she let out a big breath, scooched over closer and fell against him. “Hold me, please.”

  He wrapped his arms around her and put a kiss on her head. “What happened?”

  “She’s dead.”

  Oh boy, he needed to be sure here. “Who is?”

  “Mama.”

  They sat in silence for a long while as he rocked them back and forth.

  “I was thinking we should get married right here.”

  Hold up. “Sweetheart, your mom died. What happened?”

  She shrugged. “I don’t know. Those men came and told me I had to call this number, and when I did, it was the Boulder Police Department telling me there had been an accident and that Mama didn’t survive the crash.”

  Holy shit…her words rolled around in his head banging into one another. Did this mean wha
t he thought it meant? It did, didn’t it…? The words went back and forth, back and forth.

  “How about the Fourth of July, right here, if we can find an official to do it.”

  Pulling her in tighter, he hugged her and held her. “Dani, are you okay?”

  Silence… Looking up at him, she said solemnly, “I don’t want to tell Junie until after I talk with the attorney and everything is said and done.”

  Pushing them on the swing, he nodded. “I understand. I feel like I should say something, but I don’t know what to say. I’m sorry sounds right, but honestly, it doesn’t feel right.”

  Pulling his hand up and putting a kiss on it, she held his arms about her. “How about saying this, Dani, everything will be alright. She can never hurt you or Junie again. I love you and will take care of the two of you forever. We’re going to be married the Fourth of July come hell or high water, so start packing because I’m moving you and Junie to our new house tonight.”

  Kris allowed himself to smile, because as much as this was a sad moment, it was a happy time in their lives too. Standing, he got down on one knee and took her hands in his. “Danielle Reed, you are the very best thing to have ever come into my life. Let go of the past and marry me. Everything will be alright, you’ll see, because I’ll never let anyone hurt you or Junie again.” Reaching in his pocket he pulled out a little box. “It’s not a ring, but we’ll get you one. I saw this and wanted you to have it.” Opening the box he said, “Please say yes, so we can pack your things and bring you and Junie home tonight.”

  She laughed, then cried, clapping her hands to her mouth when she did. Smiling widely, she reached for the box and looked at him amongst her tears. “Kris Albrecht, you’re such a romantic. Yes, I’ll marry you.”

  Lunging for her, he kissed her deeply. “You like it? It’s cool isn’t it? Look, see, it lights up.”

  Unable to contain her joy, she said with enthusiasm, “Now this is what I call love! A light up bobber! So we can fish…at night…in the dark.” She couldn’t stop laughing.

  Shaking his head, he corrected her, “It’s better than that. When a man buys his girl something like this, it means true love for sure.”

  “You better believe it.” Standing, she held out her hand for him. “Let’s go tell our family. Then I’m going to kick Nik’s ass at horseshoes.”

  On his feet again, he pulled her to a stop and looked into her eyes. “You okay? I’m worried about you.”

  Going up on tiptoe, she put a light kiss on his lips. “Worry not. On so many levels I’m relieved, but when it’s all said and done is when I’ll truly relax. Tonight though, I want you to hold me tight and make sweet love to me. Then in the morning, I’ll make you a bowl of cereal and you can kiss me before you head out the door to work.”

  Wrapping his arms around her waist, he pulled her in tight. “A regular old Leave It To Beaver life, huh? Sounds nice, I like it.”

  Putting a kiss on his lips, she answered him. “You bet, but the best part is, it’s real, it’s ours, and it’s for forever.”

  Epilogue

  Eight months later…

  “Pushpushpushpushpush, hold it, hold it…”

  “Ahhhhhhh,” Dani hollered, then grunted, falling back and letting out the deep breath she’d been holding. Gasping, she struggled to get a few more breaths in before the next contraction hit.

  “Here we go, Dani, grab those knees, on the count of three give it all you got. One, two, three, pushpushpushpush, hold it, hold it… keep pushing and holding, there you go, now you got it, good girl.”

  Falling back Dani, gasped for breath. “I need ice chips.”

  Reaching for the cup, Kris dug the spoon in and loaded it with ice. “Open up, sweetheart. You’re doing great. I’m so proud of you.” Eyes closed, she lay savoring the ice as he wiped her face with a cool, wet cloth.

  “This child has your shoulders,” she responded with a snarl.

  Trying not to laugh, he played it safe and took Jake and Nate’s advice, he apologized. “I’m sorry, honey.”

  Her face took on the pain she was feeling, “Noooo, I’m not ready!”

  “Dani, here we go” the midwife said. “Grab those knees, on the count of three give it all you got. One, two, three, pushpushpush, hold it, hold it… keep pushing and holding, there you go, baby’s coming, we can see a little of the head. Dark hair Dani, lots of dark hair. Take a rest.”

  Dani fell back and closed her eyes. Wiping her face again, Kris leaned over and put a kiss on her forehead.

  “It won’t be long Dani, only a couple more pushes” the midwife said with encouragement. “Soon you’ll know if it’s a boy or girl. You’re doing great. Here we go, knees up, push Dani, push. Keep going, keep going… Dad you want to look?”

  Kris leaned over and took a peek. Holy shit. You really could see the top of the baby’s head and it really did have lots of dark hair. Oh God, please, let everything be alright.

  Dani fell back and started to cry. “I can’t do this, I don’t want to do this. I want to go home.”

  Kris got in there and talked her through it. “You’re doing it sweetheart, the baby’s almost here. Just a little bit more.”

  “Why did I go all natural?” she sniveled, “I should have listened and went with the epidural.”

  Brushing her hair out of her face, he talked softly. “You wanted the least intervention, remember?”

  “I was stupid!” she stamped out.

  He kissed her on the forehead. “No, you just wanted the best for the baby.” The pain was starting, he could tell by her face.

  “I can’t,” she whimpered.

  “Yes, sweetheart, you can. Come on, I’ll help you.” Putting his arm around her, he helped her sit up.

  “Dani, knees up and out, push, let’s go, this is it, pushpushpushpush, hold it, hold it, here we go, pant Dani, pant, heads out, pant, okay together, pushpushpush.”

  The baby came out with a whoosh and they quickly put it on Dani’s tummy as she fell back, the nurse rubbing warm towels vigorously all over the baby. “It’s a boy! Dani, it’s a boy!”

  Lifting her head and looking, Dani, started crying as she wrapped her arms around their son. Then grabbing one of Kris’s hands, she damn near broke it when she squeezed it hard.

  “OWOWOWOW! What…oh God, you said I’d be done!” Dani started grunting and straining and the baby was immediately taken to the warmer.

  Scared out of his mind, he asked frantically, “What’s wrong?”

  “We need another table in here now,” the midwife said loud and forceful. “Push, Dani, push.”

  A call was made and the door burst open with a flurry of activity, more nurses, another table, another warmer.

  Kris watched in confusion. Wait, what the hell…

  “Dani, you’re not done yet,” the midwife said. “You’ve been keeping a surprise from us, young lady. Let’s go, grab those knees, on the count of three give it all you got. One, two, three, pushpushpushpush hold it, hold it… keep pushing, keep pushing, there you go, good girl. Rest.”

  Kris looked over at the warmer when he realized he could hear his son crying for the first time. Had he been crying all along and he hadn’t heard it? Stunned, he turned to his wife and felt her exhaustion. Two babies? Really? Then it hit him. Hot damn, twins! How cool was that? Grabbing a damp towel, he wiped Dani’s face.

  “Alright, Dani, here we go, pushpushpush, keep going, keep going, you can do it, you’re doing it, hold it…”

  Dani grunted long and low, and it reminded Kris of the bull they had on the farm. Getting into it, he realized he’d been pushing and straining right along with her the whole time. Whew, this was hard work!

  Falling back, she glared at him when he stood wiping his face with the cool cloth. Quickly grabbing another wet towel, he mopped up her face, then gave her some ice chips, all the while she lay glaring at him. Leaning in, he gave her a peck on the lips. “I love you, sweetheart,” he said sheepishly. “Just think, it�
��s like one of those two for one sales you girls go on and on about.” Then he tried charming her with a smile as he prayed she didn’t kill him.

  “Again Dani, give it all you got. Pushpushpush, there we go, baby’s coming down nicely, keep pushing.”

  Dani fell back, and started crying again, so he knew it was getting close. Getting in there he tried cheering her on. “You can do it sweetheart, you are so beautiful, I’m so proud of you.”

  “But, but we only have one crib,” she sniffled.

  Wiping her eyes, he answered her softly, “Don’t worry, we’ll get another. No worries, sweetheart, let’s do one thing at a time.”

  “I can’t do this!” she bit out angrily, her face scrunching up as she cried out loudly.

  “Let’s go Dani, this is it, pull those knees back and out, help her out Dad, come on, pushpushpush… We can see the head Dani, take a look Dad, here we go, the baby’s crowning, pant Dani, pant, here we go, push a little, shoulders…”

  The baby was out with a whoosh and was on Dani’s stomach in a flash. Another team of nurses stepped forward, one rubbing the baby all over when it started to cry.

  “What is it?” Dani asked, as she held the bundle of blankets and towels, gasping to catch her breath.

  “Dad you want to look and see?” the midwife said with a smile as she prepared to clamp the cord.

  Reaching in Kris parted the blankets on the screaming bundle and started to cry himself. “It’s, it’s a boy. Two boys,” he said weakly, biting down on his lips, trying to be strong and failing miserably. Swallowing the lump in his throat, he looked at Dani with wet eyes. “Thank you…for this.” Leaning down, he kissed her. “I love you so much.”

  Reaching up, she caressed his face. Then with a sweet smile, she said. “Happy Valentine’s Day, Daddy, we need another name.”

  Damned if he didn’t feel more tears coming on. Lifting his arms one after the other, he wiped his face on the sleeves of his biceps. “You want to stick with what we had or go for two new ones?”