Chapter Twelve

After eating, Bryce watched as Luke called Mr. Hancock. She could tell how happy he was letting the man know his horses would soon be returned to him, then he hung up, and sat beside her again.

"Was he happy?" she asked.

"Ecstatic." Luke grinned.

"I'm happy for him. I know how much you like him."

"He's a wonderful man. I told him I'd like to keep in touch with him, and he said he'd like that. I'd love for him to meet you and Leah."

"I'd like that too." She leaned forward and kissed his lips, then he deepened the kiss as he pulled her across his lap. He slowly raised his head and stared into her eyes. "I want you so much, Bryce."

"I want you too."

Luke moved back from her, stood, and walked down the hallway, making Bryce frown. What the hell?

When she stood up, he came back, and she shook her head.

"Where did you go?"

"I put Leah's bassinet in the other bedroom for tonight." He grinned.

Bryce tried not to smile. "And why is that?"

Luke folded his arms, leaned against the wall and stared at her.

"You know how much I love my future daughter, but I don't think I could make love with you while she's in the room.

Bryce laughed. "That would be a little awkward, wouldn't it?"

He pushed off from the wall, walked toward her, wrapped his hand around the back of her neck, and kissed her lips. Bryce moaned as he deepened the kiss, then slowly raised his lips.

"I love you so much, Bryce. I don't ever want to be without you or Leah." He picked her up, carried her to the bedroom, and placed her on her feet. Then he slowly removed her clothes. Each article he removed, the hotter she got.

He left her bra and panties on, then picked her up again, and placed her on the center of the bed. God! She wanted this man so much.

****

Luke's heart hammered in his chest as he stared down at the beautiful woman sprawled out on the bed. Her luscious curves were on full display, begging to be touched. Without further hesitation, he stripped off his clothes, then crawled up beside her and trailed his fingers along the edge of her lace bra. With a gasp, she arched her back slightly, giving him better access.

He slid his hand down her body, tracing patterns on her smooth stomach before reaching up to cup one of her breasts. She moaned softly, as he teased her nipple with his fingertip.

Luke pulled her up, unclasped her bra and slid it off her shoulders, exposing both of her breasts. He leaned in, taking one nipple into his mouth and sucking hard while his other hand moved downward toward her panties, but he didn't slip his hand inside.

She lay there panting heavily as he gazed upon every inch of her body. His hands roamed over her curves possessively before cupping her sex through the thin fabric of her panties. He tore them away roughly, revealing the strip of curls hiding beneath. He grinned as he leaned down to take her lips in a searing kiss that left them both needing more. Then he kissed his way down her body to between her legs where he ran his tongue along her slit, then sucked on her clitoris. She placed her fist over her mouth when she cried out as she came.

Luke removed a condom from his wallet, stood, and stripped off his clothes. His swollen cock was aching to be inside her, making it almost unbearable as he rolled on the condom. He moved onto the bed, settled between her legs, spreading them with his knee. He wrapped his hand around his cock, guiding himself slowly into her tight warmth.

"Luke, you feel so good," she said, as she wrapped her legs around his waist and her nails dug into his ass.

"You're so beautiful," he whispered before crashing his lips onto hers again, their tongues tangling together. "So, fucking beautiful." He groaned into the kiss as he feasted on her mouth.

They moved together, their bodies in perfect sync, as they surrendered to their need for each other. Bryce's nails dug into Luke's back as he took her spiraling into another orgasm. With a final thrust, Luke followed her over the edge, their voices mingling in the darkened room as they rode the waves of pleasure together.

Spent and satisfied, they collapsed onto the bed, their limbs intertwined, as they caught their breath and reveled in the intimate connection they had just shared.

"You know, if you keep ripping my panties, I'm going to have to buy a lot more," she said between breaths.

Luke laughed as he held her close. "I can't help it. I see you and I go crazy. Pulling them down would take too long."

When she laughed, he kissed her forehead. This was where he always wanted to be.

****

Bryce could hear Leah fussing from the kitchen as she made her coffee.

"Don't worry, I'll take care of her," Luke said as he got up from the couch.

"Are you sure? She needs a diaper change," she tried to stifle her laughter as he stopped in his tracks, took a deep breath, and looked at her.

"I've got this. Plus, I need to get used to it," he confidently walked down the hallway.

Bryce chuckled and burst out laughing when she heard him gagging. She couldn't stop laughing every time she heard him.

"Well, I'm glad you find this amusing. How can one little girl make such a mess? She should be ten pounds lighter," Luke shook his head, exasperated. "I don't know how you do it."

By this point, Bryce was in tears from laughing so hard. "I'm sor—" She couldn't even finish her sentence before more laughter bubbled out.

"Yeah, I can tell," Luke joined in on the laughter. "You could have warned me."

"You wouldn't have believed me."

"I'm not sure I can handle that again," Luke joked as he placed Leah in her seat and started the mobile for her entertainment.

"You'll get used to it."

"Did you have to?"

"Nope. Surprisingly, it never bothered me." Bryce shrugged nonchalantly.

Luke's eyes widened with shock. "How could it not?"

That only made Bryce laugh harder.

Luke playfully growled and pulled her into his arms, nuzzling his face into her neck.

"Do you want some coffee?" she asked between giggles.

"Let me catch my breath first. Not sure if anything will stay down after that," Luke replied with a grin.

Bryce shook her head in amusement. "Don't you have to go into work?"

"Yeah, but I told Dave I'd be a little late. They know about everything going on. I wanted to see Leah before I left, but now I wish I had just looked at her."

Bryce couldn't stop laughing. "I'm sure that image will stay with you all day."

Luke shook his head. "I hope not. That's going to make eating difficult for the next few days," he joked.

"I'm sorry," Bryce grinned before sighing. "I'm glad Sam is keeping in contact."

Sam had called them the night before to inform them that both Burns and the man who had been following Bryce had disappeared, and there was a BOLO out for both of them.

"He will." Luke kissed her forehead. "I'm sure one of the deputies is down there now."

"I haven't heard from any this morning. Deputy Shaw was the last one I spoke to, around nine last night."

"Well, they wouldn't wake you up just to let you know they're out there."

"True—" A knock interrupted their conversation.

Luke went to answer it, peeked through the peephole, then unlocked the door and opened it.

"Hey, Luke."

"Good morning, Logan. Please come in."

Logan entered and greeted Bryce with a warm smile. "Good morning."

"Good morning, deputy. Would you like some coffee?"

"No thank you, I have my own thermos. I just wanted to let you know I'm here. If you need anything, call or text me."

"I appreciate that, thank you." Bryce returned the smile.

Logan gave a small nod before leaving and closing the door behind him. Bryce turned to Luke.

"I wish you could stay with me. The thought of Mick out there somewhere is unsettling."

"Don't worry, he won't come near this place. He's on the run."

"If that's the case, why do we need so much protection?"

"We can't take any risks. Sam is certain Burns won't risk showing up here, but we can't be sure if anyone else is working with him. I should get going now. I'll try to stop by later."

"Don't worry if you can't make it. I'll be fine."

"I know you will." Luke kissed her softly before heading to the hall tree to grab his hat and coat. After one last kiss, he walked out of the door.

****

Luke rushed down the metal stairs, waving at Logan as he passed by. He hopped into his truck and drove to the office. As he entered the building, he greeted the receptionist with a smile before heading to the elevator. Just as he stepped inside, Reece Maddox joined him.

"Hey Luke," Reece said.

"Morning Reece. How's Rissa and that little boy?" Luke couldn't help but grin when Reece smiled in response.

"They're both doing great. I heard you caught the guy responsible for stealing the Shires."

"I did. Creed and Killian are on their way to retrieve them." The elevator stopped on their floor.

"That's good news."

Luke nodded, but then his phone buzzed in his coat pocket. It was Sam.

"I need to take this," Luke told Reece.

"Of course." Reece stepped out of the elevator and headed toward the office, while Luke exited, then leaned against the wall.

"Sam?"

"The man we're after is named Harold Craig. He's a P.I. from Minnesota," Sam informed him. "We ran his picture through facial recognition and got a hit from Detective Wilkerson at MSP. We've been tracking his and Burns' phones, but they seem to have ditched them and bought burners."

"Damn it."

"Their last known location was in Minnesota, headed north."

"Canada," Luke muttered.

"Yep, that's what they think too. But we've alerted authorities there, so hopefully they'll be caught before they can enter Canada or disappear. If they try to enter legally, they'll need US passports and being fugitives, they'd be stopped at the border."

"And if they cross illegally, we're screwed."

"Unfortunately, just like people coming in from Mexico, there are ways to cross a border illegally." Sam let out a sigh. "I'll let you know as soon as I hear anything. How's Bryce holding up?"

"She's scared, but I reassured her that we don't think they'll stick around here."

"Okay, keep me posted." Sam hung up.

Luke let out a frustrated sigh before heading to his desk in the office. He took off his hat and coat and hung them up before sitting down.

"Hey Luke, want a donut?" Beau offered, holding out a box toward him.

Luke peered inside but shook his head. "No thanks."

"But you love donuts." Beau frowned.

"I just don't have an appetite right now. I... changed a diaper this morning," he said with a mock shudder, causing Beau to burst out laughing.

"I can only imagine."

"Just wait, big brother. Your time will come."

Beau mimicked Luke's shudder. "I know."

Both men laughed before getting back to work.

Luke sat at his desk, engrossed in another case. Suddenly, his phone buzzed. He picked it up and saw Sam's name on the screen.

"Sam?"

"We got them."

"That's fantastic! How did you do it?"

"Craig turned himself in to the in MSP. He offered to spill everything in exchange for a lighter sentence. It turns out Burns hired him to find Bryce and the baby, but things got complicated when Burns' wife demanded they do it fast or she'd make his life miserable. There are records of numerous calls and incriminating text messages between Craig and Burns, and their phones were even pinged in different states while communicating. Burns isn't talking, but his wife will also face charges as an accomplice to kidnapping."

"Thank God. Have you told Bryce yet?"

"I thought you might want to do that."

Luke could hear the smile in Sam's voice. "I do. Thank you so much, Sam."

"No problem. I'll talk to you soon." Sam hung up.

Feeling relieved and ecstatic, Luke put down his phone and raised his arms triumphantly. "Yes!"

"Did they catch them?" Beau asked.

"Yes, that was Sam. It's finally over."

The other agents cheered and congratulated Luke on the resolution of the case. He couldn't wait to see Bryce and tell her the good news in person during lunchtime. Today just got even better.

****

Bryce stood by the window, gazing out at the street below. The sun was shining brightly, making it a perfect April day. However, her thoughts were interrupted when she saw an SUV cruiser pull out of the diner parking lot. She checked the clock and noticed it was noon.

A loud knock on her door, causing her to cautiously make her way toward the entrance. She peered through the peephole, half expecting to see another deputy at her doorstep. But instead, she was surprised to see Luke.

She quickly unlocked the door. He removed his hat, and wiped his feet on the welcome mat, before stepping inside Without a word, he pulled her into his strong arms and kissed her deeply, emotions running high between them. He then pulled back with a gentle smile on his face.

"They've been arrested," he said in a relieved tone.

Bryce gasped, tears instantly welling up in her eyes. Luke held her tight as she sobbed against his chest, gripping onto his shirt with trembling hands. His hands moved soothingly up and down her back, offering comfort.

"It's over, baby. It's finally over," he murmured reassuringly.

Taking his hand, Bryce led him to the sofa where they both sat down. "Tell me," she urged.

As she listened to what Sam had told Luke, she covered her mouth in shock as more tears streamed down her face.

"What were they planning to do to me once they got Leah?" she asked in a trembling voice.

Luke shook his head gravely. "We think they were going to kill you, but there's no evidence of that. But what else could they do?"

"I'm just glad it's all over now," Bryce whispered, feeling a weight lifted off her shoulders.

"Craig said no one else was involved, but Sally Burns was arrested too. She was the one who told them to take Leah." Luke gently wiped away a tear from Bryce's cheek with his thumb. "We're going to be okay."

"I know we will," Bryce replied softly before pressing her lips to his.

"I'm sure glad you picked my driveway to go into labor," Luke said with a playful grin.

Bryce couldn't help but laugh as she covered her face with her hands. "I was so mean to you."

Luke chuckled and hugged her tightly. "You were in a lot of pain. Remember how you didn't want to take your pants off in front of me? My, how times have changed," he teased, earning a playful punch on the arm from Bryce.

She looked at him and winked. "I'd drop my drawers for you anytime."

Luke burst out laughing. "Right back at you, baby. Forever." He kissed her lips, picked her up and walked to the bedroom.

After taking Leah's bassinet to the spare room, he reentered Bryce's bedroom, softly closing the door behind them.

****

A few days later, Luke pulled into the driveway, then stopped at the porch. He noticed an SUV parked there and hoped he wasn't imposing.

"I think he has company. I should have called first," Luke said, then he saw the door open, and Fred Hancock stepped onto the porch with a beautiful woman with brown hair. Luke opened his door.

"I didn't realize you had company, Fred. We can come back another time."

"Nonsense. Come inside."

Luke nodded, looked at Bryce, and smiled. "Come on. I'll get Leah."

Bryce opened her door and exited the truck. She smiled at the older man and the woman standing beside him.

They walked up the steps. and Luke shook Fred's hand and nodded at the woman.

"I didn't know you had a child, Luke," Fred said.

"Actually, I don't… yet. Once Bryce and I get married, I'm adopting the baby. This is Leah and her mama, Bryce Spencer. Bryce, this is Fred Hancock, and?"

"This is my daughter-in-law, Maggie Lancaster. It doesn't matter to me if she's not married to that son of mine anymore, she will always be family. Maggie, this is—"

"Agent Luke McCallister," Maggie interrupted, then shook Luke's hand.

"Maggie, it's nice to finally meet you. I really appreciate your help on the case."

"I'm glad I could help and thank you. If I hadn't talked with you, I wouldn't have decided to visit Dad." She smiled as she squeezed Fred's arm.

Luke looked at Fred to see him grinning. "I'm glad that worked out for you both."

Maggie looked at Leah. "What a beautiful little girl," she said, then smiled at Bryce.

"Thank you." Bryce returned the smile.

Luke was surprised to see how stunning Maggie was. He'd never put her and Frederick Hancock together. She was about five foot five, with light brown hair, and dark eyes. Luke glanced at Fred to see him grin.

"I could never figure out what she saw in him either."

Luke grinned but noticed Maggie didn't, then she did when she saw him looking at her.

"Let's get inside. I want to hold that little baby girl," Fred said.

They entered the house, removed jackets, and hats then spent most of the day getting acquainted. Luke was enjoying himself and he knew Bryce was. He looked at her and brushed her hair off her shoulder. When she looked at him, she grinned.

"He's a wonderful man. I can see why you like him so much," she whispered.

"I knew you'd like him. I think we'll have to come back to visit more. He doesn't want to let go of Leah."

"She'll have another adopted grandparent." Bryce smiled as she looked at Fred holding Leah and talking to her, then he laughed when Leah giggled at him when he'd make faces.

Luke knew he'd stay in touch with Fred. He enjoyed the man's company and after all Fred had been through, he deserved to be happy. Just like he and Bryce did, along with their daughter, Leah, and any children they had in the future.