Chapter Seventeen

“ Y ou guys shot up the hangar…and managed not to blow anything up?”

Was that his baby sister’s voice he heard? Oaks tried to pry his eyes open, but his lids weighed so much.

His mind whirled in a dizzying rotation that made him feel like he was on a ride at an amusement park. He hadn’t been on any rides like that since he was in the sixth grade and his class visited a theme park.

He never told any of his brothers or his sister, but he’d tossed his cookies more than once that day. He’d come home sunburned and dehydrated, feeling pretty low and completely uncool. Lucky for him, none of his school buddies told his family about it. Until this very moment, Oaks had forgotten all about it.

Willow spoke again, sounding far off to the side. Where the hell was he anyway? He still couldn’t open his eyes to locate her.

All at once, the confusion in his mind cleared, and the events slammed into order.

The hangar. The shootout.

Shiloh.

His lips moved, but he couldn’t force out more than a groan.

“He’s waking up!”

The familiar voice of an angel sounded a foot from his head. He forced his eyes open to fix them on Shiloh.

“My…wife.”

A soft sob burst from her. “Oh, Oaks…” Her hand was cool on his jaw. He clung to the feel of her smooth skin.

“What…”

She seemed to know what he was asking. “You just got out of surgery.”

He mentally felt along his side where the bullet entered.

“You’re lucky as hell, brother.” From nearby, Colt’s voice had a thick edge that sounded with emotion that he rarely, if ever, showed anyone. “The bullet went through your side and didn’t hit anything. But you lost a fuck ton of blood. I guess you used up one of your nine lives.”

He planted his arm on the bed and started to shove into a sitting position. “I’m going home.”

“No, you’re not.” Shiloh pressed her palm against his chest, and using no more than a gentle urging, pinned him to the bed. She leaned over him. “You’re going to let me take care of you during your hospital stay, and after you go home too.”

Carson spoke from the foot of his bed. “Better listen to her, Oaks. Seems like you’re one lucky bastard and you’ve got all the perks with round-the-clock care.”

Whatever painkillers were pumping through his system, along with the residual anesthesia, took over, and he opened his eyes again, aware that time had passed.

The room had a different quality of light. He blinked at the blinds covering the windows and saw that it was dark outside.

“Here’s the man of the hour.” Colt’s quip had him groaning.

Some of the dizziness had faded, and for that he was grateful. “Asshole.”

Several chuckles sounded in response to his insult. Then a soft hand slipped into his. He curled his fingers around it and focused on Shiloh’s face.

Shadows of worry hovered beneath each eye, and she was pale.

“Your neck.” His gaze dropped to her throat. She wore a sweatshirt with a high collar that blocked him from seeing what he knew would be marking her skin.

Bruises from William trying to choke the life out of her.

If he’d burst into that hangar any later…he would have been too late. He would have lost her.

He tugged on her hand, urging her closer. “Did they check you out? Are you okay?”

She shivered against him as the final wisp of fear left her. “Yes, Colt made them check me. I’m fine.”

“Christ, honey.” He cradled the back of her head and pressed a kiss to her forehead, feeling the pucker between her brows smooth out.

“Is it time to tell him that he’s getting some kind of medal of honor?” Carson spoke in an overly loud whisper to Colt.

Shiloh shifted away from him, giving Oaks a clear view of his brother.

He shook his head, and the patch job in his side pulled with a twinge. “What are you talking about?”

Carson gripped the edge of Oaks’s bed. “The Russian operative has been arrested, but she’s in ICU thanks to the bullets you pumped into her.”

“Good,” he growled.

“Colt took her down right after she shot you. William too. He’s been charged with treason and terroristic acts against his country, among other things.”

“Damn.”

“There’s already talk about decorating you with a medal. Aren’t you lucky?” His words were filled with the sarcasm he and his brothers always used in banter with each other, but he bore a smile and a gleam of pride in his eyes.

“I don’t need any medals for protecting my wife.”

Shiloh leaned over him, lowering her forehead to rest against his. Up close, her eyes were a kaleidoscope of grays and blues, as stormy as a wild sea. But the depths were warm with love too.

He brushed his lips over hers in a tender caress. When she pulled away, he caught sight of Carson and Colt rolling their eyes at the display.

He kept hold of Shiloh’s hand. He wanted her close.

“If you’re finished cuddling with your wife, I was about to offer her a job.”

Shiloh twisted toward Carson. “What? You’re joking. After all the mess I brought to you and your family?”

“The freelance work you did for Black Heart Security was exactly what we need more of. Colt and I discussed offering you a more permanent arrangement.” His smile slanted across his face. “I have a feeling you’re going to be sticking around.”

Colt dragged up a chair and took a seat as if now that everything was settled, he could relax. He kicked back in the chair, legs extended. “Looks like everything worked out.”

“Not everything.”

At Oaks’s serious statement, they all looked at him.

“What’s the matter? Are you feeling all right? Let me call the nurse.” Shiloh reached toward the call button, but he stopped her.

Colt eyed him. “What do you mean, brother?”

He shifted his gaze from Colt to Carson and fixed it on Shiloh’s beautiful face. “I want a real wedding. All my friends and family. Hell, even the guys from the airstrip who stalled those bastards who would have taken Shiloh from me.” He studied her lovely face. “And for you to want to really be married to me.”

Tears sprang into her eyes. “Oaks…I know I haven’t known you for very long, but I love you. And I want to be with you.”

His eyes closed on the emotion surging into his chest. He opened them and pulled her close for another tender kiss.

When they eased away from each other again, Colt was shaking his head. “Are you going to be doing that a lot?”

Shiloh issued a soft laugh, and Oaks winced as his own escaped. “Even a chuckle hurts.”

“Willow is the sappiest of us Malones, but she won’t appreciate walking in on you two in the office smooching all the time.” Carson folded his arms, widening his stance as he gave Oaks an I-told-you-so smile.

“Where is Willow? She was here earlier.” Oaks glanced at the closed hospital room door.

“She went home to take care of the mess we all made for her. A lot of paperwork, reports and phone calls.” Colt’s lips twisted in a crooked grin. He loved heaping extra work on Willow more than any of them.

Carson gave Oaks a chin-lift of big-brotherly approval. “So…this time we get the wedding pictures or it never happened. And I’m guessing Shiloh isn’t going to look like a dove.”

She groaned. “Absolutely not!”

Oaks managed a snort of amusement that almost didn’t hurt his side.

“How soon are we talking about these nuptials taking place?” Carson asked.

Staring at Shiloh, Oaks’s chest grew tight with so much emotion. “I need to get out of this place. And time to get a real ring.”

She bestowed a gentle smile on him. “So a couple months?”

“Two weeks.”

“Two weeks!”

“Yup. I’m sure Layne will help us plan a wedding.”

“And how are we funding this, Oaks? Weddings cost a lot.”

“My credit card.”

She gaped at him.

“Honey, in case you didn’t already guess, we have money. It keeps making itself at a rate that’s almost laughable.”

Her expression grew serious. “I’m not sure how I feel about that.”

He pulled her down to sit on the edge of the bed with him. “I know money turned into a scary thing when you were with William. However, Malone money works only for the good. We have a jet to help us do good. To rescue people.”

Her throat worked on a swallow, and she nodded as his words sank in that money in the right hands wasn’t evil, and she could let go of her hang-ups.

She brushed her hair over her shoulder. “Fine…two weeks it is.”

“I have one more condition, love.”

“What’s that?”

“No blood after the kiss.” He ran his tongue over his bottom lip where she’d bitten him.

He tucked her against his good side. She was worth far more to him than any sum of money in the world.

* * * * *

The living room looked like a bridal magazine had exploded over every surface. Swatches of ribbon, invitation samples and even a sparkly rhinestone high heel, were scattered across the coffee table. The wedding items were the complete opposite of the rustic elements of wood and hammered metal making up the table.

Shiloh knelt on the floor beside the table. A strand of hair tumbled from her messy bun, and she directed it behind her ear as she studied the display.

When Oaks came home from the hospital three days before, she got straight to work. At first, she was too shy to ask Layne for help. But one morning, the woman had found Shiloh standing on the enclosed deck, staring up at the twinkle lights strung across the ceiling.

Layne asked if she was considering a light display for the wedding, and in that moment, she realized she wanted her and Oaks’s wedding—the second one—to be just as magical as the evening they spent in the space.

After that, she recruited Layne to help her plan, and they’d spent hours collecting all the samples she stared at now.

“So many options,” she said under her breath. She plucked a photo of a floral arrangement off the table and frowned.

“I prefer the roses, but that’s just me.” Layne entered carrying a wood tray with a teapot and two mugs.

Shiloh sat back on her heels and smiled at her friend. “You brought tea?”

“I figured you needed something to settle your nerves. You’ve been working on your wedding nonstop for days.” Layne set the tray on the floor and sank down cross-legged beside her.

Shiloh reached for the teapot and poured a mug for Layne and then herself. The scents of chamomile and honey wafted up, already infusing her with a little more calm than she’d felt moments before.

Taking a sip, she let out a small noise of appreciation. “Thank you, Layne. It was really thoughtful of you to bring tea.”

“No problem. I told you before—we’re practically sisters-in-law.”

She turned her attention to her new friend. “Do you expect to plan your own wedding anytime soon?”

“We’ve discussed springtime. A nice little wedding on the lawn, just a small gathering of friends.”

“Of course. The honeymoon’s what is really exciting.” She giggled.

Layne gave her a sly smile. “We figured we’ve waited for each other for this long, what’s a few more months?”

She’d heard the story from Layne about how she and Carson lost touch and rekindled their relationship after Layne found herself targeted by a stalker. She still marveled at how in love the pair were. Seeing the infatuation and devotion on Carson’s face was similar to the way Oaks looked at her.

“When you’re ready to start planning, I’m here for you.” She scanned the table again. Tilting her head, she contemplated the floral arrangement options. “I can’t just choose roses. There are three different varieties in one photo!”

“Don’t let your nerves take over. Take a little break. You’ve been working for hours.”

She shook her head. “No time for a break. The bakery is sending someone over with cake samples at three!”

Layne paused with her tea mug inches from her lips. “You have plenty of time for a break. I’m sure Oaks could use one too.”

At that, Shiloh jerked her head up. “Oaks? What does he need a break from? He’s supposed to be resting!”

“Tell that to him. He’s been in the office with the guys for an hour.”

“That man! How is he going to wear a white tux if there’s a chance he rips open his stitches and bleeds all over it?” She jumped to her feet. “Or should he wear black? Or maybe we should go country-style in jeans with a dress shirt and tie, and a Stetson and boots?”

Layne waved a hand, shooing her away. “Go get your man. Both of you could use a break.”

Shiloh eyed the woman for a moment and then impulsively bent down and hugged her where Layne still sat on the floor. She patted Shiloh on the back, sending her off to track down her groom.

Damn the man. Working when he was just out of his death bed? She’d promised no bloodshed like their last wedding day, but how was she ever supposed to deliver on that when he was so stubborn?

She stalked out of the living room to the office. The door was shut, bringing her up short. She stared at the wood slab. From inside came the low rumble of male voices as they conducted Black Heart Security business.

Was it her imagination or did she hear the name William? Her nerves danced in her stomach, and her pulse hammered faster.

She reminded herself that William was no longer a threat to her or to anyone she cared about. He was in prison. Oaks had shown her his mugshot as a way to prove to her that she was safe, to grant her peace of mind.

Should she knock? Walk away? Oaks was a grown man. If he didn’t feel up to sitting at the conference table and working, he would take himself off to bed for a nap.

Was it silly that she wanted to interrupt just to see for herself that he was okay?

She raised a hand and rapped lightly on the door. She heard the shuffle of a chair being pushed away from the table, and a second later she was looking at Colt. For a man of few words, he was very astute. His gaze roamed over her face. In that one second, he seemed to take in the strain that was probably plain in her expression, and he stepped back.

She instantly searched out Oaks. In one fluid move, he gained his feet without so much as a wince. The man was as hard as the steel in his eyes.

“Can I see you for a minute, Oaks?”

“Of course.” He glanced at the head of the table where Carson sat and moved to the door.

As soon as the door closed, he took her hand. “You’re not okay.”

She shook her head. “I am. You’re the one who got shot!”

“I’m fine. Just a little scratch.” His white teeth flashed with his smile. “Come on.”

Instead of heading to the guest room, they walked to his bedroom. This was new to her, but ever since he came home from the hospital, they’d been sleeping in his private space. The room suited the man far more than the neutral guest room, however comfortable it may be.

The deep shades of green contrasting with modern black furniture made his eyes stand out even more. Taking the lead, she led him to the bed and made him sit on the edge.

When he did, he drew her to stand between his splayed knees, and she looped her arms around his neck.

“I’m sorry I interrupted your work. Layne told me to take a break, and then I realized how badly I wanted to have some alone time with you.”

His hands tightened on her hips, and he drew her an inch closer. “Oh yeah?”

A husky laugh bubbled up her throat. “Believe me, I want that too. I’ve been aching for you in my bed…”

Their gazes clashed with a fire that flickered on the edge of a blaze.

“The doctor said two weeks before we can be intimate. As soon as the staples come out.”

“That doesn’t mean I can’t make you feel good.” He smoothed his hands up her torso to cup her breasts, zeroing in on the spot he knew would drive her craziest. A shudder of pleasure rolled through her.

She moaned. “As much as I want you to touch me, I want both of us to feel good. Let’s just…hold each other for a little while. And talk?”

“Sure, honey.” He drew her down on the bed with him, and they stretched out in each other’s arms. When he used a knuckle under her chin to lift her gaze to his, he studied her eyes for a long moment.

“Did you get a chance to speak to Megan?”

When he set Shiloh up with the counselor in the veteran program, she had been pretty nervous. But as soon as they started talking, Megan had put her immediately at ease.

“Yes. She’s wonderful. So patient and insightful.”

He nodded. “She helps a lot of people. I just wish…” He cut off, lips tightening with an internal struggle.

“You wish your friend Eric had gotten a chance to get help too.”

He nodded. “This is why I love you. You already know what’s going on in my mind.”

She brushed her lips over his jaw. “You can’t go back in time, Oaks. Only forward. You have to see how this program you created has saved so many people. It’s something to be really proud of.”

“I am proud. And hopeful.” He let out a breath as if expelling the last of his worries. And suddenly, a bright smile lit up his eyes. “Hopeful for our future.” He found her engagement ring and brought her fingers to his lips. The warm kiss he planted there left her breathless and tingling with desire.

“I can’t wait for our wedding day, Oaks.”

“Neither can I, honey. It’s going to be the second-best day of my life.”

She blinked in shock. “What’s the first?”

“The day I married you the first time.” His eyes creased at the corners with his smile, and Shiloh fell even more in love with him.