Safe Haven (The Protectors Book 1) Read online

  “And the flashlight,” he added. “We’ll be eaten alive by mosquitoes if you don’t turn it off.”

  “Better to be eaten by little insects than to be scared by the Bogeyman.”

  “Depends if you want me scratching itchy mosquito bites for the rest of the weekend.”

  “If you’re worried, I’ve got insect repellent in my bag.”

  He smiled. “Gives me a rash.”

  Hayley sighed and turned off the flashlight. “I wouldn’t do that for everyone.”

  “I’m honored that you’d step out of your comfort zone for me.”

  “You don’t give me any choice,” she said softly. “Since the first day I met you I’ve been pushing my boundaries.”

  Tank glanced at her. “You’re not the only one. Have you ever wondered what the odds were of us meeting?”

  She looked at the stars. “I’d say about four hundred billion to one.”

  “Sounds about right.”

  Hayley ate some popcorn. “What’s your best memory of staying here?”

  He closed his eyes and absorbed the stillness of the night. Peace washed over him, leaving him grateful for what he had. “We’re making it now.”

  “You say the sweetest things.”

  “I mean it.” He turned his head and looked at her. He wished the flashlight was still on so that he could see her face. “I used to think Safe Haven was my refuge, but after my brother died it became my prison. I bottled everything up inside me. While I was here, I didn’t have to be part of the world. I could hide and think I was getting better. It wasn’t until I brought you here with your mom that I realized how wrong I’d been.”

  Hayley reached out and held his hand.

  “You’ve shown me what it’s like to be loved for who I am. Thank you.”

  “We all need to be reminded that we’re special. You’re a good man, Tank Warner—even if you won’t tell me your first name.”

  He took a deep breath, letting go of the last shadows of his past. “It’s Andrew,” he said quietly. “My name is Andrew James Warner, and I love you.”

  He felt Hayley’s gaze on him, but she didn’t say anything. He didn’t know if he’d said too much, too fast, or if he hadn’t said enough.

  He looked at the stars, too overwhelmed to ask her how she felt about him. Whether she knew it or not, he was offering her his life, his love, his heart. What happened next was up to her.

  She held his hand tighter. “Do you think there’s room for two people on your chair?”

  Tears stung his eyes. “I’ll make room.”

  He opened his arms and Hayley sat on his lap, relaxing against his chest.

  “I’ve got something to tell you, Andrew James Warner. If you haven’t already guessed, I’m madly, deeply, one hundred percent in love with you, too. If you’re happy to spend time with someone who’s addicted to your kindness, your sense of humor, and strawberry ice cream, then I’m the woman for you.”

  Tank pulled her close. “I can manage that.”

  “That’s good because I’d like to kiss you.” Hayley leaned back and smiled. “Is that okay?”

  He looked into her eyes and smiled. “I thought you’d never ask.”

  Hayley kissed him so tenderly he wondered if he’d died and gone to heaven.

  And for the first time in years, he knew what it felt like to be loved for who he truly was.

  ***

  Tank opened one eye, wondering why Hayley was awake so early. He could hear her voice coming from the other side of the cabin, singing the latest pop song to hit the airwaves.

  Before he changed his mind, he pushed back his blankets and stumbled toward the kitchen. “What are you doing?”

  Hayley’s mouth dropped open when she saw him. “If you don’t cover your naked chest, I’m not going to be responsible for my actions.”

  He smiled and stretched his arms above his head.

  She picked up a spatula and chased him out of the kitchen. “You’re a bad influence on me, Andrew Warner.”

  Tank laughed and pulled her into his chest. “I’m the worst kind of influence there is.” He nibbled the skin beneath her ear and she squirmed in his arms.

  “That’s not fair. I’m at a disadvantage.”

  “What disadvantage would that be?”

  “I’m wearing clothes.”

  He froze and Hayley jumped out of his arms.

  Her cheeky smile made his blood pound. “How am I going to make it through another night when you say things like that?”

  “Easy. You could have lots of cold showers and sleep outside with the mosquitoes. You didn’t get bitten once.”

  “Only from you.”

  Hayley’s cheeks turned bright red. She fanned her face with her hand. “I think we both need cold showers or at the very least a swim in the river.”

  Tank walked toward her and pulled her into his arms. “Not the river, it’s too swift. But I know somewhere else that will get you wet without drowning.”

  “Are you suggesting we do something wicked?”

  “It depends on whether you like hot or cold showers.”

  Hayley laughed. “I’ve been in your shower before, Mr. Warner. With the amount of water that comes out, one of us would barely get wet. And I can almost guarantee that you would be nice and warm.”

  “There’s more than one way to get hot.”

  Hayley swatted his bottom with the spatula. “Have a shower. I’m about to make the best pancakes you’ve ever tasted.”

  “Yes, ma’am. I’ll see you in five minutes.”

  “Fast worker.”

  He kissed her soundly on the lips. “Only when it’s in our best interests.”

  “I knew there was a reason I fell in love with you.”

  He laughed as she sashayed back into the kitchen.

  They’d stayed awake until the early hours of the morning, talking and kissing and gazing at the stars. Hayley had fallen asleep in his arms and he couldn’t have been happier.

  As he’d tucked her into bed, he knew she’d changed his life forever. It was a humbling thought.

  He picked his jacket up off the sofa and walked toward his bedroom. Halfway across the living room, he glanced at the floor.

  Two white envelopes lay beside the coffee table.

  “Would you like a cup of coffee?” Hayley yelled from the kitchen. She walked into the living room with a cup in her hands. “There you are. What are you…?” She followed his gaze to the floor.

  “They must have fallen out of my jacket.”

  Hayley left the cup on the table and picked up the letters. “Here you go.”

  He turned one of the envelopes over and stared at his name. He thought he’d come to terms with his brother’s secret life, but he hadn’t. Regret and anger mingled with grief as he stared at his brother’s handwriting. It was as big and bold as his personality had been.

  “Do you think someone’s told your parents about the letters?”

  “I don’t know. Probably.”

  Hayley rubbed his arm. “It will be okay.”

  He looked up at her and sighed. “David left us with so many unanswered questions. He wasn’t the person we thought he was.”

  “You loved him.”

  “I don’t know if that’s enough.”

  “Wait here.” She walked into his bedroom and came out with a sweater. “You’ll get cold.”

  He left the letter for his parents on the table. “Would you stay with me while I read David’s letter?”

  “If that’s what you’d like. Let’s sit on the sofa.”

  Tank sat beside her and took a deep breath. His hands shook as he opened the envelope and pulled out two pieces of paper.

  He read the first line and tears filled his eyes. “He called me squirt.” He clenched his jaw tight, trying to make it past the memories that went with his brother’s nickname for him.

  Hayley rubbed his back.

  He wiped his eyes and looked at the letter. It was no good. Every
time he started reading his eyes filled with tears and he had to stop.

  He held the letter toward Hayley. “Would you read this to me?”

  She looked as upset as he felt. “Okay, but if you want me to stop, just tell me.” Before she started, she took a packet of tissues out of her pocket. “These are my emergency rations.” She passed him a couple of tissues, then blew her nose with another one.

  “Are you ready?” she asked.

  Tank nodded.

  “Okay. Here we go…

  “Dear Squirt

  Someone once told me there are only two sure things in life; taxes and death. If you’re reading this letter, it’s probably because of the last sure thing. The IRS could also have a few reasons not to like me, but I doubt their reaction would have sent me to the Pearly Gates.

  You won’t know this, but for the last few years I’ve been replacing this letter with a new one when I can. It’s not because I’ve got lots to tell you, but more about me. Writing to you makes me feel human and takes me back to when we were kids. Do you remember the letters we used to write to granddad? I miss those days. We had a good life and I’m grateful for that.

  You’ve always loved me regardless of what I do or say. That’s a heavy burden to bear, especially when I’m involved with people and things you wouldn’t like. I don’t deserve your love or forgiveness, but I hope you can find it in your heart to give me both…”

  Hayley paused and looked at Tank. “Are you okay?”

  He nodded. “Keep going.”

  She took a deep breath and continued reading.

  “…I’ve put myself in situations that could have turned nasty. I’ve hurt a lot of people. I’ve done things I’m not proud of, but I did them anyway, and what was worse, I kept doing them. That’s what’s worried me the most about my life. I could have made different choices and turned my life around. But for selfish reasons, I didn’t.

  I want you to know that I love you. Whatever mess I got into was my fault. Don’t beat yourself up about me. I chose not to tell you or mom and dad what I was doing. I chose the life I’ve lived and ultimately, the way I will die.

  Each day I thank God that you’re my brother. You knew what you wanted to do and I admire you for that. I hope you achieve everything you want to, that you live a long and happy life with people you love. But mostly, I hope you can forgive me for not being there and telling you this in person.

  I might regret a lot of things, but being your brother has never been one of them.

  If you haven’t already found it, I opened an account in your name. It’s in the same bank where you discovered this letter. Don’t worry about where the money came from—I saved my salary and lived off the money I made from other things.

  I want you to use the money for something that makes you happy. Remember me when you spend it. If I can, I’ll be smiling down on you and sending my love your way.

  I don’t want to say goodbye, but it’s time.

  I love you, Andrew. Be kind to yourself and live life to the fullest.

  Until we meet again,

  David.”

  Hayley wiped her eyes and handed him the letter.

  He looked at the two sheets of paper and sighed. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  He put the letter on the coffee table and bowed his head. “I feel as though I’ve lost my brother all over again.”

  Hayley reached across and hugged him. “He loved you, Tank. Remember that.”

  His shoulders started shaking and a sob tore through his body. “I miss him so much.”

  “I know.” Hayley hugged him tight.

  He couldn’t stop the tears from falling down his face or the anguish twisting his stomach into knots—and he didn’t want to. He’d spent the last five years angry at David and hating himself for what he’d done.

  It was time to forgive himself and his brother.

  It was time to live his life to the fullest.

  ***

  A week later, Hayley rushed into Angel Wings Café.

  “You didn’t take long to get here.” Sophie closed her laptop and slipped it into its case.

  “I don’t have a lot of time. I start work in two hours. The masquerade ball is tonight and I need to find something special to wear.”

  “Sit down and relax. It’s just as well I’ve ordered our favorite lunch of coffee and pancakes. You look as though you need it.”

  Hayley pulled out a chair and took off her jacket. “None of the stores in Bozeman have any evening dresses that fit me. I called Emily to see if she has anything but all of her dresses have been sold.”

  “Why did Tank leave it until last night to ask if you wanted to go to the ball?”

  “He was supposed to be away on another assignment. Something changed and now he doesn’t need to leave until Monday. If John hadn’t bought extra tickets, we wouldn’t be going.”

  Hayley looked up at Tess as she slid two cups of coffee on the table. “Thanks.”

  “You’re welcome. Your pancakes will be here soon. Is there anything else you need?”

  Hayley sighed. Since she’d been living in Bozeman, Tess had become a good friend. “Do you know where a desperate woman can find a dress for the masquerade ball?”

  Tess grinned. “I might have an idea or two.”

  “I’ve already called Emily. She has completely sold out of her dresses. I’ve just seen Ellen at Plume Bridal. The gowns in her store are amazing, but they’re too expensive for a ball. Besides, I don’t want to look anything like a bride.”

  “What’s wrong with that?” Sophie asked. “It might give Tank something to think about.”

  “Or make him run a mile.” Hayley leaned her elbows on the table. “What am I going to do?”

  Tess looked at her watch. “Caitlin will be here in half an hour to take over from me. After you’ve finished your pancakes, come home with me.”

  “Do you have a dress I could borrow?”

  “I have more than ninety dresses you can wear.”

  Hayley sat taller in her seat. “You do?”

  Tess nodded. “No one will mind if you borrow a dress from The Bridesmaids Club. We’ve got all sorts of pre-loved gowns that will work for a masquerade ball.”

  “What’s The Bridesmaids Club?” Hayley asked.

  “Two years ago, my friends and I read a newspaper article about a bride whose wedding dresses were stolen. We took our old bridesmaids’ dresses out of our closets and offered them to her.”

  Sophie sighed. “That was a wonderful thing to do.”

  “We thought so, too,” Tess said. “The story made national headlines and bridesmaids from around the country started sending us their pre-loved dresses. Before we knew it, we were helping a lot more people. Now we have a loft full of dresses and one of them will look perfect on Hayley.”

  Hayley jumped out of her seat and hugged Tess. “Thank you. You don’t know how relieved I am.”

  “I think I do.” She laughed. “I’m going to serve another customer. I’ll meet you here in half an hour.”

  Sophie picked up her cup of coffee and smiled. “Cinderella shall go to the ball.”

  “But she won’t lose her glass slipper,” Hayley said. “I’ve already found my handsome prince.”

  “I know you have. What does Tank think about being the love of your life?”

  A blush warmed Hayley’s cheeks. “He’s happier than he’s been in a long time. I wasn’t sure how he would feel after seeing his parents this week, but he’s okay.”

  “Did they read their letter from David?”

  Hayley nodded. “They waited until Tank was there. He said it was just as hard as when we read his letter, but it answered some of their questions. We’re flying to Denver in a couple of weeks to see them again.”

  Tess brought out their lunch.

  Hayley smiled when she saw the fresh strawberries piled on top of their pancakes. “You’re spoiling us.”

  “You’re supposed to be sp
oiled once in a while. I’ll see you soon.”

  Sophie picked up her knife and fork. “I need to come here more often with you.”

  “I’ll remember that next time you tell me you’re working on your supplement. Is the pharmaceutical company any closer to selling it?”

  “As of today, the supplement is in production.” Sophie leaned forward and grinned. “I can’t believe it’s finally happening. Within the next three weeks, all retail and online distribution channels will be stocked and ready for the beginning of our marketing campaign. Sales will be huge.”

  Hayley finished another mouthful of pancake. “Sounds like you’re going to be busy.”

  “No busier than usual. The pharmaceutical company is running everything. I just need to be there to talk about how we developed the formula.”

  “You mean how you developed the formula. The only thing I did was make sure mom drank the supplement.”

  “You did more than that. You helped me design the program to test her memory and motor skills. Without that information, I couldn’t have fine-tuned the formula. We’re a team.”

  Hayley lifted her coffee cup in the air. “Here’s to great teamwork, awesome sisters, and an incredible dress that I know we’re going to find at Tess’ house.”

  “And to great pancakes,” Sophie added as she clinked her cup against Hayley’s. “We’ll have to visit mom before we go to the ball. She’ll love seeing us in costumes that don’t involve pumpkins or Minnie Mouse.”

  “Don’t be so sure about that. Our costumes were the talk of her nursing home after we left.” Hayley put down her knife and fork. “Just imagine all the people the supplement is going to help.”

  Sophie squeezed her hand. “We’ve come a long way. Our lives in Chicago were only the beginning of what we could do.”

  Hayley sighed. “We didn’t need to change the world. All we needed to do was change ourselves and the rest has fallen into place.”

  “Including a dress for tonight.” Sophie looked at her watch. “Eat up, sis. We’ve got a date with The Bridesmaids Club in ten minutes.”

  “What would I do without you?”

  “Be late for work. Eat!”

  ***

  Tank kept looking at the double doors leading into the ballroom.