Page 16 of Security Breach

David chuckled.

After she took a bite of the croissant, he began to tell her about the calves and foals born in the past few weeks along with suggestions for their names, each one worse than the last. “You can’t call a colt Spot,” she protested. “That’s a dog’s name.”

“It fits. He has spots.” Humor gleamed in his eyes.

“You’re just trying to rile me.”

“Maybe.”

Definitely. She was onto his game, especially when she looked down at her plate and realized her food was gone. He’d deliberately distracted her, and Emma had consumed every bite while he regaled her with ranch tales. “What about Spirit? You said he has a lot of spirit. The name seems appropriate.”

“I’ll think about it. What about the filly? She’s beautiful and has delicate features.” He winked at her. “Like you.”

She was in so much trouble. David Montgomery was a charmer. “Eve.”

“Perfect. I’ll pass the names along to the ranch foreman and my brothers. Thanks for the suggestions.” He stood and held out his hand. “Come with me. I have something to show you.”

Curious, she followed him from the kitchen. “Are we going outside?” She was tired of being indoors. She’d been afraid of spending much time in the different communities the past few months. Everyone had cell phones, and Emma couldn’t afford to have her face on social media.

“I have the next best thing in mind.” Soon, he opened a door and stepped back to allow her to enter first.

Emma’s breath caught in wonder at the transformation in front of her. What used to be his father’s study was now a glassed-in wonderland of plants. “A solarium! When did you and your brothers install this?”

“The contractor started on it when we were deployed the last time.”

About the time she’d been attacked and ended up in WITSEC. Sadness filled her at the changes she’d missed. This must be only one of many here and in town. While she’d remained in stasis, the world had moved on. “Did you have this done for Mrs. Grady?” The housekeeper, who was more of a surrogate mother to David and his brothers, loved plunging her hands into dirt and coaxing plants to grow.

Before answering, he led her to a bench in a small sitting area hidden from sight by the lush foliage. David wrapped his arm around her shoulders and relaxed against the back of the bench. “Mrs. Grady appreciates it, but she’s not the reason we had the solarium installed.”

“What is?”

“Not what. Who.” He turned to her. “You’re the reason I pushed the others to build this room.”

“Why?” She drew in a deep breath, the scents reminding her of the hours she had enjoyed working in the yard and gardens at the Rocking M. David had built this beautiful haven for her? She was having a difficult time wrapping her mind around that knowledge. Why would he do this for her?

“You fell in love with the solarium design at the Lawn and Garden Show in Nashville. Remember?”

She glanced around the room, only now realizing that this solarium was exactly like the one she’d admired at that show. “Yes, of course. Why build this for me?”

He kissed her, the touch gentle yet thorough. When he drew back, he said, “I wanted you to have a sanctuary while I was deployed, a place to remind you of me and how much I care for you.”

Her breath caught. “You created a safe haven for me.”

“I didn’t know another way to help you cope with pressure from your parents. I would have asked one of my brothers to watch over and protect you, but at the time, that wasn’t possible.”

No, they had also been deployed. She hugged him. “Thank you for the gift. I hope this indoor garden brought you peace when you left the military.”

He remained silent.

When she leaned back to look into his eyes, her heart sank. “David?”

“I haven’t been inside this room since it was completed,” he admitted. “I had the solarium created for you. When I thought I lost you, I hurt too much to step inside. Every plant, every leaf, even the soil reminded me of you. Mrs. Grady refused to believe you were dead. She maintained everything until you returned.”

Unable to help herself, Emma captured his mouth and set about showing him how much his gift meant to her. Several long minutes later, she broke the kiss and just held him. Her heart ached with the knowledge of how much he’d suffered. “I’m sorry I hurt you. I should have stood up to the Marshals and insisted on getting word to you. Please, forgive me.”

“There’s nothing to forgive, baby.” David trailed his fingers down her cheek in a gentle caress. “The Marshals didn’t give you a choice. They have rules in place for a reason. I’m grateful I have a second chance with you.” His gaze searched hers. “If you still want to be with me.” Uncertainty filled his eyes.

This was the discussion she’d been dreading. The women in Maple Valley thought the Montgomery boys were prime husband material. She couldn’t imagine them letting David sit on the sidelines for more than a few months without trying to take her place in his life. Although he hadn’t dated anyone since she disappeared, that didn’t prevent his interest in another woman. David was honorable to the core. Emma didn’t want him to resume their relationship because of an old promise between them. “Do you still want an exclusive dating relationship with me?”

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