Page 38 of Fractured Memories

Nine months later

A cloud shifted in the bluebird sky and sunshine streamed across the yard. Balloons danced in the breeze, attached to picnic tables covered with tablecloths. The sounds of kids screaming with delight drifted from the bouncy house near the fence line. The scent of hamburgers and hotdogs scented the air. Guests mingled around, talking and laughing. Country music poured from the speakers strategically placed for the best sound quality.

Noah wrapped an arm around Felicity’s waist and pulled her to his side. Her hair tumbled around her shoulders in tightly wound curls and a beautiful flush colored her cheeks. She was stunning. His heart stuttered as he brushed a kiss across her lips. “The party is a huge success. Harper is having the best time.”

“Well, you only turn three once.”

As if called by their conversation, Harper busted out of the bouncy house and bolted across the grass on bare feet. Noah’s little girl had grown up so much over the last year. Smart and healthy, with more opinions than ever. It brought a smile to his face. He figured his little one would always be strong willed.

“Fee!” She tackled Felicity, who’d bent down to be on Harper’s level, nearly bowling the gorgeous woman over with the force of her embrace. “I jumped the highest. I almost touched the sky!”

“Wow.”

“Come see me!” She wriggled away just far enough to grab Felicity’s hand. Then paused. “When do we get cake?”

Felicity laughed. “Soon. Go ahead to the bouncy house and I’ll join you in a minute. I want to talk to your dad.”

“Okay!”

She raced across the yard again. Noah watched with his mouth open. “I was standing right here, and she didn’t even give me the time of day. It’s all Fee this and Fee that.” His tone was light so Felicity would know he was teasing. Nothing brought him more joy than seeing how much his daughter got along with his fiancée.

Noah lifted Felicity’s hand to his lips. Her engagement ring sparkled in the sunshine. “Have you decided on a date for our big day?”

“Actually, that’s what I wanted to talk to you about.” She wrapped her arms around his waist. “What do yousay to a small ceremony in the church next month with just close family? Then we can do a big reception like this one in Imogene’s yard to celebrate.”

Noah would be happy with anything as long as Felicity was his wife. “Are you sure you don’t want a big wedding?” It would be her first marriage and he wanted to do right by her. “I don’t want you to have any regrets.”

“What I want is to marry you. No matter how we do it, there will never be any regrets.” She squeezed his waist. “But I love the idea of a country reception. Good food, great music, and simple attire. It fits who we are.”

“It does. Word of warning though. Harper’s expecting a princess dress.”

Felicity laughed. “Oh, I know. She’s already mentioned it a dozen times.” Her eyes sparkled with happiness. “I can’t wait to call you my husband. I love you, Noah.”

“Love you too.” He bent his head and kissed her. Over the last nine months, their relationship had only grown deeper and more powerful. Noah loved her more today than he had yesterday, which was saying something. But no matter how often they kissed, the woman still could reach right into his chest and grab hold of his heart.

Propriety had him ending the kiss long before he wanted to. Noah rested his forehead briefly against hers. “How long is this party again? I want to know when I can get you alone.”

“For shame, Hodge.” She laughed and lightly smacked his arm.

He chuckled at the blush rising in her cheeks and then lightly kissed her again. “You can’t blame a man for wanting to be alone with the woman he loves.”

“I suppose not.” She grinned and then wriggled from his grasp. “I’d better check on Harper before she screams my name from inside the bouncy house.” Her gaze drifted across the yard. “Oh, wait. There’s Jason and Addison. Let’s go say hello really quick.”

Noah took her hand, and they crossed to the couple who’d just arrived. Jason carried several boxes in his hands, his German shepherd, Connor, keeping pace next to him. Addison, Jason’s wife, greeted them with a wave. Her hair was tied back into a braid, and she had a baby carrier strapped to her chest. The couple’s son, three-month-old Jackson, was sleeping peacefully. His dark hair waved in the breeze.

Felicity cooed. “Oh my goodness, look at how big he’s gotten. Addison, what are you feeding him?”

“Just breastmilk, although he eats all day and all night. At this rate, I should be banging into the walls from lack of sleep. That’s why we’re late. I made the mistake of taking a nap and slept a lot longer than I meant to.”

“You needed the rest.” Jason gazed lovingly at his wife and son.

“Of course you did.” Felicity smiled. “And you’re not late at all. There’s still plenty of food, thank goodness.” She arched her brows. “Between the guys from the police department, the Texas Rangers in my company, and the Special Forces members, we’re lucky to have anything left.”

Addison laughed, her cheeks smushing with the effort. “Oh I know. Feeding this crowd takes a lot.”

Jason lifted the boxes in his hand. “I brought something to help. Pies from Nelson’s Diner. Best dessert this side of the Mississippi.”

Noah had heard of the diner but hadn’t been. He took the boxes from Jason’s hands. “Thanks. That’s mighty kind of you.”

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