“Know what, dear?” She motioned for Krista to close her eyes and then brushed shadow across the lids.
“That he was love of your life?”
“I felt it in my very marrow. Sure, I’ve had lovers over the years … ”
Krista opened her eyes. Joy’s wink was playful with just a hint of sass in her smile.
“Don’t tell the boys. We may be open about sex in the house, but some things need to be kept private.” Krista nodded and closed her eyelids again. “But Zane, he was my other half. We balanced each other out. Where I am mellow andmethodical, he was hot-headed and spontaneous. We fought like crazy over the years, but we always made up.”
“I’m in love with Brock.” Krista swallowed, feeling that for some reason she needed to let Joy know how she felt about her son.
“I know you are. I saw it instantly when you walked through my door on Christmas Eve, and every look you gave him after that. A love like that can be hard to hide and even harder to find.”
“We’re both control freaks, though.”
She smiled knowingly and held out a tissue for Krista to blot her lipstick. “Makes the sex interesting, doesn’t it?” Krista’s eyes went wide. Joy lifted one shoulder. “So your relationship is unorthodox. Most good ones are. But don’t let that hold you back from love because you think it’s going to be a constant power struggle. Zane and I had the same problem. He was an alpha just like his boys, and I likethingsa certain way as well.”
There was another knock at the door. “Everything okay?”
“We’ll be right out,” Joy called, giving Krista a motherly smile. “If you’re not ready, it’s okay. We don’t have to do this today. Just because he’s my son doesn’t mean I won’t support you in whatever decision you make.” She reached for Krista’s hand and gave it a squeeze.
Krista caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Joy had done an incredible job. She almost looked presentable.
Krista flashed her a giant grin. “I’m ready.”
She was just coming out of the bathroom, ready to marry the man of her dreams and the father of her child, when her hospital room burst open.
“We didn’t miss it, did we?” Krista’s mother asked frantically, her hair all askew. Dark gray bags glommed on to the normally tight skin beneath her eyes, making her look at least ten if not fifteen years older.
“Just in time.” Joy smiled, walking over to Krista’s parents and brother, introducing herself.
Krista gave Brock a curious look. He lifted one shoulder cavalierly. “I knowyou said it didn’t matter, but I know it does. I know a guy who knows a guy who owns a private jet.”
Before Krista could hug her fiancé, her mother lunged at her. Krista winced from the pain, and her mother immediately withdrew, a look of terror on her face. She cupped Krista’s cheek gently as tears welled up in her sapphire eyes. “My baby.”
Krista swallowed and leaned into her mother’s touch. “I’m okay. Zoe’s going to be okay.”
“Shall we begin?” Chase asked, not one for small talk or delay. Of all the Harty Boys, he was the one Krista was having the hardest time figuring out. The man held secrets and demons, and he kept them hidden well, only it was clear it pained him to do so.
Krista nodded. “Dad, will you give me away?”
“So,” Krista started, leveling her gaze on Rex, “what took you so long to come save the day?” She was officially Mrs. Brock Hart, and they were all sitting around her hospital room eating cake.
Rex snorted. “I didn’t save anything. It was all you, you little badass cop.”
Krista’s cheeks grew warm. “Seriously, though?”
His smile was electric. In fact, all the Harty boys had incredible smiles; just Brock and Chase gave them sparingly. “I was still on your detail but had gone to grab lunch. I’m really sorry I didn’t get there sooner. I didn’t expect you to leave.” Remorse flooded his handsome face. “I’m really sorry.”
“It’s okay, Rex,” she said softly. “Please don’t blame yourself.”
He swallowed and nodded, but he didn’t appear to be convinced. She’d have to have a chat with him later.
“Wicks?” she asked.
“He was taken to hospital for his injuries and will be transported to prisonfrom there,” Brock said with very little emotion.
She nodded. “And there will be a trial, of course.”
