“Blake this is April, April, Blake,” Tanner said in greeting to his friend. “You guys need some help?” When April looked at him in question, Tanner explained. “Blake and Skyla usually bring the booze. Skyla owns Madigan’s Bar and Grill.”
“Oh,” April perked up. “I’ve been to Madigan’s. That’s where Tanner and I met. What a fantastic place you have.”
Skyla stepped out of the car holding a small handbag. “Yeah, that place has kind of taken on a life of its own. I just run it.”
“I was actually there the night of your grand reopening,” April said. “I loved the black light idea. That was so much fun, and the glow in the dark drinks were so cool.”
Tanner almost winced at seeing his friends’ eyes darken with sadness at the mention of that night.
“What?” April asked, obviously picking up on the tension. “Did I say something wrong?”
Blake took Skyla’s hand and lifted the box filled with booze with the other. “We’ll see you inside.” He turned to April and gave her a weak smile. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“Itwasa great night for Madigan’s,” Skyla agreed, though the undertone of deep sadness in her voice only made Tanner feel worse. Skyla didn’t say more, but it seemed as if her legs couldn’t carry her away fast enough, and Blake seemed only too happy to oblige.
As soon as they were out of earshot, April turned to Tanner, confusion and worry written all over her face. “What did I say? I admit I’m not good with words sometimes, but-”
Tanner kissed her, interrupting her unfounded apology. There was no way she could’ve known how painful bringing up that night would be for them. Before offering an explanation, and only making her feel worse, he just wanted to kiss her again. She melded her mouth to his, pushing her body against his, as if being close to him was as natural as breathing to her. And he loved that she was so pliable in his arms. So responsive to his touch.
He groaned, wanting more than they were both ready for at the moment. April pulled back, her gaze longing and soft, and Tanner wanted to lose himself in those beautiful big green eyes,framed so perfectly by her thin rimmed glasses. “Are you going to tell me what I said so I don’t stick my foot in my mouth again?”
Tanner sighed, knowing there was no easy way to say this. “The night we met; Skyla had a miscarriage.”
April’s eyes grew wide as she drew a hand over her mouth. “Oh my gosh, I’m such an idiot. And here I was rambling on about how great that night was. I’m so sorry. They must hate me.” She turned away from him, whether in shame or regret, he wasn’t sure, but he quickly pulled her back into his arms to face him.
“There is no way you could’ve known. And maybe I should’ve told you, but that’s not the kind of thing that comes up in conversation. Either way, if anyone is to blame here it’s me. You did nothing wrong, and thatwasan amazing night for Madigan’s. It’s just unfortunate that for the rest of their lives, they’re going to associate it with their greatest loss.”
April drew in a shaky breath. “I can’t even imagine.”
“Hey,” he whispered, gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “They got through it, and they’ll keep getting through it. This is not your burden to bear, got it?”
April nodded. “I should apologize.”
“Nonsense. You had a good night, and so did I. It was the night we met and I’m not going to apologize to anyone for that.” The light in her eyes slowly came back at his words. She was obviously thinking the same thing he was. How they’d bumped into each other. How he’d spilled her drink. How he’d insisted on buying her another one. And how their conversation led to them naming their first daughter. “See?” He said, as her lips hinted at a smile. “Itwasa good night.”
April drew in a deep breath. “You’re right. But we should probably join your friends or they might think we’re either making out or we’ve run away.”
Tanner barked out a laugh. “I’m actually good with either of those assumptions, but I do know which I’d prefer.” April giggled and Tanner relaxed a bit. “Ready?” He asked.
“No,” April said thoughtfully, surprising Tanner. “Before I do or say any more awful things, please tell me more about each of your friends so I know what I’ll be walking into.”
Tanner smiled. “Fair enough. You already know Skyla owns Madigan’s. Blake is an FBI Agent and he works with Caden who’s also FBI. Caden is married to Hallie who owns The Mystic Cow.”
“What’s that?” April asked curiously.
“It’s an eclectic books and gifts shop in Dallas. We’ll check it out one of these days. I think you’ll love it. Anyway, then there’s Luke Harmon. He’s a detective with the Dallas P.D. and his wife, Orly, is a nurse.” Tanner purposely left out the part about the women having special abilities because he wasn’t ready to share that with her yet. It was definitely something that would take some time getting used to, and he didn’t want to overwhelm her. “Then of course there’s Garrett. He’s a Texas Ranger, and Reese, his girlfriend, lives here with him. She’s an artist with a gallery show coming up here in Dallas, actually.”
“Wow,” April said. “Your friends are all so successful. I kind of feel like a slacker.”
Tanner kissed the tip of her nose. “You are perfect, and trust me, they all had to go through a lot to get to where they are now. Speaking of which, there’s one more, and here he comes now.” Tanner lifted his chin just as Martin pulled into the driveway. Hoping this introduction would go a lot smoother, Tanner led April to his blue Suburban.
Martin came out with a huge grin, and quickly extended his hand. “Glad I didn’t miss the introductions,” he said. “I’m Martin Ellis, it’s a pleasure to meet you, April.”
April smiled shyly. “It’s nice to meet you, too.”
“Martin was the youngest to make Fire Chief in all of Texas. He works at a fire station in downtown Dallas, and can’t always make our get-togethers due to his twenty-four-hour shifts, but I’m glad you got to meet him today.”
“That’s very impressive,” April said. “I’m just a nanny and a homeschool teacher to a very sweet six-year-old.”
