Tall Dark Defender Read online

  He dragged a crooked finger along her jaw. “I know you’re probably right, I…just have to sort some things out.”

  Annie stroked his face. “Jonah, what…what more do you need to know?”

  He squeezed her hand, and the vulnerability that flickered in his gaze stole her breath.

  “Only that you trust me.”

  She knitted her brow, concerned where Jonah was leading. “You know I do.”

  “Good. Then rest now.” He kissed her lightly and backed away from the bed. “And know that I love you.”

  A few weeks later, Annie was putting the final touches on her hair, clipping the strands away from her face the way Jonah liked it, when she heard the doorbell.

  “It’s Jonah!” Haley squealed as she sped past the bathroom door.

  Down the hall, Annie heard Jonah greet her daughter and son, and her heart gave a little kick. Quickly she snapped her hair clip in place and smoothed her hands down her slacks before hurrying to join her kids and Jonah.

  When she rounded the corner to her living room, Jonah swept an appreciative gaze over her and smiled brightly. “Hello, gorgeous.”

  “You’re early,” she said with a teasing scowl.

  “I couldn’t wait any longer to see you again. And I had a surprise for you that wouldn’t keep.”

  “A surprise?” She noticed for the first time that he held one hand behind his back. Visions of boxed chocolate or cut flowers tickled her imagination. She lifted the corner of her mouth. “Do tell.”

  “I hope you like it.” Jonah drew a deep breath and produced from behind him…a kitten.

  Haley cheered. Ben giggled. “Kitty!”

  Annie gaped, and Jonah flashed her a devilish grin. “Way I see it, every new family should have a pet.”

  Ignoring the children’s outstretched and eager hands, he stepped closer to Annie and settled the tiny black and white tabby in her arms. Pinlike claws dug into her blouse, and a sweet fuzzy face peered up at her. Annie’s heart melted. “She’s precious, but—”

  “No buts. You said you wanted a cat someday. When you were safe from Walt, and your life calmed down, and your future looked bright.” He brushed his fingers along her cheek and lowered his voice. “I know you were hoping for a ring, but…for now, will April do?”

  “April?”

  “That’s what I’ve been calling the cat…to mark the month we started our new life with our new family.” Jonah’s eyes glowed with warmth and love. “A token of my promise to be the best husband and father I can.”

  She wrapped an arm around Jonah’s neck and kissed him soundly on the lips. When Haley reached for the kitten, Annie surrendered the fuzz ball to her daughter’s hands. “Gently, Hal. She’s just a baby.”

  “I’m gonna call her Pookie,” Haley cooed as she rocked the kitten in her arms.

  “Pookie?” Jonah pulled a face.

  Annie laughed as tears of joy sprang to her eyes. “Pookie, April, whatever…I love my surprise. And I love you, Jonah. You helped me find myself when I was lost.”

  Jonah drew her into the circle of his arms, smiling warmly. “And you gave me the courage to claim a new family when I was drifting and alone.”

  “So are we partners? Can we tackle the future as a team?”

  “You’ve got a deal.” Joy lit Jonah’s eyes, and he rested his forehead on Annie’s. “Welcome to someday.”

  ISBN: 978-1-4268-3470-7

  TALL DARK DEFENDER

  Copyright © 2009 by Beth Cornelison

  All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of the editorial office, Silhouette Books, 233 Broadway, New York, NY 10279 U.S.A.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

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