Behind the Lies (A Montgomery Justice Novel) (39 page)

She nodded happily. “I just found out this morning.”

Zach pulled her close and held her for a moment. “I couldn’t love you more if I tried.”

A hard rap on the window and a loud cough broke them apart.

“Get a room,” Gabe said with a wink, leaning on his crutches.

“Looks like we’ll need more than one room. Jenna’s pregnant!” Zach exited the vehicle, then strode to his brother and grabbed him in a fierce bear hug. “I’m going to be a father…again. Sam and a new bambino!”

“Damn,” Gabe shook his head in disgust. “I guess they let just anybody do that job nowadays. Good thing I’ll be the favorite uncle, so I can straighten those poor kids out.”

Zach and Jenna laughed as they walked into Captain Garrison’s home, Sam trotting at their heels.

Zach’s mother sat next to the man who had saved her life.

John rose to his feet slowly and held out his hand to Zach. “Welcome back. Did you find out anything more? Did my digging into Patrick’s death stir up these snakes?”

“You and me both, John,” Zach muttered. “Dad’s past drew a huge red flag for Theresa. Sterling discovered an uncategorized file that I accessed. It recorded a payoff. Five million dollars. Sterling tied the transaction to her. When you started asking questions about Dad, she panicked even more. We think that’s why she hired Brad to kill you.”

“Makes you wonder what else we don’t know,” John mused. “Patrick had more secrets than even I realized.”

He looked down at Anna with a sympathetic and loving gaze. For the first time Zach recognized the strain in his mother’s eyes.

“Mama—”

“I’ll be fine, Zach. I have faith in Patrick. Whatever he did, he had good reason. Someday we’ll know why.”

Before Zach could respond, Sam let out a loud huff. “You guys talk too much about grown-up stuff.” He raced over to Luke. “Is Joy here?”

“She’s in the den, watching a movie.”

“Can I go see her, Mommy? Can I?”

Jenna smiled then nodded, and Sam hurried out the door.

“Sam and Joy have become the best of friends,” Jazz said. “He informed me yesterday that he’s going to marry Joy someday.”

Luke frowned. “Wait a minute. He’d better keep his hands to himself. He’s older than she is.”

“He’s
five
,” Zach said. “I don’t think you need to start worrying yet.”

“Yeah, well, never too early to be careful. I’ve got a nice convent picked out for her, with high walls and broken glass embedded in the top.”

Jenna looked at Zach and laughed. “Neither the high wall nor the embedded glass stopped me—or Sam—from climbing into Zach’s backyard.”

“That’s different,” Zach said softly. “You both were coming home…to me.”

Zach drew her in for a passionate kiss and Jenna returned it in full measure.

“That’s it,” growled Luke. “If Sam is going to be hanging around these two lovebirds, I’m packing Joy’s bags for the convent today.”

Zach turned to Luke and grinned. “Liar.”

Jenna laughed and Zach kissed her again. “Guess that trait runs in my family.”

Smiling, she looked around the room at her new family. The Montgomery clan. “Just like love.”

He held her close and kissed her temple. “Exactly like love.”

THE END

I am blessed with the most amazing support system imaginable. So many held my hand and propped me up along the way. I wouldn’t be here without them.

Kelli Martin – you took a chance on the Montgomery Justice novels, and I can’t thank you enough. I am blessed to have an editor with such faith in me.

Jill Marsal, my amazing literary agent – your belief in me and in this book kept me going in more ways than you can possibly know. Jill, I couldn’t do this without you.

Charlotte Herscher, editor extraordinaire – your patience on this one astounds me. Your insight and skill made the book what it is. Thank you.

Tammy Baumann, Louise Bergin, and Sherri Buerkle – my talented, honest, and insightful critique group who are always there for me. Not many are blessed with not only great friends but giving critique partners. You are my rock!

Claire Cavanaugh – how many people are blessed enough to have a best friend who can read their heart and mind? You have a gift for story and for brainstorming that is unparalleled. You know me and what I intend sometimes before I do. Thank you for once again navigating with me through the strange world
of my imagination. You remain the wind beneath my wings. Always.

Jenn Stark, Jen Fitzgerald, and Jo Anne Banker – for duty above and beyond the call. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you coming to my rescue.

Finally, Stephen Perini, my brother and coach for all things sky bound. Any errors are mine, little brother. You rock!

Kyle Zimmerman, 2011

N
ational Bestselling and award-winning author Robin Perini sold seven titles to publishers in one year after winning the prestigious Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart® award in 2011. Her writing’s motto: “When danger and romance collide, no heart is safe.” An analyst for an advanced technology corporation, Perini is also a nationally acclaimed writing instructor and enjoys competitive small-bore rifle silhouette shooting. She makes her home in the American Southwest.