No Man Left Behind: The Wedding
A Man Of Few Words
Marcus Ramirez normally hated wearing his dress uniform. It was stiff and formal. He preferred the casual uniform he wore daily. Actually, he preferred his jeans and a t-shirt, but being on duty 24-7 didn’t allow him much downtime.
Which would be changing soon. There were now almost twenty applicants for the deputy positions. He’d eliminated a few after reading their resumés but he still had plenty of interviews to complete.
Not today, though. That was the last work thought he’d allow because today was all about Elina. All about the future. All about making her his forever.
He couldn’t wait.
Marcus descended the stairs into Phail Jail’s main level to find that his team had congregated in his office. Troy set a bottle on the desk and Sean produced shot glasses. This had become something of a tradition among the six of them.
Grinning, Troy filled the glasses, and passed them around. It wasn’t whisky they would drink, but a shot of Straight Arrow Stout, their newest product. The one named after him. They all had one now.
Epic Phail Pale Ale.
Falcon Blonde Ale.
The Pilsner Of Oz.
Slick and Smooth Dark Lager.
Scooby’s Sweet Porter.
Straight Arrow Stout.
All named after them and their army nicknames. Marcus picked up a glass of the stout. “Good choice.”
Levi grinned and lifted a glass. “We wouldn’t let you down, Arrow. Not after everything you’ve done for us.”
Heath picked up his glass. “To Arrow. Thanks for always leading straight to the trouble spots, and straight out the other side.”
Sean nodded. “To Arrow. Best leader in and out of the forces.”
Garrett held up his glass. “To Arrow. To Elina. To a future filled with everything you need.”
Troy lifted his. “You and Elina are the final piece of the Phail puzzle clicking into place. We want this day to be perfect for you. To Arrow.”
Marcus swallowed hard at the heart-felt words from his team. He had a feeling he was going to be swallowing emotions a lot throughout the day.
He held up his glass and they clinked them together. “To the best team a man could have. And to Elina.” As one, they shot back the stout.
A Woman On A Mission
Elina Vasquez twirled in front of the mirrors in the yoga studio. Since returning to the States, she’d mostly worn jeans and t-shirts. She’d tried to fit in and not be noticed. Wearing a dress didn’t feel uncomfortable though. In most of the countries she’d lived throughout her youth, dresses had been mandatory. Now she had choices, and this dress was exactly what she wanted to wear today.
Today, the eyes of everyone in the town would be on her, and she didn’t mind one bit.
Marrying the man of her dreams did that for a girl.
She was sure her heart had started to tumble for him when they’d first met way back in the village of Suraih. He’d been so gentle with the kids. The boy who’d slipped down the hill and scratched almost every inch of his body. The girls who’d been nervous around a man dressed so differently from their families. The kids who’d loved the soccer balls he’d always brought. They’d loved that he played the game with them.
He’d helped rebuild homes, plant crops, brought first aid supplies. He and his team had played games with the kids, and been gracious accepting the tea and food shared by the families.
Over the years, she and Marcus had got to know each other a little, but in that faraway country, they’d never shared a private moment. But they’d shared plenty of heated glances. Some kind of magic had arced between them from the first moment.
Finding Marcus and his team in the town of Phail had brought her everything she’d dreamed of. Friends. A safe place to do her work. A way to contribute to the town. Love.
And Marcus himself. Only a short time from when she’d arrived in Phail, they were marrying. And nothing had ever felt—could ever feel—so right.
Rachel walked into the studio and clasped her hands. “You’re so beautiful. That dress is perfect.”
Elina twirled again. At the moment, she felt beautiful. “I’m so grateful for your help. I don’t do much online shopping.”
Rachel laughed. “My specialty.”
They’d found the dress on a vintage site and it was everything Elina wanted. Probably originally from the fifties, it was covered in soft lace. It swung around her knees and the sleeves flowed around her arms. She felt feminine and flirty.
Piper, Branna, Isla, Addy, Nina, and Kimi entered the room wearing their own dresses of various styles in a variety of colours. Seeing her friends dressed up for her day had her smiling. “You’re like a bouquet of the most beautiful flowers. Thank you all for being here with me.” She’d have to create a comic with her friends as flowers in a beautiful garden.
The thought had her smiling again. She’d never had close friends until she’d settled in Phail. Language and cultural barriers, frequent moves to new countries, and a need to protect her heart had prevented that. Now, she was living with that heart wide open, and it was full of joy and love.
Owen joined the group wearing his best jeans and a button-up shirt that echoed the color of Marcus’s uniform. Flups and Finch followed, wearing bowties of the same color.
“My handsome men. You’re all very dashing.”
Owen’s eyebrows lifted. “What does dashing mean?”
Elina smiled. “Handsome. Charming. Perfect.” She waned to add adorable, but she wasn’t sure if the nine-year-old would find that insulting.
Owen grinned, then looked at his mom. “Is it almost time to go?”
Rachel smiled back. “I think it is. Peek out the window to see if Troy and Marcus are at the gazebo.”
He raced back seconds later. “Everyone’s there. It looks like the whole town is there.”
Elina felt her eyes widen in momentary panic but Piper squeezed her arm. “No worries. All you have to do is keep your eyes on the prize.”
She nodded. There wasn’t any danger now. It didn’t matter if people looked at her. Over the years, she’d had plenty of eyes on her because she’d been the outsider. Most of those eyes had been curious. Others had been kind. After that awful day in Suraih, a few had been hateful but that was all in her past now. The prize was Marcus and he was everything. “Let’s get me married.”
Be Your Own Man
Marcus stood in front of the gazebo with Troy. His team surrounded them. The rest of the town spread out in front of him. Standing and sitting, leaving an aisle open for his bride.
His heart thrummed. His bride. Soon his wife. His.
Best day of his life. After that day in Suraih when he’d lost his leg, he’d focused on one thing at a time. Surviving. Learning to use his prosthesis. Finding a job he enjoyed that enabled him to use his skills. Keeping the town safe. Protecting his friends when danger appeared.
In all that time, he’d never expected to find love. The connection he’d felt with Elina had been the strongest he’d ever felt. He’d never experienced anything even close with any other woman. He hadn’t pursued any relationships because he’d sensed there was more out there. The kind of more he’d felt when the spotted a woman on a bench in the park. A woman who’d had his nerves standing at attention before he’d realized is was his Elina. Now, he couldn’t imagine a life without her in it.
Because nothing in Phail was far away, he saw the door to Yoganna Love It open, and his heart picked up its pace.
The ladies he’d come to think of as family walked out. Piper, Branna, Isla, Addy, Kimi, and Rachel. They all wore pretty dresses in a variety of colors. He and Elina hadn’t wanted a formal ceremony. They’d wanted it to reflect them and they’d wanted to include the town.
The ladies all smiled as they walked toward the gazebo and the group waiting there.
Movement at the doorway snagged his attention from them. Nina walked through, arms full of flowers. She grinned at the group gathered in the park and then waited. Owen came out next, wearing a shirt that matched the color of Marcus’s shirt. It made him smile. The kid was a firecracker. Finch and Flups completed the group. Both dogs sported bow ties matching him and Owen.
Since the day where Azaar had grabbed Owen in an effort to take Elina, the boy had idolized Elina. And spent hours questioning Marcus about his job and how he’d learned to protect people. A budding officer, although that could easily change over the years. The boy had lots of interests.
The kids and dogs waited on the porch. When Elina emerged from the doorway, Marcus’s heart nearly stopped.
Her smile brightened the world. She practically glowed with joy. He hadn’t realized he’d instinctively moved toward her until Heath’s hand on his arm stopped him. Heath chuckled. “You’re supposed to wait, and let her have the moment. Let the town and the kids have theirs, too. She’ll be here soon.”
Heath was right. The quick glance he spared Owen and Nina showed them glowing as well. They’d had big parts in Elina’s life, and she’d wanted them to be part of their day. Hard as it was to wait, he wouldn’t ruin that for them.
The skirt of Elina’s dress swirled around her knees as the trio walked across the street to the park. Marcus had put cones at the intersection to stop anyone driving down the road. Even though the entire town was in the park, he wouldn’t take chances with Elina’s safety. Ever.
Owen, Nina, and the dogs walked on either side of her as they approached. They beamed, and he could see that while the kids chatted away, Elina didn’t stop smiling long enough to speak much.
When they were closer, Nina tossed flowers in front of them, decorating the path as they walked. It was pretty, but nothing could match Elina’s beauty.
Unable to stop himself, Marcus strode out to meet her several yards from where he was supposed to wait. Behind him, he heard his team chuckle. A couple of the women who’d joined them sighed happily.
But that was in the periphery. All his brain could register was the woman smiling even wider at him.
When he reached her, she reached out her arms and he swung her into them and around in a circle. When he stopped, he dropped his lips to hers.
The crowd cheered around them.
When he figured he could make it through the rest of the ceremony, he set her on her feet and cupped her face. “Hi, gorgeous.”
“Hi yourself, handsome.”
Beside them, Owen tugged on his shirt. “I think you forgot the order. You’re supposed to wait to kiss her.”
Marcus laughed, and patted the boy on the shoulder. “I guess you’re right, Owen. Let’s get on with the ceremony so I can do it again.”
Woman Of The Hour
Elina hugged Owen and Nina, and then she and Marcus climbed the gazebo steps with Troy. Finch followed and sat beside her.
Troy grinned at the crowd. “It’s such a pleasure and honor to be the officiant today. For years, Marcus has been our deputy, and the man we all knew we could count on for help, no matter the circumstance.”
Elina’s heart warmed at the words. Marcus was such a good man.
Troy continued. “Of course, we could count on him, because his job was his whole life. He lived the job. And he’s very good at it.”
Marcus gave Troy a wry look, making his friend laugh. “Then Elina crossed the country on a quest to find him with only one syllable to help her identify him. Because of the awesome name of the town, she did.”
Elina laughed along with everyone else, although there were more than a few groans in the mix. Troy had so much fun with the name he shared with the town.
“It’s been a pleasure to welcome Elina to Phail, and into our lives. You’ve brought joy with you, Elina. And you’ve helped Marcus see that there is more to life than the job. Even when that job is important. Our newly-minted police chief is happier now than I’ve ever seen him, and we have you to thank for that.”
Elina’s face flushed as Marcus squeezed her hand and smiled at her with such love.
“Let’s hear your vows. Ladies first.”
Elina turned fully to Marcus. “From the very beginning, I knew you were a good man. You’re a natural protector, and from the first moment, I felt safe when you were around.”
She grinned. “Although safe wasn’t the only thing I felt.”
The crowd laughed and she heard Owen whispering. Probably asking what she meant, but she wasn’t going to elaborate.
“After that horrid day when the insurgents attacked Suraih, we were pulled apart, and I didn’t have much hope of finding you again. I didn’t feel settled here in the US until I decided to drive across the country. Then I saw a sign showing Phail on a map. Troy’s right. The town’s name drew me like a magnet. And there you were. Here you are. I’ve never been happier in my life.”
She swallowed hard. “I love you with everything I am, Marcus. You’re the best person I know, and knowing you love me back makes my toes curl. I never thought I’d find this much joy.”
He grinned, and squeezed her hands.
It took a deep breath but she continued and slid a wedding band on his finger. “I promise to love you forever. I promise to be at your side to help you with whatever you need. I promise to keep your heart safe and to treasure you. I love you.”
Then she leaned up on her toes and kissed him with all the love she had.
Man Up
Marcus dimly heard Owen asking his mom if this was the right place for him to kiss his bride.
Laughing, he pulled back from the kiss to find Elina grinning too. He shot a look at Owen. “Did I get it wrong again? I’ll keep trying.”
Owen nodded seriously, and Marcus turned his attention back to Elina. Her eyes were bright and misty. Her smile, the best thing he’d ever seen.
“I love you so much, Elina. Troy’s right that I was living my job instead of living my life. You’ve changed that. You’ve made me a better man and a better deputy.”
Troy coughed and interrupted. “Chief. You’re a chief now.”
Marcus grinned at his friend. “You’re right. That’s going to take some getting used to.”
He rubbed his thumbs over Elina’s hands, savoring the moment, savoring the contentment that filled his soul. “With you at my side, I can get used to anything. You make the world better simply by being you. You find joy in every corner. I love seeing you bring that joy to others with your comics and with your presence.”
Deep breath. “I didn’t think there was a way to find you after that day overseas. I thought I’d lost my chance to explore the connection we felt back then. Thankfully, you’re smarter than I am. You figured out a way to find us all and bring us together and I’m so glad and grateful that you did.”
He pulled out the ring and slipped it onto her finger. The diamonds sparkled as brightly as her smile. “I promise to love you forever. I promise to do everything in my power to keep you safe, to keep you happy, and to help you spread your messages of peace and joy. You’re a spectacular human being, Elina. I’m so damn lucky to have you love me back. We’re going to make a fabulous life together.”
Her misty smile grew and he had to kiss her again.
Troy spoke while they kissed. “He jumped the gun again, Owen. Marcus and Elina, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Keep on kissing your bride.”
And he did.
Eventually, they pulled back and he squeezed her in a hug. “We’re married.”
She squeezed him when she heard his whisper. Then she leaned back and cupped his face. “Best moment of my life.”
“We’ll see if we can top that, later.”
Phail Facts
Elina wondered if her joy had bubbled up out of her soul and was glistening on her skin. She was married to a man she loved with her whole being. They lived in a town that was full of friends who’d become family. Not once in her life had she dreamed of being this happy.
The short wedding ceremony had been fun, and now there was a party in the park. Someone had put music over the speakers and people danced wherever they wanted.
She and Marcus had started it off with a song called Happy that was fun and so true to its name. It had taken only moments before the entire town was singing, clapping, and dancing along with Pharell Williams. She was still discovering her American music tastes, but this song was one of her favorites. It encapsulated the joy that filled her.
She’d never danced much, and definitely not while in the States, but she followed Marcus’s lead and didn’t fall on her face.
She danced with all of Marcus’s army friends, Jim and Carl from the B&B, and nearly everyone she knew in town. No one cared about dancing in any particular style. They only cared about having fun, and congratulating her on her marriage.
But she couldn’t keep her eyes off Marcus. Her husband. The thought sent thrills through her. She couldn’t wait to spend the rest of the night with him. And then the rest of their lives.
A whistle through the speakers had everyone turning their attention to the gazebo. From the stage, Troy grinned. “Would the newly married couple please approach the stage? I have a couple of people here who’ve made a surprise for you.”
Marcus appeared at her side. He took her hand and kissed her cheek. “Any idea what they’re up to?”
She shook her head. “Not a clue.”
“Could be scary. Brace yourself.”
When they stood in front of the gazebo, the crowd gathered around them. Troy motioned for someone to climb the steps.
Elina had been expecting the other members of Marcus’s team. Instead, Nina and Owen moved into view.
The two friends grinned at the audience then Nina took the microphone. “As most of you know, Owen and I have been asking everyone to fill in Phail Cards for Elina and Chief Ramirez for a wedding gift.”
Elina laughed and leaned her head on Marcus’s shoulder. This town was so sweet. His arm came around her and he kissed her hair.
Nina held the mic to Owen. “We asked people to tell us facts about you or to give you advice for being happy.”
Nina brought back the mic and grinned. “Piper wouldn’t let us read some of those.”
Marcus groaned and Elina’s skin flushed from her scalp to her toes as she laughed along with everyone else.
Owen held up his cards. “Thanks Chief Ramirez for never Phail-ing to keep us safe.” The boy grinned as he emphasized the word Phail on the card.
The kids alternated reading the cards, the puns getting worse as they read.
When you mess up, never Phail to apologize.
Phailing to tell your partner you love them will cost you.
Remember your anniversary without Phail.
Phail better the next time you try something you’ve already messed up once.
Make sure there are no epic Phails.
If all else Phails, distract her with kisses.
“Chief Ramirez already showed he was good at that one.” Owen grinned at them. The crowd cheered until Marcus dipped her over his arm and kissed the breath out of her.
She really liked these Phail facts.
Marcus held her close. “Can’t wait to read the ones they wouldn’t let the kids see.”
A Man Of His Word
Marcus wanted his bride—his wife—to himself.
The party had been great. The kids had been a hit. Ginny had made a gorgeous cake. He’d enjoyed it all.
But he was done.
They’d decided to delay any honeymoon until after he’d hired his deputies, but he wanted the night to be special.
He’d popped champagne into the fridge, and stocked up on some of Elina’s favorite treats. She hadn’t tried some traditional American foods yet, but he figured he couldn’t go wrong with chocolate covered strawberries and whatever else Ginny had made up for them.
Jim and Carl were keeping Finch and the kittens for the night.
He knew Elina didn’t want or need anything fancy, but he was going to pamper her, and love every inch of her body. All night long.
He saw her dancing with Piper and the other ladies. As if sensing his gaze, Elina looked up, and spotted him. Her smile widened and softened at the same time. She headed toward him, and he moved to meet her.
Her eyes sparkled and when he kissed her, it was like kissing joy. And desire.
He whispered against her lips. “Let’s go home.”
Her eyes flared as her body trembled. “I like the sound of that. Time to get you out of that sexy uniform.”
Of course it wasn’t as easy as walking away.
Troy called through the speaker before they’d taken a dozen steps. “Looks like our happy couple is sneaking off. I guess they’re tired of the party.”
When everyone laughed, Marcus turned around and waved at the group.
Then the strains of a Motown favorite rang through the air. Stevie Wonder singing Signed, Sealed, Delivered.
Laughing at Troy’s choice, he watched Elina’s face light up at the music and the lyrics.
They called their thanks and goodnights. Then he took her hand and led her across the street, past Phail Jail, and into the woods. Instead of the usual dark path, someone had strung up solar twinkle lights to light their way.
Elina gasped and smiled. “This is amazing. I bet Piper or Nina had the idea.”
He agreed, and it made him wonder if something similar had been done in his house.
Sure enough, a Phail Fact card had been posted on a tree just before they broke through the woods.
Fact: someone has been in your house.
On the next tree was another. Fact: it was not an intruder.
And another. Wish: We hope you enjoy the night.
Grinning, he took down the cards and moved forward. He assumed the women wouldn’t have let his guys do anything awful, so he led the way to the house without much worry.
He unlocked the house, ushered Elina inside, and rearmed the security system.
Mason jars filled with solar powered twinkle lights led the way through the kitchen and up the stairs. In their room, more lights filled the space, making his mostly spartan room pretty and romantic.
A tray sat in the middle of the bed that was strewn with flower petals. A champagne bottle chilled and two glasses waited. The treats he’d bought sat on the tray along with a few additions.
Some kind of jazzy music played from the speakers to complete the scene.
Marcus turned Elina into a dance. “We have good friends.”
“We do, although I suspect you were involved with some of this as well.”
He shrugged. “Maybe a little. Did I tell you how gorgeous you are?”
She smiled. “Once or twice.”
He spun her around the room. “You are. Inside and out. And so sexy in this dress that makes you look like a movie star.”
He dipped her, then brought her back up for another kiss. “But I think I’d like to see you out of the dress.”
Elina grinned. “I bought what’s underneath with you in mind.”
As if his body needed anything else to push him to the edge. He’d been working to keep his desire in control for hours.
Both of their phones beeped at the same time and Marcus’s heart thumped hard in his chest. Had something happened? Was someone hurt?
They both reached for their phones where they’d set them on the dresser.
Elina laughed as he relaxed at the message. From Troy and Piper. “A couple of rules for tonight. Number One. Marcus is off duty for the next thirty-six hours. We’ve got it covered.”
Elina read it out loud then continued. “Rule Number Two. No leaving the house. We’ve stocked your fridge with some of Ginny and Manuel’s magic.”
He continued. “Rule Number Three. Read the Phail cards before proceeding any further.”
“Rule Number Four. Turn off your phones and have fun!”
He shook his head, and turned off his phone. His buddies would have his back. If there was an actual emergency, they’d knock on the door. Or simply come in. Troy had a key. On second thought, they wouldn’t walk in, they’d knock to give them a heads-up.
Elina turned her phone off with a huge grin. “We do have the best friends but I’m a little worried about the Phail cards.”
He chuckled. “Me too.” He swung her into his arms and moved to sit on the bed with her in his lap. After a long, searing kiss that brought them right back to where they were before the interruptions, he reached for the cards on the tray.
Read at your own risk. Some of the Phailites have dirty minds!
Elina laughed and he put that card on the bottom of the small deck.
Although your team name is Arrow, don’t go straight for the prize. Enjoy the journey.
They groaned and moved on to the next.
Start with the buttons. No rush.
Marcus grinned. “They’re ridiculous, and I hate to say it, but starting with those tiny buttons was my plan. Let’s try it again.”
He stood from the bed and placed Elina on her feet. He moved to stand behind her and slipped the top button free He leaned forward to kiss the skin he exposed, enjoying the shivers that covered her skin.
With one arm around her waist, he swayed her into a dance that matched the sexy music filling the room. His other hand slid each button free. One at a time.
With each button, he ran his teeth and tongue over the fresh skin. The buttons were tiny and ran from her neck down to the curve of her glorious ass.
They’d made love dozens of times but every time was new and special. Elina was an endless source of joy and he reveled in seeing what reactions he could pull from her, finding new ways to make her melt.
When the buttons were undone he licked his way back up her spine. Her knees wobbled as she gasped and trusted him to catch her before she fell.
He angled them toward his dresser, where the mirror held their reflections. Elina’s cheeks were flushed in the soft lighting and her pretty lips parted with desire. The love glowing from her eyes swamped him.
With his gaze locked on hers, he slipped the dress over her shoulders and down to the floor.
He trailed his fingers over her shoulders and around to her collar bone. His lips followed the path but he didn’t look away from her gaze.
Shivers covered her skin wherever he touched. While his lips continued to brush over her, he reached his hands around her to cup her breasts through the silky material covering them. She breathed in a sigh and leaned into him but kept her gaze on his.
Watching her build was intoxicating and he kept his movements slow and deliberate. Her bra joined her dress on the floor, and he let his hands drift down her torso.
She moved her hands to loop them around his neck and he growled his approval in her ear. Then he whispered all the things he wanted to spend the next sixty years doing with her.
He slipped one hand into her panties and had to band his other arm around her so she didn’t drop. “Keep watching, Elina. See how gorgeous you are. Watch yourself as you fly apart.”
His words and his touch triggered her orgasm and his body nearly exploded right there.
When she sagged, he swung her into his arms again, kissing her as he returned to the bed. He set her in the middle and moved everything else to the floor.
He shucked his clothes and his prosthesis then lay on top of her. Her eyes fluttered open and she smiled at him. “If that was only card number one, I don’t know if we’ll survive the rest.”
He laughed and kissed her. Then he trailed his lips down to her breast. “I’ll bet we can take it. Together we can do anything.”
Elina squirmed beneath him and she moved her hands to grab his erection. “We sure can. And it’s my turn to play.”
He returned his lips to hers. “Anything you want, Elina. Anything.”
“I want you, Marcus. All I need is you.”
Thank you so much for reading. I hope you enjoyed this bonus scene to the No Fail Heroes Romantic Suspense series!
Remember Annie, the man who rescued Elina? His story is up first in the Heroes To The Core series.