Willow’s eyes went large and her mouth opened in surprise. Tears welled up in those beautiful eyes and she flung herself against his chest as the tears burst forth. “Yes! Oh, yes!” she wailed.
They clung to each other and shared tears and kisses, both feeling more complete than they’d ever felt apart.
Once they’d got control over their tears they sat back on the couch holding hands and watched the fire. “Normally I’d present you with an engagement ring but there’s a shortage of jewellery stores in this neighborhood,” Dan said, smiling.
“You don’t need to buy me a ring,” Willow whispered, still in shock over Dan’s proposal.
“Yes I do and you will have the most lovely and dazzling ring we can find but it’s still going to pale next to your beauty,” Dan insisted.
She snuggled into his arm and purred.
The following week was especially warm for spring. They climbed into the Jeep for the first time since he’d rescued her from the cliff. They made their way carefully down to the road and drove to the city. Willow had no memory of her first time through this route as she’d been in a far worse physical and mental state on that trip.
Their first errand was to meet with the police and the Feds. He’d made arrangements in advance so they were expecting them.
Dan and Willow were ushered into a conference room where they sat holding hands. Two men entered the room shortly after them.
Officer Duncan was a big man. Peppery hair cropped short and broad shoulders with a barrel chest, he looked like he’d be better fit as a lumberjack than wearing a suit in an office. The man next to him was so average your eyes would pass over him on the street and not even register he was there. Grey suit, brown hair, medium height and build, regular features, he was a study in neutral. Officer Duncan introduced him as Special Agent Joel Gregson. The only thing that seemed off character was the dainty gold pinkie ring the man wore. For some reason it raised the hairs on the back of Dan’s neck.
After the introductions were made, Dan gave his statement about Willow’s rescue to the two men. Duncan recorded the statement and asked questions. Gregson sat quietly, watching. Mostly watching Willow in Dan’s opinion. The man was creepy but he supposed working on the violent gang task force probably did that to a person. Exposed to so much horror and violence, some of it had to leak in.
Willow was obviously picking up on it as well as she moved closer to Dan and clung to his hand. Finally, Dan had had enough.
“Excuse me, Agent Gregson. Would you please stop staring at Willow. She’s had enough of that in her life and it makes her very uncomfortable,” he said firmly.
“I’m not sure what you mean,” the man said with an emotionless voice. Dan felt her grip on his hand tighten.
Duncan had picked up on the vibe as well and was uncomfortable with the federal agent too. “You read the history report Dan sent us. The woman was traumatized.”
The agent just looked at Duncan and looked away. “If you’ve finished with Mr. Bishop I would like to interview ‘Willow’ about what she saw and heard during her time with the Blood Brothers. Alone.”
Dan’s hackles went up when Gregson said her name. “That’s not going to happen. If you want to ask her questions you’re free to do so, but I will be here for her support and protection.”
“Protection? You really think you’re up to that task? I’ve read your file. You’re a mental gimp. Load on the pressure and you crack. How are you going to single handedly protect her from the Chula Vista Chapter of the Blood Brothers? When they learn you’ve killed one of theirs and stolen one of their bitches-” he sneered.
Dan surged to his feet and Duncan grabbed his arm. “You will not refer to Willow with that term.”
Duncan turned an angry glare at the Fed. “And how would the Chula Vista Chapter come into possession of that information. I noted you said WHEN not IF.”
Gregson examined his nails and shrugged. “Information is so difficult to contain these days,” he said.
“Not really Agent. That information will NOT leave MY files so the only possible leak would have to come from you, wouldn’t it?” Duncan growled.
“The only truly secure files are those involved in active investigations. Where witnesses actively assist Agents in building solid cases against the criminals.” He looked straight at Willow with a greasy smile.
“So basically you’re telling us we give you what you want or you leak the information to the gang,” Dan growled. Officer Duncan stared at the Agent with a thunderous rage building.
“I’m saying nothing of the sort. Those aren’t MY words,” the agent said with a false look of innocence.
“You’ve been working too long with the worst sort of people Agent Gregson. We can no longer distinguish you from them. We’re done here. Come on Willow, the air is tainted in here,” Dan said with a look of disgust. She was immediately at his side and followed him out. Gregson admired the view as she left. Duncan shook his head and left to speak with Dan before he left.
“Mr. Bishop! I’m so sorry about that. I had no idea the FBI would send such a scumbag. You were right, he HAS been undercover too long. I’ll speak with my Captain about this.”
Dan leaned in to the officer. “I think what bothered me most was that the guy gave off the impression that he wanted to be the next name on Willow’s list of Masters. The list is dead. She’s no longer a slave.”
“Yeah, I got that impression too. Creepy,” the officer shuddered.
“Thanks! You know where to find me if you have any more questions,” Dan said and walked out of the precinct with Willow who was trembling.
Once they were back in Dan’s Jeep he turned to her. “Willow, I’m so sorry you had to be exposed to that creep.”
“Maybe I should have spoken with him alone? Then he wouldn’t tell the gang where to find you?” she whispered.
“Agent Gregson doesn’t have any humanity left in his soul. I could see it in his eyes. I seriously don’t believe he wanted to help you or wanted assistance in a case. I believe he wanted to own you and I swore to protect you from that. Do you trust me?” Dan asked.
“Yes!” she gasped.
“Do you love me?” he asked gently.
“YES!” she gushed.
“I love you and I want us to get married so let’s go do that!” he smiled and she gave him a dazzling smile back.
They made their way to the US Citizenship and Immigration office. He had arranged an appointment today to review the paperwork he’d submitted for Willow. He had no idea how long it would take them to do their own investigation.
It turned out that the Immigration woman had worked some miracles. Willow now had official government documentation identifying her as US citizen, Willow Smith. Dan had raised an eyebrow at the surname but the woman just quirked a mysterious smile and stamped the document to make it legal.
They stopped by the local jewellery shop and picked up some simple wedding bands that fit and Dan picked out a stunning engagement ring. There was a large, brilliant diamond in the center surrounded by smaller but equally brilliant diamonds in a circular pattern. Willows eyes were wide with shock at the size and beauty of the ring and she began to tremble when he dropped to one knee in the store. He had to make it official.
“Willow, will you marry me?” he said looking into her eyes which were filling with tears. She nodded rapidly as she was unable to speak. He slipped the ring on her trembling finger and took her in his arms. She kissed him and cried with joy. The sales clerks and a few customers all cheered and Willow’s cheeks hurt from how broadly she was smiling. Dan paid for the rings and promised to return to get the engagement ring resized.
Next they’d visited the Justice of the Peace for a quick ceremony and they were legally married. The paperwork was submitted and soon Willow Smith would be Willow Bishop on paper as well. Then he’d apply for her passport. After all, they had a honeymoon to plan.
Willow had never been as happy in her life. She clung to her husband’s arm as they left the building. Husband! She never contemplated that she’d ever use that word for herself. Dan turned to her and smiled.
“Now for the really glamorous side of marriage. We get to go grocery shopping!” he grinned. Willow giggled, a sound rarely heard from her but she just couldn’t help herself.
“We’ll have our honeymoon soon but for now we need to stock up on some items for the house,” he said.
At the grocery store Dan ran a practiced eye over the shelves and filled the cart with the necessities. Willow pushed a cart of her own and they soon filled them both. They paid and loaded the bags into the jeep.
As they pulled out of the parking lot they missed the tan sedan slipping out of the lot behind them.
*********
It didn’t take long for Dan and Willow to unload the jeep and put away the groceries. Dan got dinner started then he scooped his wife over his shoulder and rushed into the bedroom as she grinned madly.
He laid her out on the bed and she beamed up at him.
“Hello, wife.” Dan said with a smile.
Willow’s eyes brimmed with tears of joy and she held her arms up to draw him down onto the bed with her. Dan knelt next to her then lowered his body over her slowly, drinking in her beauty with his eyes.
Willow grabbed his shoulders and pulled him down the final inches so she could kiss him. The kiss was sweet and slow at first. The caressing of lips and just the lightest of touches with the tips of their tongues. This inflamed their need and soon their mouths were eagerly pressed together. Their passions exploded as Willow slid her tongue deeply into his mouth. Dan returned her kiss with equal fervor. He slid his right hand up the side of her body from her thigh to her breast and gently tugged at her nipple. She gasped into his mouth and kissed him just a little harder.