Roman's Vow (Riley's Pride #4) - Sandra R Neeley Page 0,100

ran out of the house, yelling at Darcie to stay where she was. Darcie didn’t hear her.

Anyway, Darcie ran into the diner screaming that Yvette was lying on the floor in a bunch of blood and couldn’t get up. Richie ran for his house, and Constance intercepted Darcie as she tried to follow Richie back to the house. They called 911 and then me and Lucas. I tell ya, Roman. If it wasn’t for your Darcie and her quick thinking instead of panicking, Yvette might not have made it. Yvette started hemorrhaging, and though her panther tried to birth the baby knowing both were in trouble, he was breech and couldn’t come out, which just made matters worse.”

“But everybody’s okay now?” Roman asked.

“Yeah. This will be Yvette’s one and only, but she and the baby are both alive and well, so I don’t think she cares much at this point,” Riley answered.

“What about Darcie?” Roman asked.

“She’s fine. Strutting around like a peacock she’s so proud of herself for helping Yvette. And Richie is treating her like a princess now that everybody’s out of danger and resting. Whooo! It’s been a hell of a night and day at the home front!” Riley said.

“Sounds like it!” Roman said. “I’m really glad everybody’s okay.”

“Me, too. Now, what about you? How’re you and Talie? Ya’ll heading back soon?”

Roman looked at Talie and grinned. “We’re almost there,” he said as he smiled at her.

“What?!” Riley asked excitedly.

“Yep. We’ve got another three or so hours to go and we’ll be home,” Roman said. “She’s listening on speaker.”

“Hey, Talie! Congratulations, honey. I’m so damn happy you’re on your way home!” Riley said excitedly.

“Thank you, Riley. I’m just in a whirlwind with everything that’s happened. But I’m so happy,” Talie said.

“Explained everything,” Roman said, “can’t wait to show you my new mark.”

Riley laughed joyfully. “I knew it! I knew it. What did I say? We’re just like everybody else, but better. I knew it would all work out.”

“Yep, you did,” Roman said.

“And I’m guessing you have a new mark, too, Talie?” Riley asked.

Roman glanced at Talie and laughed. “She’s blushing and grinning, but yeah. She does. She’s got two, but you can only see one of them!” Roman insisted.

Riley chuckled. “I had no doubt you were going to mark her more than once.”

“Just had to,” Roman said, chuckling.

“I know one little girl that’s gonna be thrilled when you two walk through the door,” Riley said.

“Listen, Darcie still doesn’t know her mama’s coming home does she? We want to surprise her,” Roman said.

“That’s right. We hadn’t said anything at all. I won’t say anything until she figures it out for herself,” Riley said.

“She’s doing alright, though?” Talie asked.

“She’s fine, Talie. She missed Roman, then after all the excitement, she’s been too proud of herself and wound up at the hospital all night to even think about it. We’re about to head home now. I snuck out to call you real quick while Maia says her goodbyes, then we’re all loading up and heading home. Come on over to the house when you get in.”

“Alright. Will do,” Roman said.

“Ya’ll drive safe and congratulations again, you two. On everything!” Riley said.

Roman and Talie both thanked him, then ended the call.

“I’m so excited! I can’t wait to see her,” Talie said.

“Me, too. She’s gonna freak when you walk in!” Roman said, laughing.

“About three hours, you said?” Talie asked.

“Yep. You can take a nap, or sing along with the radio, or tell me how much you love me… you know, anything that strikes your fancy,” Roman said.

Talie laughed. “Strikes my fancy?” she asked.

“Yup, you heard me,” he said with a grin, reaching out and taking her hand in his to press a kiss to her wedding set as he settled in for the rest of the drive.

~~~

Three hours later, Roman reached over and patted Talie’s leg. “Hey, wake up, love. We’re home,” he said as he turned onto the road that would take them through town and out to their place.

Talie woke up right away and sat up in her seat, stretching and blinking as she looked around herself. “How long was I out?” she asked.

“About an hour,” Roman answered.

“Sorry,” she said.

“Naw, I’m glad you got some more rest,” he said.

As they started to get into town, Roman pointed out the stores they went by. “See, that’s the feed store Scotty works at. And it’s not just feed. They have a section with clothes, too, that Maia and Yvette both like to shop