Adrianne Byrd: Deadly Double

“Ah, you did hear me.” “You were saying all the things I wanted to hear.” He chuckled, but then grew serious. “So did you mean it?” Josie stole another kiss before she answered, “I meant every word.”

Epilogue

Four years later...

In a grand chateau outside the city of Paris,

Josephine Hayes placed her first Grammy inside her custom-made trophy case and stepped back into her husband arms to admire it. It wasn’t the only award she’d received for songwriting, but it was the first Grammy .

“I’m so proud of you,” William said, snuggling close and kissing the shell of her ear. “You know if we’re quiet, we can continue this little celebration in the bedroom.”

“Ah, are you afraid you’ll wake the kids?” She turned in his embrace and slid her arms around his neck.

“Me?” He feigned incredulity. “I had to practically peel you off the ceiling last night.”

Josie giggled as she accepted his puckered lips in a delicious kiss. In the next second, he swept her into his arms and carried her out of her studio and up three flights of stairs. Long before they reached the boudoir, Josie was making more than enough noise to wake Catherine and little Charlie.

With one kick, the door swung open, and William carried his beautiful wife across the threshold. Rose petals and soft candlelight set the scene. Josie gasped. “What’s this?” “Let’s just say that I called some friends to help our little celebration along.” “When did you call them?” “Before we boarded the plane in Los Angeles. Do you like the surprise?” “I love it.” She giggled. “My hopeless romantic.” She peppered his face with kisses. “And what about the children?” “Out of our hair until tomorrow afternoon when we pick up Larry, Sheila and Christopher from the airport.” “Once again, you’ve thought of everything, Dr. Hayes.” “I certainly try, Nurse Hayes.”

Gently, he placed her on the bed and nibbled on all Josie’s favorite spots. They took their time, playing and peeling each other out of their clothes. When their bodies finally joined together, the magic that had always existed between them returned.

William knew that he would never tire of making love to this exquisite woman. He loved everything about her: the way she felt, smelled, tasted, and above all, he loved the way she loved him.

In the years after their reunion, she had rediscovered her talent and drive. She also committed herself to live her life and never take any of her blessings for granted. She had Michelle to thank for that lesson.

Night had dissolved into early morning before the husband and wife took a break to just cuddle. “If we don’t get some sleep soon, we’re going to be a wreck by the time Larry and Sheila arrive with their own little bundle of joy.”

William chuckled. “I can’t believe that knucklehead has finally made me an uncle. I was beginning to think he didn’t have it in him.” Josie smiled and shook her head. “I can’t wait to see the baby. Sheila said he looks a lot like you.” “Lucky kid.” “That’s what you said about our babies.”

“I meant it then, too. Of course, Catherine is starting to look more like you every day.” He hugged her close. “Which means the next one…” “The next one? How many do you think we’re having?” “At least six.” She bolted out of his arms and turned to him incredulously. “Six?” “Fine, fine.” He shrugged. “I’m a man of compromise. How about five?”

Her lips widened into a smile as she slid back into his arms. “That’s much better.” She kissed him. “You know our twentieth-year anniversary is just around the corner?”

William smiled. “Twenty years since we met. It took us a long time to make it to the altar; but I can honestly say I’ve been in love with you since that fateful night. I’m looking forward to loving you all the days of my life.”

His words brought tears to Josie’s eyes. She still couldn’t believe God thought enough of her to reward her with such a man.

“I love you so much,” she whispered.

The morbid truth was they had her sister to thank for reuniting them; then again, maybe everything happened just as fate had planned it. Josie tried not to think of Michelle, but she couldn’t help it at times.

As usual, she was the first out of bed so she could have the bathroom to herself. She greeted her reflection in the mirror with a smile, and then opened the medicine cabinet. She reached for her hidden lithium pills in the back. When she popped the top, a voice startled her from behind. “How long were you planning to keep this secret from me?” Stunned, Josie gaze found his in the mirror. “How long have you known?”

An easy smile curved William’s lips as he stepped into the bathroom and slid his arms around his waist. “Baby, I make it a point to play close attention to you.”

Her heart hammered in her chest. “I was scared to tell you.”

He turned her around to face him. “Just because you suffer with bipolar doesn’t mean that you’re going to turn into Michelle. Plenty of people with this disease get by just fine without turning into a mass murderers.”

A smile fluttered to her lips. “You still love me even though”

“Josie, Josie,” he whispered and brushed a light kiss over her mouth. “Don’t you know by now that there’s nothing in this world that could stop me from ever loving you?”

Tears splashed down Josie’s face as she locked her arms around his neck and kissed with every ounce of her soul. She nearly melted at the feel of his hands making those wonderful circles at the small of her back. “Hey, come back to bed,” William said huskily. “Don’t tell me you’re ready for another round.” “Okay, I won’t tell you, I’ll just show you.”

“Deal.” She returned the bottle to the cabinet, winked at her reflection. “You’re not a lost cause, after all.” She smiled, and then returned to bed with the love her life.