Love's Great Plan: The Warren Family Series, #4

By Regina Puckett

As the son of two famous actors, Coty is used to the unfaltering scrutiny of the media. But even though he's been in and out of the spotlight his entire life, he is totally unprepared for the public's harsh judgement when he's forced to kill a teenager in the line of duty.

 

Amanda is the love of Coty's life. She wants to stand by his side and weather his current crisis, but he's determined to create a distance between them in the hope of protecting her. His biggest fear is that, if the media makes a connection between them, the reporters will turn their focus from him and onto her. That would most certainly bring the media to rehash the lurid scandal that had erupted after the attempted rape of his sister by Amanda's own deceased brother.

Coty has no intention of letting his problems hurt Amanda. He only wants her happiness, and if that means he has to let her go – then so be it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Regina Puckett
• Release date: Oct 24, 2015
• ISBN: 9781519979605

Book preview

Prologue

COTY WHEELED THE LOW-riding, cherry-red mustang into the only unoccupied parking space at the front entrance of the dilapidated apartment complex.

He glanced into the rear-view mirror and smiled at his moody backseat passenger. Stop whining.

The immediate answer was a snort and a loud sniff. It was tempting to laugh, but he decided it was probably better not to. Instead, he hummed the children’s song Barker liked so much. Coty was pleased when the happy tune had the desired effect and the backseat passenger stopped whining and stopped to listen.

Coty continued humming while he took a moment to scan the parking area before heading inside to question one of the older residents, one Mrs. Connelly, about some suspicious activity she had witnessed the night before.

Seeing nothing of interest, he slipped the ring of car keys into a front pocket of his jeans and spoke over his shoulder. It must be too hot for the usual late afternoon socializing.

It was disheartening to see the condition of the apartment complex. Only the poorest of the poor lived here. Most of the residents struggled to survive on their welfare checks or the small amount of money they earned from working whatever low paying job they could find. It didn’t help that the area was also infested with hooligans and gang members. Not many lived here by choice. The rent was low, so even though crime was a daily fact of life, the residents stayed.

Coty went to open the car door but stopped when a movement drew his attention toward the apartment’s dumpsters.

I see there’s at least one poor soul’s brave enough to be out here in this smothering heat.

The teen was a little over five feet tall, a pimpled-faced youth with a mass of unruly curls. The reddish blonde hair didn’t look as if it had seen the right end of a comb in days. For some reason, even though it was well over ninety degrees in the shade, he wore a large, oversized black hoodie. Its pockets were stuffed to the point of hanging below the boy’s knees.

What’s he carrying that’s so important he’s willing to risk heat stroke? Coty had been a policeman long enough to sense when something wasn’t right. Maybe he should go over there and see what the kid was up to before heading up to talk to Mrs. Connelly.

The boy glanced over at Coty’s unmarked police car before taking several short, running steps and kicking a large chunk of loose pavement toward the dumpsters. He waited until the gravel hit one of the rusted out containers before throwing another glance at Coty’s car.

He’s the perfect age to be used by the local gangs; the sort they like to recruit. These young kids are usually easily impressed, intimated and controlled.

The fine hairs on the back of his neck rose when the boy snuck another glance his way. That settles it. I’m going over there to see what he’s up to.

Before he could, a loud bark from the back seat made Coty turn and pat his golden retriever’s head. All I have to do is run in and ask Mrs. Connelly three questions. I won’t be long.

He stroked the soft hairs under the dog’s chin. When I get back, we’ll head to the park and play catch. Barker licked at Coty’s face until he had to hold the dog’s head between his hands and push him back to keep from getting covered in drool.

A second later, the retriever whined and slipped her head out from between the headrests and pressed her nose against the side window, staring at the young man by the dumpsters, then she returned to licking Coty’s face.

Coty patted her head. "What are you so worried about? Let me take care all of the world’s problems, will you?"

He fought off the next attack of dog kisses. I appreciate all of this love, but now I smell like dog spit. Why don’t I leave the windows down so you won’t get too hot? You’ll have to promise to stay out of trouble, though. No taking candy from strangers again, uh? You know what happened last time. We spent the entire night at the vet’s.

Barker tensed and let out a low growl. It was enough to make Coty turn to his side window, but the only thing he saw was a snubbed-nosed handgun pressed against the glass. Coty immediately fell sideways into the passenger seat, his service revolver already out of its holster, free and aimed before he heard its discharge.

The power of a semi-truck slammed into Coty’s shoulder, and the last thing he saw was the teenager’s head exploding.

Chapter One

I THOUGHT YOU WERE supposed to be off duty. Barbara scooped the squirming newborn out of Amanda’s arms and leaned against one of the sturdy stainless steel changing tables. She gave Amanda a thorough head to toe once over and frowned. So how did you get stuck working again today?

Amanda closed her eyes but only briefly, in case she accidentally dozed off. Both her eyes ached as if she’d been in a sand storm. Rhiannon called in sick. I overheard Betsy telling Dorothy several nurses were out because of a stomach virus. Her eyes closed again of their own accord but Amanda once again forced them open.

She sat straighter and tugged at her uniform top, as if that would help her stay more alert. What day is it? Better yet, what year is it?

Barbara chuckled. "It’s Friday. How could you possibly forget? You only mentioned twenty times yesterday that you and Coty were going out tonight. You really should go home and get a quick nap.

Amanda’s best friend did another long toe to head scan before adding, And please do something about your outfit before Coty sees you wearing food and poop.

Her best friend’s evil grin was enough to make Amanda check out her cartoon-colored blouse. Unfortunately, she was so tired that all the colors ran together, too tired to worry about a little dirt. She could claim it was battle scars from tending a nursery full of babies half the night and all of the day.

It can’t be that bad. A shower and shampoo should do the trick. We’re not going anywhere too fancy; probably a fast food joint and a late night movie.

But then her friend’s grin widened. When was the last time you looked in a mirror? From here I can clearly see three separate stains on your uniform. There is a huge brown glob of something covering Sponge Bob’s face, a mass of bright orange on your right shoulder and an indescribable color that is either puke or poop on your left sleeve.

Unable to stifle a yawn, Amanda covered her mouth and didn’t speak until the muscles in her jaw had relaxed again. The stains could be anything. I have burped, wiped, and fed each infant in here at least forty times. Every pregnant woman in the five surrounding states came to Murfreesboro last night to deliver their babies. This room is filled to its maximum capacity and there are at least four more women in labor and delivery, popping out more babies at this very moment. I don’t envy you at all today. I think I might call in sick tomorrow myself.

Barbara frowned over the top of the infant’s head. You wouldn’t dare. I have a big date tomorrow night. If I don’t get to go, I will personally come knocking at your door and pull every blonde hair out of that pretty little head of yours.

Amanda giggled. There wasn’t a mean bone in her Barbara’s body. She was the type who took in stray dogs and fed the homeless with her last dollar. Her frown wasn’t enough to frighten Amanda.

She pulled the bright yellow cartoon character scrub top closer, to sniff at the large brown stain. Whew! I’m not sure what this is, but it smells awful. She leaned away from the top to get a better view. I don’t remember eating anything brown. It isn’t food. After twisting the material around, she finally decided it was probably better not knowing.

Hopefully it’s from last night’s supper. I hate to think I might have walked around here all night with poop on my shoulder.

Barbara repositioned the tiny newborn. You spill at least one bite onto your clothes of everything you eat. I don’t know why Coty takes you out in public. Not many things embarrass me, but even I won’t eat in a restaurant with you

Amanda grinned. He doesn’t mind. We have it all worked out. If I drop anything on my chest, he makes a little motion with his hand to let me know. The other diners then stay blissfully ignorant of the fact I don’t have the necessary eye and hand coordination it takes to eat properly.

An unladylike snort escaped Barbara. It was loud enough to cause the newborn in her arms to whimper. She patted the tight bundle with soft but forceful pats to calm it again. You’re trying to tell me Coty only looks at your chest to see if food is going to land on it? Do you think I was born yesterday? I’ve seen the way the man looks at you. You can’t be that naïve. If you are, we need to sit and have a long discussion about the birds and the bees.

This time it was Amanda’s turn to snort. I have been through nursing school. I know everything there is to know about the fundamentals of human sexuality.

Barbara snorted again. You understand the fundamentals? Does that mean you really don’t know firsthand how this birds-and-the-bees thing works? I thought we were best friends. How could I not know this about you?

A blush crept from Amanda’s neck to her hairline. We don’t talk about everything.

Maybe we should talk a little more. Didn’t your mother ever explain the facts of life to you?

In an instant the blush changed from pink to red. Would you want the facts-of-life speech from my mother?

Barbara pursed her lips. No. You’re right. Your mother probably isn’t the best person to explain what happens between a man and a woman.

Thank you. I’m certain whatever she would have said wouldn’t have had anything to do with the way it should be. You know my family history. I have read enough in books to know whatever she might have told me on the subject wouldn’t be normal. Besides, I like what I have with Coty. He respects me.

This time Barbara snorted so hard Amanda thought she was going to pull a muscle. The two of you have been dating for well over two years. I would have already attacked him at this point in the relationship.

I’m not going to attack Coty.

Why not? Do you need a few pointers? I have several books with pictures and everything.

Barbara grinned, but Amanda held up a hand. I don’t need pictures. Do I have to remind you we did our medical training together right here at this hospital? How many old men did we give sponge baths to?

Barbara groaned. Please tell me you’re not going to compare some sick, and if I remember correctly, wrinkled old men to Coty? No wonder the poor man is still giving excuses for looking at your chest. Let’s take some time this weekend to go over a few basic facts with you. I think I may even have a few videos around the house somewhere for your viewing enlightenment.

You’re going to show me porn to explain the birds and the bees? You’re kidding, right? I’m not watching porn with you. Not even my crazy mother would suggest using porn to explain sex to someone. Besides, Coty and I are good friends and this isn’t the type of relationship where we need to know about the facts of life. It’s a friendship. Nothing more. Nothing less. I appreciate your offer, as disgusting as it is.

Barbara shifted the newborn again. You really believe that’s all there is between the two of you? When you’re both together, it’s as if no one else in the world exists. I have never had a friend look at me the way he looks at you. Coty doesn’t call you every day, take you out every weekend, hang onto your every word, or look at you like he could eat you up because you’re pals.

Amanda’s brain felt as if it were filled with cobwebs. The long hours of working nonstop made everything feel fuzzy and uncertain. Stop making a mountain out of a molehill. I’m not taking advice from a person who got her information about men and women from dirty magazines and porn. You know as much about love as I do, and that amounts to a big fat zero.

She pulled on her ponytail and sighed. Coty has been so good to me. I don’t want to ruin our friendship by embarrassing him. If I threw myself at him, I would only confuse things. If he wants this to go farther than a friendship, I’m going to let him make the first move. Until then, we’re friends, and if that’s all it is ever going to be between the two of us, I’ll be content. I have never had anyone who cared about me. No one has ever worried about my health, about my safety or wellbeing. Coty does. With him I feel safe and loved. There is never a moment when we are together that I don’t feel cherished and happy. So, if I have to be his friend, then I will be his friend. If I have to watch him fall in love and get married to someone else, then I’ll watch him fall in love and get married. I’ll wish them nothing but the best of everything. I’ve never known love, but this time with Coty has meant everything to me. If it has to last me a lifetime, I’ll cherish each and every memory forever.

Barbara didn’t say a thing for several moments before finally sputtering out, You’re not kidding, are you?

Amanda didn’t blink. "No. I’m not kidding. You know my past. No one has ever loved me. No one. I would love to be the person Coty falls in love with, but the truth is I never expected to be here doing what I love to do. I never expected to be here with people I love to be with. I appreciate right now that if I suddenly lost it all, I would have this time to look back on, to remember that at one time in my life I had