Chapter 44
CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR
Jackson entered the police station like a man on a mission. His stride was firm and even, with not even a hint of a limp now that his leg had fully healed. He halted a few steps from Paula’s desk. She studied his serious face. The slight bump on his nose only made him more handsome.
“May I have everybody’s attention please?” Jackson’s voice carried through the open space, and people turned in their direction as a hush fell over the room.
Paula stole a glance around and saw Captain Morris had emerged from his office, grinning widely. She turned back to Jackson. What was he up to now?
“As you all know, a couple of months ago I had a little accident.” Jackson’s statement elicited snorts and laughter, and Jackson waited for a moment before he continued.
“However, the explosion didn’t blow me off my feet as much as this wonderful woman did.
Waking up in the hospital was confusing and horrible, but finding my fiancée at my bedside blew my mind.
Life can be short, and a lot can happen while you’re unconscious.
I want her with me every day for the rest of my life. ”
Paula could feel the ripples of whispered excitement going through the room and realized even more people had come to see what was happening.
“Paula,” Jackson addressed her, “our engagement was a hurried affair.” Paula huffed a laugh. “Why postpone the wedding?”
Was he saying what she thought he was saying?
Paula’s mouth fell open. Before she could reply, Jackson silenced her with a hard kiss then whispered against her lips. “I’m not going to wait another moment to make you mine in every way possible, Melda. Do you want to marry me?”
She smiled and pressed a sweet kiss on his lips. When she pulled away, she whispered, “Yes Master,” before raising her voice. “Nothing would please me more than marrying you, Jackson.”
“Those are the words I wanted to hear.” He turned back to the room.
“I want to thank Captain Morris for hosting the ceremony and reception. I also want to thank the criminals of Kansas City for taking a break so we can have this celebration.” As if on cue, the big elevator doors opened, and Yvonne and Suzie from The Sweet and Savory Table wheeled in a beautiful wedding cake with handcuffs on top.
“Sorry, but we couldn’t manage champagne during the workday.
” More laughter erupted before Jackson continued.
“We have a few technical details to take care of, and then the festivities will commence. We would like all of you to witness our wedding. As you can see, there will be cake.”
The stunned faces and wide eyes around them probably mirrored her own.
Jackson stepped closer, his voice low but steady. “Paula, you’ve claimed my heart. You’re my partner in every sense of the word. I love how you trust me with everything.”
Before she could find words, he took her hand and led her toward the captain’s office.
Paula’s partner grabbed a couple of other guys to move the desks around to create a makeshift aisle while others helped Suzie and Yvonne set up for the reception.
As the station transformed into a makeshift wedding venue, Jackson gave Paula’s hand a gentle squeeze. With a soft chuckle, he leaned in and whispered, “Looks like they’re pulling this together faster than I expected.”
Paula grinned, glancing around at the desks being rearranged and the cake being set up. “They’re efficient when cake’s involved,” she teased.
“Come on.” Jackson guided her along the narrow path between desks.
They wove through the organized chaos, pausing briefly as Suzie adjusted the cake table and Yvonne straightened a stack of plates.
The chatter around them quieted as their colleagues stepped aside, offering smiles and nods of encouragement.
When they reached the captain’s office door, Jackson pushed it open and led Paula inside, where Captain Lacey, Judge Edinger, and Henry Cole were already waiting.
Captain Lacey introduced them. “Your honor, this is the happy couple, two of our finest detectives, Jackson Cagney and Paula Stone. This is Judge Matthew Edinger, who has agreed to preside instead of having lunch today, and I believe you both know Mr. Cole?”
“Thank you all so much for coming. We really appreciate you taking the time to help make this wedding happen.” Jackson turned to Paula.
“I sweet-talked an old friend in the County Clerk’s office into giving us a license without you there as long as we show up together this afternoon for the signatures. ”
“You’ve really done a lot to pull this together, Jackson. What can I do?” She glanced around at the people assembled, feeling a little blindsided. “I’m half inclined to run.”
He stepped closer, lowering his voice so only she could hear. “I know this might not be what you imagined. And if you want to call it off and plan the wedding you dreamed of as a kid—or hell, elope to Vegas and let Elvis marry us—I’ll go wherever you want.”
She opened her mouth, but he gently held up a hand. “But I chose this. This place, these people, this moment, because I know how much the gossip and the whispers have hurt you. And I want them all to see it. I want you to see it. How serious I am. How much I love you.”
Paula let out a long breath. “You really don’t do halfway, do you?”
He grinned. “Not where you’re concerned. So, unless you need time to write vows, we go out there and get married. Henry’s going to be my best man, since he helped convince you that we were right for each other.”
Henry said, “Lincoln wanted to come, too, but his schedule was impossible today. He sends his best.”
“I invited another friend, too,” Jackson said.
At a knock on the door, Jackson opened it to reveal Kate. “I heard a rumor something special was happening here today?”
Paula turned her head rapidly between the two of them. “How did you know, Jackson? How did you know I would want Kate here to stand up with me?”
“Call it an educated guess or evidence that I know you pretty damn well.”
“Kate, will you be my maid of honor?”
“I would be delighted, Paula. I even brought a little something to brighten up your outfit.” She pulled a luxurious fuchsia scarf from her bag and wrapped it around Paula’s neck and shoulders. The color had become Paula’s favorite since she and Jackson had gotten together.
“One more thing,” Captain Morris interrupted. “I know you’re a modern woman and don’t need to be given away, but it would be a great honor if you would allow me to walk you down the aisle.”
Paula took one look at his face and stepped forward to hug him tightly. “I didn’t know how to ask, but that would be perfect, Captain. Thank you.” She turned to Jackson. All her doubts had fallen away, and she was ready. “Let’s get this show on the road.”
Paula followed Kate and Captain Morris out of the office, her pulse quickening with every step. She glimpsed Jackson standing at the head of the aisle, flanked by Judge Edinger and Henry, waiting for her. Her breath caught—he looked so calm, so sure.
Captain Lacey moved off to join the cluster of officers gathered in support, but Paula barely noticed, her focus narrowing to the path ahead and the man waiting at the end of it.
Suzie stepped forward, offering a warm smile and modest bouquets. Paula accepted hers, the soft petals brushing against her fingertips, grounding her for the moment ahead.
“All ready to go?” Suzie asked gently.
Paula swallowed the lump in her throat and nodded, stealing one last glance at Jackson. His steady gaze met hers, and a wave of calm washed over her.
She turned to Kate and Captain Morris, a soft smile playing at her lips. “Let’s do this,” she whispered, her heart full as they took their places by her side, ready to walk her down the makeshift aisle to the man who held her heart.
Suzie pulled out a Bluetooth speaker and tapped the screen on her phone. “I hope you like the music. Jackson picked it out.” The sounds of Beyoncé singing Halo filled the room, and Paula did a double take.
“It’s perfect.”
Kate moved into place and began walking up the aisle.
Paula took Captain Morris’ arm and followed when she was about halfway to the front.
The words echoed in her mind, reminding her of how this relationship had begun.
When she and the captain reached the front, he gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek before handing her to Jackson.
She gave her bouquet to Kate, and the couple faced the judge.
Judge Edinger began, “We are gathered here today to witness the wedding of Jackson Francis Cagney and Paula Helen Stone. As I only have a short lunch break today, we’ll keep this brief. I’m not leaving without a piece of that cake. Do you, Jackson, take Paula, as your lawfully wedded wife?”
“I do.”
“Do you, Paula, take Jackson as your lawfully wedded husband?”
“I do.”
“Do you have rings?” Judge Edinger asked.
Paula looked at Jackson. “Do we?”
“Yes,” he said as Henry handed Jackson a plain gold band.
Jackson turned to Paula. “It’s all taken care of.
” He took her hand. “I give you this ring as a token of my love and a promise to stand beside you, challenge you, protect you, and push you, when you want it but especially when you need it. This belonged to my parents, and I want it to mean something new with you.” His voice dipped lower, just for her.
“We can get different ones if you’d prefer, but this. .. this felt right.”
“Paula?” Judge Edinger prompted.
“Oh.” She turned to Kate, who handed her a matching ring.
She wished she had pretty words, but after a short deliberation settled on, “Jackson, I give you this ring as a token of my love and a symbol to all that you belong to me.”
“By the power vested in me by the State of Missouri, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may—” Before he could finish, Jackson pulled Paula into a passionate embrace that bent her backward and had the room erupting in catcalls and whistles.