Chapter 30
THIRTY
After the meeting was over, Jackson opened the door to the conference room and was shocked to find his entire ranger team, along with their wives, had joined the sheriff’s deputies in the bullpen. Music was playing. Tables along the back wall were loaded down with food and streamers hung from the ceiling. The entire group burst into applause again.
Jackson glanced at Piper. She looked just as shocked as he was.
Derek grinned. “The case is over. It’s time to celebrate.”
Lieutenant Rodriguez, a soda in hand and a smile on her face, waved them forward. “Don’t stand there in the doorway, you two. Come join the fun.”
Piper was immediately swept away by Emilia and Felicity. She landed on a chair decorated in colorful streamers. Her smile lit up the room as she chatted with several deputies, along with members of the ranger team. Jackson’s exhaustion eased as he accepted a plate of food and a beverage from Luke. His wife, Megan, was just beginning to show signs of a baby bump. Their second child was due early next year.
“Who planned all of this?” Jackson’s gaze narrowed in on Grady and his wife, Tara.
The couple shared a conspiring look. Their daughter, Maddy, giggled with laughter as Elijah and his wife, Sienna, played a card game with her. Luke and Megan’s oldest daughter joined the fun.
Tara hitched their son higher on her hip and grinned. “I had the idea, but everyone chipped in to make it happen.” She gave Jackson a sisterly hug. “I’m glad you and Piper are okay.”
“Thanks.”
Not wanting to be far away from Piper, Jackson slowly worked through the crowd to her side. Weston and Avery arrived and brought their newborn daughter with them. Somehow, the infant ended up in Piper’s arms. She held the child with a reverence born out of wonder.
Jackson’s heart melted. He kissed Piper on the forehead and gazed down at the baby. “She’s beautiful.”
“She’s perfect.” Piper blinked as if she was fighting back tears. “A little miracle.”
“If you want, you can take that miracle home with you for the night,” Avery joked, a teasing grin on her face. She was makeup free, her hair tossed into a messy bun, and there were slight shadows under her eyes from sleeping only a little since the baby was born. Yet every time she looked at her daughter, her whole face brightened. “ Let’s see what you think at three in the morning. And then at four. And then at five.”
Jackson and Piper laughed.
Weston scoffed. “As if Avery could stand to be separated from Charlotte for one night. She can’t go five minutes without picking her up. I think the umbilical cord is still attached.” His tone was teasing, but there was so much love in his eyes, it was clear he adored how dedicated Avery was to their baby.
“Aunt Piper!” Emma raced up, a bundle of energy and excitement.
Jackson scooped the little girl up before she crashed into Piper and the baby. A stream of giggles followed. Emma grinned. Her top tooth was missing. He pulled back to get a better look and then mimed horror. “Emma, your tooth is gone! Someone call the police. It was stolen.”
She shook her head. “No, silly. It fell out.”
He screwed up his face in disgust. “It did what?”
“Don’t worry. It’s a baby tooth. A new one will grow in its place.” She touched his cheek. “Yours won’t fall out.”
Jackson laughed. “I certainly hope not. Otherwise, your Aunt Piper might not think I’m handsome anymore.”
“I’ll always think you’re handsome,” Piper said, handing over little Charlotte to Weston. Then she reached out for Emma. “Come give me a hug, sweet girl.”
Jackson whispered before setting Emma down, “Be gentle. Aunt Piper still has boo-boos. ”
Emma nodded seriously and then hugged her aunt with such tender care, Jackson’s heart melted all over again. He was turning into a softie. Love must do that.
Finn came over and greeted them, then grabbed his sister to play with some of the other kids. Jackson spotted Ava in conversation with Derek. She laughed and lightly touched his arm. The couple looked very happy together.
A throat cleared. Jackson turned to find Shawn approaching. His muscles tightened involuntarily, but then he forced them to relax. Shawn was hurting too. He’d been deceived, just like the rest of them. Jackson greeted his old childhood friend with a handshake. “Shawn.”
“I’m sorry to disturb the party, but I heard Piper had been released from the hospital.” Shawn took a deep breath, nerves flashing across his face as his gaze jumped between Jackson and Piper. “I want to apologize. I had no idea what my father had done. He?—”
His voice choked off.
Piper rose from the chair and gave him a hug. “You aren’t responsible for your father’s actions. There’s nothing for you to apologize for.” She pulled back. “If you hadn’t given us the information leading to the cabin, who knows how long it would’ve taken us to capture Wally and Todd. I’m grateful to you.”
Shawn breathed out, obviously overcome with emotion. “That’s more kindness than I deserve. Thank you, Piper.”
“I hope you and I can bury the hatchet. For good this time.” She wrapped an arm around Jackson’s waist. “There’s no reason we all can’t be friends.”
Jackson nodded and clapped Shawn on the shoulder. “I’m sorry for everything you’ve been through.”
“Some of it was of my own making. I’ve spent a long time in prayer after speaking with my pastor. Melanie and I are going to marriage counseling. We’ve made a lot of mistakes, and I don’t know if things can be saved, but we discovered we want to try. For us and for our kids.” His expression hardened. “Now that my father is out of the picture, I think we have a fighting chance.”
“I’m glad,” Jackson said. “I wish you and Melanie all the best.”
“Thanks.”
Shawn gave each of them a handshake and then he walked away.
Piper rested her head on Jackson’s shoulder. “Do you think they’ll make it work?”
He brushed a kiss across her forehead. “I believe in second chances and new beginnings, so yes. If they want it badly enough, with God’s help, they’ll find a way.”
She tilted her head up, and their eyes met. Jackson was transfixed by the love in her eyes. They were in a crowded room of people, but he couldn’t resist kissing her. It was light and quick, but his heart still skipped several beats.
“Ugh, get a room.” Ava announced as she drew closer, Derek at her side.
Piper laughed, brushing a strand of hair off her forehead. “You are so annoying.”
Ava’s eyes widened. She grabbed Piper’s hand and held it, her mouth dropping open. “Is this an engagement ring?”
Jackson grinned, letting his voice carry across the room. “A room full of law enforcement and it’s the civilian who noticed the engagement ring.”
Ava squealed with joy and embraced Piper. A crowd gathered to congratulate them. It was a whirlwind of excitement, and hours later, when the party was finally over, Jackson helped his fiancée into the SUV. “Did you have a good time?”
She rested her head against the seat and smiled at him. “The best.” She grabbed his shirt and tugged him closer. A mischievous twinkle sparked in her eyes. “But do you want to know what my favorite part was?”
“What?”
“Being with you.” She nudged her nose against his. “Kiss me, Barker.”
His breath stalled and then he smiled. “You got it, Jensen.”
Thank you for reading Ranger Bravery ! I hope you enjoyed it.