Epilogue #3
“Mia,” her mom said, her manner hesitant—a complete turnaround from the cold confidence she used to display.
“Sweetie, I would like you to meet your real father, Tim Parker. He’s just arrived home, and we’ve been, um, talking.
Of course, you already know Andrea and Sawyer.
I hope you don’t mind me inviting them.”
For a moment, Mia stood frozen, her gaze locked on the tall man standing beside her mom, his arm around her shoulder. Her dad. With her mom. And they looked…happy. Like they were a couple again.
When her mom’s smile faltered, Mia started. “No! Of course I don’t mind! You’re all welcome.”
She turned to Tim Parker, blinking back tears. “You’re my father?”
She moved forward. How did one greet a father she hadn’t known existed until recently?
He solved that problem by enfolding her in a very careful embrace. “I’m so pleased to meet you, Mia. If I’d known about you, I would have fought harder to stay in your mom’s life.”
She believed him. Something in his voice told her that he meant every word. “Thank you.”
She turned and greeted her siblings.
Andrea hugged her. “It’s so good to see you again.”
Mia chuckled. “It is.”
She turned to her last sibling. “Sawyer. It’s great to see you in person. Are you still set on the military?”
“Yes. Next year I’m off to the Marines.”
“You might enjoy talking to Jackson, then.” She looped her arm through Jackson’s. “This is Jackson Stewart, his brother Dylan, and Dylan’s girlfriend, Wynne.”
They all greeted each other a little awkwardly.
She knew how to break up the tension. “You will be the first to know! As of an hour ago, Jackson and I are engaged.”
What she hadn’t expected was her mother’s reaction. Carol broke down in tears and ran over, pulling her into a hard embrace. “Oh, Mia. I’m so happy for you!”
Jackson and Mia glanced at each other, blinking.
“I’m glad you’ve changed your mind about him,” Mia said.
Carol pulled back, sniffing. “I didn’t know him. It was Blaine who didn’t like him. I felt rotten about what happened, but I didn’t want you to face the same troubles I did.” She peered up at Jackson. “Take good care of my baby girl, Jackson.”
He smiled and kissed his future mother-in-law’s cheek. “I will make it my life’s purpose.”
“Come on. Let’s eat.” Mia ushered her family into the dining room. They sat around the table, oohing and ahhing about the appetizing spread before them.
“You didn’t get your cooking skills from me, that’s certain,” Carol joked after finishing her second helping of lasagna.
Mia snickered. She’d eaten enough overcooked meat at her mother’s table to know she wasn’t stretching the truth.
As those gathered laughed and conversed, the women talking a little about wedding plans, satisfaction filled her soul. She could easily imagine spending many pleasant days in this company.
The best part of the evening, though, was later, while the rest of the family sat down to play games in the living room. Jackson and Mia escaped to the deck for a few moments to watch the stars. They sat close together on the double glide rocker, her head on his shoulder.
“I think a Christmas wedding would be nice,” she said suddenly.
Jackson kissed the top of her head. “You mean a year and a half from now?”
He didn’t sound excited about it. She smothered a grin.
“No. I mean seven months from now.” She shifted until she was sideways on the rocker, looking at his beloved face. “I don’t want a long engagement. I’ve waited too long for you.”
“I’d marry you tomorrow.” He gazed deeply in her eyes. “But I can handle seven months. And I agree. I don’t want to wait any longer.”
She leaned in and met Jackson’s lips in a kiss filled with hope and promise that sizzled with passion.
She couldn’t wait to begin her life with him by her side.
Thank you for reading Rescuer. We hope you loved the story. The action, adventure, and romance continues with Defender, the next thrilling adventure in the Heroes of Renegade series.
★ She's his best friend's little sister. He's always been off-limits. Until their cases collide and everything changes. ★
Police Detective Michael Martinelli has spent four years hunting his mother's killer. When a string of burglaries reopens the cold case, the last complication he needs is Dani Kim walking back into his life.
She came back to prove herself—then get out. She never expected him to make her want to stay.
FBI Special Agent Dani Kim's "punishment" assignment in Renegade is temporary—keep her head down, prove she belongs in the big leagues, and escape back to her real career.
But when her investigation into financial irregularities collides with Michael's case—both leading to a shadow syndicate that may have murdered his mother—everything changes.
Michael's always been off-limits—her brother's best friend, nothing more.
But working together ignites feelings neither expected.
When enemies strike and bodies pile up, can they survive long enough to explore what's growing between them?
Sometimes justice requires faith, courage, and risking your heart on forbidden love.
Keep reading for a sneak peek…