Chapter 15 #2
Jordan stretched out on the sofa with Cutie nestled in the crook of his arm.
There was no denying that sleeping eased his headache.
He’d felt great that morning, but after being up and about the headache had returned with a vengeance.
He understood now why the doctor had ordered him to stay on bed rest.
Not practical for a man who was the sole proprietor of a cattle ranch, but closing his eyes and resting between bouts of chores helped.
He wondered if Autumn and Bear had found anything during their search. The sharp edge of his grief over Jenny had faded a bit, although he was sure the guilt over his failures to save her would haunt him for a long time. Maybe praying would help, and he was determined to give God and faith a try.
He believed Autumn and the rest of the task force would find the answers to what had happened to Jenny and the missing babies. Including his niece.
Unfortunately, patience wasn’t his strong suit. He’d need to give them the time they needed to uncover the truth. Hopefully, sooner than later.
A thudding sound startled him awake. He blinked and sat up, nearly sending Cutie tumbling to the floor. He caught the puppy in time, then realized what he’d heard was the sound of a car door slamming shut.
Autumn was back.
He sat up, waited a minute for his headache to subside, then set Cutie on the floor and rose to his feet. He opened the front door as she was about to knock. Cutie squeezed through his legs to greet Bear, and the two dogs ran outside to get busy.
“I’m glad you’re back,” he said.
“Me, too.” Autumn lowered her hand. “I thought you might be sleeping.”
“I was.” He grinned and opened the door wider. “I promised to follow doctor’s orders.”
She rolled her eyes as she stepped inside. The dogs followed her. “Only after you did the chores.”
Since that was true, he didn’t argue. “I thought we’d have tacos for lunch, if that’s okay.”
“I love tacos.” She shrugged out of her jacket.
“Detective Peters called while I was on the road home. He’s going to release my house as a crime scene.
I’ll have to make some calls to get the damage repaired.
Meredith Delbert had surgery and is in the ICU at the medical center.
She’s not able to be interviewed, but the slugs imbedded in my house match those of her weapon.
And the paint transfer on my car was a match to her black car, which was found a few blocks away from my place.
Can you believe she had my mother’s personal items that she stole from me in the trunk? ”
“That wasn’t smart,” he said.
“I know. But I’m glad she wasn’t so smart, because the personal items add credibility to her confession of killing my mom.
” Autumn sighed. “We still need to tie up the loose ends on that case, but it’s over.
Between the forensic evidence they’d gathered from my house and her car, along with my testimony, I’m convinced she’ll go away for a long time. ”
“I’m glad to hear that.” He followed her into the living room and sat beside her on the sofa. He watched for a moment as the dogs played with a rope toy, trying to figure out what he should say to convince her that he understood what he was getting into.
She beat him to it.
“Jordan.” She turned sideways on the sofa and took his hand. “I care about you, but I also like being a cop. I can’t just walk away from my career.”
What? He frowned. “I didn’t ask you to do that.”
“I know, but don’t you see? There’s always going to be a chance I’m in danger.
It comes with the territory. My job is to arrest people, and they often don’t like that very much.
” She grimaced. “And that means the people I love are in danger, too.” Autumn squeezed his hand.
“I felt so bad about your injury. That woman never should have gotten that close to hurting you.”
“Hey, I’m fine.” He wanted to pull her into his arms, but held back. She’d mentioned love but hadn’t specifically expressed her feelings for him. “I accept the risks of your job.”
She arched a brow. “That wasn’t the impression I got yesterday.”
The truth of that made him wince. Shiloh flashed in his mind, and he knew he needed to be honest with Autumn.
“You’re right. I’m sorry I overreacted. The ranch is doing okay, for the moment.
But any change in beef prices could be a big problem.
I use stud fees from Durango to supplement the ranch income.
Knowing how close Durango had been to being shot or killed…
” His voice trailed off. “I reacted badly.”
“I understand,” Autumn said softly. “I shouldn’t have taken it so personally. As I mentioned earlier, my previous relationship ended because of my career. My schedule, along with the demands of the job, can be difficult.”
He shook his head. “Your schedule and the demands on your time don’t bother me.
I admire the work you do, Autumn. I accept the possible danger, but at the same time, life here isn’t all sunshine and roses.
Living on the ranch can be lonely.” He grimaced.
“Shiloh hated it here and demanded I sell the ranch so we could live in town like civilized people.”
“‘Sell the ranch,’” Autumn repeated in a shocked tone. “That’s terrible! She had no right to ask you to do such a thing.”
“I obviously declined,” Jordan admitted. “And Shiloh left, as she threatened.” He hesitated, then said, “I soon realized that while I missed having someone to be with, I didn’t miss her. My heart wasn’t as fractured as my pride.”
“Oh, Jordan, it was the same for me.” She searched his gaze. “In a few short days, I feel as if I have a deeper connection with you than I ever had with anyone else. I care about you.”
“I care about you, too.” Hope bloomed in his chest. Was she saying what he thought she was saying? Did they really have a chance at making this work? “I need you to understand what you’re in for,” he warned. “I work long hours for very little pay.”
“I’m not afraid of hard work.” She waved a hand.
“Being a cop is similar in that nobody goes into the academy for the money. They do it because they love the work. To make a difference. Which is what you do, too. I don’t mind lending a hand.
I managed to get that saddle off Durango and that was not easy. He’s one skittish horse.”
“He’s a high-strung, temperamental stallion,” Jordan corrected. “I’m surprised you were able to get that saddle off him at all. That took guts, Autumn. I’m glad you weren’t hurt.”
“Just a few bruises. Which were mostly my fault,” she quickly added. “As you said, he’s a high-strung stallion.”
He searched her gaze for a long moment. “Does that mean you forgive me? That you’ll give me a chance to prove how much I love you?”
She nodded slowly. “I love you, too. I know it won’t be easy, but I think we both need to open our hearts to giving ourselves a chance to succeed. To trust again.”
Thank You, God! The prayer welled in his heart as he drew her into his arms. “I’m so glad to hear this. I do trust you with my heart. And I promise not to break your trust, either. I love you, Autumn.”
“I love you, too.” She kissed him until the dogs demanded their attention.
“Go play with Cutie,” Autumn said in a grumpy tone to Bear. “She loves you.”
He chuckled. “I think Cutie is growing on Bear, too. You know, we can’t separate them now. For their sake and ours, you should probably marry me.”
She arched a brow. “Is that a proposal?”
He flushed, realizing he could have been more romantic in his approach. He took both of her hands in his and dropped to one knee beside her. “Autumn Riley, will you please do me the honor of marrying me? I can’t imagine living my life without you at my side.”
“Oh, Jordan.” Her eyes welled with tears as she smiled shakily. “Yes, I would love to marry you. But not because of Bear and Cutie,” she added in a teasing tone. “But because I know God brought us together for a reason. And I love you with my whole heart. You’re the perfect man for me.”
He couldn’t have asked for anything more. “I love you so much.” He stood, drew her up and kissed her again.
And for the first time since hitting the half-frozen ground outside the corral, his headache faded away.
Maybe it was Autumn’s kiss or God’s healing touch. Either way, he was blessed to have an amazing woman to stand by his side as they looked forward to the future.
Together as one.
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