Fifteen #3
Rather than calling the DA’s office, Jackson strode inside toward Nina. She was so lost in thought she didn’t realize he was there, but then she suddenly turned to face him.
“I don’t know what to think about all this. I didn’t even consider the possibility my father was innocent. Well, mostly innocent,” she amended.
“I’m sure it’s a lot to process.” He took her hand, squeezing it gently. “Creed is getting good information from Zane Cartland. Turns out his father may be involved in what happened to your mother. We’ll know more when we question him.”
“Really?” She shook her head. “It just all seems so senseless. So much death and destruction over something that was never going to be a problem in the long run.”
“Maybe not, but it sounds to me like Corrine was desperate to marry Doug.” He probed her gaze.
“Whatever happened back then is a tragedy. But none of it changes who you are, Nina. You’re still the smartest, sweetest and best technical analyst the Texas Rangers ever had.
Your adopted parents loved you and soon we’ll be able to close the file on your mother’s cold case murder. ”
“Yeah.” Her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I guess that’s the good news. Even though her death, and my Uncle Mark’s murder shouldn’t have happened.”
“There are a lot of things in the world that don’t make any sense,” he agreed. “But that doesn’t mean we stop living our lives. It’s why we put our faith and trust in God. Our time on this earth is limited, but we will live forever when we accept Christ as our savior.”
“I have to admit, I never felt God’s presence the way I have over these past few days.” This time her smile appeared genuine. “Thanks to you, Jackson, I believe that. And I want to learn more, too.”
Her words warmed his heart. He quickly took her other hand in his, pulling her close.
“Nina.” Jackson doubted this was the best time or place to profess his love for her, but he didn’t want to head to the police station for Robert Cartland’s interview without telling her how much he cared.
“I would be honored to teach you whatever you’d like to know.
And while you may not be ready to hear this, I want you to know I’ve fallen in love with you.
Will you please agree to see me again once we get back to Austin? ”
Her jaw went slack. “Oh, you can’t really mean that.”
“I do mean it. I love you.” He abruptly realized she must be thinking about his reputation.
“Look, I know I used to date a new girl every week. But that was a long time ago. I was hurting after a bad breakup, and reacted badly. When Sam met Mari and learned about faith and God, he pretty much dragged me, Tucker and Marsh along with him. Once I started attending church and reading God’s word, I realized I needed to stop my indiscriminate dating.
I haven’t been in a relationship for almost two years.
Now I believe God brought me to this moment so that I could be here with you. ”
Her green eyes filled with hope, but she still held back. “It’s awfully fast for you to decide you love me.”
“Not fast at all, I’ve been crushing on you for months.
” He shot her an exasperated look. “If you don’t believe me, ask any of the guys.
Even Creed, who I don’t know as well, but the others noticed how much I care about you.
” He tipped his head to the side. “The only person oblivious to my feelings appears to be you.”
Nina shook her head. Then sighed. “Jackson, I care about you, too. But love is…” She lifted her chin toward her father, who still sat where she’d left him, staring with longing and anguish at the photograph of her mother. “Complicated.”
“No, it’s not. I love you, Nina. I have liked and admired you for months. I’ve wanted to ask you out, but was afraid you’d refuse because we work together.”
“That is a factor,” she admitted.
“It’s not, but if you think it’s a problem, I’ll quit. I’ll find another job in law enforcement. I don’t have to be a ranger. You are the only thing that matters.”
“Oh, Jackson. Don’t quit your job because of me.” She looked alarmed.
“My job is nothing compared to you, Nina. I love you.” He was beginning to think she would never say the words back to him. And maybe that was okay. “It’s fine if you need more time. We’ll have dinner tomorrow, okay? I’ll take you someplace nice in Dallas.”
“I don’t need fancy dinners, Jackson.” The corners of her mouth curved in a smile. “I also don’t need more time to tell you that I’ve fallen in love with you, too.”
For a moment he feared he hadn’t heard her correctly. “Are you sure?”
Now she laughed and stepped closer. He gratefully released her hands to pull her into his arms. “I’m sure, Jackson. I’m the one who kissed you first, remember?”
“I do remember.” He grinned like a loon. “Now it’s my turn.” He captured her mouth in his. When she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer, his heart sang with joy.
Sometimes bad things happened to good people. But sometimes great things also happened to good people. Nina’s love was the best thing that had ever happened to him. And Jackson was overjoyed, knowing God had brought them together.