Part 26 (2/2)
”With all due respect, Deputy Madigan, you just saved my life.”
Using the back of his hand to wipe at the tears on his cheeks, he pulled back and scowled at her. ”Hasn't anyone ever told you not to argue with a cop?”
Abby choked out a laugh. ”You love it when I argue with you.”
He smiled at her, but quickly sobered. ”Did I mention that I love you?”
”You mentioned it.”
”You didn't say anything back.” His gaze faltered. ”Look, Abby, I screwed this up. I mean, I don't blame you if-”
”Jake, you were talking a mile a minute and didn't give me the chance to....”
He looked at her, waiting.
”I love you, too,” she said after a moment.
Closing his eyes briefly, he reached for her hand, brought it to his lips and kissed her knuckles. ”You renewed my faith in love, Abby. You taught me how to trust when I was so cynical I didn't think I could ever trust anyone ever again.” His jaw flexed as he fought back emotion.
”I think I've loved you since that first day up on the mountain,” she said.
Tightening his arms around her, he grinned. ”I fell for you right about the time you gave me that black eye.”
”Oh.” She choked out a laugh. ”Jeez, that really was an accident.”
”Sure it was.”
He laughed outright. She joined him and their laughter mingled. A musical sound that spoke of life in the face of death, and hope for a future that was as brilliant as a mountain sunrise.
”How do you feel about marrying a cop?” he asked after a moment.
”I'm pretty mouthy. I hear cops hate that. Do you think you can handle it?”
”Honey, I love your mouth.” He kissed her to prove it. ”I plan to keep that mouth of yours too busy to do much arguing for the next couple of decades.”
”Same goes, Cowboy Cop.”
”I'm counting on it.” He kissed the tip of her nose. ”Does that mean you're going to marry me?”
”That's an unequivocal yes. Take it or leave it.”
”I'll take it.” He kissed her again, deeply, his mouth trembling against hers. ”I'm going to spend the rest of my life loving you.”
Abby leaned close to him, her heart so filled with love she thought it would burst. Their noses touched, and they grinned at each other. ”You make me incredibly happy,” she said.
”Honey, you ain't seen nothing yet,” he said and swept her into his arms.
ISBN: 978-1-4592-0394-5.
Books by Linda Castillo.
Silhouette Intimate Moments.
Remember the Night #1008.
Cops and...Lovers? #1085.
A Hero To Hold #1102.
Just a Little Bit Dangerous #1145.
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