Page 143

CHAPTER NINETEEN

S ix months later

Gavin shrugged on his suit jacket and ran a hand down his tie. Nerves jittered his stomach. There were only twenty minutes until he had to be at the altar. The box with the wedding rings bulged against his leg. He pulled it out of his pocket and turned to Ryker, his best man. “Guard these with your life.”

Ryker plucked the box from Gavin’s hand. “I don’t think it’ll come to that. Unless you know of some other murderous criminals threatening you or Claire…I mean, I’m still recovering from last year. There’s no way I’m helping you out again.”

Gavin barked out a laugh. He gave his friend a gentle shove. “You barely did anything. I’m the one who was shot.”

“The doctor called it a flesh wound. Thirty stitches and you were good as new. Face it, Gavin. I drove that boat like a pro to Xavier’s property, sliding it right up to the shore, so you could race in there and save Claire. We both know who the actual hero is.”

He scoffed, buttoning his suit jacket. “You only knew where to go because I told you. If I hadn’t overheard Xavier talk about being framed, you’d still be in that boat, wandering around looking for Claire.”

Ryker raised a hand, his grin widening. “Okay, okay, you win. This time.”

They both laughed. The humor was dark, especially for Gavin’s wedding day, but there wasn’t any way to escape how he and Claire had fallen in love. Or how close they’d come to losing each other.

Patrick Scott had been convicted and would spend the rest of his life in prison. His obsessive need to control Ian’s life drove him to murder. His accomplice, Alex, died from his injuries. Neither man would ever harm Claire, or anyone else, again. For that, Gavin was grateful.

Xavier was also in prison. His arrest had led to the Chosen being dismantled. The survivalist group had been running a major drug operation for years. Maribelle still lived in Fulton County. She’d gotten medical care for her heart condition and her health stabilized. Claire and Gavin visited her from time to time. Ian moved several states away to start his life over.

Ryker opened the ring box. He whistled. “I can’t believe you’re taking the plunge. I was sure you’d stay single forever.”

“So did I. God had other plans.” Gavin’s mouth quirked. “Watch out. You may be next.”

Ryker snorted. “Not a chance. I have no interest in marriage, kids, or a white picket fence.” He clapped a hand on Gavin’s back. “But I’m happy for you, man. Truly. You’ve got something special with Claire.”

Yes, he did. Over the last six months, they’d fallen more and more in love. Each day Gavin spent with her and Jacob was a blessing. He couldn’t wait to start their lives together.

“Gavin, Gavin, Gavin.”

The thundering sound of footsteps accompanied the repeated shouting of his name. Gavin turned as Jacob hurtled into the room. The little boy slid to a stop seconds from crashing into a couch. He grinned, eyes sparkling with happiness. “I’m ready!”

He looked adorable in a suit and bow tie. Gavin was tempted to ruffle the little boy’s hair, but it was obvious someone—probably his grandmother—had attempted to tame the unruly curls. Instead, he offered his hand for a high five. “You look great, buddy.”

Jacob smacked his palm. Then his face grew serious. “There’s something I need to ask you.”

“Sure thing.” Gavin dropped to one knee, so they were at eye level. “What is it?”

“Today, you’re marrying my mom, right? And that means we’re going to be a family.”

“Yep, that’s right.”

Jacob’s gaze dropped to his patent leather shoes. His mouth screwed up with concern. “So…would it be okay if I called you Dad?”

Gavin’s chest squeezed tight. He and Claire had already discussed this possibility months ago. Gavin knew she was okay with it, and he’d hoped one day, Jacob would see him as a father figure. But he hadn’t expected it to happen now.

A lump formed in the back of Gavin’s throat and it took genuine effort to swallow it down. “I would love that, Jacob.”

Pure joy erupted on the little boy’s face. He tossed his arms around Gavin’s neck and hugged him. The move was exuberant enough to nearly knock them off-balance. Jacob giggled.

Gavin tickled him, causing more peals of laughter. Then he straightened Jacob’s suit jacket. “Okay, let’s not mess up our clothes before the service.” He winked. “There’s plenty of time to do that at the reception.”

“We’re going to have cake! Mommy says it’s chocolate. That’s my favorite.”

“I know. We picked it with you in mind.”

A knock on the doorframe interrupted their conversation. Claire’s father, Daniel, stood in the doorway. His suit was pressed and beard neatly trimmed. In one hand, he held a leash. Gavin’s dog, Lucky, greeted the room with a bark. Jacob raced to his side and petted the Labrador’s head. The two were best buddies and had been since the day Gavin adopted Lucky from the animal shelter last year. In the end, the puppy with the white spot on his head had stolen his heart. Gavin couldn’t resist bringing him home.

It was the beginning of a new life. One in which Gavin left the old hurts in the past and let himself chase his dreams—all of them.

“Time to go,” Daniel announced. He locked eyes with Gavin. “You ready?”

“Absolutely.” Wild horses couldn’t keep him away.

The church was filled with summer flowers. Pews overflowed with guests. All the members of Company A were there. Lieutenant Rodriguez with her family, Grady and Tara, Luke and Megan, Weston and Avery, Bennett and Emilia.

Gavin considered them all close friends. The couples had been supportive of his relationship with Claire from the word go, and their loving relationships were inspiring. He couldn’t believe he’d ever worried about having a family alongside his Texas Ranger career.

Ryker joined him at the altar. The music started and the rear doors opened. Jacob marched down the aisle, one hand gripping Lucky’s leash, a broad smile on his face. The guests laughed at the cuteness overload. Claire’s mother, seated in the front row, dabbed at her eyes with a tissue.

Jacob was supposed to take his seat next to his grandmother but deviated from the course to climb the steps of the altar. He grinned up at Gavin and then turned to stand with him. Lucky sat, obediently. Chuckles and claps came from the audience.

Ryker patted Jacob’s shoulder. “Smart move, kid.”

It was a brilliant move. Gavin couldn’t imagine Jacob being anywhere else other than at his side. It felt like his chest would explode with happiness and love. He bent down to whisper in Jacob’s ear. “Your mom comes out next.”

“I know.”

The music changed. Gavin’s gaze shot to the rear of the church, his heart in his throat.

Claire appeared at the end of the aisle on her father’s arm. The wedding dress flowed over her curves in layers of soft fabric. Her hair was intricately curled and decorated with small flowers. She carried a matching bouquet. The ribbon wrapped around the flowers was the same shade as her eyes. Each step Claire took forward made Gavin’s heart beat faster. He’d never seen a more beautiful sight.

Their gazes locked. Time stood still as the church and everyone else faded away. Gavin saw his future in Claire’s eyes. She was his everything. The love between them would last for a lifetime, the vows they were about to take, promises neither would break.

He placed a hand on Jacob’s shoulder as emotion threatened to unravel him. God had answered his prayers. It was all here, in this church.Love. Friends. A family. Even a dog named Lucky.

Want more suspense and romance? Ranger Justice , the next book in the series, is available now! When Hannah Lawton is attacked and nearly killed, she believes it’s connected to the trial of a local doctor. Texas Ranger Ryker Montgomery is tasked with protecting the gorgeous prosecutor, and the baby in her care, but it won’t be easy. Someone is determined to stop Hannah no matter what it takes. Click here to start Ranger Justice .

Now, turn the page for Cast the First Stone by Susan May Warren.