Page 77 of Justice for JoElla

By the time they got back to JoElla’s apartment, it was late and Brandon was exhausted. They got ready for bed and slid in, but before he turned out the light, Brandon rolled to face JoElla. “There is one thing I need to talk to you about.”

“Okay.”

“It’s this.” From the nightstand beside the bed he produced a small box and held it out to her. “Tell me what you think.”

He waited while she opened it and her eyes lit up. “It’s beautiful. I’ve never had anything this nice.”

“Well, you do now. Look, I’m not looking to get married tomorrow, or next week, or next month. That’s not what this is about. This is about a commitment to each other. Nothing more. That we’re going to do our best to stay together forever and when we know we’re ready, we’ll take that next step. And I meant what I said?wedding gift is half the house. So think about it, but while you’re thinking, will you wear this?”

“If you’ll slide it on me,” she whispered.

Brandon took the box and pulled the sparkling ring from it. As he slid it onto her hand, he leaned in and kissed her. Drawing back, he looked down at it. “It’s beautiful on your hand.”

“It is. Thank you, baby.”

“You’re welcome.” He gave her another quick kiss and smiled.

Her palm rested on his cheek and she gazed into his eyes. “Don’t you go nearly dying on me again.”

“I have no intention of it. Don’t go pissing any police chiefs off again, okay?”

“I won’t. I don’t have any to piss off. They’re all gone.” Her smile softened, and so did her eyes, but she giggled just before she said, “I love you, dumbass.”

“I love you too, dumbass, and I always will.

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