Page 74 of Twin Threats In Austin

“Camden Remington, I think I fell in love with you the second I laid eyes on you,” Rochelle began. Her racing pulse was visible at the base of her neck. “I’ve never in my life met someone who so perfectly understood me without words, or so perfectly fit. I couldn’t say anything about what I felt during the case but that’s over now. I’m ready to start a new life.With you.I would be honored to marry you and start a life together.”

She tugged at his hand. He stood up.

“I have no idea how I got so lucky to be partnered with you on the case,” he began, “but loving you is all I need for life. Because I’ve finally found where I belong. I’ve finally found home.”

“Time is precious,” she said. “I don’t want to waste another second. I’ll marry you any day of the week but I don’t need a piece of paper to tell me how much I love you or that we belong together.”

Camden kissed his future bride, forgetting anyone else was in the room until the whoops and congratulations started, surrounding them with love.

A nurse stuck her head in, interrupting the celebration. “Please follow me.”

A hush fell over the room.

The nurse waved for them to hurry.

They did. Everyone filed out of the room. Camden’s mother, his stepfather, his siblings, and his cousins. Plus all the new additions to the family. They were quite a sight following the nurse to Grandma Lacey’s room.

Grandpa Lor sat there, holding his bride’s hand as she sat up, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. “Your grandmother heard your voices and said she’s missed out on enough already.”

“She’s going to be alright,” the nurse reassured them.

Grandpa Lor brought their clasped hands to his lips, kissed hers. “She came back to me.”

Camden coughed to clear the frog in his throat. He could scarcely believe they’d gotten their second miracle. He had no plans to take it for granted either. “Who is coming home for Christmas?”

“We should start a group chat,” Jules practically chirped. Everyone jumped into the conversation with ideas about food and who would put up the tree.

They were coming home and Camden, for one, planned never to take anyone for granted again. His future bride tugged him out into the hallway.

“I thought you should be the first to know that I decided to take time off work,” she said. “I’d like to be on the other side with victims. Help them rebuild their lives. What do you think?”

“If that’s what you want, I’m all for it.” Camden stared into eyes that sparkled like jewels. “What do you think about moving to the ranch while we figure out our next steps?”

“You love your job,” she said. “Would you consider leaving it?”

“I did love it,” Camden admitted. “But I love the ranch too. I think it’s time for a change. I miss the open skies and being on the land. Getting my hands dirty. How does that sound to you?”

Rochelle pushed up to her tiptoes and pressed her lips to his. Camden kissed his future bride. The slow, tender kiss gave way to passion and a fire he’d never known.

By the time they pulled back, both had to catch their breath.

“I like the part where you get dirty,” she whispered with a twinkle in her eyes.

“We have time to catch up with everyone later,” he said. “What do you think about getting out of here and getting some privacy?”

“I can’t think of a better idea, Mr. Remington.”

“Good,” he said. “Let’s go home.”

Side by side, they walked out of the hospital and into their future.