by Paula Mowery
Jordan’s stomach wrenched. “Kim, please just go to the other side of the building.” His voice pleaded.
“Kim, I know all of this is a shock to you. I really didn’t set out to hurt you. I loved you and the kids.” Rusty gazed straight at Kim.
“I don’t believe you. There is no way you could love any of us and do this.” Kim’s words came out strong and harsh.
With Rusty temporarily distracted, Jordan motioned to Hayden. Would he understand? If he could get the boys to ease away from Rusty far enough, he might be able to secure him. Hayden began to slide slowly away from Rusty. Jordan nodded toward Joel. Hayden took Joel’s hand and pulled him along with him. Still Rusty and Kim bantered back and forth. The boys inched closer and closer. Jordan grabbed them both and slung them behind him.
Rusty’s head whipped around. “Jordan, don’t be stupid.”
“I’m not. I have what I came for. Go ahead.” Jordan nodded his head toward the car.
Rusty raised his gun and aimed it at Jordan. “I’m not sure I can trust you.”
Jordan clenched his jaw and stood up straight. Kim yelled and rushed up to Rusty. His hand tensed and the gun fired. Jordan shoved the boys around the corner of the brick building and hit the ground. He peeked up.
Rusty held Kim around the neck with one arm and still waved the gun in Jordan’s direction with the other. Kim sobbed and visibly trembled, her eyes wide and chin quivering.
“Rusty, you know you don’t want to risk hurting anyone because you care for Kim and the boys.” Could he distract him somehow? Jordan didn’t like that Rusty held the advantage right now.
“No, Daddy!” Joel’s voice echoed from behind Jordan. “Don’t hurt Mommy.”
“Joel, son, you don’t understand.”
“Daddy, please don’t hurt anyone. Why are you doing this? Don’t you love me?”
Rusty’s hand began to tremble. He eased the gun by his side. “Joel, you don’t understand. Daddy’s gotta go because I’m in some trouble.”
“But, Daddy, it’s okay. You always said you forgave me when I got in trouble. You can say you’re sorry just like you taught me to.”
“It’s not that simple, son.” Rusty’s voice shook. “It wouldn’t be enough for Daddy to just say I was sorry. I would have to go to jail, probably for a very long time. But I’m sorry, buddy. I didn’t mean to hurt you.” He wiped his brow with his arm. His hold on Kim loosened.
“I still love you, Daddy.” Joel’s voice cracked, and he started to sob.
The sobbing must have touched Rusty somewhere deep inside. He let go of Kim and ran a hand over his face. “Son, don’t cry.”
Jordan stared at Kim, catching her attention. He nodded slightly and glanced to the left. Just as she slid two steps away from her husband, Jordan took advantage of Rusty’s distracted state and charged forward, sending Rusty sprawling backwards. Jordan yelled to Kim. “Get behind the building with the boys.”
Rusty still held the gun. Jordan squeezed his wrist and slapped it on the pavement, but Rusty still gripped the gun. Rusty freed his other hand and vise-gripped Jordan’s throat. Jordan struggled against Rusty’s hand that was making it hard to breathe.
One more try. Lord, help me.
With all the strength he could muster, he banged Rusty’s hand on the hard ground. The gun flew out and slid under the car. Jordan twisted his body to escape Rusty’s throat hold then drew his gun, pointing it in Rusty’s face. Rusty went limp and raised his hands in surrender.
Suddenly, they were surrounded by other officers who had been watching from the gas station across the street.
Jordan pulled Rusty to his feet and handed him over to another officer. He sprinted to Hayden, fell to his knees, and embraced his son. Tears fell. He pulled back and looked his son in the eyes.
“Daddy, I didn’t know. I thought we were going for pizza.”
Jordan let out the breath he had been holding. “I know, buddy. Everything’s okay now. We better call your mom.” He picked up Hayden in on arm and punched in the number for home with the other hand.
“Jordan?”
“Everything is fine. Here.” He handed the phone to Hayden.
“Hey, Mom. You should have seen Daddy. He got Mr. Rusty on the ground and handcuffed him. Yep. Okay. Here he is.” Hayden handed the phone back to Jordan.
“Are you okay?” Alyssa’s high-pitched voice rang out.
“Yeah, we’re both all right. We’ll be home soon, and we’ll tell you the whole story. Thanks for praying. I could feel it.”
* * *
Charlie jumped to her feet when Jordan and his son rounded the corner into the den where their vigil had been. Alyssa rushed over and Hayden launched into her, wrapping his arms around his mother. She held him, stroking his hair. Jordan slipped up beside Alyssa and encircled her waist with one arm. She leaned into his chest, and he kissed the top of her head.
Tears burned Charlie’s eyes.
After a few moments, Alyssa pulled Hayden and Jordan to the sofa. “Sit down. You’ve got to be exhausted.” They plopped down and huddled together. Alyssa gasped. “Jordan, what is wrong with your throat?” She smoothed her fingers over the black and blue marks.
Jordan grasped Alyssa’s hand and held it. “It’s okay. Rusty had me by the neck.”
Alyssa covered her mouth with her hand.
“I’m fine.” He brought his wife’s hand to his mouth and kissed it. Jordan’s eyes met Charlie’s. “Well, it’s done, partner.”
Charlie narrowed her gaze. “You went off to that church and that hostage situation without telling me.”
“You were a little preoccupied getting stitched up from our airport encounter.” Jordan grinned. “I just thank God that it’s done with no fatalities.”
“Amen,” Colton chimed in. He squeezed Charlie’s hand.
NINETEEN
Jordan flipped burgers on the grill and turned around, glancing at his family and friends. Colton sat next to Charlie, deep in conversation. Marshall stood behind Emma, assisting her to ease into a lawn chair. The kids laughed and squealed from the swing set in the yard just below the deck. His own bride bustled about in typical Alyssa fashion. His heart welled with thanksgiving for their safety. He scooped off the hamburgers and hotdogs and carried the tray to the picnic table. “I think we’re ready. Grilled to perfection.”
Alyssa stepped to the deck railing. “Okay, you rug rats, come on. Chow’s on.”
They joined hands and Jordan prayed aloud. “Lord, we can’t thank You enough for your provision and care.” He paused and swallowed. “Thank You for these friends and bless this food and our time together.”
The kids grabbed their plates and scurried to a small picnic table back down in the yard.
“So, what happened with Rusty Smith?” Emma said.
“Well, he’s got quite a prison sentence to serve.” Jordan sipped his tea.
“I just feel sorry for Kim and the kids. How devastating to discover your husband isn’t who you’ve thought he was.” Alyssa plunked onto the picnic table bench.
“Speaking of not being who you thought.” Charlie pursed her lips. “Guys, I apologize for how I had to deceive all of you.”
Colton shrugged. “Gotta do whatcha gotta do sometimes. Anyway, what was that verse? God works all things for the good for them who are called by His name and for His purpose.”
Charlie smiled. “For the first time, I believe that.” She glanced at Colton. “My only worry now is that I’ll have to say goodbye soon.”
Shocked faces turned toward Charlie.
“I’ll have to return to Florida. This was only a temporary assignment.”
“Not so fast.” Jordan stood. “I may have something to say about that.”
Charlie flashed him a smile.
Jordan sighed. Even though the last few weeks had proved to be testing and difficult, this group of friends would benefit from the experience. He was closer to each one already. What excitement did God have in stor
e with twins on the way and a romance budding?
* * *
Colton plunked onto the couch in his apartment and flicked on the TV. His attention diverted from the sports flashing across the screen to Charlie. What would happen if she really was leaving and returning to her life in Florida?
This woman had saved his life and brought him to the realization that he desperately needed God to be in control of his life again. For the first time ever, he was seriously considering marriage. The very thing he had told Marshall he would never do—commit to one woman. Now all he could think about was making Charlie his wife.
He shifted on the couch cushion. But she was in a dangerous line of work. His work could be considered perilous as well, but not guns blazing type of risk. Could he live with that? Would the constant knowledge of what she was facing day in and day out be too much to bear? Then again, wasn’t it worth the risk to be with Charlie?
Colton wanted nothing more than to make Charlie his wife and live happily ever after. What had Marshall said? Someday someone will come in and knock you for a loop? His buddy had been right. If only she would stay here and not ditch this for her life back in Florida. But was this life more appealing than one she had? He hadn’t ever asked her that. She seemed to have dealt with the ghosts that haunted her here, making her long to leave.
Could Colton trust God enough to entrust his heart and his future with Charlie to His care? No matter what, Lord, I have to try. I think she’s the one.
* * *
Charlie’s phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen. Captain Parrott. “Hello, sir.”
“Officer Jarvis, I’d like to meet with you this afternoon. Could you be here at two?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Good. I’ll see you then.”
What was this going to be about? She and Jordan had already written reports until their fingers ached and endured numerous debriefings related to the whole drug case.
She smoothed on some makeup and brushed out her hair. On the drive over to the station, she continued to contemplate the subject of this meeting. Of course, at some point, the captain would officially proclaim her assignment complete and send her back to Florida. When this whole ordeal started, she had been more than ready to wrap up the case and get back to Florida life. But, why? There were no friends or anything in Florida other than her work. Was she just running again? When her parents died, she ran to Florida. When her partner was killed, she ran to Tennessee. Her pattern would be to flee again. But now, in comparison to what she had found here in Tennessee, Florida held no appeal.
Could she trust God enough to start over and have a relationship with someone? Would she even have a choice? Captain Roland might order her back to her job in Florida. There could be no job openings here in Tennessee. Here’s where that trust had to begin.
She eased into a parking space at the station and marched through the entrance.
“Officer Jarvis, are you on the mend?” The receptionist caught her attention.
“Yeah, thanks for asking.”
Charlie wandered to Captain Parrott’s office and pecked on the door.
“Enter.”
She pushed the door open and peeked inside. “I’m a little early.”
“That’s okay. Come on in. Have a seat.”
Charlie plopped in the chair.
“How’s the arm?” Captain Parrott gestured toward her injury.
She shifted her shoulder back and forth. “It’s doing fine.”
“Good to hear.” He laced his fingers together and rested them on his desk top. “Now, as to the business at hand. I’ve been in communication with Captain Roland. Though we haggled, I won.” He grinned like a Cheshire cat.
“Sir?”
“I’d like for you to stay on here, Officer Jarvis. Our special drug unit would be incomplete without you and your expertise. So, what do you think?”
Okay, Lord, I’m starting to see this ‘for your good’ verse work out. “Sir, I’m honored to accept.”
“Splendid.” He jumped to his feet and extended his hand.
She rose and shook his hand. “Thank you.”
“Thank you, Officer Jarvis.”
She rushed to her car and punched in Colton’s number.
“Charlie?”
“Colton, I just wanted to tell you that I’m staying. You’re stuck with me now.” She giggled.
“What? I’m at the airport and it’s loud.”
“Colton, are you about ready?” Marshall’s voice rang in from the background.
“It’s Charlie.”
A short shot of static erupted. “Charlie? Hey, it’s Marshall. I’m sorry, Colton doesn’t have time to talk mushy over the phone. We have a flight, leaving in five minutes.” Marshall chuckled.
“Oh, is that so?” She taunted.
“Yep. Here. Here’s lover boy back.” His voice trailed off. She could barely make out. “I’ll wait for you in the cockpit.”
“Sorry. He likes ribbing me about how he was right.”
“Right about what?”
“That I needed to be careful. One day some woman would come along and knock me for a loop.”
“Is that what I’ve done?”
“Totally. Now, what was it you were saying?”
“I just left Captain Parrot’s office. He wants me to stay on and I accepted. So, you’re stuck with me now.”
“Really? That’s great. And what do you mean I’m stuck with you?”
“Just that I hope you weren’t counting on me moving away to get out of this relationship.”
“Uh, no.” He scolded. “Oh man, I gotta go. Short flight.”
Charlie winced. “Sorry, I didn’t think about that when I called.”
“I’m glad you called. I’ll call you soon.”
“Okay.”
“And Charlie? I’m glad I’m stuck with you.”
Her chest warmed.
* * *
Charlie juggled grocery bags as she pushed through her apartment door. What a difference two months could make. Her arm was healed and only held a bit of stiffness on rare occasions. She had settled well into her new position with the police department’s drug team. Even church attendance was becoming comfortable. Dating Colton rounded out the sheer contentment she experienced in her life now.
Her cell phone buzzed wildly in her purse. She dropped everything on the kitchen bar and dug for her phone.
“Hello?”
“Hey, it’s Colton. Meet me at the airport tomorrow at four, okay?”
His voice sent shivers down her back. “Um, okay. What for?”
“Can’t tell you. Undercover op.” He chuckled.
“Oh, yeah?”
“Wear slacks or a dress. Please.”
“That’s it. That’s all I get.” She spoke in a teasingly high-pitched tone.
“Yep. Later.”
The call ended.
Charlie plopped onto her couch. What was he up to? He knew her schedule and had planned something for their Saturday night. Always full of surprises. Why the airport? Maybe she would call him back and coax his plans out of him. He would never budge. She had learned that about him.
She hopped up and busied herself putting away the groceries. That lasted only about thirty minutes. Anticipation and curiosity was sure to kill more than a cat. After fitful sleep and a long run late the next morning, she finally prepared to get ready for whatever Colton had cooked up. She lingered in the shower and took her time dressing.
Now, she could leave for the airport. She pulled into the parking lot and spotted Colton’s car. She entered the lobby. Where was she to go now?
“Are you Charlie?” a woman said.
“Yes.”
“Right this way. Colton is waiting for you.”
She followed the woman out onto the tarmac. Colton stood by the plane, door open. He bowed slightly. “Your chariot awaits.” He extended his hand.
Heat rose to her cheeks. She took his offered hand. “Where are we going?�
�
“No, no.” He shook his head and held up his finger. “No questions. Just enjoy the ride.” He ushered her onto the plane and into the seat next to him in the cockpit.
She admired him as he taxied the plane and took off.
He pulled the headset on his right ear back on his head and patted her hand. “Are you all right? Do you need anything?”
She shook her head. “No. You could tell me where we’re off to.”
“Um, no.” Colton pointed out her window. “Look at the ridgeline. Beautiful, isn’t it?”
“I remember gazing at those ridges when you first flew me here to Tennessee and thinking how I had missed them. I believe I’m more of a mountain girl than a beach girl.”
“I remember that day too, but I wasn’t interested in the scenery.” He wiggled his eyebrows.
Heat rushed up her neck and into her cheeks.
They landed in South Carolina near Charleston. When they emerged from the plane, a car awaited them. Charlie stared out the window as they passed through streets lined with historic homes. Spring painted itself in the yards as deep greens and brilliant pastel flowers. The setting sun threw a golden glow across the scenes.
The car stopped and Colton jumped out and offered his hand. “This way.”
They entered a large historic home which had been converted into a restaurant. Soft candlelight illuminated round tables covered in white cloths. A hostess escorted them to a table in a private back corner of a large dining room. The only sounds interrupting the moment were clinking glasses and the murmur of quiet conversations. Unidentifiable aromas wafted through the air, encouraging her mouth to salivate.
Charlie eased into her chair. “This is amazing. I feel like a celebrity or something.”
Colton smiled. “You are. You’re the star of the evening.”
Charlie’s face flushed for the second time. Did the low lighting hide her reaction to his complimentary words and the way he was looking at her?
They enjoyed a delicious meal with comfortable conversation. Could she feel more spoiled?
Colton leaned across the table. “Before the dessert arrives, I have something to say.” His forehead beaded with perspiration.
She held her breath. He stood and stepped to her side of the table and knelt on one knee. “I’ve known you were the one for a long time. I hope you feel the same for me. I love you and I want you to be my wife. Will you marry me?”
