by Pandora Pine
“I had no idea,” Gunnar whispered to me.
“We discussed ways the money could be used to do the most good and Bianca suggested we set up a scholarship fund for first responders. Recipients of the fund can use the money to go to the police or fire academy, go for their paramedic certification or train to be a 911 dispatcher.”
“I think that’s a wonderful idea, Oz.” Chasten started to applaud.
“We thought so too and I’m happy to announce the first recipient of the Hal Rossi First Responder Scholarship is Gunnar Prince.”
I gasped, turning to Gunnar who was wearing an equally stunned look on his face.
“Don’t look so shocked.” Ozzy was smiling again. “You were the one who told me you’d gotten a call from the Gloucester Police Dispatch captain about coming onboard as a 911 operator.”
“I just can’t believe it.” Gunnar sat down hard in the nearest chair.
“Believe it, kid. I know you’ll make us all proud.” Ozzy started to applaud.
“I will, I promise.” Gunnar looked up at me, pride shining in his eyes. “I know joining Gloucester EMS can’t bring back Hal, but I’ll do my best to honor him every day.”
“We know you will. That’s why Bianca and I chose you.” Ozzy swiped at his wet eyes. “Now that we’ve gotten all of these surprises out of the way, let’s eat. I see Mom made my favorite meatloaf and pan-fried potatoes.”
“Hold on just a sec, Captain Graves. I’ve got one last surprise.” My heart was pounding like a jackhammer. I turned to Gunnar. “I’ve loved you since the day we met. You were bratty and I was, well, a giant dick.”
“Cocktail wiener, more like!” Ozzy shouted out.
I rolled my eyes at my brother. “We’ve come a long way from that day to this one. I know I’m bossy and grumpy and hard to live with, but I promise to work on those things if you promise to love me forever.” I dropped to one knee and held out the platinum band I’d picked out for Gunnar last week.
“Oh, my God!” Gunnar’s mouth dropped open, his eyes stayed on me the whole time and never strayed to the pricey ring I was holding. His eyes darted around the room. My brothers had their arms wrapped around each other. My Mom was dabbing at tears while David filmed my proposal.
“Is that a yes? I didn’t hear a yes in there.” I hadn’t thought it was possible for my heart to pound harder than it had a minute ago.
“I will love you forever, so long as you promise to always be my guardian.” Gunnar set a hand on the side of my face. “Yes.”
I could only hope my hands would stop shaking long enough to slip the ring on his finger. I kissed his hand when the ring was in place. I’d never loved anyone more in my life than Gunnar.
The room applauded in congratulations. Their hugs and well wishes could wait. I was holding my entire world in my arms.
From the moment we met until the day we would part, I was and always would be Gunnar’s guardian.
THE END
Deacon’s Defender, Book Two in the Protect and Serve series will be available this summer! Fire Captain Ozzy Graves is on the hunt for the arsonist, When a suspect is identified, Ozzy takes it upon himself to stick close. Maybe a little too close for comfort.
Have you met Psychic Tennyson Grimm and Cold Case Detective Ronan O’Mara?
Boston Police Detective Ronan O’Mara enlists the help of Salem psychic Tennyson Grimm to help solve the cold kidnapping case of five-year-old Michael Frye. Ronan, ever the skeptic, is out of leads and out of options. He very well could be out of a job if he fails to solve this case.
When the child’s body is found, the work to identify his killer begins. As Ronan and Tennyson get closer to solving the crime, the initial attraction they feel for one another explodes into a passion neither man can contain.
Will working together to bring Michael’s killer to justice seal their fledgling bond, or will unexpected revelations in the case tear them apart forever?
Check out book one in the Cold Case Psychic series!
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