Midnight Hero - By Diana Duncan Page 0,14
the breakup, she wouldn’t be wearing it. Any lingering doubts dissolved. She loved him. She was just scared. They shared the key ingredients of a lasting relationship. Friendship, fidelity and faith. Her faith was a little shaky right now, but he had enough for both of them. He hoped.
Deadly calm settled, displacing hurt and anger. His thoughts crystallized, painfully clear. He knew what he had to do. Had suspected since breakfast this morning. He made his decision as he’d made every other in his life. Quickly. With his eyes wide open and fully aware of his options. Which didn’t mean it didn’t hurt. He opened his hand and let go of his dream, and the papers dropped into the garbage can beside him.
“What are you doing?”
Burying one future so he could have another. She was worth any cost. “I quit.”
She gasped. “No! You can’t! I won’t let you!”
“I want a life, a future with you. And if it means giving up SWAT for a desk job, I can deal with that.”
“What about the knight in shining armor, standing for the innocents? That wasn’t just talk. That was from your heart.”
“My heart chooses you.”
Her face paled. “Get out.”
“Come again?”
She pointed with a trembling finger. “Get out. Leave.”
Whoa! Where were her happy squeals, the jumping for joy? Bewildered, he frowned. “What the hell?”
The outrage clouding her angelic features was anything but joyous. “Your father lost his career and never recovered. He died before realizing his dream. I refuse to be the reason you lose yours.”
“Pop’s career was snatched out from under him. I’m making a choice. Entirely different.”
“You think this is what you want now.” Even her lips were white with strain, stark contrast to the dark sorrow in her eyes. “What happens a few years down the road? When resentment kicks down love’s door and bitterness barges in?”
“We are not our parents, sweetheart. I promise I won’t resent you. Ever.”
“Dad promised he’d never leave me.” She shoved to her feet. “But promises walk away. They get burned up.” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “They die.”
He swore under his breath. He was a moron. He should have figured it out the minute she’d told him. He rose and drew her into his arms. “Oh, baby. Your mom and dad weren’t the only ones scarred by his accident and death.”
She snatched in a breath. “What are you talking about?”
“Danger, violence are valid worries. But what you’re really afraid of is when the going gets tough, I’ll pick the job over you. And walk…like your dad.”
Her body shook. “He did what he had to do. I don’t blame him.” She gritted her teeth and squared her shoulders. “He saved five lives that night. He was a brave hero.”
“He did what he thought best. But he was just a man, sweetheart. Sometimes people do the wrong thing for all the right reasons.”
She dropped her head into her hands and covered her face. “How does a person know? I’m struggling to do what’s best for you, Con.”
“So, instead, you’re doing what you believe is the right thing—leaving me—for all the wrong reasons, darlin’?”
“They don’t seem wrong to me.”
“That’s the hell of it. Trying to discern which decisions are right, and which are fear-driven. Look at me.” She complied, and he continued. “I understand you’ve been hurt. You’re scared, and I don’t blame you. I wish I could protect you, make it all go away. But only you can slay that dragon.”
Torment burned like a blue flame in her eyes. “I’m so confused. I don’t even know which way is up anymore.”
He wanted to ease her pain, and couldn’t. Hated feeling helpless, hated the uncertainty that was tearing her apart. Tearing them apart. For the first time in his life, he faced an enemy he couldn’t bring down with force. He could not conquer her fear with fists or weapons.
So Con charged into combat with the only ammo he had. Faith. Integrity. Trust. He placed her palm over his heart and covered her hand with his. “I swear on my life, nothing you do will ever make me walk. Nothing will ever make me stop loving you. I’ve made my choice. I’m off the streets, off SWAT.”
She jerked. “Con, no!”
“Think it over and make a logic-based decision. If you still want to end it, I’ll accept that.” Though losing her would rip out his heart. “But I won’t let you push me away because of fear.” He brushed his knuckles over her cheek. “Look past the