unrecognizable out of uniform, stood next to the Christmas tree. She was one of Emilia’s bridesmaids. The two women had grown close after the investigation. Cadaver dogs located the fourteen women buried on Derrick’s former property, including Alice. John pleaded guilty to murder and would spend the rest of his life in prison.
Gretchen had recovered from her injuries. She went back to school and was currently getting her master’s in Colorado. She’d sent a beautiful crystal cross as a wedding gift with a kind note.
Bennett joined Claire. “Hey, have you seen my fiancée?”
“Not in the last few minutes, but I’m sure she’s around here somewhere. Maybe in the kitchen?”
“Good idea. I’ll check.”
He crisscrossed the room into the kitchen, but Emilia wasn’t there either. Bennett slipped outside into the cold night air and circled the house to the front porch. Emilia was standing on the driveway. Christmas lights from the roof played across her face.
It’d been Emilia’s idea to get married two weeks before Christmas. Bennett had been surprised by the suggestion, certain that the month would hold difficult memories, but she insisted.
Was she having regrets?
“Emilia, what are you doing out here all by yourself?” He drew closer and saw the tears streaking her cheeks. “You’re crying.”
He cupped her face and swiped at the water on her skin, concern shooting through him. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” Emilia caught his hands. She smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. “Don’t worry. They’re happy tears. Grateful ones. I prayed for so long to belong somewhere, to have a family. And now, tomorrow, I’m going to become Emilia Knox.”
He scanned her expression but found no trace of sadness. He kissed her gently. “I like the sound of that. Emilia Knox.”
“So do I.” She stepped into the circle of his arms and rested her head on his chest. “It’s a dream come true.”
It hadn’t come easily. After John’s attack, Bennett offered to move to Austin for Emilia. He’d realized that while his life and his family were in Fulton County, his heart was anywhere Emilia was.
She refused his offer. Instead, Emilia found a cottage in town. She’d insisted that family was important. She wanted their future children to have grandparents living close by. Bennett and Emilia spent the next year dating, their love growing each day. Therapy eased Emilia’s anxiety. Time paved the way for new memories, good ones this time.
From this angle, the inside of the house was visible. A Christmas tree twinkled in the corner. Bennett’s family and some lingering guests were gathered around the piano. Everyone was singing carols.
That’s why Emilia was standing here. She could see her family.
She sighed against his chest, and Bennett hugged her tighter. “I love you, Em.”
“I love you too.” She pulled back to look him in the face. “Do you remember when you carried me out of the woods? Do you recall what you said to me?”
He remembered every harrowing second. There were only two times in his life he’d ever been that afraid. The second was racing to the house where John was holding Emilia, praying that she would be alive when he got there.
“Of course.” Bennett brushed a hair off her forehead. “I called you a fighter.”
“I want you to know, sweetheart, that I’m going to fight for our marriage every step of the way. When things are hard, I’m going to dig in. It’s you and me. Forever.”
Her words warmed him straight through. Bennett already knew Emilia wouldn’t give up and walk away, but it was nice to hear the words, anyway. “I promise the same.”
He bent his head and kissed her. Emilia’s lips were soft and warm, and held the lingering taste of hot cocoa. Bennett’s heart skittered and his knees went weak. She had the power to undo him and always would.
The screen door creaked open, interrupting their kiss.
“Emilia,” Sage called. “Stop canoodling with Bennett. You have your whole life to do that after the wedding tomorrow. It’s time to go.”
Bennett rested his forehead against Emilia’s and groaned. “Go away, sis.”
Sage chuckled. “No can do, big brother. The last of the guests are leaving and Emilia is coming home with me. A bride needs her beauty rest.”
Emilia kissed him one last time. It was quick but full of promise.
“I’d better go, or she’ll just come down here and get me.”
He reluctantly released her. “Sweet dreams.”
“See you at the altar tomorrow.” She winked. “I’ll be the one in the poufy white dress.”
Bennett chuckled. Emilia ran up the porch steps and Sage wrapped an arm around her waist. The two women went back inside the house.
Through the window, Bennett watched as everyone hugged Emilia goodbye. She was loved.
By him, most of all.
Thank you for reading Ranger Faith! I hope you enjoyed it. Want more suspense and romance? Keep going for more information about Vanish. Also don’t forget to keep a lookout for Ranger Honor, coming soon.
On a deserted country road, Janet West accidentally strikes a woman with her SUV and gets out to render aid, but is attacked. When she wakes, the woman— along with the assailant— have vanished. Determined to find the truth, she turns to her good friend Todd Duncan for help. But someone is determined to keep what happened that night a secret, and if they have to kill to do it… so be it.
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About the Author
Lynn Shannon worked as a family law attorney before becoming a full-time author. Her novels combine intriguing mysteries with heartfelt romance. You can learn more on her website.
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