“All right. Anything else?”
She nodded, then took in a shaky breath. “Last night, I gave a lot of consideration to my future, all parts of it. I took a long, hard look at my job and decided that I can’t keep working for a precinct where no one cares if justice is being served. When money becomes more important than right, I have no business being there. I talked it over with my dad. He understands. This morning, I quit.”
The words stunned him. Happily, of course. He never thought he’d see the day that Gia gave up the pursuit of order and goodness. He loved the idea that she wouldn’t be risking herself in the line of duty and possibly wind up a casualty like her brother, suddenly gone because some street punk had pulled the trigger. But Jason remembered their argument in his kitchen yesterday morning. She needed purpose in her life.
“If it’s a decision you’re happy with, then you made the right one. If you want my support, you’ve got it.” And he would totally provide for her. If she never wanted to lift a finger again, he’d be happy to give her everything she needed.
“That’s where the money comes in,” she admitted, wrapping her arms around herself as a breeze whipped through her sweater.
“So it’s a nest egg for the future?” Did she think she’d remain married to him but live separately?
“No, it’s the beginning of my new purpose. If I’m not going to be a police officer, I’ve got to do something good with my life. So I’m going to start a fund to help the families of slain officers. It will provide assistance for everything from burial expenses to child care to financial planning for the future. And grief counseling, definitely. Whatever these survivors need, I want to make sure they get. The money from the settlement will allow me to get a good start on fundraising and assisting others.”
Shock and pride both smacked him. God, Gia had the biggest heart. She made him feel alive for the first time in his life. Until her, he’d never known what it meant to think with goodness. Jason felt blessed to have her. If he had his way, he’d spend the next fifty years absorbing more of that love and giving it back to her.
“Did you already set up an account here?”
“No, but I did file the paperwork to create a nonprofit LLC so I could open one. Do you hate the idea?”
“No, baby. I love it. I think it’s every bit as amazing as you are,” he assured her. “Let’s get this started.”
An hour later, they emerged from the bank. Evening was just falling, leaving a bright orange-pink swath across the sky. Gia wore a smile of such serenity that she glowed. Jason had been attracted to her the moment he saw her, but he found her so much more beautiful because he knew how good she was inside as well.
“Congratulations,” he murmured as he helped her into the car again.
“I’m really excited to get started. Thank you so much for doubling the contribution. I can do more for others much faster.”
“My pleasure.” He started the car and drove back to the park.
It didn’t take long before they pulled into the lot again. Most of the minivans and SUVs had cleared out.
“So…that’s everything I had to say.” She looked at him expectantly. As Jason pondered the best way to tell her what was on his mind, she grabbed her purse and fished her keys out. “I’ll…um, get out of your hair.”
Jason reached out and grabbed her wrist. “No, you won’t. I need to say a few things before anyone goes anywhere.” And now that the moment had come for him to finally speak what was in his heart, he felt nervous as all hell.
She sank back into the seat but still didn’t look relaxed. “All right.”
Shit. He hadn’t planned this speech exactly. Without knowing what Gia had on her mind, he hadn’t been sure what to say. Usually, he went on with his thoughts and plans, then let everyone else adjust as necessary. Besides keeping him off guard, his wife deserved more consideration—especially since she always put everyone else first. No one did that for her, and he wanted to be the one she could count on.
“I’m listening,” she assured softly.
He gulped down rare nerves and took her hands in his, clutching them. “Gia, baby, I don’t want a divorce, either. I want you to stay with me and live as my wife. I want to take care of you and watch you grow this foundation in your brother’s honor, be a part of your family…and start our own. W-will you do that with me?”
The beginnings of a smile broke across her face, and she pressed her lips together to squelch it. Even so, he saw the moisture gathering in her eyes and making them glisten. Damn it, if she wasn’t the most beautiful woman he knew. “Really?”
“Yeah…” He squeezed her hands. “I’ve been thinking a lot, too. I love you.”
Gia froze, completely silent. Then she shoved her purse to the floorboard and launched herself into his arms, pressing her lips to his with a need that floored him. The passion to become one with him flowed from her kiss, deep into his mouth where they joined…then straight to his heart. Over the gearshift, he held her tighter, wishing like hell he could pull her body completely against him and make her his all over again.
But first, he had to hear her say that she wanted what he yearned for, too.
He tore away. “Is that a yes?”
She panted, her slick, passion-stained lips parted and tempting and… Shit, he needed to keep his head together. This answer was too important.
“Yes.” Gia brushed a solemn kiss on his mouth, then smiled softly at him. “Yes. I’d love that because I love you. So much.”
When she gasped suddenly, then dove for her purse on the floorboard, he frowned. “Baby?”