Page 41 of Ranger Bravery

And he would never know how much he meant to her.

Tears welled in her eyes. She’d pushed Jackson away, hoping that these feelings between them would eventually wither and die. Instead, they’d only grown. He’d wriggled past all her defenses somehow. Not even ten years of separation—and her own stupid decision to bail on their relationship—could ruin it. Piper was terrified of what a future with Jackson looked like. Her own shortcomings would surely screw everything up, but in this moment, she couldn’t care about any of that. All that mattered was that Jackson would die without ever knowing she loved him.

God, I’m so lost. I’ve tried to be strong. I picked myself back up over and over again, but if Jackson dies, I fear this may break me for good.

A dozen feet away, Jackson’s colleagues were in a prayer circle. Bennett didn’t join the group. He stayed by Piper’s side like a sentry. To prevent her from entering the house? Or protect her from a potential attack from the killer? She wasn’t sure, but his steady and constant presence allowed her to focus on her prayers. Deputies and other state police kept control of the scene while the bomb squad conferred in small groups. Several men in thick suits and face masks headed for the house. Rain pelted Piper’s head. She barely felt it.

“Piper!”

She turned. Ava hurried toward her on limping steps. Her face was red and puffy from crying. Weston walked beside her, holding an umbrella, worry etched on every inch of his features. Piper moved to intercept them. “What are you doing here?”

“Ava insisted on coming,” Weston explained. “We saw what was happening on the news. Mary is with the kids, and Cole is keeping them safe.”

“Is he in there?” Ava gripped Piper’s arms with enough force to leave bruises. Panic swelled in her voice. “Is Derek inside the house?”

She nodded and fresh tears filled her eyes, shocking Piper to the core. Ava almost never cried. She gathered her sister in a hug. “It’s going to be okay.”

“Don’t you dare lie to me, Piper.” She shook off the embrace. “What kind of man goes inside a house knowing there’s a bomb? That’s a new level of stupidity right there. I knew this kind of thing would happen. I told myself not to get emotionally involved, not to develop feelings beyond friendship. He has a dangerous job. I have to protect myself. But look at me!” She waved a hand over her tear-stained face. “I fell in love with him and now I’m a wreck because he’s about to be blown up!”

Piper’s heart broke for her sister. She’d suspected Ava had feelings for Derek, but she didn’t realize how deep they ran. No wonder her sister was in a panic. “Derek went back inside to help Jackson. He didn’t want him to be alone.”

Her sister cried harder. “He’s brave and stupid.”

Piper hugged her sister again. “What would Grandma Mary tell us to do in this situation?”

“To hold on to our faith.” Ava sniffed and then pulled back, her eyes widening. “Oh, Piper, I’m sorry. Jackson’s inside too. I was so caught up?—”

“It’s okay. I’ve been so worried about Jackson, I didn’t even think to call you about Derek. I’m sorry you had to find out from the news.”

“There’s movement,” Bennett announced. Rain gathered on the brim of his hat and ran down the back onto his jacket. His focus was on the house. Bomb squad techs high-fived each other.

Piper’s gaze shot to the front door. No one was there, but she started running. Past the crime scene tape marking off the blast zone and through the gate on the side of Todd’s yard. Someone yelled at her. She ignored them. Beer cans scattered as they were kicked away by the force of her steps.

Jackson appeared in the doorway. Whole. Unharmed.

A cheer went up from the watching crowd, along with thunderous applause, but Piper barely heard it. Like a laser beam, she focused on the gorgeous man stepping off of the porch and into the rain. He saw her coming and opened his arms wide, catching her mid step and swinging her around before lowering her feet back to the ground.

She kissed him. The worry and fear melted into passion and need. Every emotion she couldn’t put into words went into that kiss. Ten years of longing and love. Time slowed down until nothing existed beyond the two of them. Her heart soared as Jackson deepened the kiss, drawing her close, not letting her go until they were both breathless.

He pulled back just enough to stare into her eyes. “I love you, Piper.”

Her heart stuttered and then took off like a bird in flight. “I love you too.” Tears swelled in her eyes as she kissed him again. “I have no idea where we go from here, but I can’t care about that right now. I love you and have for ten years. I think I’ll love you for the rest of my life.”

He trembled as if she’d shocked him, and then a broad smile brightened his entire face. “The rest of your life, huh? I can work with that.”

Before she could even think of a response, he bent his head and captured her lips again. There was no room for fear or worry when she was in his arms.

There was only love.

Hours later, Piper sipped coffee in the bullpen of the sheriff’s department. Her gaze was locked on Derek’s office. The blinds were closed, as was the door. All around her was controlled chaos. Deputies and other state personnel were filing reports and discussing the case.

“What are you doing?” Jackson strolled up, a smile playing on his lips. He’d changed clothes, and the green button-down highlighted the stunning color of his eyes.

Piper grinned back, twisting in her chair. “Spying on my sister. Ava and Derek went into his office twenty minutes ago and are still talking.”

Apparently, Piper and Jackson weren’t the only couple to share a passionate kiss after the bomb was disarmed. Derek, unfortunately, was then tasked with handling the media fallout, as well as taking charge of the scene. He and Ava hadn’t had a chance to discuss everything until now.

Neither had Piper and Jackson. She’d buried herself in paperwork and reviewing the updated reports from other members of the task force. There were hundreds of witness interviews and thousands of leads to follow up on. It felt insurmountable.

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