Page 52 of Ranger Bravery

Hope alighted in Piper’s heart. Jackson and the ranger team had figured out where she was. The SWAT team was preparing to enter, but the place was massive and it would take time to search. Todd was obsessed. He wouldn’t let her go easily, not even under these circumstances.

He screamed her name again, and his footsteps drew closer.

Piper dropped to her knees and maneuvered to the hutch. She opened a door, grateful to find the cabinet was empty. She crawled inside. Silent prayers exited her lips. Her breath came in pants, and it felt like her heart was about to explode out of her chest. Tears, from fear and from the smoke, streamed down her face.

She didn’t know who would find her first.

Her comrades?

Or Todd?

TWENTY-EIGHT

Three days later, Jackson paced the length of the hospital corridor. He had to keep moving. It was that or fall over from exhaustion. He’d been running on caffeine and worry ever since Piper was brought to the emergency room. Those first several hours, when she was in surgery, were harrowing. She’d nearly died.

He didn’t like to think about it.

Grandma Mary emerged from the hospital room. The last few days had put her through the wringer too. Weariness was etched in the wrinkles on her face, but she gave him a bright smile. “She’s dressed. You can go in.” Mary adjusted the shoulder strap on her purse. “I’m heading home for some much needed rest. I suggest you two do the same once the nurse returns with her discharge paperwork.”

“We will, but first we have a meeting at the sheriff’s department.”

Her mouth pursed in disapproval.

Jackson sensed a good-natured lecture coming on and he quickly added, “I tried to talk Piper out of it. She insisted. Rest will come a lot easier once she has the answers to her questions.”

Mary’s expression softened. “I suppose that’s true.” She reached into her purse and pulled out a small jewelry box. “I brought something for you.”

Jackson frowned and accepted the offering. He opened the box to find a stunning diamond ring nestled inside. His breath hitched.

“This was my engagement ring,” Mary said. “Perhaps I’m jumping the gun, but I’d got the impression you were going to ask Piper to marry you. She’s always loved this piece. I stopped wearing it a few years ago because of my arthritis and wasn’t sure what to do with it. But God, as always, had a plan. I’d be honored if you’d consider using it.”

Jackson was moved beyond words. “It’s perfect.” He hugged the older woman, his heart full of joy and love. “Thank you. It means more than I can say.” Nerves jittered his insides. “Piper and I haven’t spoken about our future. Not really. I’m not sure we’re on the same page.”

“Never mind.” She patted his cheek. “Keep the ring anyway. If you don’t need it, you can give it back.”

She turned and strolled down the hallway. Jackson watched her go for a moment and then stared down at the stunning ring. It was a vintage piece with smaller stones surrounding a larger diamond. He could easily see it on Piper’s finger. It was just her style.

Marriage. It would be a dream come true, but broaching the subject might cause trouble. For the last few days, Piper’s focus had been on recovering from her injuries. Jackson stayed by her side, and she seemed grateful for his support, but that was a far cry from forever.

God, I leave it in Your hands. Show me the right time to tell Piper what’s in my heart.

The prayer gave him peace. Jackson closed the jewelry box and slipped it into his pocket. Then he entered the hospital room. His breath stalled. Piper was sitting in the chair next to the window. Sunlight streamed over the glossy strands of her hair and across the delicate curve of her cheek. Her silk button-up blouse brought out the natural rosy hue of her cheeks. She was stunning.

She faced him and smiled. His heart clenched. “Hey, beautiful.”

Piper scoffed. She absently touched the purple bruises along her throat. “Hardly. It’s a shame we aren’t closer to Halloween. Ava could put me in a lawn chair in the front yard to scare the neighbors.”

Jackson smiled at her self-deprecating humor. “I was thinking you could be a superhero for Halloween this year. Piper the Invincible. Brave enough to stand her ground against serial killers and the lawyers who protect them.” He brushed a tender kiss across her mouth, mindful of her injuries. “We’ll need to find a letter opener though.”

She laughed and then winced.

He pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “Need some pain medication?”

“No, I don’t like the way it makes me feel. I’ll stick to the over-the-counter stuff from now on.”

A cast covered her left arm, and she had her leg propped up on the bed. Her injuries were shockingly minor compared to how bad things could have been. Some broken ribs, a shattered elbow, and a bruised femur were the highlights.

Jackson perched on the window ledge next to her. “Are you sure you’re up to visiting the sheriff’s department today? We can easily get an update when you’ve had more time to recover.”

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