Page 55 of Ranger Bravery

“The bad news is, if the cases go to trial, you’ll have to testify.” Derek’s gaze skipped between Jackson and Piper. “Both of you.”

They both nodded. Piper squeezed Jackson’s hand. She didn’t relish the idea of facing Todd down in court, but she’d do whatever was necessary to get justice. Jackson glanced at her and nodded in silent agreement. They would face whatever came together.

As a team.

THIRTY

After the meeting was over, Jackson opened the door to the conference room and was shocked to find his entire ranger team, along with their wives, had joined the sheriff’s deputies in the bullpen. Music was playing. Tables along the back wall were loaded down with food and streamers hung from the ceiling. The entire group burst into applause again.

Jackson glanced at Piper. She looked just as shocked as he was.

Derek grinned. “The case is over. It’s time to celebrate.”

Lieutenant Rodriguez, a soda in hand and a smile on her face, waved them forward. “Don’t stand there in the doorway, you two. Come join the fun.”

Piper was immediately swept away by Emilia and Felicity. She landed on a chair decorated in colorful streamers. Her smile lit up the room as she chatted with several deputies, along with members of the ranger team. Jackson’s exhaustion eased as he accepted a plate of food and a beverage from Luke. His wife, Megan, was just beginning to show signs of a baby bump. Their second child was due early next year.

“Who planned all of this?” Jackson’s gaze narrowed in on Grady and his wife, Tara.

The couple shared a conspiring look. Their daughter, Maddy, giggled with laughter as Elijah and his wife, Sienna, played a card game with her. Luke and Megan’s oldest daughter joined the fun.

Tara hitched their son higher on her hip and grinned. “I had the idea, but everyone chipped in to make it happen.” She gave Jackson a sisterly hug. “I’m glad you and Piper are okay.”

“Thanks.”

Not wanting to be far away from Piper, Jackson slowly worked through the crowd to her side. Weston and Avery arrived and brought their newborn daughter with them. Somehow, the infant ended up in Piper’s arms. She held the child with a reverence born out of wonder.

Jackson’s heart melted. He kissed Piper on the forehead and gazed down at the baby. “She’s beautiful.”

“She’s perfect.” Piper blinked as if she was fighting back tears. “A little miracle.”

“If you want, you can take that miracle home with you for the night,” Avery joked, a teasing grin on her face. She was makeup free, her hair tossed into a messy bun, and there were slight shadows under her eyes from sleeping only a little since the baby was born. Yet every time she looked at her daughter, her whole face brightened. “Let’s see what you think at three in the morning. And then at four. And then at five.”

Jackson and Piper laughed.

Weston scoffed. “As if Avery could stand to be separated from Charlotte for one night. She can’t go five minutes without picking her up. I think the umbilical cord is still attached.” His tone was teasing, but there was so much love in his eyes, it was clear he adored how dedicated Avery was to their baby.

“Aunt Piper!” Emma raced up, a bundle of energy and excitement.

Jackson scooped the little girl up before she crashed into Piper and the baby. A stream of giggles followed. Emma grinned. Her top tooth was missing. He pulled back to get a better look and then mimed horror. “Emma, your tooth is gone! Someone call the police. It was stolen.”

She shook her head. “No, silly. It fell out.”

He screwed up his face in disgust. “It did what?”

“Don’t worry. It’s a baby tooth. A new one will grow in its place.” She touched his cheek. “Yours won’t fall out.”

Jackson laughed. “I certainly hope not. Otherwise, your Aunt Piper might not think I’m handsome anymore.”

“I’ll always think you’re handsome,” Piper said, handing over little Charlotte to Weston. Then she reached out for Emma. “Come give me a hug, sweet girl.”

Jackson whispered before setting Emma down, “Be gentle. Aunt Piper still has boo-boos.”

Emma nodded seriously and then hugged her aunt with such tender care, Jackson’s heart melted all over again. He was turning into a softie. Love must do that.

Finn came over and greeted them, then grabbed his sister to play with some of the other kids. Jackson spotted Ava in conversation with Derek. She laughed and lightly touched his arm. The couple looked very happy together.

A throat cleared. Jackson turned to find Shawn approaching. His muscles tightened involuntarily, but then he forced them to relax. Shawn was hurting too. He’d been deceived, just like the rest of them. Jackson greeted his old childhood friend with a handshake. “Shawn.”

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