Page 152 of Over the Edge

“The feeling is mutual. And you know what? If it took all the bad stuff that’s happened this past month to lead me to you, it was worth it.”

A shadow darkened his features. “I like the outcome too, but not the process. I wish we could have gone straight from Day One to here and skipped all the trauma in between.”

“I’ll tell you what.” She twined her fingers together behind his neck. “Let’s do our best to forget about yesterday and focus on tomorrow. Because I see an incredible future ahead of us. Starting right now.”

“To borrow your phrase, I’m in. Shall I pick up where I left off a minute ago?”

“By all means.”

And as Jack went back to giving her a preview of just how exciting their tomorrows might be, Lindsey did her best to let go of all the fear and terror that had tainted her life since South Carolina. An easy task while the man she was falling in love with demonstrated how much he cared for her.

Truth be told, though, given the depth of the trauma she’dendured, recollections of the horror would no doubt rear their ugly head on occasion in the days and months to come.

But somehow she knew that with Jack beside her, the bad memories would eventually fade away as the new ones they made together banished the darkness from her mind and filled her heart with light and joy.

Epilogue

“BRILOOKS HAPPY, DOESN’T SHE?”

Somehow Jack managed to tear his gaze away from the most beautiful woman at the wedding reception—that would be Lindsey—to spare his sister a quick glance as she swayed to the music on the dance floor with her new husband.

Yes, she did. Beyond happy, in fact. More like radiant. And gorgeous.

He searched the crowd, homing in on the maid of honor. Cara was sitting off to one side, talking animatedly with the groom’s grandmother. Probably about the sabbatical she was set to begin next month at that remote estate down near Potosi with the reclusive owner who’d agreed to help her with her research.

His youngest sister was gorgeous too. Also dateless. What was wrong with the men in her circle that they couldn’t see past the challenges she’d overcome with such admirable grace and grit?

But that was a concern for another day.

Tonight, the woman beside him deserved his full attention.

“Don’t you think so?” Lindsey nudged him.

He nodded. “Yes. I don’t know that I’ve ever seen her happier. Or maybe it’s easier to spot true happiness when you’re feeling it yourself.” He reached over and squeezed her hand.

She returned the pressure. “The months we’ve been dating have been the happiest of my life too. At this stage, the nightmare I went through feels like nothing more than a bad dream.”

“I hear you. I’m glad it ended fast after the night at the warehouse. If Oliver had survived, we’d still be dealing with the aftermath.”

“I know.” She sighed. “On a happier note, I have good news.”

“I do too.” More than one piece, actually. But he’d save the best for last. “You go first.”

“Dara called today. She and Chad are expecting. Madeleine and I have already talked about throwing her a baby shower.”

That sounded like the woman he’d come to love. Always thinking of others.

“I’m happy for them. They had a tough stretch, thanks to Heidi and Oliver.”

“But they stuck together and weathered the storm. An example for all of us.” She squeezed his hand again. “Now tell me your news.”

“I’ve been accepted for the next session of the FBI National Academy. It starts in October.”

Her face lit up. “Oh, Jack. I’m thrilled for you. But I’m not surprised. When you told me County had nominated you, I knew you’d get one of the coveted spots. I mean, if they wouldn’t take the best detective in St. Louis, who would they take?”

“You may be a bit prejudiced.”

“No.” She gave a definitive shake of her head. “That assessment is based on firsthand experience. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be sitting here tonight.” A sudden shadow dimmed the animation in her eyes.

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