Page 153 of Over the Edge

“Luck and God had more to do with that than my detective skills.”

“I’ll concede they both came into play, but you jumped onevery lead. Not many detectives would have pushed as hard and as fast as you did.”

“I had an ulterior motive.” He winked at her, doing his best to dispel the sudden pall that had fallen over their conversation. This wasn’t the mood he wanted to create for the rest of their evening. “Speaking of ulterior motives, why don’t we stroll out to the terrace? The heat’s not too bad for early August, and the setting is romantic.” He motioned to the French doors that lined one wall of the reception venue, which opened onto a large courtyard with an illuminated fountain. “I could get us each a chocolate mint square to finish the evening on a sweet note.”

“I already had wedding cake—but you know I can never pass up your chocolate mint squares. I think I’ve gained five pounds chowing down on them since we met.”

“Not that I’ve noticed.” He gave her slinky dress with its skimpy, oh-so-alluring shoulder straps a slow, appreciative perusal. “Especially in that phenomenal outfit.”

Despite the soft lighting, it was impossible to miss the slight flush that rose on her cheeks. “You have a silver tongue, Detective Tucker.”

“Complaining?”

“Never. I’m all yours.”

“Hold that thought.”

He rose and drew her to her feet, his pulse picking up.

This was the moment he’d been anticipating for months. The brief but critical exchange that would determine the course of his whole future.

At the bank of doors, he opened one and ushered Lindsey through. “Pick a spot and I’ll join you in a minute.”

“There’s a secluded table over there.” She motioned to one tucked beside a rose trellis, not far from the fountain. “That work for you?”

“Perfect.”

“I’ll go claim it—not that there’s a crowd to fight. It appears we have the whole terrace to ourselves.”

Also perfect.

“I’m fine with that. Be right back.” He leaned down and brushed his lips across her forehead.

“I’ll be waiting.” After rising on tiptoe to give him a discreet return kiss on the cheek, she strolled toward the table, the hem of her dress swishing around her legs.

Jack lingered to watch as she paused beside a rosebush and leaned down to smell the blossom, his throat tightening.

How blessed he’d been the day this special woman had walked into his life, adding joy and light and laughter to his world. A world he’d thought was more than adequate as it was.

But what a difference love made.

It brightened. Illuminated. Warmed. Filled the empty place in his soul he hadn’t even known existed.

And if all went well in the next few minutes, that love would grace all his tomorrows for the rest of his life.

SOMETHING WAS UP.

As Lindsey claimed a chair at the table for two and Jack disappeared inside, a quiver of anticipation zipped through her.

After eight months of dating, their trajectory seemed clear. Yet he hadn’t so much as hinted about making their relationship permanent.

Could tonight be the night?

Maybe.

What better setting to get a person in a proposing mood than the wedding celebration of a cherished sibling?

However ... given Jack’s background, eight months might be unrealistic. Love and trust didn’t come easily to him, thanks to his experience with his mother and the dregs of society he dealt with in his job.

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