Page 95 of Under Fire

“We’re no closer to an answer than before.” Delilah’s head dropped back against the headrest. “What do we do now, Matt?”

“Keep moving forward. We stir the pot and see what rises to the top.”

“From where I’m sitting, the only thing we’re stirring up is trouble.”

“We’re making someone nervous. If we weren’t, you wouldn’t be a target.”

“That doesn’t make me feel better. I don’t want either of us in the crosshairs of a shooter. I don’t want to lose you.”

“You won’t.”

“You can’t guarantee that. What if the shooter’s bullet had hit you instead of the French doors the other night?”

He captured her hand. “It didn’t. We can’t operate on what if’s, Delilah. Dwelling on it will paralyze us.”

“I can’t lose you, Matt. I wouldn’t survive.”

Matt’s head whipped her direction. Did she mean what he prayed she did? “What are you saying?”

“I can’t survive without my heart,” Delilah said softly.

Now? She had to do this now? Heart slamming against his ribs, Matt didn’t say a word as he hunted for a place to pull off. He needed Delilah in his arms before he confessed his secret. Seconds later, he spotted what he was looking for.

He veered right and took the exit for a national park.

“What are we doing? I thought we were going to pick up Randy.”

“He’ll wait another few minutes. We need to talk.” Two minutes later, he parked at the entrance to an easy walking trail with posted signs of many benches along the path.

Matt guided Delilah along the deserted path to the first bench. Perfect. The seat was situated a few feet off the main trail in the shadow of a stand of pine trees.

Hand on her lower back, Matt nudged her toward the bench. Once seated, he attempted to calm his racing heart to no avail. Matt captured her hand and raised it to his lips to press a kiss to her knuckles. “Say that again.”

“Which part?”

He frowned. “Don’t toy with me, woman. The heart thing.”

A gentle smile curved her mouth. “I can’t live without my heart, Matt. I love you with everything I am. If I lost you, my life would have no purpose.”

Relief swept through him with the force of a tidal wave. “Thank God.” He cupped Delilah’s nape, tugged her against his chest, and slammed his lips against hers in an act of raw passion. When he raised his head minutes or hours later, they were both gasping for air. “I love you more than I’ve ever loved anyone in my life, Delilah. You walk into a room and the whole place lights up, including inside me. You’re the light in my darkness. With you in my life, I can breathe again. You are my greatest miracle.”

“Matt.” Tears sparkled on her lashes. “I didn’t know you had the soul of a poet.”

“Don’t spill my secret to my teammates, okay?”

She laughed. “I promise.”

After a long, gentle kiss, Matt eased back. “Will you marry me, Delilah Frost?”

“I can’t think of anything I want more than to be your wife.”

Satisfaction and joy filled him at her quick response. “Soon?”

“How soon?”

“When we return to Otter Creek.”

Delilah blinked. “That could be in a day or two.”

---