Page 71 of Savage Peril

All Lori had cared about was that Gunner was going to live.

The first few months had been rough, but Lori was pleased with his recovery. Keeping Gunner out of action wasn’t easy, but his boss ordered him to regain his strength before even thinking about coming back to work.

Lori’s life had changed dramatically. The police had searched Sheldon’s home and office. They discovered that he had been engaged in illegal activities for decades. In addition to bucketloads of money, they found evidence of money laundering and had located several offshore accounts. All Sheldon’s assets were confiscated.

The LAPD closed the murder case, since their prime suspect had committed suicide. It would take Lori a while to recover from the devastating turn of events. She had to remind herself that she wasn’t in danger anymore.

Matt was indicted for his crimes, and Lori agreed to testify against him. Her brother had been scared into quitting drugs. The FBI’s involvement had made an impression, and Nick had voluntarily entered rehab. Lori had found a center with a good record, and she had every hope of her brother’s recovery.

Katherine no longer worked at the clinic. She was charged as an accomplice for aiding Sheldon. Since she didn’t have a prior record, the penalty wasn’t as severe. She had cried and pleaded, saying how sorry she was. Lori didn’t hold a grudge, but Katherine wouldn’t be rehired.

Lori had been to lunch with Jess several times and had long talks about everything. She had told Jess how good it was to have a friend she could count on. Then Allen had stepped up to find a replacement at the clinic. With Adam and Sarah’s approval, Lori had hired one of the prospects he’d recommended to take over as practice manager.

It had been a heartwarming scene when Gunner reunited with his son. It turned out that Daniel had been afraid of rejection. Despite his mother’s pressure to view his father as a deadbeat, he had never really believed it. He admired Gunner for his service as a Navy SEAL and was impressed with how he’d rescued Lori.

The best part was that Gunner was fully recovered, and Lori could look forward to a future with him. One morning, he arranged for a sunrise horseback ride, since Lori had enjoyed the previous ride so much. It was a gorgeous morning with the sky glowing with dawn’s light.

The horizon was pale gold and yellow, with a few clouds stretched across it like taffy. At the top of a crest, looking down on the city, Gunner got off his horse and stood next to Lori. She looked down at him and smiled.

Gunner took her hand, then got down on one knee and opened a tiny box holding a sparkling diamond ring. “I love you with all my heart…and I want you to be my wife. Will you marry me?”

Lori’s eyes blurred with tears, then she giggled. Even with him kneeling, Gunner’s head reached to her knee. But seeing him so far below struck her as funny. “Get me down from here. Then I’ll answer your question.”

Gunner laughed and put his hands on her waist to lift her down, then he kissed her.

“I do love your kisses,” Lori said. “But I haven’t said yes.”

“Can’t blame me for trying to persuade you.”

Lori stood on her toes and wrapped her arms around Gunner’s neck. “Yes, I’ll marry you. I can’t think of anything that would make me happier.” Then he lifted her off her feet and swung her around, until Lori screeched with delight.

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