Page 46 of Gage

“Stay here, sweetheart,” I whispered, pressing a quick kiss to her forehead before taking off.

I ran toward Agent Frye, who had taken cover behind a tree. Pulling my gun, I scanned the area. One of the brothers was crouched behind a car, trying to hide.

Not today.

I sprinted across the street, took aim, and fired. My bullet hit its mark. This time, I made sure he wasn’t getting back up.

The gunfire raged on as the FBI engaged the other two brothers. It didn’t take long before both were taken down in a shootout.

As soon as the threat was neutralized, I bolted back to Lori.

She was shaking but alive.She could have died.

I scooped her into my arms, holding her close, feeling the rapid thump of her heartbeat against my chest.

People had gathered along the street, murmuring, their faces pale with shock as they took in the smoldering remains of the house.

Lori’s voice trembled. “They burned my dad’s house down. Who let them out of jail? My God, they’re insane. They kill people.”Her hands gripped my shirt. “I’m so glad you’re here. I need to call my dad. Do you have your phone?”

I pressed a hand to her back. “Let’s go to the truck, sweetheart. The firemen are still putting out the flames. I want you to sit down for a second.”

As we walked, I glanced at her. “How the hell did you get on the roof?”

She swallowed hard. “I was in the attic when I heard voices downstairs. At first, I thought it was my dad. But then I heard that laugh. The same laugh I heard when I was kidnapped. I think the whole family was full of serial killers.”

I clenched my jaw and pulled out my phone, dialing her father. The second he answered, I explained everything.

“What?” His voice was sharp with alarm. “Put Lori on the phone.”

I handed it to her.

“Daddy, they burned your house down.”

“I don’t care about the house, baby. I’m just glad you’re okay.” His voice softened. “Helen and I just got married. We’re in Las Vegas. We’ll be home soon. I love you. Go home with Gage and try to forget what happened.”

Lori exhaled shakily. “Dad, I’m happy for you and Helen. I love you.”

She handed my phone back. Her eyes darkened. “My dad forgets that I’ve seen worse than this. I was in the Army. I was overseas.I’m happy they’re dead. They can’t hurt anyone else.”

I cupped her face gently. “Are you ready to go home with me?”

She nodded but hesitated. “I need to tell Sammy what happened first. I don’t want her showing up and seeing the house burned down. It’d scare her and the girls.”

“Alright,” I said, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Let’s call her now. Then we’ll go home.”

27

Gage

This is beautiful.I have always enjoyed visiting Carlsbad. I bet you sit outside in the evenings and watch the sun going down,” Lori said.

“I do love sitting outside in the evenings. Lori, I’m glad you like it here. I was planning on talking to you over a candle at dinner, but I’m going to do it now. Lori Daniels, will you please marry me?”

“Are you sure you want to marry me? Do you think we know each other well enough to get married? Marriage is a big step. What if you changed your mind two years from now?”

“Sweetheart, I will never change my mind. I love you, and I will love you until I take my last breath. You’re the only woman I want to be married to, so please say yes.”

Yes, yes, yes, I want to marry you too. If you change your mind before we get married, just tell me. I don’t want to get married if you have any doubts. I have no doubt I love you so much. I can’t wait till we’re married and have a family. We’ll put a fence up so the kids won’t run into the ocean. We’ll put one of those see-through fences up so we can still see the beach and the sunset. We’re going to be so happy.”

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