Page 496 of Cold Case, Warm Hearts

Claire held her breath. There was a chance Patrick would still decide to pull the trigger. She could see the war waging inside him. Finally, resignation seeped into his eyes. Patrick released his fingers, and the weapon dropped to the ground.

Claire kicked it away with her foot. Ryker moved in, grabbed the mayor by the back of the neck, and forced him to the ground. Gavin didn’t shift his weapon away until the killer washandcuffed. Then he raced to Claire’s side. Blood coated his shirt and his complexion was pale, but he was alive.

“Where are you hurt?” Gavin’s hands ran over her face, smoothing away the strands of hair from her temple. The fear and concern in his eyes twisted her insides. She wanted to dive into his embrace and never let go, but now wasn’t the time.

Claire grabbed his arm. “Forget about me. Jacob’s on the boat. Alex drugged him, but I don’t know with what?—”

Gavin raced for the vessel. He disappeared inside the cabin and came out moments later, cradling Jacob in his strong arms. Claire’s heart tore at the look of anguish on Gavin’s face. She struggled to her feet. “No, no, please no.”

“He’s okay, Claire.” Gavin closed the distance between them. “He’s waking up.”

Relief rippled through her, threatening to weaken her knees and send her back to the ground. Tears ran down her face as she pressed a hand to her son’s cheek. Jacob’s eyes opened, his sleepy gaze fixing on her face. “Hi, Mommy.”

She showered him with kisses.Thank you, God, thank you.

Gavin wrapped his arm around her, tucking her close. Tears shimmered in his eyes. He brushed his lips across hers. “I love you, Claire.”

The world stopped, stealing Claire’s breath. There was no denying the truth. Her heart belonged to Gavin and always would. Claire met his gaze before returning his kiss. “I love you too.”

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Six months later

Gavin shruggedon his suit jacket and ran a hand down his tie. Nerves jittered his stomach. There were only twenty minutes until he had to be at the altar. The box with the wedding rings bulged against his leg. He pulled it out of his pocket and turned to Ryker, his best man. “Guard these with your life.”

Ryker plucked the box from Gavin’s hand. “I don’t think it’ll come to that. Unless you know of some other murderous criminals threatening you or Claire…I mean, I’m still recovering from last year. There’s no way I’m helping you out again.”

Gavin barked out a laugh. He gave his friend a gentle shove. “You barely did anything. I’m the one who was shot.”

“The doctor called it a flesh wound. Thirty stitches and you were good as new. Face it, Gavin. I drove that boat like a pro to Xavier’s property, sliding it right up to the shore, so you could race in there and save Claire. We both know who the actual hero is.”

He scoffed, buttoning his suit jacket. “You only knew where to go because I told you. If I hadn’t overheard Xavier talk aboutbeing framed, you’d still be in that boat, wandering around looking for Claire.”

Ryker raised a hand, his grin widening. “Okay, okay, you win. This time.”

They both laughed. The humor was dark, especially for Gavin’s wedding day, but there wasn’t any way to escape how he and Claire had fallen in love. Or how close they’d come to losing each other.

Patrick Scott had been convicted and would spend the rest of his life in prison. His obsessive need to control Ian’s life drove him to murder. His accomplice, Alex, died from his injuries. Neither man would ever harm Claire, or anyone else, again. For that, Gavin was grateful.

Xavier was also in prison. His arrest had led to the Chosen being dismantled. The survivalist group had been running a major drug operation for years. Maribelle still lived in Fulton County. She’d gotten medical care for her heart condition and her health stabilized. Claire and Gavin visited her from time to time. Ian moved several states away to start his life over.

Ryker opened the ring box. He whistled. “I can’t believe you’re taking the plunge. I was sure you’d stay single forever.”

“So did I. God had other plans.” Gavin’s mouth quirked. “Watch out. You may be next.”

Ryker snorted. “Not a chance. I have no interest in marriage, kids, or a white picket fence.” He clapped a hand on Gavin’s back. “But I’m happy for you, man. Truly. You’ve got something special with Claire.”

Yes, he did. Over the last six months, they’d fallen more and more in love. Each day Gavin spent with her and Jacob was a blessing. He couldn’t wait to start their lives together.

“Gavin, Gavin, Gavin.”

The thundering sound of footsteps accompanied the repeated shouting of his name. Gavin turned as Jacob hurtledinto the room. The little boy slid to a stop seconds from crashing into a couch. He grinned, eyes sparkling with happiness. “I’m ready!”

He looked adorable in a suit and bow tie. Gavin was tempted to ruffle the little boy’s hair, but it was obvious someone—probably his grandmother—had attempted to tame the unruly curls. Instead, he offered his hand for a high five. “You look great, buddy.”

Jacob smacked his palm. Then his face grew serious. “There’s something I need to ask you.”

“Sure thing.” Gavin dropped to one knee, so they were at eye level. “What is it?”

---