Page 69 of Fighting for Brielle
With Tawny keeping the department running smoothly, he didn’t have to worry about leaving it to spend time with Brielle. Not to mention his captains ran a tight ship and worked well with him. All in all, he couldn’t complain. He enjoyed his job. He’d formed bonds and friendships with the cops. And most importantly, he loved a good woman. Just a few months ago he never imagined life could be so sweet.
* * *
Dr. Nunag released Brielle from the hospital a week later. Because she was young, strong, and healthy, she healed quickly, and with physical therapy every day, she didn’t need a walker or a cane when she was discharged. She still wasn’t cleared to return to work, though. She had to undergo a mandatory psychological exam after what happened to her, and until her leg was one hundred percent again, she wouldn’t be able to return to field duty.
Cameron, Brianna, and Franklin were planning to fly out that evening, so they gathered for a fabulous dinner on Brielle’s deck. Brianna outdid herself preparing their meal, and even baked her famous peach cobbler just for Justice.
Franklin had invited Adrienne, much to Justice’s surprise, and she shocked him further when she announced she was taking a vacation and accompanying his father back to Connecticut. Justice shot Franklin an inquisitive look, which the older man returned with a grin and a shrug.
After they finished dessert, Cameron suggested that he and Justice go for a stroll on the beach. Justice suspected he was in for “the talk.”
“So, you told Brielle you’re in love with her,” Cameron began in a conversational tone of voice.
“Yes, sir.”
“You barely know each other.”
“I know what I feel when I’m with her. The rest will come in time.”
Cameron glanced sideways at him. “Is that right?”
“Yes, sir.”
“And I suppose you want to marry her.”
“Yes, sir. And I’d like your blessing.”
“Convince me that I should give it.”
“Because I can’t take a breath without Brielle. She is my heart. And I will spend the rest of my life proving how vital she is to me and how much I love her. I won’t ever forsake her.” Justice’s tone rang with condemnation.
Cameron frowned. “Like I forsook Brianna.”
“Yes, sir. I heard the story. Brielle told me how you and Brianna almost died when you were attacked by the Morales drug cartel and then you…”
“I had my reasons for doing what I did,” Cameron cut him off.
“And they were good ones. But…”
Cameron held up his hand. “But it’s water under the bridge now, except my past nearly cost Trey and Ben their lives, too.” He paused. “Brielle is in love with you. She’s just like her mother. Loyal and incredibly brave. Promise to treasure her and you’ll have my blessing.”
“I do. I will. All the days of my life.”
Cameron slapped Justice on the back. “Glad we had this chat, son.”
Justice let out his breath. “Yes, sir.”
When they returned to the deck, Justice caught Brielle’s anxious gaze and winked. All good. She flashed a radiant smile at him, setting his heart, and his body, ablaze for her.
Alone an hour later, Justice wrapped his arms gently around her and kissed her soft lips.
“I hope my dad wasn’t too hard on you,” Brielle stated as she leaned into him.
Her scent, a scintillating combination of flowers and sunshine, caused his head to spin. He caressed her bare arms. “No, not at all. He was just looking out for you. What about mine?” He’d seen Franklin corner Brielle in the kitchen on the pretext of helping with dessert.
She laughed lightly. “He gave me his stamp of approval, as he put it. Seems like you wanted it. Your dad was very sweet, by the way.”
“Huh. I would never use that word to describe him.”
