Page 70 of Love Somebody Like You

She nodded, and he took a moment to breathe and center his spinning thoughts.

“Lord God, thank you for keeping Lexi safe, for protecting her, and for protecting the other people in that horrible situation. Thank you that you have good plans for her, that she can trust you with all her days. Bring peace to her heart and mind, and help her know your love. In Jesus’s name. Amen.”

“Amen,” she whispered, drawing close to lay her head on his chest again. She wrapped her arms around him, and he pressed another kiss to her brow, content in the moment to let the porch swing rock ever so gently, as they stayed in this private cocoon.

He closed his eyes, but his thoughts kept whirling, twirling with imagined images, shocking and gruesome, horror ebbing away as he prayed for himself as well. It was no wonder Lexi covered her throat through scarves and turtlenecks. Who wanted to relive that encounter on what would likely prove a daily basis?

Her gentle breathing suggested she’d fallen asleep, no doubt emotionally wrung out by her recount even more than he was from merely listening. And while he had no desire to sleep out here, he had zero desire to move her either.

The sound of a car engine pricked him to wakefulness and drew Fido’s short, sharp bark, but it was only Denny and the boys returning from their trip to town, the rasp of the motor from the old ranch bus giving it away. He wondered if Lexi would waken, but the sounds of low voices, doors closing, showers humming, and the like didn’t stir her. He was glad when the sounds ceased, and the peace of the night enveloped them again.

God was here. He could feel Him. Feel His presence around them. Feel His peace even now. God, who saved them. God, who healed. God, who restored, and made a way for hope to rise again.

He held her for a little longer, knowing he’d need to wake her soon, especially if they were to maintain that space of decorum between them that he’d tried to convince his brother of earlier. He’d be a hypocrite—and probably pretty damp—if he allowed her to sleep out here tonight.

He closed his eyes again, lifting prayers for her to know God’s true peace deep within her heart and mind.

Lexi. Poor Lexi. His admiration of the woman in his arms had escalated even more.

She’d been so courageous, putting her life on the line for a stranger, even as it meant that due to her compassion she had nearly bled out and died.

Lexi, sweet-hearted Lexi. His sweetheart. The sensation deep within tightened in certainty. Earlier, he might’ve said he really liked her, but that was a lie.

This cowboy was full-blown in love.

CHAPTERFIFTEEN

“Good morning.”

Jackson’s deep voice drew heat to her cheeks, and awareness that they were the stars of the Reilly family morning show. Or at least so Ellie and Cooper seemed to think, having ceased their conversation the moment he stepped into the kitchen, their eyes glued to them.

“I think Lexi thinks it’s a good morning now,” Ellie said, earning a chuckle from Cooper.

Lexi glanced at Jackson, saw his grin, and her shoulders relaxed. “Hi.”

“Hi.” He leaned one hip against the kitchen counter, eyeing her like he was a starving man and she was a plate of toast and bacon and eggs. “Want some bacon?”

He glanced at the empty stove. “Uh, sure, if you’re cooking.”

Oh. Wait. She wasn’t cooking breakfast. “Uh—”

“He gets bacon, and I only get cereal? Where’s the justice?” Ellie complained as she gave Lexi a wink.

“Maybe he’d prefer a good morning kiss,” Cooper said.

“I think he would,” Jackson said.

Before she knew what he was about, he’d swooped in and pressed his mouth to hers, as if oblivious to the catcalls.

“All right!” Ellie wolf whistled. “Go the bro.”

“Go the bro?” Cooper asked. “Did you seriously say that?”

“I’m just happy for him. It’s about time, brother.”

Lexi pushed her hand back against Jackson’s chest. “Stop. I can’t do this in front of your mother and siblings.”

“Mom?” He turned. Sure enough, his mother was watching with a smile on her face. “Mom, it’s great to see you up again.”

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