Lawfully Festive

by Natalie Middleton

  Lawfully Festive: A SWAT Lawkeeper Romance:

  Inspirational Christian Romance

  Natalie Middleton

  Copyright © 2018 by Natalie Middleton

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Created with Vellum

  Contents

  Introduction

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Epilogue

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Also by Natalie Middleton

  Introduction

  There’s just something fascinating about a man wearing an emblem of authority. The way the light gleams off that shiny star on his badge makes us stare with respect. Couple that with a uniform hugging his body in just the right way, confidence, and mission to save and protect, it’s no wonder we want to know what lies underneath.

  Yes, what echoes deep inside those beating hearts is inspiring. Certainly appealing. Definitely enticing. Although those ripped muscles and strong shoulders can make a woman’s heart skip a beat—or two—it takes a strong, confident person to choose to love someone who risks it all every day. Anyone willing to become part of a lawkeeper’s world might have a story of their own to tell.

  The undeniable charisma lawmen possess make all of us pause and take note. It’s probably why there are so many movies and TV shows themed around the justice system. We’re enthralled by their ability to save babies, help strangers, and rescue damsels in distress. We’re captivated by their ability to protect and save, defend the innocent, risk their lives, and face danger without hesitation. Of course, we expect our heroes to stay solid when we’re in a mess. We count on them for safety, security, and peace of mind. From yesterday to today, that truth remains constant.

  Their valor inspires us, their integrity comforts, and their courage melts our hearts—irresistibly. But there’s far more to them than their courageous efforts. How do they deal with the difficulties they face? Can they balance work and life? And how do they find time for love outside their life of service?

  We want to invite you on a journey—come with us as we explore the complex lives of the men and women who serve and protect us every day. Join us in a fast-paced world of adventure. Walk into our tight-knit world of close friendships, extended family, and danger—as our super heroes navigate the most treacherous path of all—the road to love.

  The Lawkeepers. Historical and modern-day super heroes; men and women of bravery and valor, taking love and law seriously. A multi-author series, sure to lock up your attention and take your heart into custody.

  Visit The Lawkeepers on Facebook

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  The Lawkeepers is a multi-author series alternating between historical westerns and contemporary westerns featuring law enforcement heroes that span multiple agencies and generations. Join bestselling authors Jenna Brandt, Lorana Hoopes, Elle E. Kay, Patricia PacJac Caroll, Evangeline Kelly, Ginny Sterling, Barb Goss, and Natalie Middleton as they weave captivating, sweet, and inspirational stories of romance and suspense between the lawkeepers — and the women who love them.

  The Lawkeepers is a world like no other; a world where lawkeepers and heroes are honored with unforgettable stories, characters, and love.

  ** Note: Each book in The Lawkeepers series is a standalone book, and part of a mini-series of sorts, and you can read them in any order.

  Chapter 1

  “No no, no, no!”

  Riley Poole banged the steering wheel in frustration. She turned the key but heard the engine struggled to start. She got out of the car and opened the hood. White smoke assaulted her and she backed up, coughing hard. Slamming the hood down, she got into her rental.

  If only she had checked the car properly before she rented it out. She chalked this one out to another consequence of her burnout. Her scattered mind thought back to the many hours she had pumped into her consulting business. She kept overworking herself until one day, her mind gave up.

  And it gave up in style.

  Riley had had a proper meltdown in her office, hyperventilating, and tearing papers until her assistant got frightened enough to call 911. She had to be taken to hospital and drugged to sleep before her brain dulled enough to function. And that was when she had this stupid idea to come all the way to Northampton, Massachusetts to spend the holidays with her parents. In a rental. And now she was stuck.

  She waited half an hour before she got a customer service representative on the line from the car rental company.

  “What do you mean, you can’t send me a replacement? I’m only a couple of miles outside Boston.” She demanded.

  “I’m sorry ma’am, but all our cars have been rented. It is holiday season after all,” A sickly sweet voice replied. Riley rubbed her neck to ease the tension. A familiar ache spread behind her temple.It wouldn’t be long before it graduated to a full blown headache. Riley’s doctor had warned her to take it easy. But no, she had to drive herself instead of taking a taxi.

  “What do you expect me to do? I’m stuck in the middle of nowhere, with nobody to help me. Am I supposed to wait on the highway beside this car until the holiday season ends?” She gritted her teeth.

  “Of course not, ma’am, I wouldn’t suggest that at all. I’ve processed a complaint form for the vehicle. One of our company drivers will be there in,” there was a pause. “About forty five minutes and he’ll drive the car away. I’m afraid you won’t get a replacement, but I can put in a request for a refund.”

  “That would be helpful, thanks.” Riley sighed. There was no way out. She was stuck.

  “Ma’am, if I may suggest something? You can ride back to Boston with the company driver. That way, you’ll be in the city. We can drop you off somewhere on the road to the airport,” the representative said, more helpful than she had been so far.

  “Yes, I suppose I can do that. Thanks for your help.” Riley disconnected the call.

  I guess I’ll have to hitchhike to the nearest bus station and wait for one of those Peter Pan buses, she thought. A quick search on her mobile phone showed her she could go back to Boston, but she would miss the last evening bus. She growled in frustration.

  There was nothing for her to do but wait.

  * * *

  Gerard ‘Jerry’ Winters jumped when a honking truck passed beside him on the highway. He tried to calm himself down and took in large gulps of air. He focussed on the road ahead. He could do this. It was an easy two hour drive. He could do it. He felt for his SWAT badge for comfort and remembered he was in a regular sweater.

  Until recently, Jerry had loved the high pressure work environment that came along with being on the SWAT team. He loved stressful situations, and in his work experience, he had negotiated with hostiles, raided suspected drug dealers, and diffused tensions during protests.

  It was all fine until they raided a suspected terrorist gang to diffuse a bomb threat. That was one of the worst raids Jerry had ever been a part of. The suspects were constructing a low intensity bomb in the basement, and when the SWAT team entered inside, one of the suspects set off the bomb, killing three of the SWAT team members and all the suspects instantly.

  The force of the explosion had thrown Jerry out of the house. He hadn’t been able to view his job the same ever since. When his boss offer
ed him some time off, Jerry had jumped to take it.

  He pushed those disturbing thoughts out of his mind. I can’t afford to go back there, he thought. He turned the radio on and browsed through the different channels until he found some soft music to distract him from his disturbing thoughts. He had a long drive ahead and the music was a distraction. He frowned when he noticed a tow truck waiting on the side of the road. A woman waited outside with her suitcase. He stopped his car.

  “Excuse me, what’s the matter? Do you need any help?” Jerry opened his window and looked out. The woman shook her head. Jerry narrowed his eyes.

  He parked his rental and went to have a look. The man operating the tow truck was from the same company Jerry had rented his own car from. So, this woman was stuck. Her rental was giving her problems. He walked up to her and watched the company guy load the car on to the truck. The woman impatiently stamped her foot. She was wearing a sweater with characters from a cartoon called Rick & Morty that Jerry loved. He was immediately intrigued.

  “I rented from the same company. I hope that rental works out fine.” Jerry pointed a thumb at his rental. The woman looked back at the rental and then at him.

  “Well, if it doesn’t, don’t expect them to send a replacement. I asked, and look what I got. A sleazy tow-truck driver who expects me to ride back to Boston with him.” She rolled her eyes. Blond hair peeked out of her woollen hat. Jerry had a sudden urge to flick her hair, but he stopped.

  “Just my luck to be stranded when I was off for the holidays.” The woman said sarcastically. Jerry smirked.

  This woman had a way of saying things that was comical. It didn’t help that she was also good looking. The loose sweater didn’t conceal her slender figure. She wore tight jeans and converse shoes. She had a leather pouch slung over her shoulder. Her cheeks were pink from the cold. However, Jerry noted the lines under her eyes. Now that he thought of it, she looked tired.

  “Would you rather hitch a ride with me? No sleaze, I promise. I’m law enforcement.” He smiled, waiting for her response. The woman frowned as if in deep thought. Just when Jerry thought she’d refuse, she nodded.

  “Where are you going? Maybe I can get off at the next town. I don’t think I’ll reach my place before nightfall anyway.” She pursed her lips.

  “I’m going to this town called Northampton.” Jerry looked at the address on his phone. The woman’s red lips formed a perfect ‘O’. She looked to the sky and gave him the brightest smile.

  “Oh my god, that’s where I’m heading, too! Could I please hitch a ride with you? I’ll split the rental.”

  “That’s not necessary. Some good company will help,” he said, shaking his head. The woman raised her eyebrows and smiled.

  He lifted her suitcase and took it over to the car. He loaded it in his car’s trunk.

  “My name is Riley,” she said, extending her hand.

  “Gerard, though nobody calls me that. Everyone calls me Jerry.” Jerry shook her hand. Riley giggled.

  “Jerry.” She giggled once more. “No, I don’t mean to laugh at you. It’s just this show I watch. It’s called Rick-”

  “And Morty,” they both said in unison and laughed.

  “I love that show. Rick is the absolute best. Although, they really messed Jerry up eh?” She winked at him.

  “Sure, but it wouldn’t be as much fun without Jerry,” he said, getting into the car.

  “Yeah, right.” She chuckled as Jerry started the car.

  Chapter 2

  “So,” Jerry said. Riley turned to look at him and raised her eyebrows.

  “I know you like the same cartoon as I do.” He pointed at her sweater. She smirked.

  “I also know you’re going to the same place as I am.” He looked ahead and thought deeply.

  “I wonder what else we have in common. Tell me more about yourself.” He said. Riley’s brows furrowed.

  “I have my own business as a consultant in New York handling digital media for companies.” She gave him a small smile. Jerry looked surprised.

  “I didn’t really take you for being a business owner. I thought—I thought you would be…” He stammered. She narrowed her eyes.

  “I’d be what?” She crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes.

  “You—you’re pretty. Really pretty. I just didn’t think you’d be a businesswoman that’s all.”

  Jerry gripped the steering wheel hard and looked resolutely at the road. Riley stared at him for a while and then burst out laughing. Jerry let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding in.

  “Oh man, I thought you’d really be upset about it. I really didn’t say it right.” He looked sheepish. Riley guffawed.

  “I will take that as a compliment. Yeah, you did put your foot in the mouth, but I’ll give you some time to recover.” She smirked and looked out of the window. There was so much snow outside. It had been a particularly cold winter this time around. Riley was grateful to be sitting in a car, especially after she was nearly stranded.

  “So, digital media huh? You must enjoy your job,” Jerry said, to keep the conversation flowing.

  Riley’s expression turned somber. Jerry noted the change immediately.

  “I—I do enjoy it. It’s just a very hands on job, you know?” She explained. “I’m constantly on my phone making sure things are going alright for the companies. And it’s always hectic before the holidays. All of them want to reach as many customers as they can, and that always puts pressure on their team. On me, actually.” She bit her lip.

  “I can imagine things get a little hectic sometimes.” Jerry gestured for her to continue.“It does. It does get hectic.” She paused for some time, deliberated and then continued.

  “You know what, let’s be honest here. We’re probably not going to meet again. It’s a high pressure job. I haven’t taken a single holiday since I graduated three years ago.“Yeah, save those looks. I honestly haven’t. No vacation. Haven’t even been home to see the folks.”

  She shrugged. Jerry glanced at her. The admission seemed to have weighed her down. They drove in silence for some time.

  “You know how it is?” Riley broke the silence. Jerry looked confused. “We always push ourselves you know? To do our best, for our jobs. We push ourselves beyond what we could push. We put in everything that we can give into this—this one thing. And it sucks you out, you know?” She looked at Jerry, waiting for a response.

  “I actually know how you feel. To put in everything you’ve got and not have anything left at the end of it.” Talking about this brought unpleasant memories back to Jerry’s mind, but he felt a connection to Riley. Call him stupid, but there was something there. They barely knew each other, but here he was, driving with someone who finally understood just how he felt.

  “I think it all boils down to this promise, the promise of a better life. Isn’t that what pushes us all?” Riley said. Jerry looked at her out of the corner of his eye.

  “I mean, that prospect of a better life. We do everything thinking it’ll make a difference. We think it’s going to give us money, or success, or fame, or that it’s going to make a difference. I don’t think it really does. A job can never bring us a better life.” She sounded contemplative.

  Her words made Jerry think. What did he want out of his SWAT career? Was he chasing fame? He certainly wasn’t ready to die. His colleagues weren’t ready to die either.

  “I’m sorry I sound so pessimistic. It’s just, I have nothing left towards my job anymore. I’ve given it everything and now, I’m just done.” Riley leaned back and closed her eyes. Jerry sighed and drove ahead. He could see a Wendy’s in the distance. He looked at Riley. Just when he thought she was asleep, her eyes fluttered.

  “Hey, I’m thinking of taking a snack break at Wendy’s. Do you want something?” Riley nodded. She sat up straight.

  “Boy, I’ve been such morose company for you. Even I wouldn’t like to travel with myself right now.” She shook her head. “Hand me a burger and I prom
ise I’ll be better company.”

  * * *

  “Oh. My. God. That hit the spot.” Riley exclaimed as she bit into her bacon classic burger. Jerry looked just as pleased with his burger. They ate in silence.

  “Thanks for the treat, although you really didn’t have to pay for mine,” he said. Riley shook her head.

  “Look, it’s the least I can do for being such a mope in the car. I hogged most of our conversation and it was just me crying about life. I never even gave you a chance to speak. You seem like a nice guy.”

  Jerry laughed. “Well, I did say I would be nice and there’d be no sleaze, so I suppose you do owe me for saving you from the rental company guy.”

  “Touché,” Riley said. “I do owe you for that. You have no idea how hard he tried to get me to come to Boston with him. I don’t know what it was about you, but he behaved once you pulled up. So, yeah. I do owe you.” She pointed to the menu above the cashier.

  He looked at his empty plate and pretended to think.

  “Well...If you are buying, I wouldn’t mind some more food.” He laughed as Riley pretended to get upset. She stood up.

  “So, loaded fries then? Or nuggets? I’m thinking of picking some up myself.” She said. Jerry looked at the menu.

  “Those chilli fries.” Riley started to go when he called out.

  “Riley, thanks.” She smiled and went to get the order.

  * * *

  “Oh these are out of the world.” Jerry said as he dug into the fries. Riley picked one fry and nodded.

  “So, now that we’re both well fed, tell me about yourself. You did say you were law enforcement.” She waited for him to answer. Jerry nodded and wiped his fingers on a tissue.