Laurie resisted the urge to reach out for him. “So what do you want to tell me?”
~
Tuck hadn’t realized how much the subject of Jana had been allowed to fester the last two years. He’d thought he’d dealt with it and moved on. But just talking about the details brought all of the hurt to the surface. How had he not realized how unhappy she was? Was he forced to choose between his career and a future with someone else? Being a police officer wasn’t just a job to him – it was part of who he was. It was what he felt like he was supposed to do with his life.
Without any warning, a thought came into his head.
If he was truly where he felt he was supposed to be, then it’s right where God had placed him. He needed to let go and give Him room to work everything out.
He looked into the face of the woman standing before him. “I may have to interrupt our dinners or our walks to go into work. But it doesn’t mean that I wouldn’t rather stay with you.” He swallowed, feeling lighter than he had in a long while. “There’s always the possibility that I could end up hurt on the job. I take every precaution – we all do – but it’s not always in our control. I may be assigned something at the end of my shift and not be able to make it to a commitment I’ve made with you. Trust me, if I can get out of it, I will. But if I can’t, I will always try to call and let you know.” A small smile played on Laurie’s lips and he couldn’t help but return it. “What is it?”
“I’m not running away.”
“No, you’re not.”
She placed a hand over her wound and chuckled. “Of course, right now, it would be more like a funny-looking jog.”
He tipped his head back and laughed. “Yeah, I don’t recommend that.”
She took a deep breath. “No job or situation is perfect. No one warned me that signing up to be a photographer would get me stabbed. I can tell you one thing. I might have bled to death in my studio if it hadn’t been for you. Every resident in Kitner is lucky to have you on their side. This town is better with you protecting it, and my life is better with you in it. And it’s not just because you saved my life.” Tuck chuckled, his ears going red. “It’s because you are who you are. If there’s someone out there who wants to change that, then they don’t deserve you.”
He tugged her gently into his arms. His warmth engulfed her and the faint scent of his aftershave touched her nose.
“Promise me, if my job ever gets too intense, that you’ll tell me. I don’t want you to ever feel like you have to hide that from me.”
“I promise, Tuck.”
He placed small kisses across her cheek to her ear and then hugged her close. When he leaned back again, he cupped her face in his hands and caressed it with his thumbs. “You are so incredibly important to me, Laurie. I’ve fallen completely in love with you.”
She could see the truth in his eyes and felt as though her heart might burst. “I love you, too.”
Their lips, turned up at the corners, met in a kiss that radiated the acceptance and wonder that thrummed to life in every cell of Laurie’s body.
A shiver coursed through her and Tuck broke their kiss. He rubbed her upper arms through her coat.
“We need to get you back inside. As pretty as this white stuff is, it’s still cold and you need to rest. Lexi’s going to try and beat me up for keeping you out this long.” Tuck steered them back towards the Chandler house. “I probably won’t get to see you until late tomorrow. Lance and I are supposed to go over to Dallas this afternoon and make some inquiries about Chester’s ex-wife. I have no idea how long it’s going to take.”
Laurie put her arm around his. “I’ll miss seeing you. Be careful, okay? You guys are going to wrap this case up, one way or another.” She grinned up at him. “I have faith in both of you.”
~
Laurie was helping Grams clip coupons while a movie played on the television for Gideon. Patty, Lexi, and Serenity were all working and it seemed like an exceptionally quiet – and slow – afternoon. Even Rogue seemed to feel it, sprawled out on the floor in a patch of sunlight that shone through a window.
She mentally shook her head at the sheer number of coupons that Grams had managed to collect. They could single-handedly fuel the next high school bonfire.
Her thoughts turned to Tuck. When he had told her the story that Morgan Lewis related to them, she could hardly believe her ears. Yet, all of the pieces had started to fall into place.
But where was this man that the ex-wife had hired? Tuck had even gone so far as to alert all of the hospitals in the Dallas area in case the man had made it back there before seeking medical help. They hadn’t heard a thing – it was as though the man had disappeared into thin air.
While she was thankful to be staying at the Chandler house, she had mixed feelings about going home that evening. She had customers booked in two days and she needed to get a new laptop to replace the one that was stolen.
Just thinking about it all was overwhelming. She could admit going back by herself was a scary thought, but she couldn’t hide out at the Chandler house forever.
She had finished cutting one sheet of coupons when there was a knock at the door set to a tune. She watched in amusement as Gideon leapt off the floor and ran to the front door, closely followed by Rogue. As soon as he flung it open, he was scooped up by Tuck. Laughter preceded the two into the living room, Rogue jumping up and down with excitement behind them.
“Good morning, ladies,” he greeted with a wave. Setting Gideon down, he kissed Grams on the cheek. “Are you torturing this poor girl with your coupons?”
Grams shook her head good naturedly and slapped him lightly on the arm. He walked to the other end of the couch and smiled down at Laurie.
Her joy at seeing him quickened her pulse. “I’m glad you’re back! Did everything go okay?”
Tuck reached for her hand and held it as he lowered himself to sit on the couch beside her. “It went well. We got back at two this morning. Lance and I both went home to crash. I need to get back to the station here in a few minutes, but wanted to come say hello to some of my favorite people.”
Laurie knew that he was talking about everyone, but the look he gave her made her feel as though the comment were meant just for her. He brushed the bruise on her head with his lips.
“Did everyone behave here while we were gone? No surprises?”
After all that had happened in the last month, she was happy to report that the last twenty-four hours had been uneventful. “I’m not sure how many more surprises I can take.”
“I hear you. Well, we located Tess Canton. We didn’t get much information out of her, but she visibly blanched when Lance told her we were looking for connections to a man who had been causing trouble here in town.”
Grams set her coupons down. “She at least knew something about it.”
He nodded. “We informed her that she needed to stay in town and that we had spoken with Dallas PD about the situation.”
“Good!” Laurie hadn’t met the woman, but ever since she first heard about her, she had the feeling she was someone who shouldn’t be trusted. “Any sign of the man she hired?”
“None.”
“You’ll find him,” Grams said, as though her determination made it a fact.
“I can’t help but feel if you and Lance could find him, not only would Kitner be safer, but maybe Chester and Brian could go home again.” Laurie knew her voice sounded wistful.
He gave her hand a squeeze. “It would be nice if things worked out that way. I’m starting to wonder if the man Tess Canton hired may have fled the area – even the state.” His eyes darted to the bruise on her head. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m fine.” She hesitated. “I talked to Grams and your mom last night. I’m going to go home this afternoon.”
He looked like he wanted to argue, but gave her a short nod instead. “I was hoping that we would have apprehended the guy by now. But I know you can’t stay here forever.” He gave Grams a po
inted look. “I told you, you would scare people off with those coupons.”
Both women laughed and Grams tossed a page of wadded-up newspaper at him.
“How about I come back as soon as I get off work? We’ll go get that computer and I’ll take you home.”
“That would be perfect, thank you.”
~
Tuck had packed all of her things into his truck. Laurie gave everyone at the Chandler house a hug and thanked them for their hospitality. “You are all lucky to have each other and I’m blessed to call you my friends.”
“Don’t be a stranger,” Patty said. “You’re welcome here anytime. You don’t even have to call ahead. Drop on by.”
“You got it.” Laurie hugged her again.
Once they were in the truck, she breathed a sigh of relief. “It was actually fun staying there. That house sure stays busy.”
“It does. But in a good way.”
“Definitely. I’m nervous about being at my place by myself, but I’m ready to sleep in a bed instead of on the couch again.”
“Well, I have good news for you that might help you feel a little better about being home again.” When she looked at him quizzically, he continued. “They finished processing your gun, took a few shots to have bullets for comparison, and I was able to bring it back.”
She breathed a deep sigh of relief. “That does make me feel better. Thank you.”
Tuck laid his arm across her shoulders. “You’re welcome.”
By the time Laurie had purchased a new laptop, it was getting late. They approached the studio and spotted a car parked in front.
“Are you expecting someone?”
“No.” She didn’t recognize the car. They parked and she stepped out at the same time that the car’s driver’s side door opened. The woman who got out of the car was one of the last people she expected to see. “Chelsea?”
Her sister grinned as she approached. “Hey! I’ve been out here for about an hour waiting for you.”
“Why didn’t you call me?”
“I wanted to surprise you.” Chelsea hugged Laurie gently. “How are you doing?”
“I’m good.” She turned and motioned to Tuck as he joined them. “This is Tuck. And this is my sister, Chelsea.” They shook hands.
“It’s good to meet you.”
“You too.”
Laurie suspected Tuck was surprised by how little the two of them looked alike. Where she had the curly, copper hair, Chelsea had dark blonde. Chelsea was a couple of inches taller and a little heavier. The only feature they shared were their green eyes.
He helped carry everything inside.
“Are you heading home?” Laurie asked.
“Yes.” He tried to hide a yawn. “It’s been a busy couple of days. I feel like I could sleep for a week.” He looked around her small apartment. “I think you’re all set here. Remember, call me if you need anything.”
“I will.” He stepped closer and her chin lifted expectantly.
Their kiss was soft and full of promise. “I love you,” she said, just above a whisper.
“I love you, too. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He turned to wave at Chelsea. “Welcome to Kitner. I’m sorry to rush off, but Laurie can explain. I’m sure I’ll see you again.”
“Not a problem. See you later.” Chelsea returned his wave.
Chapter Nineteen
Chelsea turned to look at Laurie. “Wow. There’s a lot you haven’t been telling me,” she said, the accusation delivered with a good-natured wink.
Laurie felt her face grow red and shrugged. “One or two things.” She nodded towards the car. “Do you have anything to bring in? You’re staying here, I hope.”
“Yes, I’m staying here if you’ll have me. Let me go grab a couple things and I’ll be right back.”
Laurie started opening her new laptop, plugging it in and turning it on. Chelsea entered with a rolling bag behind her and another, smaller bag over her shoulder. “How long are you planning on staying?”
Her sister dropped everything on the floor. “I locked up downstairs,” she said as she closed the apartment door. “And in answer to your question, that entirely depends.”
“On what?”
She kicked her shoes off by the door. “I’m thinking about moving to Kitner.”
Laurie wouldn’t have been more surprised if Chelsea had announced that aliens were landing on the roof. Her sister had gone to school to get her business degree and she had been determined to live in New York and make it big one day. The idea of her moving to their small town would have never occurred to her. “Why would you do that?”
“Gee, thanks for making me feel welcome.” Chelsea was clearly enjoying the shock on her sister’s face.
“It’s not that, and you know it. For you, New York was always the pot at the end of the rainbow.”
Chelsea shrugged. “Let’s just say I’m tired of what my life has become. I don’t see family, I have no friends. My life revolves around my job and it’s not something I particularly care for. There’s more to life than waking up, working, and going to sleep.”
Laurie couldn’t deny the truth of that. In fact, she had often worried about Chelsea working herself too hard. But this turnaround was completely unexpected. “Have you told Mom and Dad yet?”
“Not yet. I figured I would talk to you first. Get myself a game plan at least.” She looked around the small apartment. “One good thing about busting my butt in New York, I’ve got some money set aside. I have a little time to get moved, find a place to live, and open my own place.”
“You’ve already quit? My, aren’t you being spontaneous.”
Chelsea chuckled. “It’s about time, don’t you think?”
“Yes, I do.” Laurie hugged her sister. “Tell you what, it’s not much, but that futon over there is all yours. Stay as long as you need. I would love to have you living here.”
The smile that lit up Chelsea’s face was contagious. The sisters took a seat on the futon. She nodded towards Laurie’s side. “How are you feeling?”
“It’s better, thanks. I get the stitches out on Monday.” Laurie stretched her back. “It could have been worse and it’s healing fast. Altogether, I’m feeling incredibly blessed.”
“I’m glad.” Chelsea studied her big sister. “So tell me about this cop of yours.”
~
Laurie set her alarm for early Saturday morning. Getting up wasn’t easy – she and Chelsea had stayed awake way too late. She couldn’t remember the last time they had visited like that. Meanwhile, Laurie had worked on her new laptop, installing the software she would need, and moving over her preferences.
Glancing at her sister sleeping on the futon, she tiptoed around the apartment. She grabbed something for breakfast and took her computer downstairs to the studio. Once she was set up, she went right to work on Gideon’s photo session. She had two back-to-back photo sessions later in the afternoon. She wanted to make sure she got his photos processed before then.
By the time she was finished, she had twenty-seven images to present to Serenity. She made a copy of each for her website, uploaded them, and sent the link to Serenity by e-mail. She hoped the youngest Chandler sibling was as happy with the photos as she was.
~
The moment Tuck stepped through the door at the Chandler house, Serenity had grabbed his arm and practically dragged him to the kitchen table. “You have to see these!”
He had no idea what she was talking about until he saw the laptop sitting on the table and recognized the logo for Laurie’s studio on the top of the web page. “Oh! Is the session up?”
“Yes! They are amazing. Seriously, better than I ever dreamed they could be.”
Patty and Grams were crowded in front of the screen, watching the slide show as it cycled through the photo album Laurie had set up. Serenity sat down in a kitchen chair and Tuck moved to lean his arms against the back so he could watch, too.
The images were fantastic. From the intense exp
ressions on Gideon’s face as he was lining up animal cookies to the joy as he pushed the trains off the bed and into a box, he thought she captured his personality perfectly. When the images got to those of Serenity and Gideon sitting together in the rocking chair reading, Tuck heard Serenity sniff. He put his hands on her shoulders and squeezed them.
“Thank you for doing this. It’s the best gift you and Lexi could have given me. I love these.”
Tuck got a napkin off the counter and handed it to her. “You’re welcome. I’m glad you’re happy with them. You and that nephew of mine make a pretty awesome pair, you know that?” He hugged her from behind and she placed a hand behind his neck to draw him closer.
Tuck’s eyes were still on the images when his cell phone rang. He saw it was Lexi and answered, “Hey, Lexi.”
“I may have a situation here at the hospital.” Her voice was low and he had to leave the kitchen in order to hear her better. “We had someone walk in with a bad infection. He’s got a wound in his shoulder. He claims he injured it in a hunting accident and didn’t want to embarrass his friend. But he matches the description that you guys have gotten for the man that Tess Canton might have hired.”
“Wait. Where is he?”
“He’s in a treatment room. I’m playing dumb, but he’s edgy. I’m going to try and get him on an IV and see if I can sedate him. I’m not even sure he’s going to let me. He says he wants to be patched up, given a prescription, and sent home.”
Lexi was breathless and Tuck’s nerves kicked up a notch. “Keep anything sharp out of his reach. Make sure you alert hospital security. I will be there as fast as I can.”
Finding Peace (Love's Compass #1) Page 15