"Yeah ... he's cut up about it."
Grace fell unconscious.
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Epilogue
The fire was crackling in the fireplace, green and gold beaded garlands decorated the wooden mantel and the sounds of Christmas music filled the house.
Grace could hear the laughter of everyone who gathered in the kitchen and dining room, preparing for the Christmas meal and celebration.
Her arm and wrist were in a cast and her face, bruised and swollen. She smiled as she looked at the pictures, identical frames sitting side by side on the mantel.
One was of Grace, her mother, Sherry, and her father, Carl. The other was of Grace, Nicholas, Leeann, and May, her family. The tears filled her eyes, but she wasn't overcome by sadness. She was filled with joy that her family was safe and a killer had been brought to justice.
She hadn't noticed that Max quietly entered the room until his arm was around her waist and his chin lay gently against her shoulder.
"Hey, baby, are you all right?” he asked.
Grace turned first to face him and then her family as they made their way into the dining area.
"I'm fine, Max,” she whispered.
He held her from behind. His loving embrace was addictive and had the power to heal her, comfort her and make her feel whole. She couldn't wait to love him forever and as he whispered words of love in her ear, she was certain Max felt the same.
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"I guess it's time for dinner?” She smiled while she listened to the sounds of laughter and joy in the house. Leeann worked on the gravy and Nicholas opened the wine while May and Phillip brought the dishes of food to the table.
"Are you feeling all right?” Max asked.
Grace smiled. “Never better, Lieutenant."
Max turned her toward him.
"About this lieutenant thing.... “Max said and Grace laughed.
"Well, if we're going to be working together, I think it best I refer to you as lieutenant."
"I guess you're right, considering that I am your superior."
"Not exactly, Lieutenant. You're downtown and I'm uptown unless I ask for another transfer."
"I don't think that's a possibility. I have an in with the captain,” Max teased.
"Blood is thicker than water, though."
"I think it's safe to assume Nicholas will be keeping you uptown where he can keep an eye on you."
Grace rolled her eyes.
"He doesn't have to keep an eye on me and neither do you.” She held her good hand against Max's chest.
He covered her hand with his own and pulled her closer against him. “Well, can you promise me that you won't be throwing yourself off of any speeding snowmobiles any time soon?"
Grace smiled.
"I believe that's safe to say ... for now.” She giggled.
"Gracy...."
Grace looked at the two photographs again.
"I can't help it, Max, it's in my blood."
"I know it is. Your dad would be proud of you."
Grace looked into his eyes. “I love you, Max."
"I love you, too, baby. And just think this time next year, we'll be married and living in my place."
Grace lifted her left hand and looked at the stunning pear-shaped diamond sparkling in the light. Max had surprised her with it on Christmas morning.
"No, we'll be married and living in my place."
"Here we go again.” Max kissed her before she could respond.
"Will you two cut that out and get in here? We're starving!” Uncle Nicholas yelled and they all laughed.
Max took Grace by the hand and led her to the table. The sounds of White Christmas filled the house and positive thoughts of the future filled Grace's heart.
She was in love with Max and her family was safe. It was a Christmas to remember and embrace for the rest of their lives.
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Laura Marie Henion is an imaginative, dynamic author of suspense and romance fiction. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and EPIC Authors, and has obtained many of her ideas and accurate information from family members, friends, and law enforcement personnel. She has always had an interest in the law enforcement field and enjoys creative writing.
As a young adult, she created short stories and poetry to share with her family and friends. Laura integrated her creative writing skills in her professional career as both a sales center manager and a social worker. Laura is also the office manager for her husband's business and a mom of three. She loves working with people and believes this stems from both her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work as well as her strong law enforcement family background.
These factors add to the authenticity of her stories and the true to life qualities of her characters. She continues to work on multiple manuscripts including the new series Cop's Daughter. Laura Marie presently resides in Historic Hudson Valley, New York with her husband and three small children.
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Visit www.lachesispublishing.com for information on additional titles by this and other authors.
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