Game of Fear
Page 31
“I don’t want gratitude, Deb.” His heart burst open, and he couldn’t stop himself from saying the words that had been simmering inside of him for too long. She was so close. He tugged her into his arms. “I want more, so I’m going to say it out loud. I’m in love with you, Deb Lansing. I love that you never run from a fight. I love you for your bravery, even when you scare the hell out of me. I love you for your loyalty, because you never turn your back on the people counting on you. And I love how much you love your family.” Gabe’s heart stuttered for a moment. He’d never made himself so vulnerable to anyone. He breathed in deeply. “I’ve loved you since the first day you walked into the bar. I just didn’t know it yet.”
“Then we’re even,” she said, her voice husky with emotion. “I fell for you the night you were shot. Later, I figured I’d remind you of that night. I guess I was—”
“Afraid to take a chance?” Gabe finished.
She nodded.
“You know, for a couple of people who live on the edge most of the time, we sure don’t take a lot of risks.”
“Not with my heart,” Deb said. “Not until you.” She threaded her fingers through his. “I want to be with you, Gabe Montgomery, but I’m not as wonderful as you think I am.”
“I’ve watched you, Deb Lansing. I know you.”
She stroked his hair back, her gaze holding his captive. “I’ve let people down before, like that soldier in Afghanistan. They held an inquiry and I was cleared, but I knew I should have taken the chance and done something differently. I let down Ashley, too. I don’t want to let you down. That’s my biggest fear.”
He simply smiled. “You can’t. Because if you’re starting to fall, I’ll be there to catch you.”
With those words, he pressed his lips against hers. She opened herself to him, and with a tenderness unlike any he’d ever experienced, he let himself get lost in her kiss.
When he finally lifted his head, his lips tingled with such a feeling of right. This was what his father had shared with his mother. This was the reason his father had stayed.
This was the reason his mother had forgiven his father.
“I might let you down, too, honey, though I’m going to try my damnedest not to.” He nuzzled her cheek. “The thing is, if we really love each other, it doesn’t matter. We’ll pick each other right back up and try again. Because that’s what you do. When you love someone.”
Deb studied him for several seconds.
“This is the part when you say you love me, too.”
“Oh, yeah.” She looked at him with a bemused expression. “I love you, too.”
He couldn’t stop the smile. His heart lightened. Yeah. She was his. He was hers. “Thank God. Do you think you could get used to a new name?”
“What?”
“Well, I like the name Deborah Lansing, but the name Deb Montgomery sounds even better. Will you marry me? Be my heart, my family?”
She didn’t answer. Gabe’s heart lurched in his chest.
“Should I get down on one knee?”
“No,” she laughed, pressing against him. “Of course not.” She threw her arms around his neck. “Yes! Oh my God, yes!”
“Whew,” he joked, wiping his brow in relief. “My leg is killing me after all the running around we’ve done. I could get down on one knee. I’m just not sure I could get back up.”
“I’ll always be there to help you,” she whispered. She’d found her home, someone to love, and someone to love her. She hugged him close, determined to never, ever let him go again.
“How about our own family motto? ‘Never give up. Never surrender.’ ” She kissed his lips. “It fits.”
“Say what you want about the Montgomerys,” Gabe said, cupping her face between his hands, “but we definitely don’t give up. So you, Deb Lansing, soon-to-be Montgomery, will fit right in. But more than that, we never stop loving each other. No matter what.”
“I love you, Gabe Montgomery,” Deb whispered. “And that will never stop.”
Acknowledgments
WRITING CAN BE solitary, but creating this book hasn’t been. I am blessed with an unparalleled support system.
Jill Marsal, literary agent extraordinaire—your belief in me and in this book means more than I can ever articulate. Thank you isn’t enough, but suffice it to say, I wouldn’t be here without you, Jill.
Kelli Martin, editor—your insights helped make this book what it is today. We found the soul of this book together! Thank you.
Tammy Baumann, Louise Bergin, and Sherri Buerkle—what can I say, the Golden Meanies strike again. This one needed all your skill and patience. Ladies, I couldn’t do it without you!
Mom and Dad—no matter what life brings, your undying faith and support in each other and in your children inspires me to keep going. The Montgomery family’s loyalty and devotion springs from you. I love you both. No matter what. Forever and always.
About the Author
Photo © 2013 Kyle Zimmerman
RITA® Award finalist, national bestselling, and award-winning author Robin Perini is devoted to giving her readers fast-paced, high-stakes adventures with a love story sure to melt their hearts. Robin sold seven titles to publishers in one year after winning the prestigious Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart® Award in 2011. An analyst for an advanced technology corporation, she is also a nationally acclaimed writing instructor and enjoys competitive small-bore rifle silhouette shooting. She makes her home in the American Southwest and loves to hear from readers. Visit her website at http://www.robinperini.com.