She shivered at the words. She felt like she was bursting through the door without a Kevlar vest. Leaving herself wide open and vulnerable. “No one ever loved me like you do. No one ever came back for me. No one ever protected me, even from myself.”
He’d gone tense and stiff, unwilling to look away.
“Just you. You keep me safe,” she whispered. “Yes.”
“What?” Shock and wonder crossed his face.
The last of her resistance collapsed and she laughed. “I. Love. You.”
He clutched her to him. “Thank God.”
She leaned in close, breathed in his essence, secure within the comfort of his arms, lulled by the strong, steady beating of his heart. Something shifted deep inside her and warmth filled her, like sunlight reaching her darkest recesses. For the first time in her life, she was free—of the past and of the fears that had kept her from giving this man all that was good and powerful and loving within her.
She raised her gaze to his and smiled, her emotions breaking out and overflowing. “I love you, Luke Montgomery. And I want to be part of your family. Forever.”
Immeasurable happiness transformed his face.
Yes. This was right, and real. “I can live without being a sniper. I can even live without my badge. But my life would be truly empty without you.”
He lowered his mouth to hers and kissed her softly, his lips promising a vow she knew would last for a lifetime.
A round of applause from outside the plane broke through her haze of happiness.
Luke raised his head a fraction and saw a large group of familiar faces. “I think it’s fair to say the arrest warrant is behind us.”
“Jazz, stop the mushy stuff and get your butt out here,” Carl Redmond shouted, amidst a bevy of whoops.
“What in the world?” She climbed toward the door as Luke unbuckled a sleepy Joy from her seat.
“Daddy? Are we home?”
Ace wrenched open the door. “Time to go,” he said with a wink. “People are waiting.”
Jazz, Luke, and Joy climbed out of the plane to cheers and whistles. Jazz couldn’t believe it. The entire SWAT team stood there, along with Seth and Caleb. They circled around them, questions flying back and forth about what had happened in Truth or Consequences.
Finally Sarge stepped forward, his movement stopping all conversation. He walked over to Luke and stuck out his hand. “You were right.”
“And wrong,” Luke said. “I thought Paretti was one of the good guys.”
“Me too,” Sarge said. “But you helped us clean house. I, for one, am grateful.”
Jazz knew Luke wasn’t finished yet, of course. He would find a way to help Grace somehow. She slipped her hand in his and squeezed tight. He smiled at her, his gaze knowing and determined. No, he wasn’t through. He would always search for the truth. For justice. Because he was a hero. Her hero.
“Cops are like everybody else. Most good, some bad.” Sarge faced Jazz. “And some, damned amazing,” he said, holding out his hand, her badge lying in his palm. “Wouldn’t want anyone to think my lead sniper wasn’t the best. Position’s yours, if you’re still willing.”
Jazz scanned the crowd. She’d pushed them away at every turn and never let them really get to know her, never let herself truly be a part of them, and here they were. Again. She’d stayed alone, watching, just like she had on the playground all those years before. How different might life have been if she’d reached out?
“There need to be some changes,” she said.
Sarge quirked a brow.
“I’d like to be part of the SWAT family this time, Sarge. I won’t just watch from the outside. I’ll do my part to make it happen. I hope you guys are willing to reciprocate.”
Sarge grinned and held out his hand. “It’s a deal.”
The team clapped her on the back and congratulated her and Luke on taking down Lisa Matthews. After a few more apologies about Tower and Paretti, they drifted away. Dirty cops were hard for all of them to deal with, and Paretti had been one of their own.
“I’m so proud of you.” Luke pulled Jazz into his arms and kissed her softly.
She sighed as Luke’s warmth and confidence enveloped her.
“Princess?” Joy tugged on Jazz’s shirt. “My daddy’s kissing you. Are you going home with us?”
With a soft stroke of her hand and a promise for later, Jazz eased from Luke’s embrace and smiled at the girl who looked at her with such faith and trust. She would protect and love Luke’s daughter with all her heart. This little girl would never doubt that she was cherished.
Jazz knelt down. “Would you let me, Joy?”
The blond curls bounced as she nodded, her face serious. “Yeah. If the bad witch comes back, you’ll make her go away.”
“Oh, honey, the bad witch won’t be back anymore.” Jazz kissed the girl on the cheek and picked her up in her arms, cradling her close. “You’re safe now. I’ll help your daddy take good care of you.”
Joy hugged her blanket and nestled closer to Jazz. “My daddy always chooses the bestest people to take care of me.”
Luke kissed his daughter’s cheek and enfolded Jazz in his arms. “Yes, I do. Ready to go home?”
Jazz nodded, but Joy looked worried.
“Daddies live with mommies.” Joy bit her lip and looked at Jazz from beneath her lashes. “You’re a princess.”
Jazz’s heart raced. “What are you trying to say, sweetheart?”
“My friends have mommies, but I don’t,” Joy said softly.
Jazz froze. The pain of not having a father, of being different, of being teased washed through her. She knew how Joy felt, but she didn’t know how to heal the little girl’s heart.
“Could you be my mommy instead of being a princess?”
Tears burned Jazz’s eyes as she reached out to touch Joy’s earnest face. “Oh, honey, I would love to be your mommy. That would be the best name I could ever have.”
Luke pulled them all close and, for Jazz, the warm embrace cradled her heart, protected and safe. She could depend on him, without hesitation, without fear. He would always be there for her, no matter how tough things got. She had no doubts.
“Daddy, you’re squishing me.”
“Sorry,” Luke said, his voice rough with emotion. “I guess we all know where we belong now.”
Jazz clasped Luke’s hand, squeezed tight, and smiled as she met his loving gaze over Joy’s head. Dreams were real. They came true. She’d never be alone again.
Jasmine had her family.
THE END
This book is the destination in a long journey of a dream fulfilled, and the beginning of a new and exciting excursion, but I never walked alone. So many held my hand and propped me up in guidance and support along the way. I wouldn’t be here without them. I could never name them all, but in particular I have to thank—
Jill Marsal, literary agent extraordinaire—her belief in me and this book, her editing skill, and her savvy brought me to this wonderful place.
Ann Steinmetz—for asking me if the heroine could be the sniper. One simple question, and a book was born.
Laura Baker and Kelley Pounds—friends and critique partners who were there from the beginning. Our magical triad created the heart of Jazz’s story.
Tammy Baumann, Louise Bergin, and Sherri Buerkle—my amazing critique group who won’t let me get away with anything—thank goodness!
Claire Cavanaugh, my dearest friend—by my side through more than anyone will ever know. You are the sister of my heart, and the soul of this book is yours.
Charlotte Herscher, editor extraordinaire—your insights and skill astound me. I couldn’t have been luckier.
To Alex Carr and everyone on the Montlake Romance team—you took a chance on me, and I will be forever grateful.
Sharon Sala, an amazing writer and even better person—your faith drew me from the darkness into the light of hope. My grandmothers would have loved you!
Finally, Dale
Perini, my father, teacher, advisor and coach for all things guns—this one’s for you! Who knew holding a rifle steady could be so hard.
Award-winning author Robin Perini’s love of heart-stopping suspense and poignant romance, coupled with her adoration of high-tech weaponry and covert ops, encouraged her secret inner commando to take on the challenge of writing romantic suspense novels. Her mission’s motto: “When danger and romance collide, no heart is safe.”
Devoted to giving her readers fast-paced, high-stakes adventures with a love story sure to melt their hearts, Robin’s strong characters and tightly woven plots have garnered her the prestigious Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart® Award. By day, she works for an advanced technology corporation, and in her spare time, you might find her giving one of her many nationally acclaimed writing workshops or training in competitive small-bore rifle silhouette shooting. Robin loves to interact with readers. You can catch her on her website (www.robinperini.com) and several major social networking sites.
Table of Contents
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Acknowledgments
About the Author
In Her Sights Page 21