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  His throat was tight with pent up emotion and he had to clear it before he could speak. “I’d like that,” he managed, keeping his gaze centered on her. “Very much.”

  “I, um, didn’t know how to get in touch with your family, so they don’t know that you’ve been injured....”

  “Rachel, come here,” he said, holding out his good hand.

  She approached him and put her hand in his. He was conscious of Joey watching them curiously so he couldn’t say exactly what he wanted, but she needed to know the truth. “I’m happy just having you and Joey here, and I don’t need anyone else.”

  Her gaze was uncertain. “Are you sure? Christmas is a time for families.”

  “I’m sure.” He lifted her hand and kissed it, wishing that Joey wasn’t there so he could kiss her properly. “You and Joey are all the family I need.”

  She blushed but didn’t pull her hand away. “I’m glad,” she murmured.

  And it wasn’t until much later, when Joey had fallen asleep in the chair, that he was able to tell Rachel how he felt.

  “I’m falling in love with you, Rachel,” he said softly.

  She sucked in a quick breath. “How can you be so sure?”

  He tried to think of a way to put his feelings into words. “I thought I was happy, living my life alone, doing my best to put the bad guys behind bars. But when you and Joey came into my life, I realized that I never felt as alive as I did with the both of you.”

  Her eyes glistened with tears. “I’ve been so afraid to get involved with anyone after Anthony. I told myself that I was protecting Joey, but I think in reality, I was protecting myself.”

  He took her hand and drew her closer. “Rachel, give me a chance to show you how much I love you. There’s no rush, you can take all the time you need, if you’ll just give me a chance.”

  “All right,” she whispered.

  “Is that a yes?” Nick asked, needing to hear her say the words.

  She smiled and leaned over to kiss him, which was perfect since he wasn’t able to get up and cross over to her thanks to the IV pumps keeping him tied to the bed. “That’s a big yes, Nick. Because I’ve fallen in love with you, too.”

  He grinned, wishing she’d kiss him again, hardly able to believe his good fortune. Or rather, maybe he could.

  For God had known the path he should take, all along.

  EPILOGUE

  Three months later...

  Nick paused outside Rachel’s doorway, patting the pocket that held the ring he’d purchased for her as he tried to quell his nerves.

  He’d gone back to work last week, although he was still on desk duty thanks to his arm injury. He was grateful that each week his arm strength seemed to get a little better, so he didn’t complain. Turns out there really wasn’t any Mafia connection to Global Pharmaceuticals. Just a greedy CEO who’d hated Rachel’s father. When Karl had implicated him in the espionage related to the defective diabetes drug, he’d crumpled like a house of cards.

  Rachel and Joey’s nightmare was truly over.

  As glad as Nick was to know they were safe, getting back into the normal routine of doing investigations had cut into the time he’d been able to spend with Rachel and Joey.

  Especially Rachel.

  Last night, he’d picked up Joey after his last basketball game and had asked the boy’s permission to marry his mom. Joey had been thrilled and Nick could only hope that the youngster had managed to keep his secret.

  He pushed the doorbell, listening to the chimes echo through the house. He was pleasantly surprised when Rachel opened the door. “Hi, Nick.”

  “Hi, Rachel.” He drew her in for a long kiss. “I’ve missed you,” he murmured, gazing down at her upturned face.

  “I missed you, too,” she said with a smile. “Are you ready to go?”

  “Sure. Is, uh, Joey around?”

  “Yes, he’s decided to have a friend sleep over tonight. Suzy, the babysitter, doesn’t seem to mind.”

  Nick grinned. “Just give me a minute to say hello.”

  “All right,” she agreed, standing back so he could come inside. The boys were sprawled in front of the television in the living room, playing some sort of basketball video game. Suzy was sitting with earbuds in place, listening to music.

  “Hey, Joey, how are you?” Nick greeted him.

  “Pause the game,” Joey said to his friend, as he jumped off the sofa. “Hi, Nick!”

  Nick bent his head down to Joey’s. “Did you keep our secret?” he asked.

  Joey’s eyes gleamed as he nodded. “Yep.”

  “Good.” He relaxed a bit. “Thanks, buddy. Now try not to interrupt us at dinner, okay?”

  Joey rolled his eyes. “Why would I? Suzy is here. Besides, me and Ben are going to be busy playing our game, anyway.”

  “All right, see you later, then.”

  “Suzy, text me if you need anything,” Rachel called out as he returned to her.

  “Don’t worry, we’ll be fine,” Suzy responded.

  Nick drove Rachel to the small Italian restaurant where he’d reserved a private table in the corner. “How was work today?” he asked.

  “The lawsuit has been settled and the new researchers seem to be doing all right so far.” Rachel’s smile dimmed. “The company will be on shaky financial ground for a while, but we’ll make it.”

  “I know you will,” Nick replied, admiring her determination. He pulled into the parking lot and handed his keys to the valet service before escorting Rachel inside.

  “My favorite restaurant.” Rachel beamed as they were seated. “I already know what I’m having.”

  “You should, since you have the menu memorized.” He waited until the server had taken their order before reaching across the table to take her hand. “Rachel, these past few months with you have been wonderful.”

  She smiled and squeezed his hand. “For me, too, Nick.”

  The timing seemed right, so he took a deep breath and rose to his feet. Two steps brought him to Rachel’s side and when he went down on one knee, her eyes rounded and her mouth formed a small O.

  “Nick?” she whispered, looking a bit like she was in shock.

  He smiled gently as he pulled the ring box out of his pocket and opened it. “Rachel, Joey has already given me his blessing. He told me he’d be thrilled to have me as his dad. So now it’s up to you.”

  Her eyes filled with tears and for a moment he almost panicked, until he saw the tremulous smile bloom across her face. “I love you, Rachel. Will you please marry me?”

  She barely looked at the ring, instead holding his gaze with hers. “Yes, Nick. I’d love nothing more than to be your wife. And to have you be Joey’s father. Of course, I’ll marry you.”

  Yes! He did a mental fist pump but managed to draw her to her feet so that he could kiss her. He held her tight, wishing he never had to let her go.

  The entire restaurant erupted into a round of applause.

  He had to chuckle as he pulled away. “I love you, Rachel. And I promise to make you happy,” he vowed.

  She tilted her head to the side, her gaze solemn. “I love you, Nick, and I promise to make you happy, too.”

  He didn’t doubt the sincerity in her tone for a moment and knew that he was doubly blessed to have found true love for the second time.

  * * * * *

  Keep reading for an excerpt from HIGH-STAKES HOLIDAY REUNION by Christy Barritt.

  Dear Reader,

  You may remember Detective Nick Butler from my most recent story Undercover Cowboy. Once I finished writing Logan and Kate’s romance, I decided I couldn’t leave poor Nick hanging out there without a story of his own.

  Rachel Simon is the CEO of Simon Inc., but when her nine-year-old son, J
oey, is kidnapped right from under her nose, she’s willing to give up everything she owns to get him back safely. Especially when she fears the Mafia might be the mastermind behind the kidnapping.

  Detective Nick Butler lost his own wife and young daughter several years ago, so he understands the angst Rachel is going through. But while he’s willing to do whatever is necessary to help her get Joey back, he’s determined not to let anyone replace his wife and daughter in his heart.

  Working together to stay safe, Rachel and Nick both slowly learn to trust each other. Can they also open their hearts and their minds to the possibility of love?

  I hope you enjoy reading Rachel and Nick’s story. I’m always thrilled and honored to hear from my readers and I can be reached through my website at www.laurascottbooks.com.

  Yours in faith,

  Laura Scott

  Questions for Discussion

  In the beginning of the story, Joey is kidnapped and Rachel is beside herself. Discuss a time when you felt the same sense of despair and hopelessness.

  In question number one above, discuss how different Rachel may have felt if she’d had faith in the beginning of the story.

  As Rachel and Nick search for Joey, Rachel begins to pray. Discuss a time when you first began to pray and learned how to lean on God’s strength.

  Once Joey has been freed from his kidnappers, Rachel is worried about her son becoming too attached to Nick. Do you think her fears are warranted? Why or why not?

  Rachel feels guilty when she hears Joey say he wished he knew God was always with him, because then he wouldn’t have felt so alone. Discuss a time when you felt alone and had to lean on your faith.

  While Rachel and Nick are in the cabin, Rachel finds the Bible and begins to read. Discuss the first time you began reading the Bible and how that experience impacted your faith.

  Nick reads the story of Christmas from the Bible. Discuss and share your favorite Christmas tradition.

  When Nick has been injured, he thinks God is calling him home and he isn’t quite ready to go. Discuss whether or not you might feel the same way in a similar circumstance.

  After Nick is in the hospital, he can’t feel his arm and he has a brief moment where he loses his faith. Discuss a time when you had a similar experience.

  Toward the end of the story, Rachel realizes she gave up on Nick too soon when she left him in the hospital to go home. Discuss a time when you were upset with someone you loved and how you overcame your feelings.

  We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense story.

  You enjoy a dash of danger. Love Inspired Suspense stories feature strong heroes and heroines whose faith is central in solving mysteries and saving lives.

  Enjoy four new stories from Love Inspired Suspense every month!

  Visit Harlequin.com to find your next great read.

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  Harlequin.com/newsletters

  ONE

  As Ashley Wilson rounded the corner, her foot slammed onto the brakes.

  What...?

  In the distance, her brother’s house came into view. A commotion on the lawn caused her blood to freeze.

  Three men in suits scuffled near the sidewalk. Her brother Josh’s tall, lanky form jerked in the middle of the crowd as he struggled against the men. What were they doing to her brother? Who were these men?

  Her gaze went to the two black sedans parked at the curb. The men were trying to...force her brother into one?

  She yanked her gaze from the scene to her clock. David. Where was the eight-year-old? His bus hadn’t come yet. It couldn’t have. Ashley was on her way to meet him, but had arrived a good ten minutes early.

  Still, panic raced through her.

  She wanted to throw the car into Park, rush from her seat and intercede. But there was no way she could overtake all of those men.

  Her gaze zoomed in on the black metal at one of the men’s waistband. A gun. These men were armed.

  Her heart stopped when she saw a tiny head bobbing in the crowd.

  David. Her precious nephew, David. Her reason for waking up in the morning. Her reason for working at home as a web designer with flexible hours. Her heartbeat.

  They had David. She covered her mouth as a guttural cry escaped.

  How had they gotten David? He was supposed to be in school. Had Josh pulled him out early today?

  Some of her logic returned, hitting her with the force of a lightning bolt. The police. She had to call the police. That was all there was to it.

  She reached into her purse and fumbled with the cell phone, her hands trembling so badly she wasn’t sure she could dial.

  She glanced up just in time to see one of the men point her way and yell something.

  Two of the men pulled their guns and began running toward her car.

  Toward her.

  She threw the car in Reverse. She had to get away. If they caught her then there’d be no way she could help. She slammed her foot onto the accelerator. Her neck snapped back with the force, but she didn’t care. Adrenaline pumped through her veins.

  That’s when she heard the first pop. Her heart sped. They were shooting at her. She ducked just as the windshield shattered.

  She screamed but kept going. Reaching the street behind her, she pulled hard on the steering wheel, threw the car into Drive and squealed off. Another pop sounded behind her but didn’t reach her car.

  She glanced in her rearview mirror. The men had stopped running. She’d lost them. For now.

  She craned her neck, trying to see beyond the eerie, spiderweb-like lines etched into her windshield. She could hardly see the road. Finally, she reached the street leading away from the neighborhood.

  Her mind raced a million miles a minute. What had just happened? What should she do now?

  The police, she remembered. She needed to call the police.

  Grief crushed her heart. David. Poor David. She needed to help him, to soothe him and wipe his tears. Since Josh’s wife had died, Ashley had filled in as a mother figure. Now her heart squeezed with a maternal grief.

  No, the best thing she could do was to let the authorities know. There was no way her 120 pounds could take down all three of those men. Probably not even one of them.

  Keeping one eye on the road, she grabbed the phone, which had fallen to the floor in her haste to escape. Her fingers trembled on the keypad. Before she could dial, the phone beeped with an incoming call.

  She saw the number, and her heart raced—first with hope, then dread. Her brother?

  She looked back at the road, swerving away from an oncoming car. Quickly, she answered. “Josh? What’s going on?”

  “You can’t call the police, Ashley.” His words tumbled into each other, and panic laced his voice, making its pitch rise.

  “Josh, I’m scared.”

  “Ashley—”

  Before he could finish, another voice came on the line. “We’ll find you and kill you, Ashley Wilson. You weren’t supposed to see that.”

  The words sent cold fear through her. “Who is this? What do you want with my brother?”

  “Stay out of it,” the man growled.

  Even the sound of his voice conjured up images of evil, of a heartless man. “What about David? Can I just get David? Leave him out of this. Please. He’s just a child.”

  Suddenly, the black sedan appeared in her rearview mirror—coming fast and closing the space between them too quickly. Memor
ies of her accident began to crush her last shred of sanity. No, she couldn’t let her mind go there. Not now.

  She swerved onto a side road, the phone slipping from her hand as she gripped the wheel. She didn’t have time to worry about it now. She accelerated. A glance behind her confirmed that the car turned down the same street. A man hung out the side window, a gun in hand.

  She had to think, and quickly. She didn’t have much time.

  Just then, the back glass shattered. She screamed, trying to maintain her control of the car. Wind—cold and sharp—whipped around her. Pellets of glass rained down from her hair. She couldn’t drive like this much longer. It wasn’t safe—for her or anyone around her.

  But her survival instinct was greater than her fear. She had to stay alive—not for her sake, but for David’s.

  A busy highway waited ahead. Before she reached it, she turned onto another side street. Immediately, she pulled into a parking lot. A shopping center shadowed her car as she drove full-speed in front of the structure. At the corner, she swerved around the building and slammed on the brakes.

  Maybe they hadn’t seen her. Hopefully, they’d assumed that she’d gone straight.

  But just in case they didn’t, she grabbed her purse and her phone and jumped out of the car.

  Two delivery trucks were parked behind the strip mall, and their drivers were unloading boxes of product. Ashley picked the closest one and ran toward him. He looked up as she approached, his eyebrows furrowed in curiosity.

  “I’m sorry,” she mumbled, not stopping to ask permission. She ran through the propped-open door instead, darted through the back offices and break room and into a hardware store.

  Her gaze fluttered wildly about the building. Where now? Where could she hide?

  The black sedan flew past the front windows of the store. They knew she’d come this way. Now what did she do?

  She crouched down, waiting until the car disappeared.