Her Mistletoe Protector(36)

"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, Joey, 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.



We like you-why not like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/HarlequinBooks



Follow us on Twitter: Twitter.com/HarlequinBooks



Read our blog for all the latest news on our authors and books: HarlequinBlog.com



Subscribe to our newsletter for special offers, new releases, and more!

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?