struggling to her feet when Grace ran past her.
'I'm all right, Grace, ' Daniel called out as soon as he saw her
tears.
He fully expected her to throw herself into his arms, but Grace
suddenly stopped. A funny look crossed her face before she turned
around and ran back to Rebecca.
Daniel didn't have time to stop her. Grace made a fist, swung, and
coldcocked her. Rebecca crumpled to the floor.
Grace stepped back and looked at her. 'It hurts, doesn't it? ' Daniel
was so shocked he laughed. He stopped when Grace was in his arms,
kissing him.
'I love you, Daniel. I love you, ' she fervently whispered as she
kissed his brow, his nose, his chin.
He tilted her head up so he could look into her eyes, and then he
whispered his declaration of love. 'Don't marry Nigel.'
'Because you love me, Daniel? ' 'I was getting to that, Grace . . .
because I love you.' gvery one had gathered in the judge's chambers to
watch the doctor work on Daniel's shoulder. He was sprawled out on the
leather settee. Grace leaned against his side, holding his hand.
Cole sat nearby in an overstuffed wing chair with Jessica on his lap.
She had tried to sit next to him, but Cole wouldn't let her move.
The judge was still in the courtroom giving orders to two deputies
before they dragged Rebecca to jail.
Cole was deliberately taunting Daniel as the physician prodded the
injury with his instruments in search of the bullet.
'You're being awful brave, Daniel.'
'Don't push me, Cole.'
'It hurts, doesn't it, Daniel? ' Grace asked.
'If I answer yes, are you going to coldcock me? ' Daniel asked
dryly.
Every one laughed but Grace, who was clearly mortified. 'You're never
going to let me live that one down, are you? ' 'No, ' Daniel assured
