“Luke, can I have a moment alone with Avery?” Weston asked.
“Sure.” The ranger pushed away from the table. “I’m going to check the microphone/camera setup. I’ll be back in five minutes.”
Weston shut the door to Avery’s office. The blinds along the other windows were closed, affording them privacy.
Avery set her mug on the desk. “What’s in the bag?”
“Something for you.” He pulled out a tactical knife. It was a fixed blade with a serrated spine and a drop-point blade. “I know you carry a pocket knife, but this one is stronger. Bigger.”
Avery crossed the room. Every step made her more aware of Weston. The sharp curves of his face, the small nick on his chin where he’d cut himself shaving, the way his shirt molded over his chest. Those butterflies inside her stomach took flight. She wanted to step on her tiptoes and brush her mouth against his.
Instead, Avery took the knife and tested the grip. It was lightweight and fit her hand perfectly. The blade shimmered under the fluorescent light as she swiped it through the air. The balance was smooth. “It’s fantastic.”
He pulled out a black band from the bag. “This sheath goes around your waist, above the duty belt. It’ll place the knife here.” Weston reached around and his fingers brushed the small of her back. “The blade will be concealed under your shirt, but still accessible with your right hand.”
He didn’t say it, but she heard the words all the same. Just in case. Avery carried protection on her duty belt, but if the Chessmaster got close enough to completely disarm her, there was a chance he would miss the hidden knife.
Avery’s chest squeezed tight and it hurt to breathe. The gift was beyond thoughtful. “Thank you, Weston.”
“You’re welcome.”
She put the knife and sheath back inside the bag. It was something to keep her hands busy, while her mind struggled to find the right words to say. “Weston, I know you disagree with my decision, but if there’s any way to bring Rachel home, I have to take it. No matter the risk to myself.”
“I know.” He sighed. “My attitude has been less than stellar since last night, and I’m sorry. Honestly, if the roles were reversed, I’d make the same decision you are. It’s our job.”
Some of the weight lifted from her shoulders. She set the bag on her desk. “I can’t blame you for being upset. None of this is easy.”
“No, but I haven’t approached it the right way either. Last night, I spent a lot of time praying and soul-searching. About me and you. About us.”
He looped his fingers around a chain hanging from his neck and pulled it over his head. Something dangled from the necklace. It took Avery a moment to realize it was two gold rings. One was large enough for a man, the other made for a woman.
Wedding rings. Avery’s gaze lifted to meet Weston’s. She couldn’t read his expression, and a small bite of panic took hold. Was he about to tell her they were done? Now?
“Weston, I—”
“Let me say this, please.” He cupped her shoulder gently, still holding up the rings. “I’ve been wearing these since the day Melissa died. I thought they were a reminder of my marriage and everything I’d lost. But I was wrong. I’m wearing them as a symbol of what’s possible.”
She searched his face. “I’m not sure I understand.”
“It’s not a fear of moving on that’s holding me back, Avery. I was nervous about choosing the wrong person to do it with. Rushing into a relationship to fill the void in my life would dishonor the love Melissa showed me was attainable. That’s why I’m wearing the rings. As a reminder to wait until the right person comes into my life.” Weston traced his hand down her sleeve and lifted her hand. He dropped the rings in Avery’s open palm and closed her fingers around them. “But I don’t need to wear them anymore. Because I found you.”
Her breath caught and tears blurred her vision. She struggled to get words past the lump in her throat but failed.
“I’m falling in love with you, Avery.” Weston cupped her face in his hands. He swiped at her cheeks, wiping away the water on them. “My timing is terrible—”
“No,” she choked out. Avery understood why he’d said it now. As law enforcement, they were intimately familiar with the knowledge that tomorrow isn't promised. She placed a hand over his heart, the fabric of Weston’s shirt soft under her palm. “I did some soul-searching and praying myself last night. I’m falling in love with you too.”
His breath hitched. “Avery—”
“I’ve been trying to figure out all morning if I should tell you.” Her chin trembled. “I knew you were hurting and I didn’t want to make it worse.”
“You’re always thinking about everyone else, sweetheart.” His tone a mixture of affection and exacerbation. Weston wiped more tears from her cheeks. “When this is over, I’m going to take you out for a date. Our first date.”
She laughed through her tears. “Chasing serial killers doesn’t count, huh?”
“No, it doesn’t. There’s a candlelight dinner with your name on it.” He smiled, his thumb gently tracing her lower lip. “And the next present I buy you won’t be a weapon.”
He lowered his head and kissed her. Avery’s legs went weak as her heart swelled with emotion. He undid her. Here, with Weston, she was safe and protected. There was a job to do, but for this one second, she allowed herself to forget about everything but him.
A knock on the door made them both jump. They called out “hold on” simultaneously and then grinned. Avery wrapped her arms around Weston’s neck and pulled him down for another kiss. Her
