Christmas Justice (Carder Texas Connections #7)(59)

He stroked her head with his hand. “Why didn’t you leave? You didn’t have to stay watching over me.”

Had he changed his mind about her? She couldn’t stop the tears from falling down her cheeks. “I didn’t have anywhere else to be,” she said. “I figured hanging out in a hospital with you would be a good way to spend Christmas. It’s already decorated for the holidays and Molly’s having a wonderful time at Daniel and Raven’s. The I-want-a-puppy hints are coming fast and furious. I think a dog is even beating out the princess palace she asked for all year.”

Garrett blinked. “Wait a minute. Back up. It’s Christmas?”

“Not quite, but close. It’s next week.”

His eyes went wide. “How long have I been out?”

“Thirteen days, seven hours and twenty-three minutes, but who’s counting?” she said, trying for a nonchalance she did not feel.

“You should have left me here,” he said. “Molly’s so afraid Santa won’t be able to find her this year. She needs some normalcy back in her life. She needs you.”

His words pierced her heart. Laurel pulled back. “You don’t want me here?”

Garrett swallowed and looked at her. “I...I want what’s best for you. And Molly.”

“You are what’s best for me. Can’t you see that?”

“I didn’t protect you,” he said. “You could have died because I didn’t plan well enough ahead.”

She laughed incredulously. “Garrett, I’m the one who contacted Fiona. If I’d trusted you—”

He gripped her hands. “If we’d trusted each other.”

Laurel rose from the bed slowly. “Is this really where we are? Fighting over something this stupid?” She stepped closer. “I am going to give you an ultimatum. Answer it wrong and I will walk away forever.”

He struggled to sit up in the bed. “Wait. What are you talking about?”

“I’m talking about us. I love you. Do you hear me? No doubts, no questions on my side. You once told me the same thing, but you thought you were going off to die.”

“Laurel—”

“I am not done, mister. Not by a long shot. Derek Bradley’s name has been cleared, so if that’s the life you want, you can go back to the clandestine, lonely life you led before. But you have a choice. The mayor of Trouble says that you can continue as the sheriff.”

Garrett sat staring at her. “The mayor? The mayor hates me because I’m onto his tricks.”

“Oh, Daniel had a little talk with that mayor, and he resigned. Hondo took over the job, and he said you can be sheriff as long as he’s in office.”

Garrett chuckled, then turned serious. “Is that the end of the options available to me? Because it’s not a hard choice.” Laurel could barely breathe. “Do you think I’d choose anyone or anything but you, Laurel? Where’s your faith?”

She couldn’t stop the smile from spreading across her face.

“Say the words. When guns aren’t blazing and you’re not running off to certain death. I need to hear it.”

Garrett met her gaze, unwavering, serious. “I love you, Laurel McCallister. I will always love you.”

She quivered against him and laid her head on his chest. “I won’t ever let you go.”





Epilogue Garrett sat on the floor and placed the last fake flower in the garden of Molly’s princess palace.

Laurel walked up to him and handed him a cup of coffee. “You shouldn’t be drinking this.”

“I won’t tell the doctors if you don’t.” He took a sip of the dark brew and nearly groaned in pleasure. “Some assembly required? That’s what the box said. How long have I been at it?”

“Six hours.” Laurel chuckled.

“I just hope she likes it. Molly needs some joy.”

Laurel knelt down beside him. “She feels safe with you, Garrett. And loved. That’s all she needs.”

The chime of the clock sounded through the house.

“It’s six o’clock.”

Garrett struggled to get up off of the floor. Laurel held out her hand to steady him. “Take it easy,” she said, putting her hands on his waist. “I just got you back.”

He kissed her lips, drinking in the taste of her. He stroked his hand down her cheek. “Have I told you lately that you’ve made my life wonderful?” Her cheeks flushed. “I’m serious. You didn’t just love me—you brought Christmas back. You brought joy into this ranch house.”

“I could say the same about you, Garrett Galloway.”

Laurel wrapped her arms around him, taking his lips. Garrett let himself get lost in her touch. If it weren’t for the fact that this was Christmas Day, he’d drag her back to their bedroom and stay there all day long.

A soft knock forced him to raise his head. “Who is that?”

Garrett walked to the door, pulling his Beretta from atop the refrigerator. Slowly he opened the door.

A thin man in a red suit stood on the steps.

“Santa?”

Molly’s sleepy voice came from just outside the living room.

The man walked inside.

“Dad?” Laurel whispered.