Page 29 of Redemption

As they prepare to head out, Raven gives Stephanie a lingering look and says, "Looking forward to it, Steph."

Caleb mirrors him, giving me a playful salute. "Catch you later, Ruby."

With a flurry of goodbyes, they’re off, leaving us to finish mapping out the final details. I chuckle, turning back to Stephanie. "Think we'll survive the night?"

She grins, eyes sparkling with excitement. "With a little luck and a lot of caffeine, we just might."

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

CALEB

"Lookat you in those dress blues." Ruby grins over at me. "The kids are staying with Devante and Eden tonight, we have the rest of the night to ourselves."

I'm never one to say no, especially since we just got everything worked out with each other.

The ballroom is alive with laughter and music, officers and guests mingling under glittering chandeliers. Ruby looks stunning in her gown, her hand wrapped around my arm, making me feel like the luckiest man here.

We weave through the crowd, exchanging nods and smiles with familiar faces. My heart races—not from nerves, but from the electric thrill of the moment, the promise of a night that’s just for us.

Soon, Dad takes the stage, and the room quiets. He clears his throat, scanning the crowd until his eyes land on me. "Tonight, we recognize one of our own—a man whose bravery and dedication have inspired us all."

Ruby squeezes my hand, eyes shining with pride. I feel a mixture of embarrassment and pride wash over me as Dad continues, recounting the details of my latest case and how it all came together.

"We're proud to present the Meritorious Service Award to Officer Caleb Harrison."

The applause is thunderous, and I make my way to the stage, my heart full. Dad hands me the plaque, his grip firm and his smile genuine. If I'm not mistaken, there are tears in his eyes.“You’ve earned this, Caleb.”

As I leave the stage, Ruby meets me, wrapping her arms around my neck in a hug that says more than words ever could.

Eventually, the night winds down, and as we step outside, the air is cool and refreshing. The drive home is filled with easy conversation, laughter, and Ruby’s hand resting warmly over mine.

Once home, the silence settles around us, intimate and full of promise. Ruby turns to me, her eyes dancing in the dim light. “Tonight, it’s just us.”

Her lips find mine, and everything else fades away. We move together seamlessly, the familiarity between us igniting something deeper, more passionate. Her laughter mingles with my own as we navigate our way into the bedroom, leaving a trail of discarded clothing in our wake.

In the privacy of our room, her touch is soft and urgent, coaxing and playful. The world outside ceases to exist as we lose ourselves in each other, every kiss deepening the connection we’ve reclaimed. It's a night that feels like a celebration, not just of the award, but of us, together.

And as Ruby nestles against me afterward, our breaths evening out in the comfortable darkness, I think about how grateful I am—not just for tonight, but for every moment that led us here.

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

RUBY

This isthe most important day of the year for me. Field day at the elementary school, and it's the last one for Levi. I've always made it a point to be here, because of what Caleb went through as a kid with his own mom.

Carefully I carry the cupcakes I've brought to every field day since Molly was a kindergartner.

They're a bright assortment of colors, topped with swirls of icing and sprinkles. Levi's classmates always look forward to them, and I love seeing their eyes light up when they spot the container.

As I navigate through the bustling schoolyard, I catch sight of Levi and his friends gathered near the start line for the sack race. I wave, and Levi beams back at me, his excitement palpable.

“Mom! You made it!” he calls out, eyes briefly glancing at the cupcakes.

"Wouldn't miss it for the world," I reply with a grin, setting the container down on a nearby table.

Just then, I notice Caleb walking up, his uniform as crisp as ever. He's been on his shift since early morning, but he's managed to carve out a little time to be here. His presence always brings calmness, and today is no different.

"Hey, babe," I say, feeling a rush of warmth as he approaches. Levi spots him and runs over, almost colliding with a few classmates along the way.

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