Page 79 of Falling for Brody

"It's true, honey." He leaned in and kissed her lips before she could start to argue with him. Then he sat back and looked at her sitting there in suddenly stunned silence. "It's true. And you don't have to say a damn thing back. I'll wait."

"What if I can never say it?"

He shrugged. "I believe in you. I'll wait for you to say it. It's worth it.Youare worth it."

She offered him a smile.

"I hope you will, Brody."

"I will, honey. No worries there."

* * *

Gabriel gotout of his patrol car and Roland jumped down onto the street after him.

The dog was everything he'd hoped for and more. A hit with everyone he'd come in contact with, including Rhea's son, Chip.

And Roland? Roland loved people, pets, and treats.

Equally so.

He walked up beside the blue Ford Focus that looked like it hadn't just seen better days but better decades.

He knocked on the window of the car and the kid inside jumped.

Kid. At least he kind of looked it.

"Yes, officer?"

"Would you step outside, please?"

The kid dropped his gaze to his steering wheel. "Uh... is there a reason, why?"

Gabriel sighed and pointed toward the street. "I'd like to talk to you and not put a crick in my neck doing it. Please step outside."

The kid gave him a look and reached for the door lock.

Gabriel stepped back and the door swung open.

As the kid stepped out, he could see a yellow-orange envelope with a string and button clasp. The name written on it was Rhea Russell.

Yeah. This was going to be interesting.

He'd already informed his Chief that he was looking for a stranger and Simon had instructed him to make sure that the stranger was there on business and wasn't trying to do anything unlawful in town.

Gabriel had a feeling that the kid was there to serve Rhea with papers, so it would be legal. He just didn't want her to be upset.

That, he couldn't stop, but he was planning to help her with whatever it was.

He knew that Brody would do the same. For different reasons.

The kid was likely in his early twenties. How early? If Gabriel were to guess, it would be on the low end of the scale. He didn't think they'd send someone without a TWO at the beginning of his age.

He was wearing slouchy jeans, a shirt that looked like it came off of a Peanuts character. And from what he'd heard, yes, the kid needed a haircut, not for style but Gabriel doubted the kid could see much through that heavy curtain of bangs over his eyes.

He had to toss his head back to even show an eye. "What's up, officer?"

"We've had a few calls about an unfamiliar car in town."

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