Page 52 of Starting Anew

It was satisfying to see Jeb look at the camera and struggle only to have an officer push him to his knees on the pavement. The sound of sirens somewhere in the parking structure signaled the arrival of backup that would ensure Jeb would be going straight to a police station downtown.

Nathan turned his entire focus toward Lynn, his heart aching and anger burning as he took in the small cut at the corner of her mouth, the tinge of purple on her cheek, and the obvious finger-shaped bruises on her arm. He took a handkerchief out of his back pocket and gently dabbed at her cut to wipe away the blood. “I’m so sorry I didn’t get here sooner. We should take you inside and have you checked out.”

Lynn looked into his eyes. “You saved my life.” She swallowed hard then took in a shaky breath as the reality of what just happened seemed to hit her hard. “If you hadn’t…”

“Hey, don’t do that.” Nathan pulled her close, relishing the feel of her warmth. “Don’t give him any more control by imagining what might have happened. You’re safe now. We’re going to make sure he never bothers you again.” He gently cupped her face in both of his hands. “I love you, Lynn. I should’ve told you long before now.” She gasped, but he plowed again. “When I found out who you really were, I worried you’d get up and leave. Change your name and disappear like you did before.”

Lynn slowly shook her head as a tear slipped from the corner of her eye. “And I thought once you knew who I was, that you’d walk away just like everyone else has. I couldn’t bear that because you and Mia mean so much to me. I love you, too, Nathan.”

Nathan cupped her face in his hands and affectionately touched the dimple in her chin with one thumb. “Why don’t we agree that, no matter what our future holds, we always go through it together?”

“I like the sound of that.”

He leaned in, desperately needing to kiss her.

He’d only had a moment to taste her lips when Lynn’s eyes flew open as she pulled away. “I wasn’t feeling well earlier. I might be getting a cold…”

Nathan chuckled. “Honey, I couldn’t care less.”

With that, he closed the gap again and relished the way she fit so perfectly in his arms. Everything about her, from the scent of her hair to how her lips danced with his, only proved she was made for him. He had no intention of ever letting her go.

Epilogue

Nine Months Later

Lynn poured sparkling grape juice into the sixth wine glass. She, Brooke, and Anna each grabbed two and hurried through the back door and onto the large wooden deck. Stars shone overhead in the clear sky.

She smiled as Nathan snagged one of the glasses, then wrapped a warm arm around her waist. With his other hand, he lifted hers and pressed a kiss to the wedding band on her finger. The chilly weather seemed eager to welcome a new year. It was a good thing Mia had fallen asleep hours ago and was resting inside where it was nice and warm. “How much longer?”

Chess answered from his spot on the deck where he was holding Brooke close. “Three more minutes until midnight.”

Joel accepted a glass from Anna and gave her a kiss before addressing their little group. “Can I just say this may be the best new year yet. God has blessed us all in more ways than we could count. We celebrated two weddings last year,” he nodded first toward Chess and Brooke and then at Nathan and Lynn, “there’s a precious, healthy little girl asleep inside, and we have new life joining our family this spring.” He placed his palm against Anna’s growing belly.

Chess nodded. “If there’s one thing we’ve all learned, it’s that we can’t control the curveballs life throws at us. And goodness knows there have been a bunch of them.”

Nathan couldn’t agree more. “But we can choose what team we play for.” He held his glass in the air.

The arrival of midnight was announced by the sounds of fireworks and whoops from the neighbors.

Lynn and the others joined Nathan in raising their glasses.

“To being surrounded by family!” Chess said.

“Uncountable blessings,” Joel added.

Nathan put an arm around Lynn and drew her close. “And the chance to start anew.”

“Amen,” Lynn whispered as tears gathered in her eyes.

“Happy New Year!” They all yelled in unison.

Nathan clinked glasses with Lynn, and they both took a sip. He set their glasses on a nearby table before pulling her close and placing a small kiss on her chin. “I am so in love with you, Lynn Kirkpatrick.”

Lynn clasped her hands together behind his back as she leaned into his warmth. “I love you, too.”

He kissed her thoroughly then, and Lynn no longer noticed the cold air. The only fireworks that registered were the ones between her and the man she looked forward to spending the rest of her life with—a life that held more promise than she ever dreamed possible.

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