Page 90 of Jackson
Paula was gasping for air when Jackson eventually let her up. “You know how I feel about PDA,” she whispered as she struggled to stand on her own.
Jackson’s grin was unapologetic, but his eyes were soft and completely focused on her. “I wish I could say I’m sorry,” he said, brushing her hair back from her face, “but kissing you feels worth every sideways glance.”
At that, something in her shifted. Maybe it was the way he focused completely on her, clearly unbothered by the world around them, but she realized that for once she didn’t mind and grabbed his face for another scorching kiss.
Judge Edinger cleared his throat loudly. “If you two are done, I have one more thing to say. “It is my pleasure to present for the first time, the newly married Jackson Cagney and Paula Stone. Work hard and live together in love.”
The room burst into applause, but all Paula could hear was the rapid thud of her own heart and the soft echo of Jackson’s whispered “mine” still lingering in her ears. She leaned into him, savoring the warmth of his arm around her waist as the reality of what had just happened settled over her.
We did it. We’re married.
Before she could get lost in the moment, the faint clatter of plates drew her attention. Suzie and Yvonne had already begun serving the cake, having been instructed that there would be no symbolic cake cutting by the bride and groom.
It was a new special of hers—a yellow genoise cake with raspberry Chambord mousse and fresh raspberries between the layers all covered with white chocolate ganache. The dark chocolate handcuffs had been removed before they started slicing.
Paula took the first piece to Judge Edinger and thanked him again for presiding.
“I’ve known Andy Lacey and Walt Morris for years. We were rookies on the force together before I decided to go to law school. When they asked for this favor I was happy to help. I wish you both the best of luck. The force can be hard on marriages.”
Jackson came up at the end of the judge’s remarks. “Paula’s had the wrong end of that stick once, Judge. I’m going to make sure she doesn’t have to go through that again.”
“Then I wish you both all the happiness in the world.” The judge turned away as Captain Morris came up to speak to him.
Jackson took Paula’s arm and leaned down to her ear. “Let’s get out of here, Melda. I don’t feel in the mood to let go of you now I have a ring on your finger to go with the collar on your neck.”
“While I would love to get away with you, I think we should mingle with our guests.” She lifted her lips toward his face for a kiss.
Jackson sighed. “I suppose so. We’re sticking together, at least.”
They made the rounds of Paula’s colleagues and quite a few officers neither of them knew. Apparently, word of the cake had gotten around, and anyone who could was coming for a taste. Jackson was glad he’d asked Suzie to bring enough for a hundred people. Paula was exchanging pleasantries with two female uniforms when she felt Jackson tense beside her, and she looked up to see Will Tolbert. Paula lifted her chin determined not to let the bastard get to her.
“Congratulations,” the big man rumbled.
Paula blinked in confusion. She exchanged a startled look with Jackson, and he nodded her way. Encouraged by Jackson’s silent support, Paula pulled herself together and met Detective Tolbert’s gaze. To her surprise, he gave her a little smile.
“I’m sorry, Paula,” he started, “I shouldn’t have been so hostile in the beginning.”
“Why were you?” she asked.
He rubbed his hand over his military short hair. “I was worried about Jackson. He’s my partner, and you know that’s a special thing. I wanted him to be happy, and you were a bolt out of the blue. I didn’t know what to make of you. Especially with your reputation.”
Paula stiffened. “What about my reputation?”
“She doesn’t pull her punches, does she?” Tolbert asked Jackson.
Jackson chuckled. “No, Will, she doesn’t. That’s one of the things I love about her.”
“I can see that now,” Will answered, before turning back to Paula. “Actually, that’s only part of my attitude. We were under the impression you weren’t a very nice person.”
“What? Why?” Paula exclaimed. “I’ve been a reliable colleague and a good sergeant.”
“It had nothing to do with you as a cop but everything to do with you as a woman.”
“Say what?” she lowered her voice as cold rage started to build inside her. Jackson placed his hand on her shoulder. She figured it was either to lend her support or to hold her back from hitting the bastard—it might be both.
Now Tolbert looked ashamed. “Look, Paula—” He addressed Jackson instead, “Can’t you?—”
Jackson cut his question off with a look of determination. “Oh, no. You dug this hole all by yourself.”
