Page 118 of Rescuer
“It’s great, right?” Jackson rested his cheek on her hair and inhaled. The scent of vanilla and cinnamon drifted up to him. She smelled like home. “I don’t know what would have happened if Judge Fields had still been on the bench.”
He still couldn’t believe the new judge had told him he should have gotten custody the first time he’d petitioned for it. Thankfully, the only bench Judge Fields presided over now was the one in his jail cell.
“God had a plan,” Mia said.
That reminded him that he hadn’t told her the most recent development. “I talked with Kevin yesterday. He and his wife are expecting. You know they’ve been trying for a while. He said if they have a boy, they want to use Jack as the middle name.”
Mia blinked back tears. “That’s lovely.”
“Yeah, it is. He apologized for his father’s actions. He even asked for my forgiveness. I told him he’d done nothing wrong. He knows I don’t hold it against him.”
Mia’s expression melted into a smile. “I’m glad that your friend didn’t become a jerk like his dad.”
The conversation was becoming too heavy. Suddenly, Jackson couldn’t wait any longer. He took her hand and moved back to where Dylan and Wynne waited, then slipped his free hand into his pocket, winking at his brother. Dylan caught on and grinned, grabbing Wynne’s hand in anticipation.
“On another note,” Jackson said to Mia, “I have something to ask you…”
He pulled out the box, dropped to one knee, and flipped the lid open, showing her the ring. “Maria Turner, I love you with my whole heart. With you in my life, I’m a better man. Will you marry me and stay with me for the rest of our lives?”
Mia’s hands flew to her mouth. Her heart pounded in her chest. They’d talked about the future, and yes, she’d hoped for a proposal, but hadn’t anticipated one this soon. Her knees trembled, and she braced her legs to keep from tipping over.
Jackson removed the ring from the box and held it between his thumb and pointer. When he held it out to her, she removed her hands from her lips.
“Oh, Jackson. I love you too. I’d love to marry you!”
She let him slide the ring onto her finger. She gasped at the gorgeous diamond glinting in the light. “It’s perfect! Jackson, it’s exactly the ring I would have picked for myself.”
Rising to his feet, he grinned. “I know you.”
When he tugged her closer, she willingly went into his arms. The kiss at the door was nothing compared to this one. Every caress told her again and again that she was loved and cherished. She melted against him and slid her arms around his neck.
She forgot about their audience until Dylan let out a loud whistle. Blushing, she laughed and stepped back, although she remained in the circle of Jackson’s arms.
“Whoa! This is so cool!” Dylan bounded toward her. She accepted his bear hug and squeezed him back for good measure. Then Wynne got a hug too.
Mia couldn’t remember ever being as happy as she was right now. It was like God had reached out and personally handed her everything she’d ever wanted in life. Jackson—the only man she’d ever truly loved—was back in her life, this time to stay.
She knew he loved her without reservation, and this time, no one was ever going to separate them again. She thought about the child they’d lost. Although a part of her would always grieve that loss, she now hoped they’d be gifted with more children.
Blaine Turner, the man she’d thought was her father—and the origin of so much of the chaos and agony in her life—was gone. He’d hurt her and so many others. But it was time to let it go.
Lord, thank You for watching over me. For protecting us. I choose to honor You and forgive Blaine.
Peace washed over her. Whether or not Blaine knew she’d forgiven him didn’t matter. God had set her free from her bitterness and given her a new life. Now, she could not imagine living without faith. In the darkest times, God had shown Himself to be a true Father to her. Her greatest joy came from her identity as a daughter of God.
Thinking of parents and children reminded her of something she’d neglected to mention earlier. “Oh,” she said, turning to look at Jackson, “there’s going to be one more guest at dinner tonight. Okay?”
He shrugged. “It’s your dinner. Whatever you want. Who’s coming?”
“My mom is coming.”
He nodded. She knew that a year ago, he wouldn’t have ever imagined a time when he and Carol Turner would sit at the same table. It just proved how much had changed in the last nine months.
“I’m glad you invited her. It’s great that you two have repaired your relationship.”
Love for this man welled inside her. Even after her family had treated him like garbage for so long, he’d willingly set aside any grievances he may have had, just to please her and make her life better. No one had ever loved her like that.
Mia tucked her hair behind her ear. “We have. It hasn’t been easy,” she told him. “I had so much anger inside. I was so bitter at her for not protecting me…against him.”
