Operation Breathless by Marianne Evans Page A

cradling it tenderly, stroking her flushed cheeks with his thumbs. “We’re a great team, Lovely Lady.”
    She nodded and rested a trembling hand against his chest. “Yeah, we were. Take that with you wherever life leads.”
    “I intend to.”
    She swallowed hard; he wondered if she was choking back additional tears.
    “I’m sorry for being so emotional. I don’t want you to feel bad about leaving. It’s just that you won a piece of my soul so perfectly. The idea of losing you hurts, and I don’t want to say goodbye. I suppose that’s why I came here, to our spot. I wanted to think, and pray, and figure out how in the world to let you go.”
    “What if you don’t have to?”
    She sniffed and tilted her head in question. She lifted free of his hold to dash fingertips against moist cheeks.
    Gabe pointed at the papers Axle wore like a doggie accessory. Confused, Susanna pulled them free, unfolded them, and began to read.
    Her eyes went big, drying almost instantly. “But—no. This…this can’t be. It’s…”
    Gabe looked into her eyes, and smiled. “It’s a long-term lease. Just signed it this morning. Had a lengthy talk with our landlord, too. I figure, down the road, maybe you and I can look into occupying one of the larger units ol’ Andy Hart is constructing. That is, if you’ll have me.” Her eyes—her entire body—brimmed with a hope he could see and taste. “It won’t be official until I give you a ring, but that’s coming. Soon. Beautiful thing is we don’t need rings to affirm the truth that we’re connected, do we? We’ve known connection from the moment we laid eyes on each other. That’s God at work, and the best kind of love imaginable. I can’t picture my life without you.”
    “Oh, Gabe…”
    The way she whispered his name sent a thrill dancing deep through his arms and chest. Like angel wings unfolding, and encircling them both, Gabe felt that irresistible push of warmth. He pulled Susanna to him like a precious treasure, and his heart drifted into its destined home.
    “My life plans have shifted radically, Lovely Lady. As much as I’ll miss what I could have done in Detroit, I realize I need to pay attention to where God has placed me, and for what reasons.” He brushed back her hair and tucked it behind her shoulder “My life—and my heart—reside in Angel Falls. In your hands.”
    He felt a shiver course her body.
    “But tomorrow…Detroit…”
    “I’m still returning to Detroit, but only for a couple weeks—just long enough to tender my resignation and pack up my apartment. When I return, I already have an interview scheduled with the chief of police.”
    Susanna nipped her lower lip and studied him intently. “I still can’t bring myself to believe this…”
    Her burgeoning joy fed his. “Police work is only one side of the coin, Susanna. What I want most is to continue helping you at Wellsprings. I want to keep working hand-in-heart with the woman I love.”
    She sank against his side; her fit was perfect. She lifted her face to his. “Kiss me, Handsome Man. Please…just kiss me…”
    Her arms wound softly around his neck. His head dipped low, and Gabe Peretti took great pleasure in doing just that.
     

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