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“I agree, but we’re also too close to the situation to see it clearly. There’s a reason why law enforcement isn’t supposed to work cases involving family members. We’re biased. Ryker and Cole will get to the bottom of it though. I trust them.” He turned and brushed a kiss across her forehead. “Thank you for suggesting we come to church service. I needed it more than I realized.”
“So did I. It’s been a rough week.”
He snorted. “You can say that again.” Eli was quiet for a long moment. “Do you mind if we stay for a bit and talk? There are some things I need to say.”
“Of course not. What’s on your mind?”
“Us.”
She stiffened, surprised by his answer, and pulled back to look him in the face. A painful bruise highlighted his cheekbone and his lower lip was still swollen from yesterday’s fight. He had more cuts and bruises along his arms and his posture was off-center thanks to a cracked rib. She imagined he was in pain, but in true Eli fashion, he didn’t complain.
Eli studied her hand, still clasped within his, as if it held the secrets to his life. He trailed a thumb over her knuckle. The gentle touch sent a wave of warmth through her and Sienna’s heart began to pound. There was so much she wanted to say, but didn’t know if now was the right time. Tonight’s dinner with Dalton would be stressful and Eli had never been very good at processing his emotions.
“I’m not going anywhere, Eli. This can wait until after the case is over.”
“No, it can’t.” He turned to face her. The look in his eyes stole her breath. “We nearly died yesterday, and I made a promise on that boat that if we got off alive, I was going to be honest about how I felt. I love you, Sienna. I’ve always loved you. It was a mistake to walk away from our relationship five years ago and I’m so sorry for the pain I caused you.”
She shook her head. “No more apologies. We both made mistakes.” Now that the conversation was happening, Sienna wouldn’t shy away from confessing her own errors in judgment. “Bailing Dalton out of jail against your wishes was wrong. Instead, I should’ve been honest with you about what I was feeling and thinking.”
“You tried—”
“Not hard enough. You’re stubborn, Eli. I knew that. One conversation is never enough when it comes to something you’re resistant to. I should’ve done more. Talked more. Instead, I gave up and did things my way because I believed I was right.” It felt good to say the words out loud. “We failed each other by not acting as a team.”
Eli cupped her cheek. His palm was warm and it sent a shiver through her. “I can’t be your friend, Sienna. I want more than that.”
“So do I…” She bit her lip. Part of her wanted to throw caution to the wind and fling herself in his arms, but another part of her knew that would be a mistake. She’d made a vow to be honest with her feelings and that started now. “Things can’t go back to the way they were. Our relationship will hit hard times, and if we can’t work together, then we’re doomed for failure.”
They’d been working as a team on Ruby’s case, but only by shoving difficult conversations aside. That wasn’t how real life worked. They had to be able to communicate. Sienna would fight harder to get Eli to see her point of view, but he had to be willing to listen.
“We both have to make changes. I promise to stop making unilateral decisions, but I need you to hear me out, Eli, especially when you don’t like what I’m saying.” Her chin trembled. “And you can’t walk away again. If I give you my heart, then you have to stay and fight for us.”
He swiped at the tear that fell from her lashes. “You’re worth fighting for, Sienna. Our relationship is worth fighting for.” Eli let out a long breath. “Yesterday, I realized that I’m more like my father than I thought. But I don’t want to be that person anymore. I prayed, asking for God’s guidance. Then one of the readings in today’s service spoke directly to my heart as if it was meant for me.”
Eli released her to reach for the program and opened it to the first page. He read the verse aloud. “Be kind and compassionate with each other, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgives you.”
Sienna knew the verse well. It was one of her favorites.
“I haven’t been living according to my faith.” Eli closed the program. “I didn’t approach Dalton’s addiction with kindness and compassion. I was angry.” He let go of a long breath. “And when you bailed him out of jail, instead of approaching you with kindness and compassion, I was angry. I’ve been angry, Sienna. For a long time. Since childhood. I’ve buried it under a mountain of responsible choices, but it’s still there and it’s caused me to act in ways I don’t like.”
The recrimination in his voice was more than she could bear. Sienna said softly. “You weren’t angry. You were hurting.”
He paused and then nodded. “Yes, I was.” Eli lifted his gaze to hers. “But I don’t want to mask my hurt with anger anymore. I’m putting my faith in God, and next time we hit rough waters, I promise to treat you with kindness and compassion. I know it’s hard to believe now. It’ll take time to prove it to you, but I’d like the opportunity.” Eli lifted his hand and brushed away a lock of hair from her forehead. “Things will be different between us because I’m different.”
“So am I.” Sienna leaned in and brushed a kiss across his lips. She wanted more, but they were in a church and it wasn’t appropriate. Still, the gentle touch set off a riot of butterflies in her stomach.
A bang from the rear of the church interrupted their private moment. Sienna immediately stiffened and glanced in that direction, just as Eli half-rose from his seat, his hand reaching for his concealed weapon.
A man in a raincoat stood in the entryway. He tossed his hood back.
Dallas Redding.
Shock ran through Sienna. She hadn’t seen Dallas since that day at the marina when he helped them out of the water. Did he attend church here? She’d never seen him before, although it was possible they just went to different services. She normally attended on Sunday morning.
Eli relaxed his stance, and together, they intercepted Dallas.
Sienna offered him a smile. “You missed service.”
His cheeks heated. “I’m not here for service. I recognized Eli’s truck in the parking lot and was hoping to catch you guys. Is there any progress on locating Ruby?” His gaze skittered away. “I’ve been thinking about her a lot since we talked. Her picture is all over the news, but no one seems to have any information.”
