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“Okay, okay. No need to threaten me.” Jackson held up his hands in mock surrender. “I’m just having some fun.” He glanced in Cole’s direction and grimaced slightly. “Come to think of it, you look pale.” He clapped Cole on the back carefully to avoid hurting his still-healing shoulder. “You’ll do great. I was just messing with you.”
“I know.” Cole tugged on his tie again. “I hate public speaking.”
He’d much rather be interviewing a suspect. That wouldn’t be happening for a while since he was on medical leave. The only good thing about being shot was knowing Bryce, Susan, and her husband Mitch would never see the outside of a prison cell. All of them had taken a plea bargain. Life in prison in exchange for testifying against Justin.
Justin had refused to plead guilty to the multiple charges against him. But there was no doubt he’d been the ringleader. He’d drummed up Bryce’s interest in Olivia by showing photographs of her to the twisted criminal. Then threw in payment if Bryce agreed to kill her. When Bryce got out of prison, he’d enlisted his cousin’s help. Susan and Mitch were in so much financial trouble, they’d agreed.
The stalking was Bryce’s way of terrorizing Olivia before he killed her. It was something he was good at. Video footage taken from Oak Gardens proved Bryce had been there frequently while wearing disguises. He’d also shown up outside of Olivia’s store and house. His disguises were professional grade and enough to prevent anyone from recognizing him.
In the end, Justin would go on trial, starting with Aaron’s murder. Eli had reopened the case and uncovered evidence that proved Olivia’s suspicions were right. Justin had bought bees online and placed them in Aaron’s shed to kill him. Probably to get an inheritance when his brother died. Unknown to him, Aaron had already poured his life savings into Olivia’s business. After that case was concluded, Justin would be tried for his involvement in the murder attempts against Olivia. A drawn-out trial wasn’t ideal, but it ensured her safety, and in the end, that was the most important thing.
Justice would be served, even if it took time.
Olivia handed him some papers, bringing Cole out of his thoughts. “Here’s a copy of your speech. If you get really nervous, focus on Eli and Sienna. They’re the ones the toast is actually for. Or, if that doesn’t work, look for me. I’ll be in the back of the room, near the dessert table.”
“Eli and Sienna. Or you. Got it.” He swallowed hard as the DJ announced his name.
Olivia kissed him. It was fleeting, but sweet. “You’ve got this.” Then she handed him a flute of sparkling cider to use for the toast.
Cole was bolstered by the confidence in her expression. He stepped onto the stage and took a deep breath. Hundreds of eyes locked on him. The anxiety roiling through his stomach threatened to kick into high gear as adrenaline coursed through him. He did as Olivia suggested and focused on Eli and Sienna.
The couple was seated at the head table. Eli’s suit was dark blue. He’d removed his cowboy hat, but still looked every inch of a country gentleman. He sat as close as possible to his beautiful bride, looking happier than Cole had ever seen him. Sienna was positively radiant. Her gown sparkled with thousands of beads, but it was the broad smile on her face that truly lit up the room, reflecting the joy and happiness in her heart.
Cole cleared his throat and introduced himself. There were many people in the room who didn’t know him, since Eli and Sienna had friends and family in attendance that lived out of state. He also explained how he knew Eli and how long they’d worked together.
Then he took a deep breath. “As many of you already know, Elijah and Sienna were engaged once before, but difficult times drove them apart. It took an arrest and a murder investigation to bring them back together. Why? Because they’re stubborn individuals who refused to admit they still loved each other.”
Elijah and Sienna both laughed, as did many of the guests. Cole waited until there was quiet again. “Admittedly, I had my doubts in the beginning about your relationship. Above all, being a good friend means protecting those you love from being hurt. Elijah ignored all my warnings. Wisely so.” Cole locked eyes with Sienna. “I’m not too proud to say I was mistaken about Sienna. She is strong and courageous and absolutely perfect for Elijah.”
Tears shimmered in Sienna’s eyes and her chin trembled. Elijah hugged her closer, sending Cole an appreciative glance for his public apology. A private one had been given long ago, and Cole had already been forgiven, but this seemed the right place to affirm that he’d been wrong.
“Your romance serves as a reminder that the best love stories are not perfect,” Cole continued. “Elijah and Sienna, you fought for your love. You embodied forgiveness and dedication. Loyalty to each other. You have helped each other through tough times and came out stronger for it.”
Out of the corner of Cole’s eye, he spotted Olivia swiping away a tear. She met his gaze, love shining from every ounce of her being. The feelings between them grew stronger with every heartbeat. They’d spent hours up late, talking. Watched movies together. Spent time with Nana and Olivia’s grandparents, as well as helping to put the finishing touches on Eli and Sienna’s wedding. They’d even gone to church together.
Olivia’s laughter brightened his day. Her gentle smile and the way she kissed him lit up his heart. Her kindness, her compassion, and her giving nature cracked open the vault inside him, releasing all the secrets he’d held close about his past. There wasn’t anything Cole couldn’t share with her. She was his safe place.
For the first time, he understood why all of his fellow rangers wanted to get married. When you had your best friend, a person who made your life better, why wouldn’t you want to spend forever with them? With Olivia, Cole had a future. One filled with happiness and love. Maybe even children, God willing.
He focused back on Sienna and Eli. They would go the distance. He could feel it. The love between them was obvious and was deep enough to last a lifetime.
“Let’s raise our glasses to a couple who embodies the essence of true love.” Cole stepped off the stage and drew closer to Elijah and Sienna, lifting his champagne flute. “May God bless you both and may your love be a guiding light for today, tomorrow, and forever. Cheers.”
Everyone raised their glasses and gave a resounding cheer. Eli and Sienna clicked glasses with Cole and then kissed. Moments later, Olivia was at his side. Her eyes were bright with happiness. “Fantastic. You brought half the room to tears, including me.”
“Well, in all fairness, you’re a softie who cries at every wedding. I don’t think that counts.”
She wagged a finger at him. “I wear my heart on my sleeve.”
“Yes, you do, and it’s another reason why I love you so much.” Cole snagged her around the waist and drew her closer. “Have I said how beautiful you look tonight?”
“Only about a dozen times.” She gave him a warning glance before her gaze darted toward the guests. “We’re in public. And I’m working.”
She had a point. Cole glanced around and spotted a small alcove. He tugged Olivia inside and then brushed her mouth with his. Her lips were soft and his heart skipped several beats as she leaned closer. Everything faded away as Cole’s entire world centered on the woman in his arms. He never wanted the kiss to end.
She pulled away with a smile on her face. “Enough now. I really have to go to work.”
“Then I’ll have to save the rest of my kisses for later.”
