Page 26 of Whisper Through the Pines

“I’m staying at the Cattleman’s Hotel and asked at the desk.” Jennifer beamed at him and slipped her arm through his. “Everyone knows you, Johnny.”

Wincing, Raven stepped away to look at her. “It’s Raven. I dropped the Johnny when I joined the military.” He indicated to Jenna, who had turned to look at him with raised eyebrows. “The thing is, Jennifer, I can’t talk now. I’m working and we have a situation.”

“Oh.” Jennifer pouted. “Then will you come and see me at the Cattleman’s? I’m in room fourteen—it will be like old times.”

Raven shrugged. “I can’t promise. We have many cases on the go at once at the moment and work long hours. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m needed elsewhere.”

“Oh, I see.” Jennifer frowned. “So, you’re not a doctor?”

Trying to usher her toward the door, Raven sighed. “Yeah, I’m a doctor and a deputy. My boss is just over there. You don’t want her to fire me, do you? I’ll call you later, okay?”

“I guess so.” Jennifer smiled. “I can change my plans and stay for a time if you want? Maybe we can talk about that later?”

Raven opened the door for her and a blast of bitter wind rushed inside. “It was nice to see you.” He closed the door as she slipped through and he hurried back to the counter. “I’m sorry about that, Jenna.”

“It’s okay. I can handle the situation here.” Jenna’s eyes drifted to Emily, still frozen on the stairs. “It’s none of my business but maybe you should go and talk to Emily?” She glanced back at the child. “Can you leave Ben?”

Raven’s face grew hot. “Sure.” He lowered his voice to just above a whisper. “Does she look mad?”

“Oh, yeah.” Jenna smiled at him. “Good luck.”

Turning away slowly, Raven could hear Emily’s boots heading up the stairs. He hurried after her, stopping her before she reached the conference room. “Hey.”

“It’s none of my business.” Emily waved her arms. “We’re not engaged or anything.”

Taken aback, Raven stared at her expression—not mad, hurt. He reached out slowly and gently touched her cheek. “Hey, Em, if I’d wanted her, I wouldn’t be here. I haven’t seen her for years. I’ve never given her a thought. She was just one of the crowd I hung with during my medical studies, is all. I don’t even know if she’s married. I don’t know anything about her at all.”

“She seemed to know you intimately.” Emily’s gray eyes were stormy like the weather. “Are you going to call her or go to room fourteen?”

Raven weighed up his response. He loved Emily and would do nothing to spoil their relationship. “I’ll call her later because I said I would, but I’ll make it clear I have someone in my life. You never need to worry about me being unfaithful, Em. I’m yours forever if you’ll have me.”

“Forever?” Emily moved closer. “You want me forever?”

Nodding, Raven pulled her close. “Marry me. I know this isn’t a fancy date and I don’t have a ring, but I love you. Maybe I just needed someone like Jennifer to show me I’ve waited long enough to ask you.”

“Yes.” Emily hugged him. “Yes, yes, yes. Can we have a short engagement?”

Raven smiled down at her. “Whatever your heart desires.”

“Woo-hoo!” Kane and Rowley stood in the conference room doorway grinning like baboons.

“Congratulations!” Rowley came out and shook Raven’s hand.

“About time.” Kane hugged Emily and then slapped Raven on the back.

Mind spinning, Raven gathered himself and smiled at Emily. “I guess we’d better get back to work?”

“I’ll call my dad and tell him.” Emily went inside the conference room, pulling out her phone, and then turned to look at them. “It went to voicemail.”

Stomach dropping, Raven glanced at Kane. “Oh darn, I didn’t ask for his blessing.”

“Don’t worry.” Kane punched him lightly on the arm. “He likes you. It’s all good.”

Clearing his throat, he followed Kane into the conference room. “I sure hope so.”

Twenty-Six

Rowley sat alongside Rio as Emily loaded images onto the big screen. He swallowed hard, not ready for the gruesome neck injuries received by the Axman’s victims. Behind him, the door closed as Jenna came inside and took her seat.