Chapter 20

Rip was taken to the hospital so his injuries could be tended to, and this time he stayed there. He’d checked in with his boss to bring him up to date. Lela wasn’t injured, just a bit soggy and exhausted. She called Ashlee from the waiting room to recap recent events. Her friend didn’t waste any time getting to her.

The instant Ashlee arrived, Lela rushed over to give her a hug. “It’s so good to see you.”

“How are you?” Ashlee said. “And how’s Rip?”

“Once I get some rest, I’ll be fine.” Lela smiled. “And Rip is as stubborn as ever. But he agreed to stay here so the doctor could repair the stitches in his side and treat the other injuries. He’s going to be okay, though.”

She looked at her friend, who might as well have just stepped out of a fashion magazine. Ashlee wore white jeans with a cashmere sweater and leather boots. Her blond hair fell in soft waves to her shoulders, and she had glossed her lips with a sparkly pink color.

“It looks like you fared well at the safe house,” Lela said.

“I survived it,” Ashlee said. “Somehow Hunter managed to get some of my stuff from home, so I suppose I didn’t suffer.” She grinned. “And hours of cards improved my poker game. But don’t ask me to play Scrabble. I’ve had enough of that for a lifetime.”

Lela laughed. “I’m just glad you’re able to go home now.”

“I am too,” Ashlee said. “And Hunter couldn’t wait to get back to LA to see Tessa. She’s his girlfriend and he missed her a lot.”

“What about work?”

“That’s a good question,” Ashlee said. “I’m going to stay away for a few more days to see how all this plays out.”

“Same here,” Lela said. “I’m sticking close to Rip for now.”

*****

Rip was released from the hospital, but didn’t go back on duty right away. His boss told him to take a few days to recuperate, so he stayed in Houston—which made Lela happy.

Lela’s apartment was more comfortable this time. She shopped for groceries and cooked meals. And she had the luxury of looking out the windows to enjoy the view.

It was nice to have the opportunity to go out in Houston with Rip. Whether it was a stroll downtown, listening to music at a club, or a lunch of authentic tacos, Lela cherished every minute. She was lucky to have him with her, and the intimate nights together were especially memorable.

Lela was aware that Rip would have to return to Los Angeles. Each day, she hoped it wouldn’t be the last. But she didn’t bring up the subject, not wanting to spoil the time she had with him.

One day, Rip announced that he was taking her out for the evening. “Wear something fancy,” he said. “I want this to be special.”

His words touched Lela, and she said, “I want every moment we have together to be special.”

Rip drew her into his arms and kissed her. The tender touch conveyed such depth of emotion. Her heart ached for more, and for a future that might be too much to ask for.

Lela wore a slinky red dress and diamond stud earrings. She chose black leather high heels, her sexiest ones. And she managed to tame her long waves into behaving.

It seemed that Rip had been shopping. He dressed in a stretchy dress shirt that hugged his chest, paired with leather pants and new boots. He stole her heart all over again. “If you get any sexier, I won’t be able to take it.”

Rip put his palm on her cheek. “We’ll see about that.” He leaned down and gave her a passionate kiss, ruining her lipstick. She should have known better than to wear any.

Reservations were at Rainbow Lodge, one of the most romantic places in the city. It was a log cabin restaurant, right in the middle of town. Fires burned in the stone fireplaces, and the tables were set with white linens and crystal stemware.

The table by the window looked out at the citrus grove and the creek beyond. Rip ordered a good bottle of wine to share. While drinking the delicious nectar and eating crusty bread, Lela was more relaxed than she’d been in a while.

“It’s really over,” Lela said. “I keep having to remind myself that no one is chasing me.”

Rip took her hand. “You don’t have to worry anymore.”

“How about you?” Lela said. “I took you away from your life and dragged you into untold danger.”

“I was the one who came to you, remember?” Rip kissed her hand. “And although I can’t change the past, I must say that retribution is good for the soul.” He looked into her eyes. “But the most important thing is that you’re safe.” Rip squeezed her hand. “And I learned something.”

There was emotion in his expression that moved Lela deeply. She could easily fall into the depths of his brown eyes and be lost forever. “What did you learn?”

“I discovered that the heart must have an infinite capacity for love,” Rip said, and kissed her fingertips. “Because I love you, more than I thought was possible.”

Lela’s heart soared. “I love you too…so much.”

Then the most amazing thing happened. Rip reached into his jacket and withdrew a small velvet box. He opened it to reveal a shimmering diamond ring.

“Marry me, darling,” Rip said, and dropped to one knee beside her. “Please be my wife. It’s what I want most in the world.”

Lela was speechless. She’d dreamed of his proposal, but hadn’t expected it.

“Will you marry me?” Rip’s expression was filled with love, and tears blurred Lela’s eyes. “Is that a yes?”

“Yes…yes. I’m… You’ve made me so happy.”

Rip pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply. She dug her fingers into Rip’s silky hair, then grabbed a fistful of it and tugged him closer.

There was nowhere in the world Lela wanted to be but in that moment. When he released her and slipped the ring on her finger, her heart filled with joy. Life was wonderful, and she had a future to look forward to with Rip.

*****

When the authorities learned the details of what had happened, Senator Ortiz had been returned to prison. The FBI had confiscated the funds he’d hidden outside the country, and verified Lela’s account of the cartel’s attempts on her life.

One of the associates had temporarily taken over Ortiz’s law office, so Lela and Ashlee returned to work. Subsequently, the senator’s trial had resulted in his conviction for numerous criminal acts, including conspiracy to commit murder. Lela’s evidence and testimony had given the government a strong case. Ortiz would be in jail for a long time.

A law office was opened by the senior associate, and the firm continued to operate under new ownership. Lela kept her position as paralegal, supporting laws for stiffer penalties for drug dealers. She also established a volunteer organization to combat violent crime. She pursued her goal of supporting and protecting families harmed by the cartel, as well as local gangs.

Rip moved to Houston, but continued his employment with Stealth Security. Travis allowed him to work remotely, since the job could be managed by computer. The company had been growing, so another analyst had been hired to take over some of the workload.

Rip would live with Lela in the city where he’d grown up, so she could be close to her family. And Rip could see his relatives more often too. He’d missed Houston, and was happy to move back.

The wedding took place on Cinco de Mayo, and Lela’s family prepared the traditional holiday dishes for the reception. The ceremony was midmorning in the Catholic church, much to her mother’s delight. Rip had won Mariana’s heart with his Texas charm, and she welcomed him to the family with open arms.

In a pale blue chiffon dress, Ashlee was a lovely maid of honor. Travis flew in to attend the ceremony and serve as Rip’s best man. For the wedding, Lela chose an ivory satin dress adorned with lace. And the groom wore a tailored tuxedo with his black leather boots.

Rip was a heartthrob in his dressy outfit. His long hair brushed the collar of his jacket, and he wore one silver earring. The light beard he sported added sex appeal, although he didn’t need any assistance with that.

During the ceremony, Lela was unable to take her eyes off Rip. Vows were exchanged, then he slipped the ring on her finger and kissed her. He held her tight and kissed her with such passion that the congregation erupted in applause.

Glowing with joy, Lela took her husband’s arm to exit the church. A horse-drawn carriage waited to take them to her mother’s home for the reception. It would be quite a party.

There was a long list of attendees, made even longer with Lela’s aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Rip’s parents were there, along with his sister Estela, her husband and kids—plus, Axel and his wife. Lela’s brothers attended with their families. Plus, there were Rip’s motorcycle buddies, Lela’s friends, and the list went on.

Rose petals showered over Lela as she ran for the carriage, holding tightly to Rip’s hand. Ribbon streamers dragged along the road, and a Just Married sign was tied to the back. As the carriage rolled forward, church bells rang out.

Rip wrapped his arm around Lela and kissed her deeply. Then he looked into her eyes and Lela touched his hair, letting a few silky strands fall over her fingers.

“You’re beautiful,” Lela said.

Rip leaned close, and Lela’s heart swelled with love. He whispered in her ear, “Well, thank you, darlin’.” She laughed softly at his exaggerated Texas drawl. Then he put two fingers under her chin, lifting her eyes to his. “But I assure you that you’re the beautiful one.”

Lela could have argued that. Instead she leaned her head on Rip’s shoulder, glad to be alive, and truly happy. It was time to party…

If you enjoyed Grave Peril, you’ll love Lethal Peril – another full-length novel in the Stealth Security series. It’s a suspenseful story filled with romance - an all-in-one love story – no cliffhangers.

Can a Navy SEAL save her from the lethal conspiracy?

A Sneak Peek at Lethal Peril (Stealth Security Book 2)