It took me awhile to recover from Grayson’s love letter. I reread it numerous times, of course, until I had it basically memorized. My beloved caveman, who communicated through mostly touch and grunts, had written the most poetic document I had ever read.

I knew this was a letter I would treasure for the rest of my life. I would show it to my children and to my grandchildren. I hoped those were children I would have with Grayson.

Because here’s the thing. I was in love with Grayson, and there was no going back from that. I would just have to pray every day that he was kept safe for me, and trust that our love was worth it.

Grayson was worth any heartache that came my way.

I looked at the list Grayson had made for me and started laughing. I looked at the wall where my Manlist was hanging. What a joke. My questions were lame and ridiculous compared to the feelings I had found with Grayson. No list of interview questions would ever produce true love.

I rummaged around for my Sharpie, and I pulled the Manlist down from the wall. I wrote across the Manlist in big, bold letters “I love Grayson Jackson.” Then I retrieved my dad’s badge, and I put it on my bed with the Manlist and Grayson’s love letter.

I was going to get my man back.

But first, I needed a shower. I knew without looking that my face was red and swollen from all my crying. I hadn’t bothered with makeup or done my hair since we broke up. Time to get myself together, because I wasn’t reclaiming Grayson while l looked this bad. He might not care, but I did.

I cleaned up and started looking for Grayson. It was still early. His shift ended less than an hour ago, so it was possible he was still at the police station doing paperwork. I drove straight there.

I spotted Grayson walking out of the police station, looking exhausted. His shoulders slumped, and he looked at the ground as he walked towards his car. My heart went out to him.

I got out of my truck and approached him. “Grayson.”

His head snapped up, but he said nothing, his gray eyes watching me.

“If you still want me...” I trailed off, unsure of what to say. He had written me such a beautiful love letter, but I couldn’t think of anything to sum up my feelings for him.

So I simply held up my Manlist, now defaced to show how much I loved him.

Puzzled, he stared at my handiwork. A slow grin spread across his face. Still, he said nothing, just held his arms open wide for me.

I ran to him, and he caught me in mid-leap and swung me around. Laughing, I pressed my face in his neck.

“I love you, Lucy Bennett!” Grayson yelled these wonderful words out into the parking lot.

I heard clapping, and I looked up. Grayson’s fellow officers, just ending their shifts or about to start the next shift, were assembled. They cheered and wolf whistled as Grayson hugged me to his body.

I waved at the crowd, shy but happy. Grayson hustled me off to his car, and I left my truck parked where it was. After all, where could it be safer than behind the Peacock, Mississippi police station, even if it was unlocked?

Grayson drove to the duck pond. “We need to talk.”

Scared, I stared at him. He came around the car and helped me out. We went and sat on the big, flat rock where we had already made so many memories together.

“Do you want me to quit being a police officer, Lucy? Because I wasn’t kidding. I will do that if you need me to.” Grayson looked at me and took both of my hands in his. I saw his sincerity.

Touched, I shook my head. “No. I would never ask you to do that.”

“Okay, I know you aren’t asking, but do you need me to quit? I need to know the truth. It would break my heart if you were miserable worrying about me all the time.” He squeezed my hands in his.

“No, I don’t want you to quit. I know I will worry, but you will be there to help me with my anxiety. It’s going to be okay.” I smiled at him. “I have a present for you.”

“Another present? Because I fucking love the new and improved Manlist. I’m hanging it up over our bed when we get home.” He laughed.

I shoved his shoulder. “Better than that.”

“Gimme. Grayson wants.” He held out a hand in demand.

“My caveman.” I stroked his face, and then I reached into my pocket and pulled out my most prized possession.

Grayson stared at the shiny badge in my open palm. “Is that what I think it is?”

“Yep. It’s my dad’s badge. I want you to have it.” I teared up. “I would like for you to wear it on the job if Chief Kane approves. That way I know the two most important men in my life are linked together, and maybe my dad will be watching over you while you are on patrol.”

Grayson took the badge from me and turned it over in his hand. His eyes were wet. And you are very good at law enforcement.” I sighed. “I know it is dangerous at times, but I also know you are smart and strong. The Peacock Police Department and the citizens of this town are lucky to have you.”

Grayson clutched the badge in his hand. “We are going to be okay.”

“Yes. We are going to be okay.” I sniffed, and he wiped a stray tear from my face.

We were going to be better than okay.