15

Amber took a deep breath as she and Jackson walked into the police station just before nine. Church bells had rung across the frosty town calling people to the early morning service. She’d really wanted to attend her own church with her new husband, but she didn’t think it would happen.

Last night seemed like a dream. She had married Jackson and then spent the night in his arms. Even once he fell asleep, she hadn’t. She’d lain there, listening to him snore, watching the rise and fall of his chest, trying to commit every moment to memory. Just in case their first night together was their last.

The desk sergeant looked at them. “Can I help you?”

“I’m here to see DI Holmes,” she said. “He’s expecting me.”

“Your name?”

“Amber Nev…Parker. Amber Parker.”

“Take a seat. I’ll let him know you’re here.”

“Thanks.” Amber gripped Jackson’s hand tightly and walked over to the side. The plastic chairs creaked as the two of them sat down. “I feel as if I’m about to be executed,” she whispered.

“You and me both, darlin’.”

After a minute, the door opened. Nate came into the room. “Good morning. Amber, could you come this way.”

She stood, Jackson standing with her.

“I’m afraid you’ll have to stay here, Jackson,” Nate said.

“But he’s my husband,” Amber protested.

Jackson pulled her into his arms kissed her soundly, making her blush. “It’s fine. I’ll wait and if you’re not back in an hour I’ll find you.”

Amber nodded, swallowing hard as Nate led her behind the desk.

“Husband?” he asked.

“Jackson got a special license. Pastor Jack married us last night. Very late last night by the time we’d found a babysitter so that Jared and Niamh could be our witnesses. Jackson didn’t want me to be alone anymore.”

“Congratulations.”

“Thank you.” Amber nodded, not saying another word as they walked up the stairs and down the hallway to Nate’s office.

Nate opened the door. “Go on in.”

DCI Fraser stood as she entered the room. The door echoed shut behind her.

****

Jackson twisted the ring on his finger as he sat and waited. They’d found a jeweler open in the supermarket on their way to see Pastor Jack and had bought matching wedding rings. He’d have just used the engagement ring if needed, but actually having proper rings made it more official.

Last night had been different. And it wasn’t purely the ring on his left hand that made it different either. With Amber, with his wife, within the confines of marriage it was more than sex, it was a connection of souls and far more fulfilling and satisfying than he could ever have imagined.

Finally the door opened and Amber came out. She said something to Nate and then crossed over to him. “Hi. You’re still here.”

“Of course I am.” He wrapped his arms around her. “How’d it go? What did they say?”

“They’ve dropped all the charges,” she said. Relief was etched on her face. “I have to testify at the trial, although the evidence should be enough to convict him without a trial. That’s up to the Canadian courts.”

Jackson hugged her. “I’m so pleased, honey.”

“Me, too.” She glanced at the clock. “We missed the beginning of the service.”

He grinned. “So we’ll sneak in the back. No one will notice. And I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than going to church, except going to church with my wife.”

Amber grinned. “I like the sound of that. After all, you and I are here now is a God-thing, right?”

Jackson nodded, kissing her. “So then, let’s go to church and thank Him for all that’s been and all that’s to come.”