The Christmas lights twinkled on the tree branches in the dimly lit room. Cassidy sat on the couch with Melanie and Jason’s new baby girl snuggled in her arms. Her heart exploded with happiness. Life couldn’t get much better than this.
The living room remained quiet, but raucous laughter and shenanigans happened not far away in the kitchen and family room at the back of the house.
Kyle leaned in and brushed a hand over the top of the baby’s head. “She’s beautiful.”
Cassidy ran the back of her fingers down the newborn’s cheek. The softness turned her insides to jelly. Maybe someday she’d have one of her own. Cassidy released a contented sigh. “I love her name.”
“Me too. Noelle is perfect.”
“She’s our own little Christmas and all the hope that comes with it.” Kyle stretched his arm across the back of the couch.
A week had passed, and Cassidy spent every day with Kyle. Their relationship had grown in the short time, but they both agreed to take it slow. She knew he needed time and was willing to give it to him.
“This is quite the date.”
He chuckled. “I promised you a wild New Year’s Eve five-year-old style.”
“That you did. Dennis and Charlotte’s girls are a riot. And the dogs... I don’t know how they do it.”
“With a lot of patience and love.” Dennis’s soft voice came from behind.
Cassidy leaned her head back and watched him move to the recliner. “Dennis, you are the most chill man I’ve ever met.”
Kyle snorted.
Dennis pinned him with a playful glare. “Keep it to yourself, Howard.”
She loved being around this group of friends.
“Are you ever going to share?” Dennis gestured to Noelle.
“Maybe.” She smiled but didn’t move to hand off the baby.
“That’s what I thought.” Dennis raised an eyebrow asking her a silent question.
She shook her head.
Kyle’s gaze drifted between them. “What are you two up to?”
Excitement flowed through her, yet she hesitated. With their relationship so new, how would he react to her news? Dennis assured her that everything would be fine. But would it?
Cassidy inhaled. She could do this. “Remember when you asked me what I’d do if I had a choice?”
Kyle nodded. “I know you’re tired of following your dad’s demands and climbing the ranks. But you’ve never spoken of what you really wanted.”
She jutted her chin toward Dennis. “That man over there forced me to take a hard look at my future. Honestly, I think he was worried about you and wanted to know my intentions, but I’ll let him off the hook for that.”
Dennis chuckled. “You’re rather perceptive, Detective. But I do care about you too. You’re one of us now.”
“You can say that again.” She rolled her eyes. If she didn’t get on with it, the sheriff would blow her announcement before she could spit it out.
Kyle shifted to look at her. “You two are keeping secrets, aren’t you?”
She nodded. Might as well get on with it. “I met with Charlotte. And by the way, it must be nice having a resident marriage and family therapist in the group. Anyway, we talked. I realized my father’s wishes dictated most of my life choices.” More like demands. God had more work to do to help her move beyond the bitterness she’d suppressed. But she’d made progress. “The only thing I stood up for was a career in law enforcement instead of the military. I appreciate all those who choose to serve their country, but I knew it wasn’t for me. That said, Charlotte and I discussed my options.”
“What did you decide?” No worry laced Kyle’s words. Only sincere interest rang from his question.
Noelle squirmed, and Cassidy gently jiggled the baby in her arms until she settled.
Cassidy’s gaze met Kyle’s. “I want to be a detective, but I also want something a little calmer than drug raids and high-stress SWAT-type situations on a daily basis.”
“That sounds reasonable. ACSD has had a few crazy cases lately, but our day-to-day isn’t as stressful as yours.”
“That’s what he said.” She gestured to Dennis. “After your sheriff accidently overheard Charlotte and my conversation, he and I talked.” Here went nothing. God, if I’m wrong about this, stop me now. “He offered me a job with the Anderson County Sheriff’s Department.”
Kyle’s jaw dropped. “But how will...? Can we...us...? This is what you want?”
She lifted baby Noelle to her shoulder and shifted to place her hand on Kyle’s arm. “Relax, Kyle. We’re good. We can still date. I made sure of that. And yes, this is what I want. I’ll be working in the cold case unit.”
His brows pinched together. “We don’t have a cold case unit.”
“We do now.” Dennis leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees. “You guys pull files and work on them when you can, but can’t give your undivided attention to them. After a few of our recent cases, I decided to create the position. With Cassidy’s experience and tenacity, she’ll be a great addition to the department. And you two can continue dating without worry. Not that I would have stopped you, but this is less complicated.”
The stunned expression on Kyle’s face worried her. Should she have consulted him before taking the job? No. This was what she wanted, no matter what happened between them. For the first time in her life, she looked forward to her future. She prayed it included him.
“Kyle, say something.” Cassidy squeezed his arm.
His lips covered hers in a move so quick it surprised her. But only for a second. She slid her free hand behind his head and deepened the kiss.
Dennis cleared his throat.
She pulled away. Her fingers touching her freshly kissed lips, heat crept up her neck and into her cheeks. “Oops.”
“Don’t worry. He’s just jealous it wasn’t him and Charlotte.” Kyle smiled.
Her new boss chuckled. “True. Now, if you’ll excuse me, it’s almost midnight, and I want to kiss my wife.” Dennis ambled off to find Charlotte.
“I take it you’re okay with me working at ACSD.”
“More than. I’m happy you’re making decisions based on what you want.”
“It’s rather freeing.”
The New Year countdown could be heard from the back of the house.
“Are you ready for the new year?” She met his gaze.
Kyle brushed the back of his hand down her cheek. “As long as it includes you.”
“Three...two...one!” Laughter and noise makers filtered in from the other room.
Kyle pulled her into a kiss she’d never forget for the rest of her life.
A kiss of hope and new beginnings.
If you enjoyed this story by Sami A. Abrams, pick up the previous books in her Deputies of Anderson County miniseries:
Buried Cold Case Secrets
Twin Murder Mix-up
Detecting Secrets
Available now from Love Inspired Suspense!
Keep reading for an excerpt from Marked to Die by Kathleen Tailer.