Guarding His Children

Chapter Twenty

Brittany stood at the top of the staircase staring down into the foyer as her dad opened the front door. This evening she would see Jason for the first time since the case was wrapped up yesterday with the capture of Judd Roberts. She'd spent the day talking with her father and trying to come to terms with all her reemerging feelings concerning Jason.

Her dad shook Jason's's hand. "I'm glad you came to my house. Brittany I have talked and are trying to rebuild our relationship, but I realized for that to work, I needed to apologize for what happened a long time ago. Nothing I said has come true."

To hear her father say those words to Jason made her realize their talk earlier today had made a difference. He wasn't perfect but then neither was she. He didn't want her to be a bodyguard. He wanted her to get a safe job, although it didn't have to be anything in the medical field.

"Thank you, Dr. Kerr. These past few days have been…trying, but at least my daughters, mother and I are safe now. That is mostly due to Brittany." Jason's gaze lifted until their eyes connected across the expanse. A smile lit his face.

The expression on her dad's face wasn't disappointment but satisfaction. "You look wonderful, Brittany."

"I second that, Dr. Kerr."

She had on a simple black dress, but with both men staring at her, she felt beautiful and cherished. As she made her way down the staircase, her heart filled with love and peace. She'd finally come home, and it felt so right in that moment. As she crossed the foyer, Jason raised his hand and she fit hers within his grasp.

"Sir, you're welcome to come to the concert tonight with us."

Her father shook his head."Although I would love too, this is your night."

Brittany kissed her dad on the cheek. "Don't wait up for me."

He chuckled.

When Brittany stepped out on the porch, she waved to Keeley, Kendyl and Debhie who'd remained in the car. The grin on the there faces warmed Roxie.

Instead of going down the stairs to the sidewalk, Jason came to a stop at the top of them and shifted toward her. "How long are you going to stay in town? I know your job is finished, but I hope you'll be here for a while."

"Why?" she asked, pressing her lips together to keep from saying everything that flooded her mind since she figured out she still loved Jason.

"Because I want you to." He took her face within his hands and inched closer. "Because I've never stopped loving you  baby girl and want you in my life."

She wanted to melt against him, but she remained where she was. "Even though I was angry with you, I never really stopped loving you. I've come to realize that lately. I know you and I are different than when we were teenagers, but I want to see where this could go. I want us to be a family."

"Does that mean you're going to stay? Because I don't think I can live without you."

Laughter bubbled up inside her. "For the time being, I'm taking a very long vacation, and I'm sure Kyra will be fine with that since I haven't taken one in several years. I need time to sort out the rest of my life, but I know I want to be in yours—and the girls."

"They'll be thrilled you're staying. They have bugged me all day, asking about how much longer until we picked you up for the concert."

He wound his arms around her and brought her close against him. "I love you, Brittany Layne Kerr," he whispered right before he kissed her.