Izabelle

Praying with Hunter was one of the most intimate experiences I'd ever had with anyone. More powerful than any words or touch.

I'd always thought emotions—love, or sex was what connected two people and brought them closer together, but I was wrong. God showed me that, and he used Hunter to help.

We thanked the Lord, put in our requests, and listened. I'm not even sure how long it lasted, but when it was over I felt the emptiness inside me filled with what I knew must be the Holy Spirit.

Hunter felt it too. I saw it in his eyes.

The only time he left me last night was when he went to fetch a pillow and blanket, which he spread on the floor of Lucy's room. I told him he didn't have to stay, but he insisted he wouldn't leave me.

When I awoke in the morning, he was still on the floor. I drank in the sight of him, resting peacefully in sleep. He looked younger, vulnerable, and so very handsome.

Easing from the bed, I tiptoed into the bathroom to brush my teeth and wash my face. I changed into one of Lucy's dresses and went into the kitchen to make coffee and breakfast. It was the least I could do for him.

I was pulling cinnamon rolls from the oven when I saw him with his shoulder propped against the doorframe. "Something smells like heaven."

Turning my breath caught at the sight of Hunter dressed in dark slacks, a peacock blue shirt with a tie, and a coat slung over his shoulder. "It's the least I could do. You've given me so much."

Closing the distance between us, he put his arm around my shoulders and my cheek pressed against his chest. He smelled incredible, like soap and aftershave and man. "We've given each other so much," he corrected.

"Right," I drawled. "I've given you trouble and embarrassment. You've saved my life. It's not the same."

"Izzy."

"I'm joking. Mostly. It makes me happy to bake for you, and I like hearing you say my name."

"Thank you." Stepping back, he smiled and my insides turned to mush.

I glanced down at Lucy's simple dress, then at Hunter. "Am I underdressed? I've never been to court before."

Something flickered in Hunter's eyes. "You look beautiful."

"I was hoping for sober, responsible, and honest."

"The judge will see all those things. God is on our side."

"Hunter, I lo—" I stopped the confession, not wanting things weird this morning. "I Iook ok then?" It was obvious from his expression he knew what I'd really been about to say.

"Izabelle." My name was a rough, tender whisper, wrought with emotion.

My lower belly fluttered. "Hunter?"

He waited until our gazes locked. "I've always loved you. I fought it, at first because you were too young. Because I was too old. Other reasons. I'm tired of fighting. I know it's God pulling us together."

"He really is, isn't he?" My eyes went misty. "I love you, Hunter Donovan. I have since that first night. If things don't go well for me today, I want you to find—"

"Do not finish that sentence," he ordered, his warm, gentle hands cupping my face. "I love you. I want to marry you, Izabelle."

"Yes! But not until—"

"Have faith." He lowered his forehead to mine. "I know this is probably the worst proposal in history, but I want you to know my intentions."

"Oh, my gosh, I love you so much." My heart filled with so much love I thought it would burst. He held me against his chest as if I was precious to him.

When he pulled back, he traced his thumb over my lips creating a shimmer of sensations. "You're coming home today." Brushing his mouth over mine, in the sweetest kiss he fulfilled all my dreams.

God was good.

***

I sat on the hard wooden bench waiting to enter the courtroom. Hunter was still holding my hand, and his smile held an easy confidence that said he expected me to come home today.

For his sake, I pretended I wasn't scared to death. My faith in God was unwavering, but I wondered if maybe the Lord wasn't done testing me.

"Don't worry. This is just a formality."

I glanced over at Hunter's friend, my lawyer. His name was Brady Coulter, and he seemed like a nice guy. "You really think so?"

"Absolutely, you never should have been charged. There's no evidence, and this is going to seem like a joke if the prosecution tries to go forward with this nonsense. I'm guessing the only reason we're here is your ex-boyfriend has friends in high places. Don't worry this will be over soon."

Hunter gave me a reassuring look and squeezed my hand.

"What if Scott testifies that I didn't pay him the full amount for the car?"

"This isn't a trial," Brady explained patiently. "Even if that's true it doesn't make this a criminal matter. Your ex can still take you to civil court, and sue for any money he thinks you owe him, but you're not going to be tried."

Hunter never let go of my hand while Brady explained what was going to happen inside the courtroom. Kyle and Lucy showed up, and so did Katie and Jase. I was surrounded by people who loved me. Lots of hugs and words of support.

Even Ava and her family came. It took a lot of prayers to keep the bitterness from my heart. Whatever she'd done, Ava's family had been good to Kyle and me. She deserved my forgiveness.

Since we hadn't told anyone about us, I made an effort not to touch Hunter with everyone present. I didn't want to upset Lucy before we'd had the chance to talk. It occurred to me this situation was a lot like her waiting to tell me about Kyle.

"All rise for the Honorable Judge Andrew Presley," the bailiff announced.

I stood, went through the motions, and tried to stay calm.

Like Hunter and Brady predicted, the case was dismissed.

Tears of relief filled my eyes. Brady hugged me first. Then Kyle was at my side, and I saw his damp cheeks. "Thank God," he whispered, pulling me into a hug. "

I held on to my little brother. "Yes. Thank God."

"You scared me. Don't do it again."

Lucy hugged me next, and then Katie. I saw Hunter watching, and I wanted to go to him, but I wasn't sure how he'd feel about me outing us.

"Izabelle! We're so glad you're alright," Ava's mom cried, wrapping her arms around me. Mr. Foster joined the group hug. "We love you, kiddo."

I told them I loved them too and thanked them for coming. They invited us to party at their house. I got the feeling Ava wasn't thrilled with their friendliness towards me, and I knew it was because she still resented that Kyle and Lucy were together.

Everything had worked out. I was going home. Hunter had asked me to marry him. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you.

I stopped suddenly and thought. Would I be thanking Jesus if I'd ended up in jail?

Honestly, I'd have been terrified. I remembered something in the Bible about being grateful or thankful in all circumstances. If my situation hadn't gone my way, I knew with certainty I would have turned to God.

That was my last thought before my gaze found Scott's. I shivered at the hatred in his eyes. His girlfriend's icy stare was also a little unnerving. Why did she hate me when she had him? It made no sense. Deana held on to his arm like she'd never let go.

Something seemed wrong, but I couldn't pinpoint exactly what was bothering me. I was grateful for my blessings, and yet...I had a strange feeling this wasn't over.

I'd always had to fight to keep the ground steady beneath me, but this time it fell into place easily. Too easily. I feared I hadn't heard the last from Scott.

***

Hunter

Izabelle waited until the crowd cleared before she rushed into his arms. He wanted to haul her into his arms as soon as the judge dismissed the case, but he understood she was trying to be considerate and not shock their family and friends.

As much as he appreciated her thoughtfulness, he'd set her straight on the matter. They were not keeping their relationship a secret. From the looks Lucy and Kyle had been giving them, he was sure they already knew, and when he'd hugged his daughter, she'd told him to, 'Take care of Izabelle.'

That's exactly what he intended to do.

Dropping a kiss into her silky hair, he breathed in deeply. She smelled like strawberries.

"Oh, Hunter." He felt her lips move against his chest.

"You're safe. I told you God would work it out."

She lifted her head, staring up at him. "You were right. Your faith was unshakable. Mine needs work, but I'll get there. I was afraid."

"If you think I wasn't, you're wrong. I trusted God, but I wasn't sure of His plan."

"I get it. Be joyful in all circumstances no matter your feelings. Seek the Lord."

"We're meeting Lucy and Kyle at the restaurant. Katie and her boyfriend too. What's his name?"

Izabelle laughed. "Jase, but he's not her boyfriend. He's Kyle's friend. They were in the service together." She suddenly patted her dress. "I left my phone inside."

"I'll get it," he said, seeing his daughter walk up. "Stay and talk to Lucy."

"Thank you."

"No problem." He pressed a kiss to her forehead and if there was any doubt in Lucy's mind about him and Izabelle it was crushed then. His beautiful daughter, who looked so much like her mother, gave him a knowing smile.

Jogging up the steps, he hurried back into the building and saw her phone lying on the bench where they'd waited outside the courtroom. He picked it up, turned, and stopped short at the woman standing in front of him, staring like she knew him.

He recognized her as the woman with Izabelle's ex-boyfriend. They stood there a moment, and he'd expected her to move but she stared at him with the strangest look in her dark eyes.

Her skin was pale and she was nervously wringing her hands together. A couple of times she glanced back like she was afraid. Hunter had a bad feeling in his gut. Was the boyfriend hurting her?

"Can I help you?" he asked after it was clear she wasn't going anywhere.

For a moment he thought she wouldn't answer. Her expression was stricken like she was about to make a deal with the devil. "Yes. You're Hunter Donovan. Police Captain?"

"That's right." He was shocked to realize she was afraid of him. "Is there something I can do for you, ma'am?"

"You have to stop this before someone gets hurt," she hissed, her eyes filled with terror.

He tried to recall her name, but he wasn't sure Izzy had ever said it. "If Scott's hurting you, I can help." He was careful to keep his voice low and calm. "Tell me what he's doing to you."

She looked shocked. "Scott?"

"That's what this is about, isn't it?"

"No!" she cried, brokenly. "N-not Scott. It's her!"

He blinked, unease weaving through him. "I'm not following."

"She got off! You're happy about it, but you don't know what you've unleashed!

His gut clenched. "Who?"

"Izabelle!" The woman's eyes were wild. "Somethings wrong with her! She won't stop until she kills someone!" She lunged for him, grabbing his arms. "You have to stop her before it's too late!"

It ended as suddenly as it started. Like she was shocked at what she'd done, the woman let out a tortured cry and ran off.

Hunter stared after her.