Cops’ orders blended into a haze of discordant sounds as time slowed. The muzzle stopped moving and centered on his head.

Sarah gave a terrified cry and kicked out. Her shoe connected with McClain’s forearm and the weapon lifted, fired, then fell to the ground.

She drew back a fist and landed it square in the man’s nose. He cried out, blood spurted, and then he was facedown on the ground, officers cuffing his wrists behind him. Hands pulled her away. The next few moments were a blur, but Sarah soon found herself sitting in the back of an ambulance wrapped in a blanket with Gavin next to her. As soon as the paramedic turned his attention to McClain, Gavin said, “I’m glad you don’t follow orders well or I’d be dead.”

“You’re welcome.”

“So, you don’t hate me?”

“What for? Not telling me my father hired you to babysit me?”

He grimaced. “It wasn’t babysitting, I assure you.”

“No, I don’t hate you. I’m not happy he did it, but I think I’m coming to understand him a bit. And honestly, when we were falling through the sky, it was the least of my worries. So . . . I’m not going to worry about it now.”

He dropped his chin to his chest. “Thank God. I can’t tell you how that’s weighed on me.”

“I realized something else.”

“What?”

“I’ve been angry and rebellious for a very long time and I’m tired of it.” She shrugged. “It’s not very productive and has caused me to give up the peace God’s promised me.”

“Sounds like you can be wise when you want to.”

She laughed. “Wise might be stretching it, but I’m learning. And growing.”

He wrapped an arm around her. “I think you’re pretty amazing.”

“You said something while we were hovering above the earth.”

“I meant it too. I love you, Sarah. I’ve loved you for a long—”

Tears filled her eyes and spilled over onto her cheeks. “Oh no,” she whispered.

“What?” He frowned. “Sarah? What is it?”