Redemption

The following morning, Detective James appeared at her doorstep.

"Tina, I've been looking for you," he said, his eyes locking onto hers with smiling eyes,

Tina's Heart was shaken

Detective James's smile lit up the evening shadows.

"Tina, I've been looking for you," he said,  again his eyes crinkling.

Tina's heart skipped a beat.

The flutter in her chest echoed memories of Alex's proposal.

But this felt different.

James's gaze held warmth and sincerity.

"Tina?" James prompted, as he lacked words for that few seconds

Tina's cheeks flushed.

"Come in," she invited.

As James stepped inside, Tina's senses awakened.

The scent of his cologne.

The strength in his shoulders, he looked different today "

The kindness in his eyes.

They stood inches apart.

Tina's pulse quickened.

James's voice dropped to a whisper.

"Tina, from the moment I met you, I knew you were special."

His words wrapped around her heart.

Tina's lips parted.

James's eyes locked onto hers.

"I want to help you heal," he said.

Tina's defenses crumbled.

No one had looked at her like that in years.

No one had touched her soul like James.

His fingers brushed hers.

Electricity sparked.

Tina's eyes fluttered closed.

James's lips grazed hers.

Soft.

Gentle.

Exploratory.

Tina's heart soared.

She felt alive.

For the first time in years.

As they deepened the kiss.

Tina knew.

She'd found

love again.

In James's arms.

Tragedy faded.

Hope rekindled.

Their lips parted.

James smiled.

"Tina?"

"Yes?" she whispered.

"I love you," James declared, " I love you too," she said whispering

Tina's heart overflowed.

Months went by as Tina and Detective James were in a relationship soon after James proposed; she couldn't help but remember when Alex proposed to her.

Tina and Detective James got married, finding love amidst tragedy.

Years later, news arrived: Dr. Martin was killed in prison by a victim's son.

Tina smiled, knowing justice had been served.

The end