Page 96 of Valor

Not that long ago, he was happy to be alone with his dog. Now he wanted Heather at his side forever. He wanted his father to stay sober and come with him to church. His mother, a woman he never thought he’d meet, would get to know him soon. He just prayed he’d get to speak to her before she died.

“I’ve had enough of hospitals. Let’s go home,” Heather said into his chest.

He finger-combed her hair. “I can’t think of a better thing right now. I love you, Heather.” It wasn’t a tentative thought anymore. It was absolute.

“I do too.” She grinned up at him. “And now we’ll both have family we never thought we’d have again.”

EPILOGUE

Heather watchedAllen as the mayor awarded him for his service. Dad sat on her left and Allen’s parents to her right. His mother was still facing a major cancer hurdle, but she now had Allen and Randy to support her.

After a long conversation, Dad had apologized for clouding Heather’s thinking about Allen. Dad had been sure that once Allen was made sheriff, Gwenn’s story would be completely covered up. He’d thought Randy had murdered her. While his opposition to Allen was justified, knowing that, she was thankful it was false.

Oliver had been apologetic about what had happened. She’d known all along that he hadn’t understood the extent of his son’s and nephew’s plan. He’d even hired Randy to install new garage doors, since Randy now had a new handyman business.

She and Allen had spent the last few months getting to know each other better. She’d moved out of the house with her dad, into a new apartment above her studio. While she loved taking scenic photos, she was trying her hand at painting and portraits. She’d found joy in being different from her father.

Allen strode toward her and took the seat saved next to Heather. He took her hand in his and squeezed it gently. Leaning over he whispered, “Fifty-six more days.”

She blushed and held in a laugh. He’d been counting down the days to their wedding since he’d proposed. That had been the most backward thing of all. He’d proposed before they’d had their first date. In fact, they’d had their first date as a couple the day after she’d said yes.

His schedule was grueling, and people needed him at all hours of the day and night. Her schedule was much more open, allowing her to be there when he had time. He had her watch Jasper on days when he worked late. She almost believed him when he said the dog wasn’t babysitting her. His concern meant he cared about her and her safety.

“I can’t wait,” she whispered in return.

He dug in his jacket pocket and drew out a small box with a green bow on the top. “A little pre-Christmas present.” He grinned.

She wiggled the lid off the beautifully wrapped box and gasped at the necklace inside. It was a Black Hills Gold heart pendant with a stunning amethyst connecting the two points of the heart with the customary leaves behind the stone.

“Oh, wow!” Gwenn said. “Allen, that’s lovely.” She laid a boney hand on her son’s arm.

“It really is. Thank you.” She leaned forward and kissed his lips.

While their lives weren’t perfect—Gwenn was still sick, and Randy still had to work to remain sober—she was so thankful to have all of them in her life now. Dad was much more at peace too, now that he knew the truth.

“Come with me?” Allen stood and held out his hand.

She followed him to a nearby hallway in the City Hall building. “Allen, is something wrong?” She hadn’t ever asked him about the case that brought them together. She would be happy the rest of her life thinking they were all locked away. If that wasn’t true, she’d be frightened and that was no way to live.

“I found out from Officer Grady that Eric, Aaron, and Micha were all charged on multiple counts. None of them will see the outside of a prison cell for a long time. The Goddard brothers also took possession of their parents’ land and found there was no rose quartz there. At least, not enough to make a business.”

Her chest tightened. “They did it all for nothing.” Five people had died, and they’d gone through so much pain. All for nothing.

“I’m not glad they did it. I am glad I got the opportunity to change your mind about me. I’m glad the truth came out. My mother is now in my life because of their greed. It doesn’t make up for the loss, but it helps me if I look at the good that came from it and not only the bad.” He brushed his thumb down her cheek.

She looked up into his eyes and saw the total love there. “You’re right. I’m glad justice is being served, but only God could take something so ugly and squeeze love from it.” She wrapped her arms around him.

He kissed the top of her head. “Only God can.”