Page 76 of Canyon of Deceit
SEVENTY-FIVE
ONE YEAR LATER
THERESE
Blane had often talked about returning to the Guadalupe Mountains and Dog Canyon to take photographs. He wanted to capture the light to reflect in his landscape painting.
“Aren’t you concerned you might fall again?” I’d said repeatedly.
“Nope. I don’t intend to go anywhere except on a trail. Well, maybe a little off-trail but not like we did last October.”
Receiving closure for Kate, searching for Alina, facing the ROC, the lies, betrayal, and outcome bothered me still. But I agreed to come, and I’d be watching him every step of the way. His arm had healed nicely, and through PT, he’d received full mobility.
Rurik interviewed with the FBI and gave them critical details.
Like the Baranovs, Rurik and Alina were given new identities and placed in Witness Protection.
Blane and I had talked to them about God, and they promised to seek Him.
I’d never see sweet Alina again, but she lived on in my heart.
.. like Kate. And my heart was a safe place.
Jurg Falin recovered. Bitterness kept him closemouthed, and he refused to relay where the chips were stored or his intentions in using them. He faced a lengthy prison term. No doubt he’d assist the ROC behind bars.
Daria had been sentenced to life at a maximum-security federal prison in Beaumont, Texas—United States Penitentiary. So many charges against her that she’d never see daylight. But she’d chosen her priorities.
The FBI filed charges against Hilltop Defense Distributors in Utah.
They ceased operations, and those involved faced federal charges including negligence, conspiracy, and aiding and abetting criminal activities, and those initial charges were before other federal agencies like the ATF joined in the prosecution.
During the investigation, the FBI uncovered laser-weaponry components and other arms sales with the cartels in Mexico and overseas.
Blane searched for the two teen boy angels—Gabriel and Michael. Never found them, even though the police had their last names and addresses. No such persons or addresses existed. We often laughed about it.
“You’re quiet,” Blane said as he drove along U.S. Highway 62 from Hobbs, New Mexico, to the Guadalupe Mountains.
“The last time we drove this road, I was at the steering wheel of a Jeep, and it was pitch black.”
“I remember, and you were adorable.”
I swung to him. “We were both scared and too full of ourselves to admit it.”
“We did take on the impossible.” He kissed my hand. “Look what we gained. Eternity and more.”
I grinned. “That was poetic, Agent Gardner.”
“Thank you. I do have my finer moments.”
Over the past year, he’d joined my church, a men’s Bible study, and applied for training to minister to prison inmates. “You have many fine moments.”
“Whoa. Can I hear those words again?”
“No way. Wouldn’t want you to get a swelled head. We’re spending the day in the mountains for you to take pics?”
He nodded. “I might let you see the paintings when they are done. True originals.”
I’d seen his paintings, and they were outstanding. “Honestly, they are gallery worthy.”
He lifted his chin. “I hit the jackpot.”
“We both did.”
“Okay, pretty lady, why is a guitar riding with us?”
“I bought one a couple of months ago.” I sensed myself grow warm. “I wrote you a song.” I was about to lose what courage I had. What if he didn’t like it?
—
We drove into the park with memories flowing through me, and from Blane’s silence, he experienced the same. He drove along a familiar path and parked where we’d parked months ago. We gathered our things, including my guitar, and hiked the path that held beginnings and endings, a bittersweet trail.
Blane snapped pics and adjusted his camera lenses to take near and far shots. One hour into the hike, he stopped and studied the magnificent high desert scenery surrounding us. Turning to me, he grinned. “Stunning, right?”
“Perfect,” I said.
He took my guitar case and set it beside me. “Do me a favor and close your eyes.”
I shut them tight. “What’s next?”
“Give me a moment.” A little later, he said, “You can open your eyes now.”
Blane knelt on one knee in front of me.
I gasped. Was this the real thing? Was I ready? Was I prepared to make a commitment? Did Blane love me enough for a lifetime? Thrilling excitement left me hot and cold.
“Therese Olivia Palmer, I’ve loved you since I first saw you.
You showed me the real meaning of love. You helped me find Jesus.
You risked your life for others and demonstrated courage all the way.
Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?
” He held out a small silver box with a ring designed for a queen.
I touched my mouth and stared into his warm eyes. “Oh, Blane, I love you so much.” I bent on one knee and faced him. “Yes, a million times yes.”
He kissed me like he’d never done before, a dizzyingly delicious kiss. When his lips left mine, he pointed to my guitar. “Are you ready to play for me?”
Shaking, I nodded. We eased onto the ground. “It’s a simple song. Nothing fancy.”
He kissed my cheek. “I’m waiting.”
I studied the ring on my left hand. Perfect. Absolutely perfect.
I tuned my guitar and strummed the strings. Blane gave me a kiss—for courage.
“I call this ‘Blane’s Song.’”
If you are a dream, keep me dreaming,
If you are a breath, keep me breathing,
If you are a gift, keep me giving,
If you are life, keep me living,
If you are love, keep me loving,
If you are a song, keep me singing,
If you are my heart’s journey, keep me walking.
How do I write the words rich and true?
How do I write a timeless melody?
Of how you mended my pain-filled life
And sealed my love for you.
If you are a dream, keep me dreaming,
If you are love, keep me loving,
If you are my heart’s journey, keep me walking.
Blane leaned over and kissed me. “I think it is our song and not just mine. I can’t wait to begin walking our life’s journey together. Dreaming dreams and growing our love.”
“I’m ready for us together, a lifetime of incredible love, purpose, and building a home together that honors God.”