Page 35 of Danger in the Wilderness (National Park Protectors #1)

D ekker observed Blaire from across the flames crackling in the fire pit in Justin’s backyard.

She’d spent Christmas here at the ranch along with Jayla, Bryson, Hercules, Justin and Kari, as well as their precious baby boy.

Dekker had just made a fire to celebrate New Year’s Eve.

S’mores at midnight—ten minutes from now.

He had asked the others to hold off coming to the fire until one minute before midnight.

Dekker had an important question for Blaire Tremblay.

Her cornflower blue eyes sparkled in the shimmer from the fire.

Her twinkle had faded for a brief period after the dust settled from the Park Campfire Killer’s killing spree.

Losing Kolby and the remorse for the other victims had hit her hard.

She took a few weeks off to visit her sister and mother in British Columbia, claiming she needed family time.

Upon her return, she and Reed made a truce.

They welcomed a new analyst into their unit, and their team was gaining strength.

Dekker had worked with his supervisor to increase morale in their park after Manny’s trail of monstrous crimes. The park had reopened after they assured the public it was once again safe.

Frank and Erica Hoyt had remained in Clovercross Junction for another week for Frank to recover and also to spend more time with Dekker, since their camping trip had taken a horrific turn for the worse.

They had many father-and-son chats, talking through their issues.

After many hours of intense conversations and lots of tears, their previous best-friend relationship had emerged—stronger than ever.

Dekker and Blaire started dating, each making the trek to and from Whitehorse. But now it was time to take that next step.

“Where are the others?” Blaire glanced toward the ranch. “It’s almost midnight.”

Dekker pushed himself off his chair and moved closer to her. “They’re gathering our s’more-making supplies.” Half-truth.

“Yay!” She shivered and stuck her hands near the fire.

While the backyard had been blessed with a fresh blanket of snow overnight, the temperature had unseasonably warmed throughout the day, making it possible for them to have a special time outside. Plus, the fire added a snugness to the air.

“You cold?” Dekker handed her a plaid blanket from the pile on the chair next to him, wrapping it around her shoulders. “Better?”

“Thank you. I’m looking forward to s’mores at midnight. Can’t think of a better way to ring in the new year.” She nodded toward the fire. “Odd, this campfire brings peace and not anxiety after everything we went through.”

“God has a way of doing that, doesn’t He?”

“Amen.” She reached over and caressed the stubble on his chin. “Have I told you lately how much I love you? I do.”

“A few times.” He shifted in the chair, the box in his pocket poking at him as if reminding him of the real reason for the fire. “I kind of lied a few minutes ago.”

“Oh?”

“There’s a reason I asked the others to give us a few moments alone.”

He didn’t miss her raised brow in the darkness.

“I have dreamed of a love like ours for so long. I thought I had found it before, but I was so wrong.” Dekker took her hand.

“I know we’ve only been dating for a few months, but God re vealed His path for me that day when I tumbled over the cliff, and it includes you.

For the rest of my life.” He released her hand and stood, bringing out the velvet box from his pocket.

Her hands flew to her mouth, her eyes widening.

Dekker kneeled in front of her and opened the lid. “Blaire Tremblay, will you marry me?”

She jerked her hands down and squealed. “Yes!” Blaire threw her arms around his neck then drew back, holding out her left hand.

He removed the ring and placed it on her finger.

“Yay!” Clapping exploded behind them. Jayla waddled forward, holding her eight-month belly. “Finally!”

Hercules barked and bounded toward them, followed by Bryson, Justin and Kari. Their baby boy was fast asleep in his room with a ranch hand watching over him. Time for the group to ring in the new year. Out with the tough year and in with a new one full of promises.

Justin set the s’more-making supplies on a nearby table. “Congratulations. Now, let’s get this party started.” He checked his watch. “It’s time.”

Dekker pulled Blaire to her feet.

Justin raised his finger. “Let’s do this together. Ten…”

The group shouted their countdown.

“Happy New Year, my love.” Dekker kissed his fiancée.

Sparks shot into the air and crackled, as if the fire knew the moment required fireworks.

The group chuckled.

Dekker smiled at God’s timing, which confirmed to Dekker what God had been teaching him.

He was in every detail of their lives, and for that, Dekker was thankful.

* * * * *