Page 16

EPILOGUE

T hree weeks later . . .

Jessica stifled a yawn as she and Teddy headed outside her three-bedroom cabin. She trudged toward the main ranch house, the warm April breeze washing over her. Spring had finally sprung in this part of the state, and she welcomed it with open arms.

Although she could really use some coffee. Anna, the Sullivans’ housekeeper, had insisted she attend breakfast with the rest of the family this morning. Jess wasn’t sure why since the only day they usually had breakfast together was on Sundays.

Today was Saturday. But since she’d been interviewed by several police agencies, the DEA, the FBI, and even the Cody police chief, she suspected there were still pieces of the puzzle yet to learn. Maybe Doug wanted to give the family an update.

Logan had stayed with them over the weekend after they’d returned from the campground but then had insisted on heading back home. They’d spent as much time together as possible; she and Teddy had tagged along when he’d hiked back out to retrieve his plane. She’d been thrilled that the tail fin they’d found was still with the damaged aircraft. Logan had repaired the plane, then flown her and Teddy back home.

She’d asked Doug to send the plane piece for testing to determine its age and if there was a way to tie it to the one that had crashed with her parents on board. He’d promised to do so, but she knew he was busy tying up the investigation to the massive drug ring they’d busted up.

All thanks to Logan. And Teddy. She smiled as Teddy ran ahead, making circles, grabbing random sticks and darting around like a puppy.

Hearing a plane engine, she stopped and looked up. Then she smiled when she recognized Logan’s plane coming in for a landing.

“Come, Teddy!” Her earlier exhaustion vanished as she broke into a run to meet him. “Logan!” She lifted her arm to wave at him.

After landing the plane, he tore off his helmet, jumped down to the ground, then ran toward her. He swept her into his arms as Teddy barked and jumped on them, eager to participate in the reunion.

Logan kissed her long and deep, then broke off to lavish the dog with attention. “Hey, Teddy. Are you happy to see me too?”

“What are you doing here?” She tucked her hair behind her ear. “I thought you had a charter this weekend and that we weren’t meeting until Monday?”

“Change of plans.” He took her hand, and together they turned toward the house. “Anna invited me for breakfast.”

That much she’d figured out for herself. “Have you spoken to Doug? Does he have more information to share?”

“I have not spoken to Doug recently,” Logan said. “Last I heard, they’d made three arrests based on the information Big Al provided. And they found evidence on Ethan’s phone that he was taking pictures of Andrew Tolliver, likely because Ethan suspected the guy of being involved. Maybe there’s more to add?”

“I’m sure more details will come to light over time.” She could be patient. For now.

The rest of the family was already gathered at the main house. Their family gatherings were always chaotic when their nine respective dogs were added to the picture. Chase opened the front door and urged the K9s outside. They didn’t mind; playtime was fun.

Anna was in the kitchen. When Jess headed over to offer a hand, Anna shooed her away. “Go. I have it under control. Ten minutes,” the older woman added.

Knowing Anna ruled the kitchen like her personal empire, Jess backed out. Wynona and Chase stood with their son, Eli, who was still shy but slowly getting used to being surrounded by so much family. “Hi, Eli.”

“Hi.” He ducked his head. When Wyn nudged him, he added, “Hi, Auntie Jess.”

“I love you, Eli.” She dropped a casual kiss on the top of the boy’s head. He didn’t say anything more, but she knew that any conversation from Eli was a big step for the child.

Doug and Maya were standing close together, speaking in low tones. Jess zeroed in on them. “Care to share what’s going on?”

Doug and Maya exchanged a glance. At Maya’s nod, Doug stepped forward. The rest of her siblings instinctively gathered around them. “Jessica and Logan, we wanted you to be the first to know that the tail fin you found on the side of the mountain is a match to the make and model of Cessna your parents were in when it crashed. And the age tests that were done indicate the piece was exposed to the elements for at least five years.”

Jess caught her breath. Logan slipped his arm around her in support. “So that really is the likely site where their plane went down.”

“Within a fifty-mile radius, yes,” Maya agreed. “We plan to coordinate more searches of that area. But you have given us a new starting point. And for that, we’re grateful.”

“Cheers for Jessica,” Shane said loudly.

“And Logan,” Justin added.

“When can we start?” Trevor asked.

“Today?” Joel pressed.

“I say we go now,” Alexis said excitedly.

“We’ll create a search grid soon, but I think we have one more announcement,” Doug said. Expecting to hear an update on the case, she was surprised when Logan stepped forward. He turned, faced her, then went down on one knee.

“Jess, will you please do the honor of marrying me?” Logan pulled a small ring box from his pocket. “I love you, and I want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Tears pricked her eyes. “Yes, Logan.” She didn’t bother reaching for the ring. She tugged him up to his feet so she could hug him. “Yes, I’ll marry you!”

“Congrats,” Alexis said, clapping her hands. “That’s so romantic.”

“Another Sullivan wedding,” Kendra said on a sigh.

Jess ignored her siblings, focusing on Logan. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” He picked her up, swung her around, then set her back on her feet. “Chase made me promise to marry you soon, though. He’s worried about how much fuel I’m burning flying back and forth.”

“Hey, you’re the one who asked me for permission to marry her.” Chase scowled. “I’m not her father, or Maya’s either, but apparently that’s a thing these days.”

“It’s always been the proper way to propose,” Kendra pointed out. “And you’re the closest thing to a father we have.”

Jess turned to hug the youngest Sullivan. “We’re doing okay now, though, right? How would you like to help me plan the wedding?”

“I’d like that.” Kendra smiled, then hugged Logan too. “Congrats.”

Logan took the ring from the box and reached for Jessica’s hand. She let him slip the diamond on her finger, pleased at the shine. Then she hugged him.

“Breakfast is ready,” Anna said.

She wasn’t hungry, but the rest of her family immediately crossed over to the table. Jess hung back for a minute with Logan. “Are you sure you’re ready to join this crazy bunch?”

“Oh yeah.” He smiled and kissed her again. “I love you so much.”

“You fit right in with my family, Logan.” Her eyes misted with tears. “Thanks to you, we’re going to solve the mystery about what happened to our parents.”

“I hope so.” He searched her gaze. “But I also hope you don’t let that hold you back. Because I really would like to marry you sooner than later.”

“I’d like that too.” She smiled, knowing her parents wouldn’t want any of the Sullivans to forgo their happiness to search for answers.

Every day was a precious gift. She was humbled and grateful to see what the Lord’s future held for them.

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