Ty chuckled as he rose and slipped the ring on her finger. “It’s a silver band and the stone is blue-green to match your eyes and the lake. It’s surrounded in diamonds, guaranteeing it will always catch the light.”
“Oh, Ty. It sounds incredible,” she breathed. Scarlett cupped his face and peppered him with kisses in her excitement. He wiped away her tears.
“Since we’re all about breaking rules, I have another question for you,” he said, pulling herinto his arms.
“I don’t know if I can handle any more surprises in one day,” she said, gleefully.
“Since your parents came all this way and you intend on taking Leo’s job offer, what do you say about a short engagement?” he asked.
“How short?” She asked, beaming.
“How about Sunday? Ranye and Ghost have a late flight out, and I asked your parents to stay a few days. When we go on our honeymoon, we’ll stop in Indiana and visit them,” he suggested.
“I love it. I’m not into big weddings. A small family gathering with our friends and family sounds great. Can we plan it that soon?” she asked.
“Kassie and Samantha can help you find a dress, Bryanna can bake the cake, and Tess will supervise the meal prep. I have a new suit. I’m sure my Mom will be thrilled to help in any way she can.” Ty chuckled.
“Then let’s do it,” Scarlett exclaimed.
Ty grinned, feeling like the luckiest man alive. “Everyone’s waiting at the house for us. I hope you don’t mind, I invited the team and their spouses. It’ll give you time to get to know them better. Rocker plans on flying home after the ceremony, and Sledge will be discharged in the morning. This will give you some time to make your goodbyes.”
“Sledge decided not to stay?” she asked in surprise.
“He mentioned he planned to speak with his wife about it, but he didn’t want to ask her here. They’ll return home, discuss their options and weigh out the pros and cons. They’ll stay in town until after the wedding.”
“I’ll miss them, but it feels right to stay here,” Scarlett said as Ty helped her back on Hank.
“You belong here,” Ty murmured as he mounted behind her and waited for her to give the order.
“Hank takes us home,” Scarlett said. Somehow, this time, it held a whole different meaning.
She didn’t want to come to Serenity, yet she found the peace she longed for. The small town became the cure she never knew she needed. The people offered her friendship. The pride in her parents’ voices as they spoke with Ty and his friends made her realize they didn’t want her living in a bubble. They prayed and wished for her happiness. Rayne encouraged her to seek it. Since the attack, Scarlett saw herself through the eyes of those around her. She didn’t need to see with her eyes but felt it in her heart. Maybe love was the biggest cure after all.
EPILOGUE
Scarlett slippedon the satin bridal slippers and stood, allowing Samantha to add the last few touches to her hair.
Rayne passed her the earrings Ty sent over this morning with a note saying, ‘Meet me at our spot. I’m anticipating breaking all the rules with you.’ They matched her engagement ring. Kassie adjusted the veil, and Rayne handed her a bouquet.
Ice wore a tux and stood as the official ring bearer.
“It’s time,” Cherise called out. “Oh, my sweet girl, you’ll take his breath away.”
“Thank you. Did you get a chance to talk to Ty?” Scarlett asked.
“Today’s about you,” Cherise insisted.
“No. It’s about family. We want you to move into the guest house. You’ll have your own space, and we can see each other whenever you want. Plus, Barb and Edie want your help at the community center. You know you miss Serenity,” Scarlett coaxed.
“Yes, I’ll agree to it. After you and Ty return from your honeymoon,” she insisted.
“I can’t believe Victoria gave us her house in Ireland for two weeks. Ty’s already made a foodie map of all the places we must visit,” she said, laughing.
“If you return with a grandbaby like Kassie did, I can’t say I’ll be disappointed,” Cherise hinted.
Scarlett shook her head. “We’re taking time for us, first. Then, we’ll decide on a few rugrats.”
“Your father’s waiting by the horse. He still doesn’t understand how you ride him by yourself,” her mother exclaimed. “Do you think it’s safe?”
