“Get outta here,” Scarlett said, shaking her head. “Be careful when you go into town. I don’t like Jeremy running around free with those kids. He didn’t have any issues setting a fire with four innocent kids and three seniors. I wish they found enough evidence to put him away.”
“I know. Leo has his team rotating around the town. I imagine he has eyes on Jeremy, too,” Sledge informed her.
“How do you know he ordered his men to surveil the town?” Scarlett paused.
“Because he asked me to join his team. Of course, I have to talk to Kim and I don’t know about relocating…”
“Congratulations, you knucklehead. Why didn’t you mention it earlier?” she gushed.
“It means Kim will have to move farther from her family. Her mom helps with the baby. It’s not fair of me to ask her to move because I like it here,” Sledge said, doubt filled his voice.
“Hey. You’re partners. Sit down and discuss it with her. Maybe if it doesn’t work out, Leo will know another security team closer to your home. You can’t make an important decision without talking to her,” Scarlett advised. “Don’t sell her short.”
“I want my daughter proud of me,” he said quietly. “Medically, I’m not fit enough to stay in the military, but I want to feel like I’m making a difference.”
“You have. Think about what you told me. Rocker and you deterred men from approaching me after too much to drink. You watched my six. It disgusts you to think someone slept with another because of a military uniform. Do you know how many men and women don’t care? Sledge, you’rean honorable man. I’m proud of you, and I’m sure Kim feels the same way.”
The knock at the door drew their attention. Sledge opened it and allowed Ty inside.
“Hi, Sledge. I missed meeting your wife when she visited. Hopefully, I’ll be open by the time she returns. Bring her in for a nice meal on me,” Ty greeted him.
Sledge turned back to Scarlett. “Hideous. That’s all I’m saying. Nice to see you again, Ty. I’m watching you. Don’t think a thick cut of meat will sway or distract me from keeping an eye on my battle buddy.”
“Message heard loud and clear,” Ty said as Scarlett reached for Sledge’s arm and punched him.
“Sledge,” she warned. “I’m killing you later.”
“Got your six, Sassy P. Remember, I’m a stand-up guy,” Sledge said cheekily before leaving.
“Don’t mind him. I think his medications haven’t stopped the hallucinations,” she groaned.
Ty moved closer and took her hand. “You’re beautiful. I enjoyed our day yesterday. Do you want to have dinner with me tomorrow?”
“Yes, I do,” she said breathlessly as Ty pulled her into his arms and kissed her.
“I wanted to wait until we returned from the funeral, but if Debbie were here, she’d push me forward and yell, ‘What are you waiting for? Life’s too short.’ I plan to stick to her motto,” Ty murmured.
“I think she’d approve. Whatever you made to honor Debbie smells incredible,” she murmured.
“You have a serious chocolate addiction. I made mousse. Debbie loved it,” he said. “Do you need anything else before we go? It’s a bit chilly higher on the mountain.”
“I’ll grab my coat,” she said, turning towardthe hallway. Ice stuck to her side, and she attached his harness when she entered her room.
When she returned, Ty helped her with her sleeves, careful of her burns.
“When did Doc or Kassie check your wounds last?” he asked.
“Kassie did this morning and rewrapped it. It’s healing. The skin feels tight, but she assured me it’s normal,” Scarlett said, while she tapped her cane on the floor. Ty opened the door, allowing them to exit first, then shut and locked it.
The crowd gathered, and from what Ty described, almost the entire town showed up to honor the woman they lost. The minister stepped forward to offer a few comforting words.
“Today, we come to honor our friend, Debbie. When she first arrived with her daughter, Diana, we adopted her family into our community under distressing circumstances. Even in the dark times, she saw the light in her grandchildren. When Michael and Lizzy joined her family, she became a regular at their house. Like a proud grandmother, Debbie enjoyed babysitting and showing pictures of all four of her precious little ones. We know her for all the selfless acts she performed to help our small town. Whether it meant driving a hot meal to a senior who couldn’t make it to the community center or staying late to allow a young family a meal, Debbie showed us the definition of love. May we always remember to act with kindness and show those less fortunate the same mercy Debbie practiced daily.”
Michael held Faith while Tyler held his hand. He stepped forward with Lizzy, who carried Beth as Caleb clung to her side.
“We can’t measure the sorrow we feel at losing a member of our family. Debbie became an adoptive mother to me and my wife, a grandmother to all of our children, and a valuedmember of our town. We hope she finds peace with Diana on this mountain. We love you, Debbie.”
Michael took the urn and scattered her ashes over the wildflowers. The town choir sang her favorite song, and Scarlett heard the people weeping around her. She dabbed at her eyes as Ty pulled her closer, giving her a comforting hug.
