“Grace is reopening Mudd and Twine. So let all the local artisans know she’ll be back in business in a couple weeks. That includes you, Spade with your photos, Jaxon with your carvings and woodwork, and Fawn your wools.”
“More important than all of that I wanted you here for this.” Placing my cup on the step with a shaking hand, I kneel in front of Grace as I pull a box from my pocket.
“Grace Halloway. I’m in love with you. I want to marry you, support you in all your dreams and goals. Be there when you need me. I don’t deserve you, but I will be loyal and faithful for the rest of our lives.
“I’m committed to finishing out my hotshot contract this year. But will quit when it’s over if that’s what you want me to do. My job will never come between us.”
Her gaze is soft, eyes filled with tears. “I don’t need you to change who you are or what you do, Caleb. I trust you will always be careful and strive to come home to me. I understand the man you are and don’t need you to try to be what you aren’t.
“I love you. Yes.”
I slip the simple band that I know she favors onto her finger. “Forever and always, my love.”
She studies the ring for a moment then her smile fills my soul. “I do have one request.”
“Anything.”
She glances over at Maura, who’s attempting to hide her laughter behind her hand. “I’d like to be married soon, before I start showing.”
My mind goes blank. “Showing what?”
“I’m pregnant, stud muffin.”
EPILOGUE
A year and a half later
“Thank you for throwing this yearly event and letting me be your guest speak here in Kennedy at the Veterans’ Center.
“My name is Rob Gleason. I’m here today because a brave man risked his life to save mine. At the time I was angry and resentful. My injuries were too traumatic for me to reconcile. I was filled with grief and anger that he didn’t just let me die. I thought I was so damaged I was unlovable. I took that grief and anger out on him and I shoved him and everyone else who tried to help me away.
“Until I met a very stubborn, outspoken nurse. She whipped me into shape and set me straight quicker than any drill sergeant ever could. She informed me what an ass I was and accused me of being a quitter. She was right.
“It’s taken four years for me to find the man who not only saved my life, but ultimately, through that effort, gave me a life.”
He pauses and motions to the side of the stage. A petite woman and child cross over to him. “This is my wife, Althea, and my little girl. who is named for the man who saved me. I’d like you all to meet Calla, my daughter, and the man she’s named forwho saved my life.” He meets my gaze across the room, “Caleb Rourke.”
“I also want to take this time to ask his forgiveness for pushing him away and not being grateful for the gift he gave me at the expense of his own injuries.
“Many of you are also recovering and feeling rejected and less than. Know this, you are heroes, you gave for others and it cost you dearly. But you are not done. Now the mission is to prove to the world that we are still capable and serving our country in our mentorships, and in learning new skills.
“Will it always be easy? Hell, no. But we’ve always been fighters, soldiers. The center here is dedicated to helping you recharge and restart the next chapter of your lives. You can still make a difference.”
I swallow the knot in my throat as I listen. Grace must have known. She wraps her arm around my waist and hugs me. I’m having a hard time grasping that he’s here. Could this be real? Do I, can I, have my best friend back?
A broad hand lands on my shoulder and gives me a squeeze. “He’s been trying to find you.”
I look at Jaxon. “You made this happen?”
“Naw, I heard he’d gone into counseling and that he’d been looking for you. I just moved the puzzle pieces. They’ve got a place in town for a week. Thought that would give the two of you time to catch up. Maura is planning a team get together out at the house for Sunday. Call if you need anything.”
Grace looks up at me, then hands me our son before wrapping her arm around my waist. “You knew?”
“Yes. I insisted on meeting him before he spoke. I needed to see the truth of his words in his face. He misses you, too. We have dinner reservations for later. Are you okay with that?”
I nod, too choked up to say much. She smiles up at me and turns to go help at the refreshment table.
Reaching out I catch her hand. “Grace.”
“Yes?”
“I love you.”
