Page 107 of Chasing Kaylee Kringle

Kaylee and Josie laughed.

“So, Rick, when do you go back to California?” her mom asked.

“After New Year’s. My vacation will be over, and I’ll be there for two weeks, wrapping things up.”

“What do you mean, ‘wrapping things up’?” her dad asked.

“I’ve decided to leave the bureau.”

“What?” Kaylee asked loudly.

“I’m quitting the bureau.”

“But why? You love it. You want to solve white-collar crime and make a difference.”

Rick shrugged. “It’s what I used to wanna do, but I decided I’d rather live a quiet life with somebody who I care about. When I wanted to be an FBI agent, it was about getting away from my life, but now I see my life turning out differently than I used to think it would, and this town and you are a big part of that. Besides, Wilma told me she’d give me a great deal if I want to stay at the inn until I find a place.

Kaylee couldn’t believe what he was saying. “You’re going to leave for two weeks, get your affairs in order, and come back here and live at the inn?”

“Until something opens up,” he says.

“But you’re going to come back here and do what?”

“Well, I thought I’d apply for the Holiday police department, if you’re talking about what I’m going to do for work. As for what I’ll do in Holiday, I’m hoping spending time with you is at the top of my list.”

Kaylee threw herself against him, kissing his face all over before their lips finally met. Kaylee forgot that Josie and her parents were in the room, watching them, until her father cleared his throat. Loudly. They broke the kiss, but Kaylee stayed in Rick’s arms, too happy to let him go.

“How long have you known each other?” her father asked, a very disapproving dad tone in his voice.

Kaylee laughed. “Two years.”

Her mom watched them with a worried expression. “But how long have you been dating?”

“Three weeks,” he said.

“Don’t you think this is all happening rather fast?”

“If I’ve learned anything, Mom, it’s that you aren’t promised tomorrow, so if something feels right, you gotta jump in feet first.”

“In that case, how is my splash?” Rick teased.

“Ten out of ten, would recommend.”

Epilogue

Kaylee

Six Months Later

Most of the men in the Pit Viper Motorcycle Club had taken a plea to lesser charges, which meant they’d stay in for a shorter period than if they had gone to trial, but it saved Kaylee from having to testify, which she was grateful for. Johnny was the only exception. After being charged with her assault, attempted abduction, and stalking, Kaylee enjoyed taking the stand and watching him stare coldly back at her.

Getting to stay in Holiday without having to go back to California after his guilty verdict was read healed parts of her, especially since her parents had accepted her choice and made an effort to visit every other month. She found a college that offered eight-week courses, so she was able to complete her last four classes and graduate with her bachelor’s degree. She was still debating whether to go back to school for her master’s, especially since she wasn’t quite sure what she wanted to do with her life anymore. Before everything happened, she’d had a plan, but she was a different person now. Kaylee thought she might prefer something out of the public eye, like writing. She’d checked out a few creative writing classes, and the best part about them was that she could do them from anywhere.

The only thing in her life that she was sure about was that her boyfriend was going to be here any minute, and she couldn’t wait to see him.

Rick stayed at the inn for a few weeks after he’d returned from California, but even with the break on the nightly rate, it ate into his savings quickly. Colin had offered to rent him his and share the garage, and although she knew he hated sharing, Josie had let slip that Rick took the room because he didn’t want to pressure Kaylee into moving in together too soon.

Why he didn’t ask her what she wanted was mind-boggling because Kaylee was tired of waiting and wanted to share her life with him. With Josie’s help, she’d made a poster for him yesterday, and as she stood there waiting for him to open the door, she danced back and forth on the balls of her feet. Her location app dinged, and she checked the screen.