Saving Tess
Page 30
After we got off the phone, I wept for all the right reasons. All the good ones.
“Come on. Let’s go outside and play, Tess.” Austin takes my hand.
With that, after Jacob and I help Grandfather up, Jacob kisses my cheek. “I’m so glad I gained a sister.”
I lost Tripp, but I gained Jacob, and for that, I’m extremely grateful. Everything happens in its own timing as long as you trust in a power greater than yourself.
As we watch Austin run out into the open field, a big yellow butterfly flutters next to him while an eagle sits on its perch, and we all stand and watch him run.
No matter what, I know Austin will be watched over as he grows into the man he’s supposed to be.
Casey takes me by the hand, kisses it, and whispers, “Have you told Austin he’s going to be a big brother yet?”
Of course it should be a wedding and then a child, but in true Casey and Tess fashion, we’ve never done anything by the book, and that’s the way I like it.
Ike’s letter that drew Casey and me to Ketchikan comes to mind.
I was raised in a community where forgiveness is the cornerstone to happiness.
Sometimes, you’ve got to find the healing in order to mend the bridges.
I think Ike knew all along what he was doing, and he was absolutely right.
Epilogue
Up on top of Dillon Creek Cemetery, Erla joins her husband, Don, as she looks down to Mabe.
“She’ll be all right, Erla,” Don says, putting a hand on his wife’s shoulder.
“How do you know, Don?”
“Because I watched you. Besides, she’ll be here soon enough,” Don says as John and Francine join them.
“So, how does this whole heaven thing work?” Erla asks, squeezing her husband’s hand.
Don looks at Conroy. “A day at a time, Erla. A day at a time.”
Tripp Morgan, Borges Atwood, and Joe Crane come forward and stand with Conroy, Erla, Don, John, and Francine. They stare down at their quiet little town and wait for the next person to arrive.
The End
Acknowledgments
First and foremost, a huge thank you to my editor, Jovana Shirley, who always goes above and beyond for my books and can shine and polish my words like no other. What started as a professional relationship has turned into a friendship, and I’m extremely grateful for you.
Julie Deaton, my proofreader, a huge thank you for her eagle eyes and attention to detail. You are a treasure. It should also be noted that I only send you voice messages so that I can get yours in return. Your Southern accent gets me every time.
Ashley Bolton at Ashley Bolton Photography, for the incredible book-cover photography and your ease and patience behind the camera. You, my friend, have a very special talent.
Hang Le, my cover designer, thank you for taking my thoughts and input and creating the masterpieces you have with the entire Dillon Creek series. It is an absolute joy to work with you.
Merritt Brodt, the owner of At the Bluff (a wedding venue/local ranch), thank you for allowing Ashley and me onto your beautiful property to capture photos of the covers for the Dillon Creek series.
Jessica Estep and Kelly Emery at InkSlinger PR, thank you for all of your help with all things related to book publicity. You both are incredible to work with.
Alex and Kelley Renner, the cover models, thank you for capturing the essence of Casey and Tess. From the first time I saw the two of you together on film, I knew you both were a perfect fit.
Thank you to former bull riders Brian Hunter and Robert Frawley for answering my questions about bull riding.
Chad Denton, former/retired professional bull rider for the PBR, thank you for all your time with all of my incessant questions and my badgering of the smallest details again and again. To my best friend, Jennifer Renner, for putting me in touch with the Dentons.
Brandon, Teyler, and Kate, you are my world, my soft place to land. Thank you for your patience and your grace with each book that I write.
And last but certainly not least, thank you to God. Without you, I’m nothing. Thank you for this life, for filling me with stories and the ability to tell them.
A Note to the Reader
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About the Author
J. Lynn Bailey is an award-winning author who has loved to write since she learned to read around the second grade. She earned a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Humboldt State University.
When she isn’t running her children to their next sporting event, watching North Woods Law, or on the hunt for her next Laffy Taffy joke, you can probably find her holed up in her writing room, feverishly working on her next book. She lives in Northern California with her family.
OTHER BOOKS WRITTEN BY
J. LYNN BAILEY
THE GRANITE HARBOR SERIES
Peony Red
Violet Ugly
Magnolia Road
Lilies on Main
THE DILLON CREEK SERIES
Taking Anna
Little White Christmas
Saving Tess
STAND-ALONES
Standing Sideways
The Light We See
Black Five