by Joanna Wayne
“You don’t have to—”
“Don’t go backing out now. I know a proposal when I hear one and that was definitely a proposal. My answer is yes.”
“Oh, Wyatt, I love you.”
“I love you, too, Kelly. I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life. ”
He kissed her and her world that had veered so wrong became right again.
Epilogue
Three months later
Troy stood at the back of the courtyard garden and took in the happiness that surrounded him for Wyatt and Kelly’s wedding.
Tyler was home from Afghanistan for good and would be working the ranch with him and Dylan. Eve had just a little bump beneath her new dress. Joey would be getting a sibling in the fall. Collette had given birth to a strapping boy that they’d named after Troy.
Dakota was going back to school in the fall to pursue a degree in equine veterinary medicine. Wyatt and Kelly had moved into the old Callister house, though they were still working on the new wing. And Wyatt was in charge of the new homicide division of the local sheriff’s department.
Notwithstanding the seventeen years he’d spent in prison, Troy was incredibly blessed. He’d married the woman he loved and she’d given him these five wonderful sons. He cherished every memory he had of the time he’d shared with Helene. He missed her so much at times like these, he could barely stand it.
Helene should be here today. She should be sharing this moment with Wyatt and Kelly. She should be delighting in her grandchildren and holding Dylan’s son close to her heart while she sang him a lullaby the way she had their boys.
Lately, he couldn’t seem to find her when he walked in the garden in a cold mist or even in the glimmer of moonlight. But he could always find Helene in his heart.
Wyatt walked up to him. “You still miss Mom, don’t you?”
“I’ll always miss her, but life goes on. I am a very blessed man.”
“In spite of the years you spent in prison?”
“I should have fought harder for my freedom. I should have done that for you boys. But I couldn’t get past the grief. That’s not an excuse. It’s how it was.”
“I know. I’ve finally forgiven myself for not being able to hold the family together in your absence.”
“You had nothing to forgive yourself for. You were a fine son then, Wyatt. You still are. You were our firstborn. You made us a family.” Troy put an arm around Wyatt’s shoulder. “Now you’ll have a family of your own, and I have no doubt that you’ll be a wonderful husband and father.”
“Thanks, Dad. And in case I haven’t said it, I love you.”
“I love you, too, son.” Troy backhanded a lone, salty tear from the corner of his eye as Wyatt walked away.
Jaci ran up and tugged on his hand. “C’mon, Grandpa. We gotta git goin’. You have to see me throw those torn up roses on the ground for Momma to step on.”
WYATT STOOD beneath the arch of flowers and looked down at his beautiful bride. From the most tragic day of his life to the happiest. Things had gone full circle here on Willow Creek Ranch.
Life was neither fair nor predictable. But right now it was as good as it got. Justice had finally been served for his mother. His father’s name had been cleared. Sadly, Senator Foley had not survived the gunshot wound to his chest, so Kelly would never get to decide for herself whether or not she wanted him in her life.
But Ruthanne was in jail awaiting trial for Helene’s and Riley’s murders. Jerome Hurley was in jail, as well. There had been nothing to indicate that Emanuel Leaky was planning revenge against Kelly or even knew that she’d been instrumental in his arrest.
And hard-nosed, loner cop Wyatt Ledger was about to gain a daughter and a wife he loved more than he’d ever thought possible.
“Wyatt Ledger, do you take Kelly Burger to be your lawfully wedded wife to live together in marriage? Do you promise to love, comfort, honor and keep her for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful only to her so long as you both shall live?”
“I do.” It was the easiest promise he’d ever made.
“YOU MAY KISS THE BRIDE.”
Kelly felt the promises of a million tomorrows in Wyatt’s kiss. She’d never dreamed she could be this happy.
As the wedding march started, her thoughts turned to the woman who’d given birth to the marvelous man Kelly loved so deeply.
Rest in peace, Helene Ledger. The sons of you and Troy Ledger have all come home to stay.
* * * * *
ISBN: 9781459219670
Copyright © 2012 by Jo Ann Vest
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