Epilogue
“Well, it took them a while, but they finally figured it out. As Bree’s big brother, I have to take some credit for the knot-tying you witnessed today.
They met because Flo gave Tess a cabin key and I gave Bree a cabin key—same cabin—for an unintentional shared vacation.
Two years ago they were two strangers, two judges.
And today…wives.” Hank cleared his throat.
“I offer you a toast to Tess Fairchild and Bree O’Brian.
Here’s to the best baby sister and best new sister-in-law a guy could ask for.
” Hank raised his glass, and the reception room broke out in cheers of approval.
Bree grinned at her brother. She owed him so much.
Dinner was finished, and servers reappeared to deliver wedding cake. Silverware clanked as the guests began to dive in.
“What flavor is this?” Alice asked. “It looks like chocolate, but it tastes like it contains something extra. Absolutely delicious. I might need the recipe. And a second piece.”
“It’s a hit. I’ll go collect another slice for you right now, before this crowd finishes the entire cake off,” Eddie Patoone promised as he headed over to snag another piece.
Bree leaned into Tess and bumped her shoulder. She spoke softly into her new wife’s ear. “You picked it and I love it, but maybe don’t tell anyone under forty.”
“Don’t tell me what?” Gabby stopped next to Bree with an empty dessert plate in hand.
“Eavesdropping.” Bree tsked her niece. When Gabby rolled her eyes, Bree added, “Are you over forty? I don’t think so.”
“I’ll tell you something, Gabby. There’s no age minimum for telling someone how much they’re appreciated,” Tess said. “I remember your matchmaking efforts, inviting me to your play so I’d spend more time with Bree. We ended up on that whale watching date because of you. We’re indebted.”
“Indebted enough to talk Dad into getting me a different car? You know, Mom’s old, old, old car is not cutting it. Maybe you could play up his good taste—a sweet little red Mercedes like yours would be perfect.” Gabby offered them a wink.
Tess laughed. “Lofty goal, kid, but that might need to go in the over-forty column too. At least probably not going to happen for a while. Coming up through the junkers builds character.”
Gabby poked Bree’s shoulder. “I always wanted to have an Aunt Tess. Good job. Now I’m going to go get more of that wedding cake.” Then she leaned in closer and spoke in a conspiratorial whisper. “Chocolate prune cake. I have my sources.” She laughed and took off.
“You ready for two weeks off?” Bree asked Tess.
“I am. With Callie presiding while we’re gone, things at the court will be in good hands. I can’t believe you all just reelected me. And you’ve got your first election under your belt since your appointment—six more years for sure. We’re in good shape for this honeymoon.”
“I’m not surprised you’re presiding judge again,” Bree said.
“You’re a hit with the three new judges who’ve joined the court during your first term.
And you’ll get to work with Lewis, the new executive officer you hired, now that he’s finished training—it will be fun to see how a millennial in that position shakes things up.
I have to admit, I like all the new blood. ”
“Well, I’m hoping the headlines are finally done. Alan, Vera, and Helene all found guilty and doing time for bribery, income tax violations, and being accessories to my attacks. It’s sad. I just hope it serves as a lesson to others.”
“That’s enough shop talk, you two,” Flo admonished them. “I can just imagine those dinner conversations now that you’re both living at Tess’s place. Oops, your place now.”
“You’d be surprised,” Bree replied. “We’ve been so busy planning this wedding in our downtime we haven’t had a chance to talk shop, so we’re catching up. Now how about I give you a rundown of our honeymoon plans?”
“PG only. I’m too old to even consider what you two will be up to for fourteen days—and nights—at Tahoe.
Just don’t worry about Thelma and Louise.
They’ll do fine with Fred and me. They’re going to be so spoiled you’ll need a case of tuna to bribe them into allowing you back into their good graces. ”
“Bribes! Now it’s you bringing up the topic.” Bree laughed. “I’m happy you’ll be keeping those feline girls happy so Tess can focus on me.”
“Just so you know, there’s a brand-new couch in the cabin.” Flo’s eyes were twinkling.
Tess smiled and glanced at Bree. “Well, I guess that means no more princess and the pea. Not that you’ll be sleeping on the couch.”
“I’ve heard this lumpy couch story several times.
At least the PG version. Part of the reason for the replacement,” Flo said.
“I actually came over to tell you that the DJ is ready to start if you’re ready for the first dance.
I’m going to go find Fred so that I can rope him into a dance or two after you newlyweds take a twirl out there. ”
“Thanks, Flo.” Tess turned to Bree, grasped her left hand, and brushed a kiss across her knuckles. She touched the new wedding ring. “You ready to show them how this is done?”
“You’re the debutante with the dance moves, but I’m ready to follow you anywhere.”
They headed to the dance floor and waited. Tess held Bree in her arms until the DJ announced this was their first dance as a married couple. Then Etta James filled the room with “At Last,” and they began to sway together to the music.
The notes and the lyrics, the end of lonely days and the promise of shared nights, enveloped them in a cocoon of appreciation for the journey of their lives, for this destination, for this moment together and all the moments to come.
If it had been a dream, Bree would never have wanted to wake up, but it wasn’t a dream.
It was a Tahoe connection that wouldn’t stay in Tahoe.
It was an agreed upon reset that refused to be reset.
It was a confidential agreement that had proven to be no match for chemistry and caring.
It was their two hearts that had been on trial, that now reveled in the verdict that it was love. The kind of love that was hard won, had survived the drama of courthouse crime, and would hold them together through any future challenges.
“Do you know how long I’ve waited for you?” Tess breathed into Bree’s ear. “A lifetime.”
“Not even half a lifetime, because you’ve got at least another half century to spend with me.”
“No objection. No appeal,” Tess said.
“No chance of parole, babe.”
Tess leaned in and kissed Bree. “True love doesn’t end, princess. This is just the beginning.”