Epilogue
“How’re you coping with the kid leaving the nest for A probably always would.
When he thought of what could’ve happened, of the multiple ways he could’ve lost her—from the injury or his own stupidity—he grew sick inside.
He was working of letting those thoughts go, preferring to focus on the future and thank God every day for saving her, but it would take time.
Maybe as her scar faded so would his fear.
“I’m calling Jim Haggard today to schedule a time to talk about a furniture donation for the conference room. What days are good for you?”
She placed her hands on her hips. “That would require me to ask for something of monetary value which qualifies as a donation and falls under the category of fundraising. That is not in my job description and someone expressly agreed it wouldn’t be required of me.
Remember?” Despite her hands on her hips and the stern tone in her voice, the sparkle in her eyes told how much she enjoyed teasing him.
He pulled her into his arms and kissed her, long and deep. She melted against him, her arms wrapping around his waist, holding on tight. How could his life be this good? Sometimes he swore he had to be dreaming.
“Then come with me for moral support.”
“That I can do.” His lips covered hers again.
“Geez, give it a rest, you two, before I’m scarred for life.” Ryder scoffed as he strode into what had been his bedroom for eighteen years.
Carly broke their kiss but remained in Owen’s arms. Her gaze filled with love and mischief. “I take it all back. I’m not going to miss him at all.”
“Liar,” he and Ryder said in unison.
“I know.” She slipped from Owen’s embrace, strolled to her brother, and placed her hand on his arm. “Are you sure you don’t want us to go with you and Dad to help you get settled?”
Ryder shook his head in exasperation. “We’ll be fine. You don’t have to worry about me.”
“It’s a hard habit to break,” Carly said, and her lip trembled.
“If you want someone to mother, maybe the two of you should have a kid of your own,” Ryder teased.
“Geez, don’t you think that’s getting a little personal?” Owen said, and swore he felt a blush spread across his face.
Ryder picked up a nearby box and nodded to the one Carly sealed earlier. “Owen, if you take that one, I’m all set.” Once outside, they placed the last boxes in the truck bed of Ryder’s truck. Between sniffles, Carly said, “Text me when you two get there and let me know how it goes.”
Her father nodded, while Ryder rolled his eyes. “You’re acting like I’m moving to the North Pole, and you won’t ever see me again. I’ll be back in October for the wedding.”
Carly’s eyes misted over again. “Call me if you need anything, and I promise to send care packages.”
Her father cleared his throat and placed his hand on Carly’s shoulder. “He’ll be fine, Carly Jean. Now it’s time we get on the road so I can get back at a decent time.”
Owen closed the distance between him and Ryder, shook the kid’s hand, and clapped him on the back. “Have fun, but not too much.”
“Got it.” Before Ryder got the words out, Carly enveloped him in a huge hug, and kissed her brother’s cheek.
“I’m so proud of you. You’ve become a great guy.
” A blushing, misty-eyed Ryder pulled away and joined his father in the truck.
As they watched the pickup drive off, Carly leaned against Owen.
“Where did the summer go? I can’t believe Ryder’s leaving already, and I won’t see him until the wedding. I really am going to miss him.”
He nibbled on her neck and couldn’t wait to get Carly home and in bed. “I’ll have to console you when we get home.”
“As sad as I am, it may take hours to comfort me.”
“I’m up for the job.”
She shook her head and giggled. “You and your innuendos. They used to drive me insane.”
“And now?”
“They drive me crazy, but in an oh-so-good-can’t-wait-to-get-you-naked way.”
“Good to know they’re working.”
“Who says we have to leave the house to have adventures?” The wild gleam in her eyes told him she’d put considerable thought into some ideas.
Owen’s pulse leapt, and his body came to attention. “I bet after the adventures you dream up for us, an African safari would seem tame.”
Her warm hands cupped his face. “I don’t deserve you.”
“Enough talk.” Lifting her into his arms, he tossed her over his shoulder and swatted her playfully on her butt. “Now about these adventures you’ve got planned—”
The End