28. About All of Us – Kat
Chapter 28
About All of Us
PLAYLIST: “HOLOCENE” BY BON IVER
KAT
The late afternoon sun bathed Twisted Creek Ranch in a golden glow, the kind that made everything look softer, more magical, like a memory you’d want to keep forever. But to me, the light felt sharp, casting long shadows that sliced through the idyllic scene. It wasn’t just the setting; it was the weight of everything Zoe had been through to get here. This wasn’t just a wedding—it was a battle won, a flag planted in the middle of a life that had tried to break her.
The string lights twinkled between the barn and the oak trees, the soft glow mixing with the scent of barbecue and wildflowers. It was the kind of setting Zoe would’ve rolled her eyes at once, calling it “too perfect.” Now, though, it seemed to fit her—like she’d earned it. Not because it was handed to her, but because she fought tooth and nail for it. And yet, as I stood with her near the end of the aisle, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something could still go wrong.
I adjusted my weight, trying not to wobble in the stupid heels Zoe had guilted me into wearing. Sage green wasn’t my color, but I let her win that fight. She deserved to win. But as I glanced at her, radiant and calm, I noticed the tight grip she had on her bouquet of wildflowers… the little tells of nerves she couldn’t quite hide. She needed me to pull her out of her head.
“Don’t trip,” I whispered, leaning in close. “Seriously. It’s bad enough you made me wear heels in the dirt.”
Zoe glanced at me, her eyes sparkling with a mix of nerves and amusement. “Kat, if I can survive being strangled, I think I can handle a dirt aisle.”
I raised an eyebrow, grinning at the woman who wasn’t just my boss, but also my best friend.
“Not the pep talk I was going for, but I’ll take it.” I squeezed her arm for luck before she turned to link her arm with her father’s.
Mr. Brandt, gruff and old-school as ever, looked like he’d just won the lottery. His smile didn’t waver, though his voice cracked as he leaned toward Zoe.
“You look just like your mother did on our wedding day, sweetheart,” he said, his tone thick with emotion. “I couldn’t be prouder.”
Zoe smiled softly, her voice just above a whisper. “Thanks, Daddy.”
The words hit me harder than they should have, and for a second, I forgot to breathe. There was something about Zoe in that moment—calm, radiant, but still holding the scars of everything she’d survived. She’d come so far, and she deserved this. But the memory of everything that had almost stolen this moment from her lingered in my chest like a splinter.
As the ceremony began, I shifted my weight, my heels digging into the dirt. Roman stood at the wildflower-covered arch that was standing in for an altar, solid as a mountain, his presence steady and unwavering. His eyes stayed on Zoe like she was the only thing that mattered, and—for once, despite myself and my tendency to roll my eyes at sappy things—I wholeheartedly believed him. This wasn’t some romantic gesture for show. He’d earned his place there, too.
Rick stood beside him, grinning like a fool as Alex, Zoe’s spotted white and blonde cocker spaniel, pranced down the aisle with the rings tied to his collar. The crowd chuckled, and even I couldn’t stop the small smile tugging at my lips. Roman smirked, leaning slightly toward Rick.
“Well, looks like I’ve got competition for your best man, Rick,” Roman said.
Rick nudged him with a grin. “Don’t worry, I’ll step aside. Pretty sure he’s got me beat in charm.”
The vows came next, and I thought I’d be bored, but Roman surprised me. His words weren’t flowery or rehearsed; they were simple and raw, carrying a weight that hung in the air like a promise carved into stone.
“Zoe, you’ve been the strongest, most stubborn, most loving force in my life,” he said, his voice steady and sure. “I’m not always good with words, but I know this: I’ve loved you for as many years as I can remember, and I’ll love you for a hundred more.”
The crowd wasn’t even trying to hide their sniffles. I glanced at Mr. Brandt and saw him swipe at his eyes, though he’d never admit it. Then it was Zoe’s turn, and leave it to her to make us cry and laugh in the same breath.
“Roman, I’ve loved you since the moment you yelled at me for accidentally breaking your grandpa’s guitar when I was eight,” she said, her voice shaking but strong. “And even though you’re the most frustrating man I’ve ever met, you’re also my favorite person. Always have been, always will be.”
When they kissed, the crowd erupted into cheers. Alex barked, wagging his tail like he’d just sealed the deal himself. It was perfect, and I hated how much I loved it. They deserved this, but a part of me couldn’t stop looking over my shoulder, waiting for something—or someone—to ruin it.
The reception was just as down-to-earth as Zoe and Roman. A buffet loaded with barbecue, baked beans, and sweet tea stretched across the barn, and the makeshift dance floor was already filling up. Rick kicked things off with a toast, raising a bottle of beer.
“To Roman and Zoe,” he said, grinning. “Proof that even the grumpiest cowboy can find his happily ever after. Cheers!”
I laughed as Zoe grabbed my arm and dragged me onto the dance floor.
“Come on, Mrs. York!” I teased, spinning her around. “Show ‘em how it’s done!”
She spun me back, her laugh ringing out above the music. “I’m not letting you make me look bad at my own wedding, Kat.”
“That’s the spirit,” I said, grinning. And for a moment, I let myself just enjoy it—the music, the laughter, the way Zoe’s smile lit up the whole damn barn. But the knot in my chest hadn’t disappeared. There were too many ghosts in the room for me to fully relax.
Later, I spotted Michael Carter standing awkwardly near Roman, his hands stuffed in his pockets. I stiffened, watching closely, ready to step in if he said the wrong thing. But Roman didn’t need me. Michael extended a hand, his voice low and earnest.
“Thank you for letting me and my family be here, Roman,” he said. “It means a lot to see her happy.”
Roman met his gaze, his tone firm but not unkind. “She’s happy because she’s finally home and the truth has come to light. That’s all that matters.”
Michael nodded, his shoulders sagging slightly, and walked off. I watched him go, a part of me still unsure if he’d earned the right to be here. But Zoe had made her choice to forgive him—or at least to try.
At the drink station, Landon Blackwell appeared at my side, offering me a glass of sweet tea.
“Never thought I’d see the day Zoe Brandt got married,” he said, teasing. “Guess Roman must be one hell of a guy.”
I took the tea, raising an eyebrow at the deputy. “Or she’s just one hell of a woman. I think we both know which it is.”
He chuckled, shaking his head. “Fair point.”
The night blurred into golden lights and laughter, and as I watched Roman twirl Zoe under the string lights, her laughter ringing out like music, I felt the knot in my chest loosen just a little. She’d been through hell and back, but she’d found her way here—to love, to joy, to something that felt like hope. And damn if that wasn’t worth celebrating.
* * *
ZOE
The reception was everything I’d dreamed of—warm, intimate, and brimming with the kind of love that didn’t just come from me and Roman, but from everyone gathered here. The ranch was glowing under the soft string lights we’d strung across the paddock, and the faint hum of music mingled with the sound of laughter and the clink of glasses.
But even in the middle of this perfect night, I felt the undercurrent of something deeper. The kind of happiness that didn’t come easily, that came after clawing your way out of the darkness. This wasn’t just a wedding; it was a battle cry, a declaration of survival. And as I looked around at the faces gathered here, I knew it wasn’t just mine and Roman’s. It belonged to all of us.
I caught sight of Rick standing near the edge of the gathering, a beer in hand. He looked relaxed for once, though the way his eyes occasionally drifted toward the horizon told me his mind was already halfway back home. Rick wasn’t the kind of man who could sit still for too long, but tonight, he’d let himself linger in the glow of the moment. That was enough.
Kat appeared at my side, her blonde hair catching the light in soft waves, the sage green of her dress perfectly complementing her striking blue eyes. She held an envelope out to me with a knowing smile, her expression carrying a touch of mischief as usual.
“Here you go, Mrs. York,” she teased, her voice lilting. “One big surprise, ready for delivery.”
“Thanks, Kat,” I said, my grin widening at the sound of my new name. It still felt surreal. “Wish me luck.”
“You won’t need it,” she said with a wink before slipping away to rejoin the crowd.
I took a steadying breath, clutching the envelope in my hand like it held more than paper—like it held the weight of everything I wanted to say but couldn’t put into words. Crossing the yard to where Rick was leaning against the fence, I rehearsed the words in my head, trying to get them just right.
He looked up as I approached, straightening a little, and tipped his hat.
“Mrs. York,” he said, his tone warm and teasing. “Beautiful ceremony. You and Roman outdid yourselves.”
“Thanks, Rick,” I said, holding out the envelope. My voice was steady, but my heart raced. “And I think it’s time we outdo ourselves a little more.”
He frowned, taking the envelope cautiously. “What’s this?”
I folded my arms, watching as he opened it. His brow furrowed, and for a moment, I saw a flicker of something unreadable cross his face. Then his eyes widened as he pulled out the check. He stared at it like it might catch fire in his hands.
“Zoe,” he said sharply, his voice cutting through the noise of the reception. He looked back at me, shaking his head. “This is—this is too much. I can’t take this.”
“Yes, you can,” I said firmly, meeting his gaze. “You earned it, Rick. If it weren’t for you, Cody would’ve gotten away that night. I wouldn’t even be standing here. You saved my life.”
He shook his head, taking a step back, his jaw tight. “I was just doing what anyone would’ve done.”
“No, you weren’t,” I countered, my voice soft but unyielding. “You did what the right person would’ve done. And this isn’t just about what you did for me—it’s about what you’re going to do for yourself. From what Roman told me, you’ve talked about that garage and towing service for years. It’s time to make it happen.”
Rick’s throat bobbed as he swallowed hard, his hand tightening around the envelope. For a moment, his usual confidence faltered, replaced by something raw, vulnerable.
“It’s a lot of money, Zoe.”
“And it’s worth every penny,” I said without hesitation. “Take it. Consider it a wedding gift to me, if that helps. Or just call it a thank you. But don’t walk away from this.”
He looked down at the check again, his expression conflicted. I could see the wheels turning in his head—the pride that told him not to accept it, the dreams that told him he couldn’t afford not to. Finally, he let out a long breath, a small, grateful smile tugging at his lips.
“You’re something else, Zoe York,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. “Thank you. Really.”
“You deserve it,” I said simply, placing a hand on his arm. “But Montana and Alabama are a hell of a long way apart, Rick. Just promise me you’ll stay in touch, okay? And if Roman and I are ever in Bay Minette, we’ll stop through and see you. For sure.”
Rick’s lips twitched, his expression softening into something almost boyish. “You’d better. You’ll have a free oil change waiting for you, no matter how far apart we are.”
I laughed, the tension breaking as I gave his arm a squeeze. “Deal.”
As I turned to rejoin Roman, I caught Kat watching from across the yard, a knowing smirk on her face. She raised her glass to me, and I shook my head with a smile. She knew. She always knew.
The music swelled as I reached Roman, his hand already outstretched to pull me into a slow dance. The world seemed to fade away, the chatter of the crowd and the twinkle of the lights blurring into the background. He twirled me under the string lights, his eyes never leaving mine, and for the first time in years, I felt something I’d almost forgotten—peace.
Tonight wasn’t just about me and Roman. It was about all of us. About Kat, with her sharp wit and fierce loyalty. About Rick, finally taking a step toward the life he deserved. About finding our places in the world and holding on to them, no matter how hard the storms tried to take them away. And as I rested my head against Roman’s shoulder, I couldn’t wait to see what came next—for all of us.