Chapter 42 #2
Saint, Bryanna, Edie, and Barb joined them.
Saint walked to the microphone. “We’re here today to honor Debbie, and we can’t do it without recognizing the heroic act of our new friend.
Scarlett alerted my mother, Barb, and Debbie, plus saved Michael’s family.
In addition to rescuing them, she demonstrated remarkable courage under fire, helping Maria, Harlow, and Cherise Bradshaw.
Serenity would like to present you with the key to our town and welcome you. ”
Ty brought her forward as she accepted the honor, deeply touched by the gesture. The crowd clapped and cheered as the mayor passed her the key.
“I have one more surprise,” Ty said, stepping to the side.
“We’re so proud of you, honey,” her mother said, hugging her tightly. “We filmed the whole thing to send to your brother.”
“Mom, Dad,” she said, hugging them.
“Congratulations, sweetie,” he said.
“Don’t forget us,” Rayne said, kissing her cheek.
“Oh my gosh,” Scarlett said, wiping the tears from her face. Joy flowed through her as everyone congratulated her.
“Congratulations, Scarlett,” Ghost said, rubbing her arm and shaking Ty’s hand.
Ty pulled her close, letting her know Sledge and Rocker sat in wheelchairs at the end of the stage.
She waved and thanked the town. They spent the rest of the day enjoying the good food and visiting with the people of Serenity who came to congratulate her. Scarlett showed Ice off to her family and friends until Ty pulled her away.
“Kassie set your parents up in one of the cabins. They’re going to freshen up, and my Mom will drive them to the ranch.
I have dinner planned to give you some time alone, away from the crowd, to catch up with your family,” Ty informed her.
“Do you want to ride back with me and get everything ready?”
She smiled and nodded. “Yes, please. Everyone’s made all of this special, but I wouldn’t mind getting away from the crowd for a bit.”
Ty escorted her and Ice to his truck, and they returned home.
When they entered, Ty checked the food while Scarlett fed Ice.
“We have some time before our parents arrive. How about a ride to the lake? Hank has missed you,” Ty asked.
“Oh, it sounds lovely. The lake always seems to calm me,” Scarlett said as she refreshed Ice’s water.
They walked to the barn, and Hank neighed at the sight of Scarlett.
“See? I told you he’s the smartest horse around,” Ty bragged.
“I bet he missed the extra carrots I feed him,” Scarlett teased.
Ty helped her mount and settled in behind her. They exited the barn, and Scarlett giggled. “Hank, take us to the lake.”
The horse complied, and Scarlett leaned back against Ty’s chest, enjoying the leisurely pace. Ice ran alongside them.
“Did you know they planned to surprise me with the key to the city?” she asked.
“The mayor called and asked me to escort you after their board meeting. It seems Kassie’s speech about the need for extra officers and the town's benefit from the hospital’s presence spurred him into action.
Frankly, I’m surprised and happy to see our town come together again.
The burden never should’ve landed on Chase and Kassie’s shoulders,” Ty informed her.
“Yeah, I’m happy they raised the money for the community center. I have to say, after tasting Tess’ tacos, I know why they made as much as they did.”
“Yes. She’s a great cook,” Ty said as they neared the tree by the pond.
He dismounted and tied Hank to the tree. Scarlett dismounted by herself and reached into the saddlebag to get her cane.
Ty covered her hand. “No. Let me be your eyes today,” he insisted, his voice lowering into the deep timber, which made her body tingle.
Ty walked her along the shaded area of the lake. The sun peeked between the naked limbs of the tree. Scarlett raised her chin, enjoying its warmth.
“I love you, Sparky,” Ty said as he reached for her left hand.
“I love you, Ty. I’ll never forget today,” she said, smiling.
Scarlett felt Ty bend on one knee. “I hope not. Today, you saw the whole town welcome you with open arms. They saw what I noticed months ago. You’re an incredible woman.
If we’ve learned anything over the past few months, things can be replaced, but our time with one another can’t.
I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Sparky, will you marry me?”
She gasped and covered her mouth as tears sprang to her eyes. “Yes,” she exclaimed.
Ty chuckled as he rose and slipped the ring on her finger. “It’s a silver band and the stone is blue-green to match your eyes and the lake. It’s surrounded in diamonds, guaranteeing it will always catch the light.”
“Oh, Ty. It sounds incredible,” she breathed. Scarlett cupped his face and peppered him with kisses in her excitement. He wiped away her tears.
“Since we’re all about breaking rules, I have another question for you,” he said, pulling her into his arms.
“I don’t know if I can handle any more surprises in one day,” she said, gleefully.
“Since your parents came all this way and you intend on taking Leo’s job offer, what do you say about a short engagement?” he asked.
“How short?” She asked, beaming.
“How about Sunday? Ranye and Ghost have a late flight out, and I asked your parents to stay a few days. When we go on our honeymoon, we’ll stop in Indiana and visit them,” he suggested.
“I love it. I’m not into big weddings. A small family gathering with our friends and family sounds great. Can we plan it that soon?” she asked.
“Kassie and Samantha can help you find a dress, Bryanna can bake the cake, and Tess will supervise the meal prep. I have a new suit. I’m sure my Mom will be thrilled to help in any way she can.” Ty chuckled.
“Then let’s do it,” Scarlett exclaimed.
Ty grinned, feeling like the luckiest man alive.
“Everyone’s waiting at the house for us.
I hope you don’t mind, I invited the team and their spouses.
It’ll give you time to get to know them better.
Rocker plans on flying home after the ceremony, and Sledge will be discharged in the morning.
This will give you some time to make your goodbyes. ”
“Sledge decided not to stay?” she asked in surprise.
“He mentioned he planned to speak with his wife about it, but he didn’t want to ask her here. They’ll return home, discuss their options and weigh out the pros and cons. They’ll stay in town until after the wedding.”
“I’ll miss them, but it feels right to stay here,” Scarlett said as Ty helped her back on Hank.
“You belong here,” Ty murmured as he mounted behind her and waited for her to give the order.
“Hank takes us home,” Scarlett said. Somehow, this time, it held a whole different meaning.
She didn’t want to come to Serenity, yet she found the peace she longed for.
The small town became the cure she never knew she needed.
The people offered her friendship. The pride in her parents’ voices as they spoke with Ty and his friends made her realize they didn’t want her living in a bubble.
They prayed and wished for her happiness.
Rayne encouraged her to seek it. Since the attack, Scarlett saw herself through the eyes of those around her.
She didn’t need to see with her eyes but felt it in her heart.
Maybe love was the biggest cure after all.