Epilogue
Eighteen months later…
Spade
Deputy training was held in Salem, which forced us to take our relationship slow the first six months.
A lot of phone calls and text messages and as many weekends as we could manage.
The first thing I did was hire a contractor while I was away to pave the road and put in reflective snow poles marking the edge of the road to the cabin.
I needed to know she would be able to get out.
Not that she’d ever leave the animals but at least someone could get to her.
Since Sheriff Harker recommended me and requested my assignment to fill one of his upcoming openings, I was able to work with him for my field training. It was then that I moved in permanently.
Fawn’s mom, Nova, and John welcomed me instantly. We’ve become a tight knit family spending time together at the farm and in town.
After my swearing in, they surprised me with a party at the farm, inviting Jaxon and his family, Sheriff Harker and a few other friends from town. Fawn reached out with Jaxon’s help and a couple of the guys from the old team showed up as well. They liked the area so well they’ve relocated.
The unexpected highlight of the day was Brownie giving birth to six pups. With my classes, shearing, and finishing the additions at Jax’s cabin we hadn’t even noticed she was expecting. We kept all the babies.
Taking a sip of my coffee, I glance out the window. My love is holding puppy training in the front yard. Proud parents, Brownie and Marble observe from the sidelines. I see Jaxon’s truck breach the rise into our yard followed by Nova and John. It’s my cue.
“Mom, what are you doing here? I thought you had something special to do today?” Fawn walks over.
“I do dear, a picnic with family.”
John has the two picnic tables he and I built last week in the bed of his truck, and the new grill he helped me pick out.
Following his lead, we place them in the yard and he immediately fires up the grill.
He and Nova insisted on bringing the food and all the other picnic supplies.
Jax brought extra lawn chairs. Shortly after everything is set up, another car arrives with my army buddies.
Maura and Fawn are showing the twins the puppies when Maisey from Muggs Up drives up.
Show time. My heart stutters. Go big or go home I remind myself.
Crossing the yard, I put my hand on Fawn’s hip. She looks up at me. “What’s going on?”
“I thought it was time we had a party with our closest friends, a celebration.”
“Celebration of what?”
“Well, that’s kind of up to you. You see, today is my Gramp’s wedding anniversary.
So, I thought we could celebrate it, or…
” I drop to my knees pulling the little black box from my pocket and opening it to display two simple gold wedding bands.
“Or you could marry me, right now, my love. Preach is here to officiate.”
She’s quiet so long I start to get scared.
Then I see the tear streak down her cheek.
“I love you, Bishop Spade, and I’d love to be your wife.
” She glances around at our small intimate gathering and back to me.
“You get me. You so get me. This is exactly what I would want. Close friends, home, our animal family.
“Yes. Yes, a million times, I do.”