Epilogue
Upon their return Doug and Jenny Harper were shocked and horrified to learn Gino Stallone had been running an illegal gambling organization for years, and found murdered in a small, rural town. He’d been chasing their daughter when he’d discovered she’d overheard a damning conversation. The couple were told the gory details before the news was made public by Detective George Hawthorne and Karen herself.
She also told them she owed her life to a western horse trainer named Cade McLean, and as the dramatic events had unfolded they’d fallen in love. Eager to meet him, they made arrangements to drive to his ranch in Smoky Hill.
* * *
Though Karen had been gone only a few days Cade couldn’t wait to see her again and meet her parents. But when a gleaming Bentley turned into his driveway he experienced a rare moment of nerves. He wasn’t expecting them for another hour, and was still riding Moon in the arena. Wishing he’d had time to get cleaned up, he cantered across to greet them.
“Mom, dad, this is Cade,” Karen exclaimed as they climbed from the car and stepped up to the rail. “And here come Jack and Diane,” she added, seeing the dogs bounding across from the barn.
“Great to meet you, Cade,” Doug said warmly. “Thank you for taking care of our little girl.”
“Dad! I’m not a little girl.”
“As I have told you many times, you will always be our little girl.”
“Great to meet you as well,” Cade replied with a grin, sliding off the big grey and shaking Doug’s hand.
“What a beautiful horse,” Jenny exclaimed. “How do you ride with no saddle or bridle? Isn’t it dangerous?”
“Not at all. We understand each other. Would you like to come into the house for coffee.”
“Yes, very much,” Doug replied. “I have a million questions.”
“I’ll do my best to answer them all, and if you’d like I can take you up Smoky Hill in the ATV, or even on horseback if you want.”
* * *
What Cade thought would be a quick visit lasted through the afternoon. After running into Joe and hearing how he’d stopped Paddy McBride, Doug and Jenny accepted Cade’s invitation to take a trail ride up Smoky Hill.
With the magical mist cloaking the trees, and the sun sending shards of light through the overhead branches, they made their way up the gentle slope, pausing briefly to stare at the spot where Gino had met his demise. Though it was a somber moment, by the time they reached the unexpected clearing at the top of the hill the heaviness had passed.
“This is absolutely incredible,” Doug exclaimed as they gazed across at the mountain peaks. “It must be spectacular in winter.”
“It is, and you’re welcome to visit. ”
“The entire area is just beautiful,” Jenny said with a sigh. “I had no idea it was here. I hope it stays under the radar.”
“Yeah, me too,” Cade agreed. “We like visitors, but not hordes of people. The Moonshine Campground is gettin’ pretty popular now. You probably heard Annie Baker had her weddin’ there, and word has spread.”
“Well I’m not telling anyone!” Jenny exclaimed. “This place needs to stay just as it is. I understand why you love it so much. If I could live here, I would.”
“Let’s look into that,” Doug suggested. “Maybe we can find a retreat for the weekends.”
Glancing across at Karen, Cade saw her beaming.
His fate was sealed.
And he couldn’t remember ever feeling so elated.
* * *
Six months later, during the first snowfall of the season, Cade proposed to Karen in front of a roaring fire in the small cottage next to the man made lake.
“Yes, yes and yes,” she exclaimed, happy tears filling her eyes as she threw her arms around him.
“Just as well or I’d spank you until you agree.”
“Really? Sorry, I’ve changed my mind,” she retorted with a sassy wink.
“Don’t worry, that’s comin’. I have to make sure you’ll love, honor and obey!”
“I’ll do my best, but you know how I can be.”
“Uh, yeah, though I have to admit your unpredictably has its appeal.”
“Speaking of unpredictable, why did you choose this place for such a special moment?”
“Don’t you like it? ”
“Are you kidding, I absolutely love it. I was just wondering.”
“Think back,” he murmured, narrowing his eyes. “What happened here?
“You tossed me into the lake! How could I ever forget that?”
“You called me a beast, and I said, that’s one of the things you love about me. A few minutes later you accused me of bein’ a wild man, and again I said, that’s another thing you love about me. Remember now?”
“Yes, I do.”
“Well, I was thinkin, and I love that you’re such a sassy brat. Lookin’ back, we knew what was happenin’ between us then. That, darlin’, is why I chose this place. And you were right. I am a wild man. I’m wild about you, and I plan on spendin’ the rest of my life showin’ you just what that means.”
THE END