Epilogue
T en weeks later, the grand opening of The Artery rolled around and brought with it an amazing opportunity for Ty to honor the reason he was grateful he’d been discharged from the Navy and had landed in Harland County.
Piper Monroe was his reason, and he had a special surprise for her after the Grand Opening Gala.
Over the past several weeks, the amazing woman had painted her butt off, creating several incredible masterpieces that were just auctioned off to benefit the local animal shelter. He’d especially loved the one titled, “Twilight in the Courtyard”. It amazed him how they’d both witnessed and experienced the sunset behind the building that night yet captured it so differently. He’d narrowed the focus to where the light glowed through a crack in the stacked stones, casting interesting shadows in an acute spot then captured it in a photo.
Piper had used a canvas and paints to capture an entire scene, showing how the setting sun’s glow touched every surface, and cast an array of shadows that affected the entire landscape, not just one object.
He always focused on one thing, one objective, and accomplished it, living one goal at a time. But not Piper. No, she saw the whole picture, and how one action affected many. He loved that about her. He loved many things about her. Hell, he loved everything about the beautiful, selfless, creative, amazing woman.
The two attempts on her life had changed Ty, made him appreciate his life, the positive and negative of it all, and how integral Piper was to his wake-up call and to his life. Almost losing her had put into perspective what really mattered.
It’s not what you do for a living, it’s how you live for what you do.
He lived for Piper, lived for making her happy, for making her smile, for putting a soft sigh on her lips, and a satiated expression on her beautiful face. All those things made him rich, made him feel content, and made him the luckiest man alive. He didn’t need to fly an F-35C Lightning II to soar. He accomplished that with Piper in his arms.
She was a blessing, and he was grateful to have her in his life—so damn grateful that she was alive.
After the Meyers brothers were arrested for attempted murder, Gabe had taken a special interest in the remodeling of the gallery, especially the walls.
A deputy had been posted there daily, waiting to see what was inside each wall as they were carefully taken down. Ty had also stayed glued to Piper’s side every day, since he was pretty much useless, and he couldn’t talk her out of staying away during renovations that first week.
“Looks like an amazing turnout,” Rylee said when he walked over to where she and her husband and several other of the ESI guys and their wives were gathered, admiring pieces of art on display from local artisans and the café bar.
While Piper was busy talking with the press and taking photos, Ty was giving her space to thrive.
“This building is pretty incredible,” Dex said, glancing up at the exposed beamed ceiling.
He nodded, pride puffing out his chest. “Piper worked hard to bring her vision for the place to life, and Brandi was just as brilliant to take that vision and make it real.”
His brother-in-law was right, the building was truly impressive.
Track lighting on the high ceilings accented each piece of artwork, creating an interplay of shadows and light. Piper and Brandi had designed the gallery's layout as a well-thought-out journey through themed sections, providing a visual feast for patrons. In the middle was a central atrium, with a designated spot for special sculptures to become a focal point for visitors to pause and contemplate.
There were display units crafted from reclaimed materials that seamlessly integrated modern with the historic architecture, creating a visual appeal. From interactive digital exhibits, like the one chronicling the building’s renovation through the photos he’d taken, to strategically placed benches. Every detail was meticulously considered to elevate the visitor's experience.
Piper had thought of everything, even a small corner café.
“I especially love this spot.” Abby grinned, sitting on a stool by the counter where they were converged. “Piper told us she put this in and that it would be the perfect place for when it was her week to host coffee mornings.”
“And that it was also a hub for conversation and reflection, fostering a sense of community within the artistic ambiance,” Mel added, and everyone turned to stare at her. She lifted a shoulder. “What? Those were Piper’s words, I was just repeating them.”
Carter set a hand to his chest. “Phew. Thank God, babe. For a moment there, I thought you were body-snatched, and we were dealing with a clone.”
“They wouldn’t dare take Mel,” Stef said. “She’d mess with their algorithm and become their demise.”
The redhead lifted her chin, and a sassiness gleamed in her eyes. “Damn right, I’d take them down. Sorry, babe, but there’s only one me, and you’re stuck with her.”
“Thank God,” Carter repeated his earlier words, dipping down to kiss his wife’s lips.
“Well, I like that there’s a large room in the back for hosting events and workshops,” Rylee said.
“And wine and painting classes.” Stef lifted her glass, and the women did the same as they cheered.
Then the conversation turned to the Meyers brothers.
“I heard murder was added to the list of charges,” Mac said.
On day two of renovations, answers surfaced as to why Henry and Joel Meyers were willing to kill to keep a secret.
In a wall upstairs, in what used to be the lawyer’s offices, the deputies found a knife, a Rolex watch, and a signet ring, wrapped in a bloody towel. The knife turned out to be the weapon that had been used to kill their great uncle, who’d died in a supposed mugging thirty-seven years ago. The brothers had been the benefactors of his will, living large on his estate ever since.
Until Piper had bought the building.
Good for the bastards.
“Yeah.” Ty’s fingers squeezed around his glass of Jack on the rocks. “Forensics found the uncle’s DNA as well as Joel’s on the knife, and Henry’s on the watch and ring.”
“Bet they thought they were smart, hiding the evidence in the wall.” Carter smirked. “Which one do you think hid it?”
“Henry,” he replied. “Gabe found out the guy had been in construction and was part of the crew renovating the lawyer’s offices. Somehow, he managed to slip the towel behind the sheetrock before the entire wall went up.”
Carter grinned. “Now they’re going to learn that crime doesn’t pay.”
And now, Ty could rest easy that Piper was no longer in danger.
“No one should ever mess with a Navy aviator,” Gabe said as he approached with his beautiful wife on his arm, while he tugged at the collar of his rented tux. “Just my luck that I’d have the night scheduled off, otherwise I could’ve shown up in my uniform.”
All the women were wearing gowns and dresses, while the men wore suits or a tux. Yeah, the monkey suit was restricting but only his brother seemed to be bothered. Of course, no one else was built like a barn door, either.
“Quit your bellyaching,” Lyndsey chided, smacking Gabe’s chest. “Or I won’t strip you out of it later.”
His brother’s went brows up before they settled back down, and excitement gleamed in his eyes. “Like I was saying, it’s a good thing I had the off and could escort my beautiful wife to The Artery’s Grand Opening Gala in style tonight.”
Ty chuckled. “Nice save, man.”
“You’re looking very dapper tonight too, Ty.” Lyndsey smiled at him. “You’ve got something cooking, don’t you?”
He shrugged, not willing to take the chance of spoiling Piper’s surprise. His brother knew because he’d helped Ty “acquire” the gift.
It wasn’t anything grand, but it was priceless, and he knew she would be pleased.
“You popping the question?” Carter asked with a raised brow, while the women gushed.
He shook his head. “No. It’s nothing like that. I’m not going to rush her.”
He hadn’t even told her that he loved her yet, but that would change tonight.
“Then what is it?” Abby asked.
Cooper set a hand on her shoulder. “Shh…here she comes.”
Ty straightened and watched Piper head for him, meandering through the crowd, nodding occasionally to people who stopped her, no doubt, to wish her success.
Her hair was held back by a fancy clasp while several strands were loose and framed her face. She wore a black gown that bared her shoulders and clung to her gorgeous curves. A slit on the left side ran thigh high, showcasing her shapely leg and promptly accelerating Ty’s pulse as she walked.
God, she was beautiful.
“Hi.” She smiled, sauntering straight to him, setting her hands on his arms. “I’m finally done with official business and can enjoy the rest of the night.”
He placed his hands on her hips and leaned in for a quick kiss. “Would you like some wine?”
She smiled. “I’d love some.”
“On it,” Mel said, then turned to the bartender. “Wine for the owner, please.”
“Thanks and thank you all for coming and dressing up. I appreciate it.”
Ty moved a hand to the small of her back and stood by while the gang congratulated her and asked questions about the place and upcoming events.
Later that evening, after the gala was over and guest had gone home, they walked upstairs to their new apartment. Several boxes were strewn about, still needing to be unpacked. They hadn’t had the time to fully move in yet.
“I’m proud of you,” he said, pulling her close.
“Thank you. I had help and a lot of support.” She placed her hands on his shoulders. “Your support meant the most of all. Thank you, Ty.”
“No need to thank me. I’d do anything for you, Piper.”
Her gaze grew misty. “Thank you. I feel the same.”
He smiled. “You’d do anything for you?”
She laughed. “No, you goof. I’d do anything for you. Have you decided what you want to do?”
At the end of January, he’d gone through with the eye surgery, and it was a success. He had 20/40 vision in his left eye now, which was sufficient for a Navy aviator.
“Yes, and I hope you don’t mind, but I sort of started the ball rolling.” His chest squeezed, hoping she wouldn’t be mad. She’d been so busy with preparations for the opening that he hadn’t wanted to add anything else to her plate.
Her eyes rounded, but she didn’t push away, so he took that as a good sign. “What direction is this ball taking?”
He grinned. “A local one.”
“Oh? So, no Navy?” She held his gaze with no relief or disappointment showing in her eyes.
Ty nodded.
Now she frowned. “Are you sure? I know you loved being an aviator. I hope you aren’t choosing me over flying, because you’ll only end up resenting me. I don’t want that for you or us.”
He lifted a hand to cup her face. “Piper, I’d choose you over everything, but my decision not to pursue the Navy again had more to do with me than you. I didn’t want to be away at sea for months at a time, because that meant months away from you. Yeah, there are also base assignments but in this world, there are also unexpected deployments. That was all exhilarating in the past, but not what I seek and enjoy now. You are my exhilaration. You are my life. I love you, Piper.”
She inhaled, and the tears she’d blinked away before returned to spill down her face. “I love you too, Ty. So much.”
A thrill like only Piper could create shot through Ty, upping his pulse and spreading warmth through his chest. Still cupping her face, he leaned in and brushed his lips to hers, first one corner, then the other, before covering her mouth with his. He kissed her slow and thoroughly, savoring the moment, tasting hope and the salt of her tears as she clung to him and returned the kiss.
When he drew back, he stared into a pair of gorgeous gray eyes full of hope and love, and he knew he’d made the right decision. There was no way he could leave this woman, not even for his love for the sky.
But he didn’t actually have to.
“I have two surprises for you,” he said, releasing her to take her hand and lead her to the couch where he removed a half-emptied box and two pillows.
“You do? What?” She settled onto the cushion and smiled.
“I told Kade I’d pick up ten rescues from Phoenix on Sunday. Will you come with me?”
“Of course, but I’m assuming it’ll take a couple of days to drive there to rescue them and then come back. I’ll have to find someone to at least be here to answer phones. Mac’s aunt said she’d be happy to help in any way. I suppose I can ask her.”
He shook his head and smiled. “No need. We’ll be back on Sunday.”
She blinked. “But aren’t we leaving Sunday?”
“Yes.”
“Then how…” She paused then her eyes widened. “Are we flying?”
He grinned. “Yes, in the plane I own.”
His vision was now sufficient for him to use his pilot’s license again.
“Own?”
“Yes, I purchased a very special kind of plane with a very special name. A Piper.”
It had drained most of his savings, but it was well worth it.
The waterworks started again. She blinked and brushed the tears from her face. “A Piper Cub?”
“No.” He reached out to wipe away a tear she’d missed. “It’s a bigger one. It has more room for animal crates.”
“When did you…how did you?” she stammered.
“On Tuesday. You were busy with last minute details, so Gabe drove me to Dallas, and I flew it back here.”
“Here? Harland County has an airport?”
“No, but Mac has a hangar and a large, cleared field behind it. He’s letting me house it there until his cousin finishes an actual airfield for his private jet. I’ll be able to rent space to keep it there.”
“That’s wonderful. I’m so happy for you. And the animals we can now rescue from further away.”
He nodded. “Me, too. So I’m going to keep working for ESI, but mainly in the invention modification department, working on drones and tech with Carter. And transport rescues for the shelter whenever they need it.”
“Sounds perfect for you.”
Speaking of rescues. He rose to his feet. “I have one more surprise for you.”
Her brows rose, and when she made to stand when he stood, Ty shook his head. “No, just stay right there.”
He hurried to the first guest bedroom where he’d snuck the pair of cuties in after Piper had gone downstairs to take care of last-minute touches before the gala started. Ty scooped one furry rescue into each hand and hugged them to his chest, then walked out into the open living room.
“I got you two housewarming presents, hon.”
“Kittens?” Her eyes lit up and her mouth opened. “You got me kittens?”
He smiled, placing them in her lap. “Yes. And they’re rescues. Remember that hoarding situation last month? These two were part of the dozen and a half Kade had taken in at the shelter.”
“They’re the ones I was bottle feeding.” She sniffed and snuggled the meowing fluffballs to her face. One was all gray and the other was all white. “I love them. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He squatted in front of her, basking in the adoration lighting her face. “I love you.”
Still holding the kittens to her chest, she leaned forward and kissed his lips. “I love you too.”
His chest expanded, allowing more warmth to funnel in. God, he’d never grow tired of hearing her say that. He watched as she sat back and petted the kittens who immediately tried to explore the couch. Laughing, she caught them easily and set them back on her lap.
He reached out to pet the gray one that was closest to him. “Any idea on what you’re going to name them?”
“Absolutely. I’m going to name them after you.” She met his gaze with an abundance of happiness in her eyes. “One is Amazing, and the other is Sweet.”
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