16
There was no better place to gather with friends and family than in the diner. Ed and Ted were thrilled to be filled to capacity,
but they also took part in the engagement party.
Kentucky had gotten their first big snow, but after all, it was now mid-November, so snow wasn’t unexpected. It had taken
a lot of resolve, but Glory had gotten back in a car, first for prenatal care, now that everyone knew about the baby, and
later to have her injuries assessed. It gave her a great deal of satisfaction to have the orthopedic doctor agree she could
regain use of her shoulder without surgery, but she still did the light exercises that helped to keep the discomfort at bay.
Driving definitely made her nervous, but she wouldn’t lose her independence just because of two nasty wrecks. Kam had given
up his apartment and moved in with her without reservations. After his encounter with Mike, he no longer questioned himself,
and he no longer felt he had anything to prove.
“After all,” he’d said to her, “since I didn’t mangle Mike, I must damn near be a saint.” She had laughingly agreed.
The few things she’d ordered for his apartment were now at her house, and in the spring, they’d have the terrace beautifully
decorated.
It had taken Kam a good long while to stop hovering over her, especially after Mike’s background was exposed. Jenn was an
ex, and when she’d tried to break things off, he’d brutally murdered her. Thankfully, her remains were recovered, so her family
had closure, and Mike would never again be a free man.
For a while there, no one had wanted to let Glory out of their sight, but it was no-nonsense Addie who’d set them all straight—after she’d gained Glory’s vow to always be exceedingly careful.
Kam kissed her forehead. “You, Glory McCallahan, soon to be Glory Norwood, have turned into a very low-key woman.”
She waved to Glenda, Addie, and Liz, seated together at one booth, and then to Nell, Callie, and even Shara, seated at another.
Dan Fellows, who’d been thrilled that they’d be using his hall for yet another wedding, sat with her Uncle Frank at the bar,
laughing at whatever Ed said when he handed them their food.
“I love it here. I love that Ed and Ted have gotten so involved in helping kids who need it, that Shara is now a friend, that
Liam and Nell are part of our lives. I love that Glenda gets regular visits now from Liz and Addie. I love my house, I love
planning my wedding, and most of all, Kam, I love you.”
His warm green eyes showed happy contentment. “To think I once considered you stuck up.”
Laughing, she lightly punched his ribs and got a quick kiss in return. No one understood her as well as he did, not even Callie.
Tanner came through the door, allowing in a dusting of snow carried on a cold wind. Liam and Kirby were with him, and so was
Kirby’s sister. Glory knew the girl was twelve, but she was so petite that she appeared even younger. These days, she was
all smiles.
Not long after Mike was taken into custody, Kirby’s stepfather had shown up with great news—depending on your perspective.
To Glory, it was amazing and it appeared the kids were adjusting well to their new circumstances.
Their mother’s abusive boyfriend had been involved in a serious drug deal while traveling in South Dakota, and for now, they
were keeping him, with a possible prison sentence pending. The mother had taken off to be with him, giving the stepfather
permission to keep the kids.
The courts, under the circumstances, allowed an emergency hearing where they listened to each child explain their preferences.
At the little sister’s request, they’d awarded the stepfather full custody of her. Kirby had accepted his invitation to move
in as well. Now they were thriving—and it was due in large part to Kam’s intervention, Tanner’s connections, and the fact
that really amazing people cared.
Yes, there were disappointing parents in the world, some who were overwhelmed, some misunderstood, and too many who just didn’t
care. But there were loving parents, too—whether blood-related or not.
That thought drew Glory’s gaze to Aunt Liz. Addie laughed at something she said, and Glenda snorted at them both.
When the door opened again, Glory turned and saw Kirby’s stepfather, Rich, entering the diner. He gave her a friendly wave
before following the kids to the only available booth.
Not long after securing custody, he’d come by to personally thank her for giving Kirby a chance, and to apologize for all she’d gone through. But she gave her own apology in return, because Kirby had been drawn into Mike’s sick plans.
Mike’s obsession with her, his twisted belief that she was perfect, had caused a lot of harm, but Glory thought it had also
been the impetus that pushed her and Kam together, and for that, she was grateful.
Tanner strode over to say, “I invited them, Rich included.”
“I’m glad you did. He’s a nice guy, and obviously, the kids are crazy about him.”
“He’s solid,” Tanner said, “and he’s offering to help where he can with any kids needing guidance.”
“They’re part of Hoker now.” Rich had relocated so the kids could still attend their schools and keep their friends. He didn’t
want to disrupt their lives any more than necessary. Glory hugged Tanner, something she’d missed doing when her ribs and shoulder
had taken her out of commission. “I want all of Hoker to celebrate with us.”
“I’m glad you’re a part of our family, hon.” Tanner kissed her forehead and moved on.
“This time next year,” Kam said, hugging her from behind, one hand on her still-flat stomach and his chin on top of her head,
“we’ll have a little one with us. The celebrating will be different.”
“Even better?”
Kam was thoughtful a moment, then he turned her to face him and framed her face in his hands. “For me, every day with you
is amazing, no matter what. I can’t imagine it getting any better, but tomorrow, I know it will be, and the day after that.”
Such a beautiful sentiment. “Because you love me, and I love you.”
His slow smile stole her breath. “Everything changed when I met you. For so long, I thought you were perfect.”
That made her scowl, because Mike had thought the same. “I’m not,” she assured him.
“I agree.” He touched a brief kiss to her mouth. “You’re wonderfully flawed, but you’re still perfect . . . for me.”
That was more like it. “What do you say we join this party? After all, we have a lot to celebrate.”
He nodded. “The rest of our lives, together.”
* * * * *