Epilogue
MAY
The Cerberus Tactical Training Center was made festive for the occasion.
Chairs were lined on either side of the aisle. In front of the room, the podium was bright with an enormous spray of flowers.
On the screen, they ran a compilation of photos and videos from Rory’s military life. Ty and the Echo brothers took turns telling their favorite stories about Rory’s exploits with their unit to the great amusement of the crowd.
Then came the moment when Trip Wire and his wife, Dani, and their baby were called to the front of the room.
There, Ty officially handed over Rory’s lead.
Rory was going to his forever home.
The cheers went up, and as Trip Wire walked Rory back to his seat, each guest tossed a toy into the aisle.
Everyone felt Rory’s joy.
For Ty, it was bittersweet.
Kira came up to the front and wrapped her arms around Ty and whispered, “Whew, this is hard.”
This had always been the plan.
But after so many years with Rory constantly by his side, the shift was an emotional storm.
The saving grace was that Ty was officially the lead for Cerberus Team Delta. He’d get to see Rory all the time. That would be easier than what Trip Wire had gone through when he’d lived vicariously through the videos Ty had sent.
Lynx walked up and gave Ty a smile, smoothing her hand down his arm.
“I know this is hard. It’s going to take some adjusting.
” She turned and smiled at Kira. “Hey there. Today, it’s official, I want to welcome you to the Iniquus family.
I’m noticing you have a wedding ring on your finger, so double congratulations. ” Her smile broadened.
“This is our one-week anniversary,” Kira said. “We flew out to visit Ty’s family along with my Aunt Fatima, so everyone could meet. Then we surprised everyone with a quick stop at the courthouse before we went out for lunch.”
“Very simple,” Ty said. “Just the way we wanted.” Ty cast his gaze down the aisle, where Rory was having a blast shaking an octopus. “Rory was our best man, and they allowed him into the courtroom because of his military rank.”
“It was really kind of the judge.” Kira leaned into Ty.
“It’s a joyful day,” Lynx said. “But still a bittersweet ache.”
“Yeah,” Ty dropped a kiss into Kira’s hair.
“I think I have something to help ease that just a bit.” She moved to the podium.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Lynx said into the mic.
“I’m sure you all have had an opportunity to welcome the Newcombes, Ty and Kira, into our fold.
But it is my great honor to tell you that they are not the newest additions to our family.
Reaper?” She lifted her voice, and the back door opened.
Reaper came through with a gorgeous Malinois at his side. Ty recognized her immediately. The dog he’d fallen in love with from the videotapes that Reaper had been sending. Ty had ranked her number one when he’d listed his three top picks.
“This is Ninja,” Lynx announced. “Ninja is a Belgian Malinois bred and trained by our friends in Namibia for Iniquus. She, too, is joining Team Delta as Ty’s partner.”
Ninja, on Reaper’s command, walked through the sea of Rory toys without a flicker of distraction.
As Reaper reached the front of the room, facing Ty, he gave the silent hand command, and Ninja spun and backed up to sit between Kira and Ty.
“She’s all yours,” Reaper said.
Ty and Kira squatted down beside Ninja.
Kira was having trouble holding back her tears. And Ty’s heart was full to overflowing. Ty didn’t think he could grin any wider.
As Kira and Ty kissed over the top of Ninja’s head, a new family formed.
It was the end of an era and the beginning of the next adventure.
The END