Epilogue
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Chaos reigns in our backyard for Maisie’s fifth birthday.
Of course she is a social butterfly and insisted on inviting everyone she knows.
And because she’s so lovable and no one can say no to her, they’re all here.
I swear half of the town of Coyote Creek is gathered.
My whole team, plus the forest rangers we work with and their families, and friends she’s made in preschool and their families.
Kids are screaming and yelling in the bounce house we rented, while others are waiting in line for the pony rides. I may have gone a little overboard with the ponies and a bounce house, but damn it, my girl deserves the world, and I fully intend to give it to her.
Both of them.
My eyes sweep the area in search of Ella amongst the guests as I man the grill in the endless mission to keep this party in burgers and dogs.
I finally spot her chatting with Sky Morris, Blair Hogarth, and Izzy Dickenson.
They’re all wives of some of the forest rangers the search and rescue team works closely with.
I’m happy she’s found friends here and has settled into our charming little town.
I’m even happier to be living in the farmhouse she inherited from her father with her and Maisie. It’s nice to have the space and privacy I’ve always wanted. Even better that I found a family to share it with.
I would go through all the pain I endured before again because it was completely worth it to lead me to them. I’m finally living the life I thought I’d have all those years ago, but it’s so much better than I ever imagined. And it’s all due to the woman and little girl who are my whole world now.
“Looks good on you.” Alana grins as she comes to stand next to me.
I shrug a shoulder, glancing down at the kiss the chef apron I’m wearing. “Maisie gave it to me, so of course I had to wear it.”
Her head falls back as she laughs. “Not the apron! The family. Seeing you happy. It’s great to see. You finally lost that chip on your shoulder.”
“Well I can’t disagree with you there.” I wink, but my lips turn down when our phones simultaneously go off. “Shit.”
Cash Perry, who’s also on our SAR team, joins us as they do. “What’s the details?” he asks Alana, who reads the call.
“Looks like just a pack out. Thirty-three-year-old female, possible broken ankle. Not a full search, thankfully.” She looks up.
“We got this, boss, you stay and man the party, wouldn’t want to disappoint the birthday girl.
We’ll have Miss Meyer packed out and delivered to the ambulance before the party’s over. ”
Cash’s brows furrow as he frowns. “Wait, did you say Meyer?”
Alana nods, holding her phone up, screen out. “Yep, says the patient is an Ashlynn Meyer. Why? Know her?”
Cash squeezes the back of his neck, and blows out a lungful of air. “I used to.”