However, before they reached the mobile home, the front door burst open and people poured out. Carly’s dad, Ryder, and Owen’s folks led the way, followed closely by Clint McMillan, and most of the town. “Surprise!”
Carly turned to him. “You did this?”
He shook his head. “My plan was for a more private tour after my proposal.”
Carly’s dad stepped forward. “The party was my idea. Kind of a welcome home from the hospital, christening the new office, and engagement party all rolled into one. Thought of it yesterday when Owen officially asked me for your hand.”
“You did that?”
He nodded. “Obviously I forgot to tell him to keep the fact to himself. You know how I hate productions.”
“Oh, dear. The wedding could be a problem, because even small ones can be a production.”
Owen shook his head and kissed her lightly on the lips. “The things I do for you, woman.”
“I’ll have to find a way to repay you for your sacrifice.”
“I’m sure you’ll think of something,” he said, eyeing the approaching crowd. “This definitely wasn’t what I expected we’d be doing after getting engaged. Small towns. You gotta love ’em.”
“Patience. We can use me needing to rest as an excuse to leave soon.”
“Works for me.”
Epilogue
“How’re you copingwith the kid leaving the nest for A&M?” Owen asked. As she stood taping closed a box stuffed with Ryder’s clothes in her brother’s old room, he wrapped his arm around her shoulder.
“Today’s wonderful, and yet not. I’ve dreamed of Ryder leaving for college and starting his own life, but now that it’s here—” Carly bit her lip for a second and then flashed him a weak smile.
“Ryder will be fine.”
Owen marveled at the changes in his life since Carly’s accident two months ago. They’d leased a small house on the edge of town with enough acreage for horses and chickens. Getting settled in there and in new offices had been chaotic, challenging, and amazing. Granted they hadn’t been working together long, but so far, while they’d bounce ideas off each other, they also respected the divisions they’d agreed on. They stole kisses, ate lunch together when possible, and left work at the office.
“I know, but that doesn’t mean I won’t miss him.”
“Considering the rough time you two had when I came back, that’s a good thing.” He leaned his forehead against hers. “You did a fantastic job raising him. Your mom would be proud.”
“I’d like to think so.”
She stepped back and placed her hand on his arm. The long scar from her surgery made him shudder; probably always would. When he thought of what could’ve happened, of the multiple ways he could’ve lost her—from the injury or his own stupidity—he grew sick inside. He was working of letting those thoughts go, preferring to focus on the future and thank God every day for saving her, but it would take time. Maybe as her scar faded so would his fear.
“I’m calling Jim Haggard today to schedule a time to talk about a furniture donation for the conference room. What days are good for you?”
She placed her hands on her hips. “That would require me to ask for something of monetary value which qualifies as a donation and falls under the category of fundraising. That is not in my job description and someone expressly agreed it wouldn’t be required of me. Remember?” Despite her hands on her hips and the stern tone in her voice, the sparkle in her eyes told how much she enjoyed teasing him.
He pulled her into his arms and kissed her, long and deep. She melted against him, her arms wrapping around his waist, holding on tight. How could his life be this good? Sometimes he swore he had to be dreaming.
“Then come with me for moral support.”
“That I can do.” His lips covered hers again.
“Geez, give it a rest, you two, before I’m scarred for life.” Ryder scoffed as he strode into what had been his bedroom for eighteen years.
Carly broke their kiss but remained in Owen’s arms. Her gaze filled with love and mischief. “I take it all back. I’m not going to miss him at all.”
“Liar,” he and Ryder said in unison.
“I know.” She slipped from Owen’s embrace, strolled to her brother, and placed her hand on his arm. “Are you sure you don’t want us to go with you and Dad to help you get settled?”
