Page 373 of Rangers Unexpected Return

The kiss wasn’t young.

It wasn’t uncertain.

It carried eighteen years of regret.

Every question we had never asked.

Every answer we had been afraid to hear.

When we finally pulled apart, he rested his forehead against mine.

“Still collecting evidence?”

“I’ve reached a preliminary conclusion.”

He smiled.

“And?”

“You should probably take me home.”

His arms tightened.

“Eagle River?”

I looked at the empty office.

Then at the man who had never stopped taking care of me.

“Yes.”

“Eagle River.”

EPILOGUE

JUDY

Six months later, wildflowers covered the edge of the old playground.

The camp office had been cleared away.

Cabin Nine had been removed.

In its place stood a small memorial garden surrounded by young oak trees.

Children laughed near a new set of swings.

Safe.

Watched.

Loved.

A bronze plaque rested beside the path.

In Memory of Emily Ross

She gave her life protecting a child she barely knew.