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Passion.
She’d never imagined how strong it could be, but they’d shown her so much.
She was theirs and they were hers.
How much had changed for her since she’d arrived in Destiny? Everything. The call from Jason had set the ball rolling and now here she was—about to start her new job. But this ceremony was twofold. Looking at Ethel, Gretchen, Erica, and others in attendance—who were wiping the tears from their eyes—reminded Nicole of Charlie, the man who had given his life in the line of duty at the fire.
“Charlie was the kind of man—” Jason cleared his throat, likely trying to compose himself. “He was my friend, my partner.” The sheriff looked over at Charlie’s former wife and two kids. “Ashley, it means a lot to all of us that you’re here. You and your children are important to us, to Destiny. We hope you stay, but whatever you choose to do, we’re here for you.”
With tears streaming down her eyes, the woman put her arms around her young children. “Thank you, Jason.”
“Please join me in a moment of silence for our fallen hero, Charlie Blake.”
Nicole didn’t know the whole story that had happened between Charlie and his ex, but apparently the citizens here were ready to embrace Ashley.
“Thank you,” the sheriff said. “The other reason we have gathered here today is to welcome and deputize our newest member to our town and our county, Nicole Flowers. Officer Flowers is from…”
As Jason continued detailing her law enforcement background, Nicole looked up and saw Henry walking up to join the crowd. Happy tears tickled her eyes. She’d not known he was well enough to come today, but she was so glad he had. According to his doctors, it was a miracle that he’d been able to pull through Patti’s drug cocktail. Nicole knew it was part miracle and part Henry’s grit and toughness.
Thanks to what she and everyone here in Destiny had done, along with Jaris’s testimony, Henry’s good name was restored. In a few months, he would be officially retired.
He waved at her from the back. She smiled and waved at him.
Seeing Henry here made her think about her grandfather.
Granddad would’ve been so proud of her. Though not in his beloved Chicago, she was continuing the family legacy. Since she was little, he’d told her all he wanted was for her to be happy. She looked over at Sawyer and Reed, the two men who she would spend the rest of her life with.
She was happy. So very happy.
“Without further ado,” Sheriff Jason Wolfe said, stepping in front of her, holding the badge she would wear. He turned to Ethel O’Leary, the judge of Swanson County, where Destiny resided. The woman stood between her two husbands, Patrick and Sam. “If you please, Your Honor.”
She’d been told that the three O’Learys were all in their late seventies. Even so, they were quite the sunny trio.
Ethel grinned. “Raise your right hand, please.”
She lifted her hand and felt her own pride swell in her chest.
Judge O’Leary smiled. “Repeat after me.”
As Nicole repeated the words, the oath went deep into her being, sealing her to this town, to these people, and to her future.
“I swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States, and that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the State of Colorado and support the constitution and laws thereof; and that I will, to the best of my skill and judgment, diligently and faithfully, without partiality or prejudice, execute the office of deputy according to the constitution and laws of this state.”
Ethel turned to the crowd. “Allow me to present to you our newest law enforcement officer for our county and our town, Deputy Nicole Flowers.”
The crowd applauded.
“Speech. Speech. Speech.” Gretchen, Erica, and others in the crowd were chanting in unison.
She hadn’t prepared anything. Nervously, she looked over at her new boss, the sheriff. He smiled and nodded. “You’ll do great, Nicole.”
“Thank you, Sheriff.” Then she turned to Ethel. “Thank you, Judge.” She looked at the crowd. These were her new neighbors, the citizens she was meant to protect. Glancing at Ashley and her children, she felt for their loss. “I didn’t know Charlie well, but I realize I have very big shoes to fill. It’s clear to me that everyone in this town loved and respected him. He will be greatly missed.” She looked up at her new neighbors and zeroed in on Patrick O’Leary. She’d learned that he’d recently been appointed to the top position of the town after the previous man holding it had been called back to active duty in the Marines. “Mayor, I would like to propose an annual day of remembrance for Charlie.”
“That’s our girl,” Reed said as everyone began cheering.
“That’s our deputy,” Sheriff Jason added.
“This isn’t an official meeting, but it seems the whole town is here.” Patrick laughed. “We have a motion. Do I have a second?”
