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EPILOGUE
SATURDAY, THE FOLLOWING WEEK
The smell of steak sizzling on the grill with onions had to be the best aroma in the world. Jenna leaned back in her seat and sipped a glass of aromatic red wine that Kane had selected from his extensive cellar. The rich taste spilled over her tastebuds in a sigh of delight. She’d needed to unwind after the harrowing case, and Kane’s idea to invite their friends around for a cookout was just about as relaxing as it got. The videos Parsons had filmed of the murders would stay with her for a very long time. She’d had a few sleepless nights and needed some time away from the office. She had taken off this weekend after Maggie and old Deputy Walters had offered to take over to give everyone a well-earned rest. She rubbed her forehead as the memory of speaking to Mrs. Parsons again filtered into her mind. She understood the power of loving someone, but some things most people could not forgive. Yet Parsons’ wife was standing by her husband, even though he’d pleaded guilty to all charges and would never see the light of day again.
Jenna had to admit that Parsons’ warning about Poppy Anderson had played on her mind. She had no doubt that Poppy was a flirt and had designs on Kane. Both Emily and Jo had warned her about giving Poppy back her job, saying she would cause too much trouble. The decision hadn’t been easy, but one she’d taken alone. Poppy had shown true grit in an untenable situation, and she figured she owed her a second chance. Although, partnering her with Rio hadn’t gone down too well with Emily.
She glanced over to the group of men standing around the grill. As if he’d felt her gaze on him, Kane turned and smiled at her. The one thing that Emily and Jo hadn’t taken into consideration was that Kane was an honorable man. When he gave a vow, he kept it. She trusted him with her life and her heart and figured it would take more than Poppy Anderson to come between them.
It was just Jenna, Emily, and Sandy at the table. Julie and Anna had taken themselves off to the stables with Zac Rio’s siblings, Piper and Cade, to see the horses. Jo and Carter had left the previous week after taking over Parsons’ murder cases in Colorado. Her friends were chatting, and it was nice to just sit back and listen for a change. She smiled at Emily. “So, Zac is here. Are you two an item now?”
“I’m interested.” Emily’s lips curled into a satisfied smile. “He is kinda special, don’t you think?”
Unable to hide her grin, Jenna laughed. “He’s a nice guy. I like him. How does your dad feel about you dating him?”
“Oh, we’re not dating.” Emily’s gaze moved over to the men. “We’re just friends right now but I’m working on it, and it’s not up to Dad. It’s up to me. I don’t want anything to stand in my way of finishing my medical degree, and Zac is very supportive, so there’s no plans to get serious just yet.”
Jenna shook her head. “That’s hard to predict, Em. Love kinda hits you like a tornado and sweeps you away.”
“So, I’ve noticed.” Emily chuckled. “Dave gets those puppy dog eyes every time he looks at you.” She pointed at her. “You look like the cat that got the cream.”
Sneaking another look at Kane, Jenna smiled. “Dave makes me so happy. Every morning I wake up hoping it’s not a dream. I guess that feeling will wear off one day.”
“It won’t.” Sandy, Jake Rowley’s wife, sighed and smiled. “I feel like that too.”
Jenna’s attention moved to Sandy, bouncing her twins, Cooper and Vannah, one on each knee, and wondered how she managed to cope with the wriggling, giggling twins. They seemed such a handful, but it was obvious that Sandy was enjoying every moment. “Are you getting any sleep with the twins?”
“Not what you might call sleep.” Sandy laughed. “It’s fine unless they’re teething, which at the moment seems to be all the time.”
“Let me take Cooper over with the men.” Rowley came to the table and swung his son into the air. “We have to start the male bonding at a young age, you know.” He grinned at her and hoisted the little boy on one hip.
“I’ve always thought it was ingrained in them. You know, the way they all gather together around the grill. Although, my dad seems to be the cook all the time. What is that, the dominant male or something?” Emily wrinkled her nose. “They’re weird.”
Grinning, Jenna glanced over to the group of men around the grill. “I love it. We get the best end of the deal. We make a few salads, supply the condiments, and sit here waiting to be fed. I don’t mind that tradition at all. It’s nice to relax for a time and talk girl talk.” She glanced at Kane as he came back to the table to refill their glasses. She smiled up at him. “How long for the steaks? I’m starving.”
“Shane will have them ready soon.” Kane looked around the table. “Is there anything else I can get you, while you’re waiting?”
Jenna smiled at him. “Only you.”
“You have me.” Kane pulled her into his arms and smiled down at her. “Jake is going to drop by in the morning to tend the horses. I’ve booked the honeymoon suite at the Cattleman’s Hotel for tonight.” He bent and kissed her for a long time and then pulled back and smiled. “I figure we’ll take the honeymoon we’re owed one day at a time… maybe stretch it out over fifty years or so.”
Happiness spread through Jenna in a warm glow and she wrapped her arms around his neck. “I’d like that just fine.”
* * *
