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Epilogue
Being truthful, loving, being willing to work together, praying together, Making Jesus a top priority in your life and family. - Thelma E Tollefsen, Tacoma Washington
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Dwight Ekenrode helda plate filled with potato salad, chips and two hamburgers. There was also some kind of unknown, gelatinous salad he hadn’t been able to resist because of its bright blue color. He hadn’t decided whether he was going to eat that or just look at it. It was the first time in his life, he’d put food on his plate more to decorate it than to eat it. Sweet Water, North Dakota had that effect on him.
Actually, Orchid Baldwin had that effect on him.
“You gonna stand there and daydream, or are you gonna sit down with us?” Bryce bumped his arm with his shoulder as he walked by holding a plate heaped with food in one hand and a cup of sweet tea in the other.
“I’m coming.”
“Man, you need to get over her.” Bryce’s words didn’t match the sympathy in his eyes.
“I’ve tried.” There was no point in denying he was pining over Orchid. But he didn’t have to ruin everyone’s day. Especially since his friend was practically walking on air since he’d proposed to Peyton the evening before and she now sported a sparkling diamond ring on her graceful left hand.
He watched as Peyton came back after settling the kids and setting her own food down, taking Bryce’s plate from him and giving Dwight a sympathetic look. “Hon, maybe you should introduce Dwight to the Piece Makers.”
Dwight’s brows furrowed as he tried to figure out exactly who she was thinking he needed to be introduced to, and why.
Bryce froze in the act of leaning down to plant a kiss on his fiancée’s temple. “Are you sure about that?” he asked, his face showing that he definitely wasn’t sold on the idea. Although whether that was because he was concerned about Dwight, or concerned about the Piece Makers, Dwight wasn’t sure.
Peyton smiled up into Bryce’s eyes, a smile full of confidence, but also of love and affection. Dwight wanted to look away, but he found himself studying his friend, noting the return look of adoration and knowing that Bryce had never been more content in his life before. Peyton had been the best thing that ever happened to him, by far.
Maybe Bryce was right. Even with Dwight’s eternal optimism, he couldn’t ever imagine Orchid looking at him the same way.
“Dwight, I need to introduce you to some ladies.”
Bryce dropped that kiss on his fiancée’s temple, some unspoken communication passed between them as she took his plate and cup and Bryce watched her go for a moment before he turned to Dwight.
“This way.”
“Maybe I don’t want to be introduced.”
“Maybe this is your only hope.”
“For what?”
“For Orchid. If, and that’s a big if, they’ll take you.”
“Take me?”
“When I introduce you, I’ll mention that you’re planning on moving to Sweet Water.”
“I am?”
“Yeah. You’re not taking Orchid away from her family and the town who loves her.”
