“I can’t believe this bitch,” Winston mutters from my side, running his fingers through his hair. “Not fucking once has she even asked where our son is, when he was with me last night.”

“You wanna go confront her?” Captain asks, and I see Winston lift his chin before he’s led out of the room.

“And you were okay with nine people dying so you could get married?” Clarkston asks Corina as I turn my attention back to the glass. She starts to shake her head, looking completely panicked.

“I didn’t… I didn’t do anything,” she whimpers, then the door opens once more to let Winston walk into the room. The moment she sees him, the color drains from her face and she looks ready to puke. “You….”

“Yeah, I’m alive.” He glares at her as she tries to stand up and walk to him. “I wish I could say I’m surprised by your latest selfish act of desperation, but I’m not. I should also let you know, not that you give a fuck, that our son is okay.” He turns for the door then stops when she screams his name.

“Winston, stop please I’m sorry!”

“Tell it to the judge, and I’ll get the divorce papers to your lawyer.” He leaves the room and as soon as the door shuts behind him, she breaks down.

“You guys did good.” Captain pats my shoulder as he flips the switch, turning the glass in front of me black. “With Ace’s video evidence, Harry admitting to his part, and the bank records where Corina withdrew enough money to pay for the hit, the case against both of them is solid.”

“Yeah,” I agree, running a hand through my hair, glad that the latest family drama is done, and after I deal with a shit load of paperwork I get to head home to my girls, who’ll remind me that there’s more good in this world than bad.

EPILOGUE

Talon

Three months later

“TALON AND BAX Mayson’s unique architectural design, style, eye for detail, and use of smart technology in their builds has brought something new to the Tennessee housing market. If you’re looking for a house that is not only energy efficient but stylish and welcoming, you’re going to want to place them at the top of your builders list. They, along with Mayson Construction, have set a new precedence in the world of construction, and in my opinion, they’ve done it with a boom. Stan Miller, Home Design Critic for Tennessee Million Dollar Home Magazine,” Mia finishes reading then squeals while shoving her phone up to my face. And since I’m driving, I barely have a chance to glance at the image—not that I need to see it. I know the photo chosen for the six-page magazine spread, the one of Bax and me standing in front of the log house we built, smiling wide. “I’m so proud of you, honey.”

“Thanks, baby.” I place my hand on her thigh.

“And even without this article, you guys already sold the house.”

“We did,” I agree, though her mom and Chaz didn’t buy it. A couple moving from California outbid Mia’s parents, and thankfully they we’re okay with Bax and me taking the offer for more money. We also might have told them we’d build for them, if that’s what they decide to do.

“Did Ruby give you this?” Mia asks, dragging me from my thoughts and fingering the thick pink ribbon that’s been tied around my wrist for four days. I smile, lacing my fingers through hers.

“Nope.” I bring her hand to my mouth and kiss the back of it. “You’ll see what it’s for when we get to Fire Fox Mountain.”

“Oh, a mystery.” She laughs as she turns to check on the airstream we’re pulling. “You know, when you first told me that we should go camping rather than to a beach somewhere, I thought you lost your mind, but I don’t think I’ve ever had a better vacation in my life.”

“I’m glad, baby.”

“And it doesn’t hurt that my own personal Tennessee tour guide is seriously hot and really good at giving orgasms,” she adds. Laughing, I exit the highway. “I just can’t believe we’re going to have to go home soon. I’m not ready to go back to real life.”

“I know, baby, but we still have a few days before we gotta leave,” I say as I park the Jeep and camper in a double space then get out, putting my vest on over my hoodie as I walk around to the passenger side and open Mia’s door.

“Burrr, it’s a lot colder here than in Chattanooga.” She rubs her hands together as she hops down then leans up to steal a kiss before I open the backdoor to grab her jacket, helping her put it on.

“We’re close to the east, so that probably has something to do with the temp drop. Well, that and it’s October,” I say, taking her hand as I lead her into the park, having already paid for our entry online. When we get inside, we follow the signs to the Ye Old Wishing Well, and she knows as soon as the area near the well comes into view, because she gasps and her hand spasms in mine.

“Do you think someone’s getting married?” She points at the bridge that is decorated with white flowers and tulle, making it look like something out of a fairy tale. “Maybe we should turn around.”

“I don’t see anyone getting married, and we’re just passing through. It’s okay,” I tell her as we step onto the bridge, and she tips her head back to look at the ceiling, where thousands of multicolored ribbons are hanging. “They say—” I let go of her hand and untie the ribbon from around my wrist and find an empty spot to place it. “—that if you make a wish on a ribbon, tie it to the ceiling in here, and ring the bell—” I pull the tattered cord, causing a bell to ring. “—the gnomes will grant your wish.” I face her and see a small, somewhat confused smile on her beautiful face, and then her eyes widen as I pull a pink ribbon with a diamond ring attached to it from the pocket of my jeans and hold it up, going down on one knee. “So, baby, will you help them make my wish come true?”

“Are you serious?” she asks with tears filling her eyes, right before she crashes into me, knocking me back on my ass. “Yes, I’ll marry you. Yes, yes, yes!” She laughs, peppering my face with kisses. I sit up, adjust her on my lap, and take her hand, placing the ring on her finger. Once it’s in place, she rests her forehead against mine. “I love you, Talon Mayson, and I’m so lucky I get to call you mine.”

Swiping the tears from under her eyes, I shake my head. “I’m the lucky one, Mia.” I kiss her as I stand with her in my arms and at that moment, our families come out of hiding and start to cheer.

“You didn’t,” she laughs against my mouth.

“They insisted on coming.” I smile and she shakes her head before rushing to hug everyone. I stand back and watch her, wondering how long it will be until I get used to her being mine. Then I glance around at my family and those who have found what I now have, and I realize I never will.

Mia

Six month later

Waiting in front of the back doors at Talon’s parents’ house, I fidget. I’m not even a little nervous about what’s about to happen. I’m anxious to finally marry the man who’s waiting for me on the other side of the doors.

After Talon proposed, my mom and his aunt November stepped up to plan the event, and I kind of let them lead the way, even though I would have been happy to get married at the courthouse. Our wedding was planned for six months from now, but two months ago, Talon told them they needed to speed things up, because we found out I’m pregnant with twins, and he refused to have me start showing without having his last name.