“I love you too, Kane,” she whispers back, peering up at me with the most loving gaze, it makes my heart thump wildly in my chest. This woman is mine. She lured me out of the darkness and showed me the light in my life that was missing—the only light I could have found from her.
Olivia’s parents interrupt us first, hugging us in congratulations while Olivia and her mom wipe each other’s tears. Her dad pulls me in for a hug and pats me on the back. I wish my parents could have been here, but my dad hates driving in the snow. I told him we would make our way up there to see them soon.
Perry, Amy, and Tammy all come in next, pulling Olivia’s hand in all directions to scope out her ring, while John, Drew, and Cooper all congratulate me with handshakes and side hugs.
“Sorry, Kane,” Cooper finally says, hunched over a bit in embarrassment.
“Don’t worry, I’ll get my revenge one day,” I wink at him, which makes him shake his head in laughter.
“I have no doubt,” he replies, and I thank my lucky stars that I get to have a brother-in-law like Cooper. After he and Dan drilled me at Thanksgiving, the two of us have bonded and become friends. His relationship with Olivia is important to them both, and I’m grateful that I am accepted by one of the most important men in her life.
“Now we have wedding and baby plans to attend to,” Perry exclaims, and I can already see the wheels turning in her mind.
The chatter filling my home brings a sense of peace over me while I admire our loved ones sharing in our moment. It’s amazing how much my life has changed in just three months’ time, and I wouldn’t change a thing. Even though it was one hell of a ride to get here, I realize that the tangled mess I thought was my life actually turned out to be a woven masterpiece, with each thread coming together to create something truly beautiful.
I have the woman of my dreams, the home filled with love and laughter, and a family on the way. Nothing can ruin this.
“219 this is 141. We’ve got a 12-72 at 1600 Lake Drive. Requesting back-up immediately.”
Cooper’s radio echoes in the room, drawing the attention of everyone to him.
“141, 10-4. On my way,”he replies before looking around at all of us. “I’ve got to go. Congrats, sis,” he says while kissing Olivia and then his mom on the cheek, hugging his dad, and then waving goodbye to everyone else before quickly turning and immediately running out of the door.
“Be careful, Coop!” Olivia’s mom shouts after him just as the door slams shut.
“What’s a 12-72?” Drew asks, his eyes bouncing around the room.
“Burglary in progress,” Olivia’s dad answers casually.
“1600 Lake Drive… isn’t that where Pearson Advertising is?” Perry asks while looking at Amy and Olivia with worry etched on her face.
“Wait, that’s Clara’s advertising firm!” Amy shouts while the energy in the room shifts immediately.
“Oh, my God, Kane,” Olivia reaches for me, burying her face in my chest. “What if she’s hurt? What if Cooper and the other deputies don’t get there in time?”
I rub her back while offering her whatever comfort I can—knowing that there’s nothing we can do but hope and pray that the sheriffs get to her quickly.
“It’s going to be okay, babe. Clara is strong and help is on the way. If anyone can help her, it’s Cooper,” I say confidently, even though I’m beyond terrified that a member of our tribe is in grave danger.
THE END
