Epilogue

Three months later “You outdid yourself, Carrie.” Delia looked around the large kitchen, her face full of appreciation and awe.

The woman in question smiled. “I had lots of help.”

April finished smashing potatoes and set the pan aside. “We couldn’t let you do all the work.”

“Especially when you’re feeding this many.” Tess clicked the burner off.

“I appreciate all the help. Every bit of it. Including the dish washing afterward.” Carrie winked at the other women.

A collective moan carried across the room followed by chuckles.

“Ladies, let’s get this meal on the table. Then we’ll lasso the men into doing the dishes.” Delia picked up the pan of stuffing and headed out of the door.

“Sounds like a plan to me.” Tess followed, holding the handles of two more side items.

April lugged the heavy dish of mashed potatoes out, holding the door open for Carrie, who brought the oversized turkey.

After a couple more quick dashes for the remaining items, the whole family sat down at the long dining room table, eyeing the feast.

“Wow. This looks delicious.” Archer grinned at his wife.

The other men agreed.

Finally taking her seat next to Dusty, April felt a cold nose press against her jean-clad leg. Glancing down, she found Holly, the latest acquisition to the family, laying her head against her leg. “Aww. Do you need some attention?” She patted the dog with affection.

“When doesn’t she?” Dusty stroked the German shepherd’s back. Ben wedged himself between them, nearly stepping on Holly in the process. “Jealous, huh?” He scratched behind Ben’s ears.

A little over a month ago, April had received the call from the military dog adoption office. Her turn had finally come, but she’d had to drive to San Antonio and spend a couple of days learning about the animal and what commands she had been taught. Thankfully, Brand and Tess had volunteered to watch over the stable for the weekend and Miracle had accepted Tess without a single ear pin or ripple of nervousness. With everything covered, Dusty had loaded up Ben and they had all headed to Texas to meet and greet.

The short trip had proved enlightening in numerous ways. Dusty had showed her the sights and stayed right by her side, attentive and caring as they spent the day visiting the base, learning about the dogs and preparing to adopt another. The nights sizzled as they came together in heated passion, love and such deep emotion, she knew she would never forget his touch, his caresses, the sultry grin he gave her before he launched her into yet another entirely new realm. Her stomach flip-flopped at just the memory of the look that turned her to pudding each and every time.

Another tidbit had revolved around Dusty’s entering an Army base for the first time in several years. He’d held his head high and moved with such striking grace all the military personnel had paused to stare. While Dusty wore civilian clothes, April knew they saw much more than an ordinary man. They saw a SEAL, a man due respect, one with pride, courage and sheer guts. The trainers had treated him with supreme reverence and camaraderie, greeted Ben with enthusiasm, and offered them their choice of dogs. Though he’d never once mentioned his former ranking, he didn’t have to. Everyone had known from the first glance.

She could still see Holly, sitting in the back of her pen, shaking with fear. Although they’d had five dogs to choose from, a couple of them puppies who simply had lacked the high drive to succeed, she’d gravitated toward Holly. Dusty had as well. Still unsure, they’d brought Ben over and what happened next had sealed the deal. Ben had stood at the gate to the kennel, staring intently inside. Holly had perked up, her ears had pricked and she’d stood. Gradually, she’d approached them, her tail had begun to move and after a minute, she’d tried to lick Ben through the wire. Her fate had been sealed at that moment. The two dogs had been inseparable since.

Like most of the other animals, Holly had her own story. After three tours of Afghanistan with the SEALs, she’d developed such severe post-traumatic stress she would curl up in a ball and quake in terror. She’d lost one handler along the way, which seemed to have scarred her toward other missions, and she hadn’t bonded with other men like she had the one who had sacrificed everything. The military had sent her back to training, to no avail. She’d refused any reward, her eyes dulled and she’d become depressed. Nothing had seemed to bring her out, so they’d decided she would be better off adopted out to a caring family rather than trying to force her back into action, despite her younger age of four.

A few weeks after adoption, she’d blossomed. Entirely comfortable now, she’d found a steady companion in Ben, who showed her the ropes, played with her and snuggled up with her at night. A pair if April ever saw one.

Speaking of pairs, she studied the man sitting beside her. While starting out fairly rough, they’d found common ground and discovered love. He made her feel special, happy, and fulfilled all her dreams. Four years ago, she’d given up on men entirely. Now she sat at a huge family gathering, beside the man who’d stolen her heart.

As if sensing her gaze, Dusty turned. He smiled warmly, his brown eyes lighting up with softness and affection. Never would she tire of that particular look.

“Hello, lovebirds. Are you going to eat or just sit there and stare at one another all day?” Evan nudged Dusty in the ribs, still holding a pan of food.

Dusty rolled his eyes, accepted the food and spooned out a few bites. “You’ll be there one day, little brother. Just wait and see.”

“Uh-huh. Until then, I’m starving, so get a move on with the food.”

Laughter followed.

Tess leaned over and whispered in her ear. “Looks like you two patched things up.”

April nodded. “I couldn’t help but notice your big shadow.” She grinned as she whispered.

Tess shrugged, but the smile on her face told the story. Definitely smitten.

Before long, everyone had full plates and dug in, commenting on the rich taste of the large meal. Idle conversation popped up now and again as hungry people ate with relish.

“Oh, I almost forgot.” Archer spoke over the chatter, garnering everyone’s attention. “Remember that bastard who owned your filly before she was rescued?”

April paused in mid-chew. “Yes.”

“Well, I looked into the case.”

Dusty sipped his drink. “It’s out of your jurisdiction.”

“True. But I have a buddy in Colorado who was all too happy to check it out. Seems he tracked down the man, found him with horses on his property once more.”

April gasped, fearing what would come next.

Archer waved his hand. “They weren’t in such desperate shape this time and have been rescued by the Humane Society already. But, more importantly, that breaks his agreement to keep him out of court. The bastard is in jail, waiting for the whole book to be thrown at him. Not just this instance, but all previous ones as well. He’s looking at ten to fifteen and, as angry as Luke was, I’d bet he’ll make sure the judge collars him for every single day of the term.” The lawyer grinned wolfishly.

His father smacked him on the back. “Well done, son. I couldn’t have done it better.”

“Thank you, Archer. From the bottom of my heart. That’s the best news I could wish for.” April smiled brightly at him before turning to Dusty. “At least he won’t be able to hurt other horses again.”

Reaching under the table, Dusty took her hand and gave it a squeeze. “And your horses are safe and more than spoiled, thanks to you.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek. “Sometimes families come in handy.”

“You better believe it.” Evan leaned around Dusty to see April. “You getting tired of this baboon yet?”

She chuckled, her gaze taking in Dusty’s face. “Nope. Not even close.”

“Well damn.” Evan went back to eating.

* * * *

An hour and a half later, leftovers had been put away, the men had chipped in to help wash dishes and the kitchen and dining room gleamed with cleanliness. Full and lazy, everyone had retired to the living room to digest and rest before time forced them to get moving once again.

Dusty stood in the doorway, watching everyone else find a seat. In no hurry, he simply leaned against the wall, Ben at his side. Automatically, his eyes locked on April as she chatted with Tess. Her sheer beauty and genuine goodness had stolen his heart. Months back, to be exact. Yet he’d waited for this moment patiently. First of all, to give her plenty of time to solidify her feelings and for their relationship to grow. Secondly, he’d envisioned the perfect scenario over and over again. In front of his family. After all, it only seemed fitting, since they’d had a small part in getting him and April together.

Pulling a small, red, pint-sized bag out of his pocket, he stood the handles up and gave the object to Ben. Without hesitation, the dog gripped the lightweight object in his mouth. Leaning down, Dusty whispered in his ear. “Take it to April. Go.”

Dusty watched as Ben obediently trotted over to April and sat in front of her.

“What’s this?” She took the small sack, praising Ben and patting him for the delivery service. After peeking in, she plucked a square velvet box out. Her eyes widened. Slowly, she opened the lid, looked inside, then blinked up at Dusty in stunned surprise.

He strode over, bent down on one knee and took the box from her hand.

“April? Will you marry me?”

The whole room fell silent.

His heart thudded as if he’d run a mile sprint. Yet he only had eyes for April. Joy radiated across her face as tears welled up in her eyes. He could hardly breathe waiting on her answer.

“Yes. Oh, yes!”

She launched herself into his arms, sending both of them crashing to the floor. He salvaged the ring as he landed. Laughter and applause followed.

He barely heard anything else except for April’s whispered words of love. He rained kisses across her face until the dogs wedged themselves in between, licking and nosing, wanting to be part of the fun.

With a chuckle full of happiness, he sat up, taking April with him. Finding the ring once more, he slipped the symbol of their feelings on her shaking finger. “You showed me kindness, goodness, compassion. Made me realize that second chances are possible and that true love is real, if you only look deep enough.”

A single tear fell down her cheek. He wiped the drop away with his thumb.

“You’re worth more than all the gold in Fort Knox to me.” She hugged him tight. “You’re the special one. Everything a woman looks for in a man and then some. I’m just thankful you chose me.”

He nuzzled her neck. “How could I not? You spoiled me for anyone else. But that’s okay. I don’t want anyone else. I just want you. For the rest of our lives.”

“Ditto.” She brushed her lips over his. “A lifetime and then some.”

“Does this mean April’s no longer available?” Evan’s voice carried across the area.

“Yes!” The entire room answered in unison.

“Well hell,” Evan grouched dramatically.

Dusty laughed and nuzzled his treasure. His soul soared as joy carried him on wings. All the years of sidestepping commitment taught him a valuable lesson. When you find the right one, hang on to her with everything you have.

He’d done just that.