There was that dreamy look Nell got when she stared at her husband. “It was magnificent, Henry. Maybe we should start a detective agency.”
Nate groaned. “Please, no.”
“I think we should stick to our books. But we can certainly play.” Henry started for the elevator. “This time, though, I’ll be the one interrogating you, naughty girl.”
“Such a weird fucking place.” Agent Slate sighed. “We’re going to go and update our office.”
It was time to take his little family home, too. “We’ll be at our place if you need us.”
Ty frowned at Nate. “Try not to need us.”
Michael noted that Ty had taken Lucy’s other hand. They were all connected. As they should be.
When he glanced down, Lucy was looking up at him. Ty was, too. They were both staring at him like he was the sun in the sky, the one they could count on.
The one they would love the rest of their lives.
He would never let them down.
Epilogue
Lucy looked around the festival grounds with a deep sense of satisfaction. Winter Festival officially opened this evening with a message from the mayor and a couple of local bands playing, but there were already tons of people milling around, sampling the treats offered and admiring the work of the artisans who had taken booths.
“Hey, you.” River walked up, Buster at her side. “I’ve barely seen you this week. Is the rumor true?”
Lucy fell in step beside her bestie. “Which rumor? I’m sure there are several. Is it the one about me no longer being even a person of interest in the Brock Foster case? Because that is true. They finally arrested Sonya Foster. I’ve heard she’s trying to negotiate a plea deal because her father cut her off and now Chet and Kendall are taking over the business. Well, after Chet finishes his rehab and probation.”
“So I should sell my stock,” River said with a nod. Not that River had stock, but it was probably something a smart investor would do.
Lucy actually felt some sympathy for Sonya. She did understand what it meant to love her siblings. Luckily hers were doing great, and they adored their new almost brothers-in-law. Ty and Michael had taken to accompanying her to visit her family, and her sisters thought they were the best. They even managed to not punch her dad.
But what she loved was how Ty’s parents had embraced Michael. They hadn’t batted an eye when the three of them had shown up for Sunday dinner, welcoming them warmly and becoming the support they all needed.
“But that’s not the rumor,” River continued.
“Okay, is it the one about me taking management courses?” There had been so many positive changes in the last six weeks. “I talked to Mr. Roberts and the lodge is helping with tuition costs and working with my schedule. He wants to be able to promote from within. Right now I’m the head of entertainment and food service, but the head of all service is planning to retire in five years. I want to be ready to take over.”
“I’m thrilled to hear that.” River waved at Jax, who was manning the Mountain Adventures booth along with a familiar face.
Ty looked adorable wrapped in his coat, a cap on his head. He winked her way before turning back to the pair of women he’d been talking to.
They were giggling like schoolgirls over the two big, gorgeous men.
“If only they knew what a goofball he is, they would run,” River said with a shake of her head.
She never felt any jealousy when it came to her men. It was funny because she’d been so jealous of Ty before, but now she knew he was with her. Michael had brought them all together in his odd way, and there was no chance either of her men betrayed the love they’d found. “Is it weird that I’m okay with making a bunch of money off women who objectify our men?”
River grinned. “Girl, I am more than happy to do it. I told Jax when summer comes we’re getting him shorts that show off his legs. We need to upgrade the cabin. I want to add on at least one more room.”
“You’re adding on?” Something brushed by her side.
“Sorry!” A girl in a pink coat ran through the snow, her brown braids bouncing as she laughed and raced toward Stella’s booth.
“Paige!” Max came jogging up behind his oldest. He gave Lucy an apologetic wave. “Sorry. She’s excited about hot chocolate.”
“Me, too,” Lucy proclaimed. And then she realized why River might add on to her cabin. She stopped and turned to her friend. “Are you?”
River flushed and shook her head. “No. I’m not pregnant.” A smile crossed her face. “Not yet, but we’re going to try. He’s going to be the best dad.”
And River would be an amazing mom.
But the fact that she wasn’t pregnant and they were close to the Trio booth gave Lucy an idea. “Come on. I’m in the mood for hot chocolate, too, but the adult kind. Now let me guess which rumor again. It’s weird that there are so many.”
River followed her, waving to friends as they passed. “This place runs on rumors, but they’re not really bad rumors. It’s just people talking about the other people they care about. We’re one big old family, and that means everyone is in everyone else’s business. So guess the next rumor.”
“Well, Michael drove to Durango last night to meet with his new boss. He starts Monday, and I’m a little nervous.” It was the first time they’d been apart. When Michael had gone to Florida to clean up all his affairs, they’d gone with him. The three of them had met with Jessie’s parents, and she believed it had been a genuinely healing time for all involved. He still talked to Jessie’s family every few weeks.
“He talked to me about this new job of his,” River said as they approached the little bar Trio had set up. Van was in the booth that had three stools in front of it and five stand-up tables. He was talking to a woman who nodded his way and picked up her mug before walking away.
Van stared, completely ignoring the dude who was trying to order. He was staring at the woman like he’d seen something amazing.
Well, someone had caught his eye.
“I’m excited to give him some backup,” River was saying. “When it gets warm again, Ty and I are going to test some of your man’s skills. It’s going to be fun. I’m all for being the hunter instead of the hunted. And that is not the rumor. I will put you out of your misery. Did you really buy the cabin across from Callie’s?”
She gasped. “Michael said he had a surprise for me when he got back.”
River winced. “Pretend I didn’t say anything.”
“I promise to be so surprised.” They moved in as Van finally shook his head and poured out a couple of beers. “I’m not sure how Michael thought he would be able to keep that under wraps. Marie is the realtor, and she’s bad at keeping a secret. Oh, River, I’m so excited. I can’t believe I’m here. I’m in Bliss and I’m in love and I’m…I’m just good, you know.”
River wrapped her arms around her. “You were always good, but now you’re home. I’m home, and it’s so good.”
She squeezed her bestie and turned to Van. “We need champagne. I thought I wanted hot chocolate with Bailey’s, but we’re celebrating.”