Blizzard Showdown
Author
Shirlee McCoy
Reads
19.0K
Chapters
1
EPILOGUE
No pressure.
Just every one of the K-9 team members, their spouses or significant others, and their dogs, all gathered at the house for a feast and celebration that Violet was hosting.
She wasn’t panicking. Not at all. Well, maybe a little. She wanted to do a good job. Not just for herself, but for Gabe.
Because his work comrades were his family.
She had grown to know and care about all of them while she was at the safe house. Now, two weeks later, after spending hours being interviewed about Lance and sharing the truth about their wildly toxic relationship, she felt she knew them all enough to know they wouldn’t be judging her efforts here today.
Still, she wanted Gabe to be happy.
She supposed that was part of being in love with someone who loved her back. In fact, Gabe had helped her plan the whole event. He’d bought the turkeys, helped her choose a menu, and he had even offered to take care of Ava while she was getting the house ready. And while Violet certainly could have catered everything—could have hired people to do all the work—she knew her mother and father had felt that preparing for guests was part of extending hospitality.
So, other than asking the housekeeper to help make certain the turkey didn’t overcook and the appetizers were ready on time, she’d done all the work herself.
Not an easy job with an infant around.
“But I don’t mind, love. You’re worth it,” she told Ava, lifting her out of the baby swing and kissing her chubby cheek. “What do you think? Nice?” She spun around to face the table with the bright white china and flower centerpieces.
Ava cooed.
“I thought you would. The guests should be here soon. Hopefully Gabe will arrive first. I want to make sure he’s happy with everything.”
As if any of it mattered to him.
He would have been content to host the Thanksgiving feast at the office. In fact, he’d even suggested setting up tables in the conference room, because he hadn’t wanted to put pressure on her. Gabe had been worried about how the investigation and the looming trial were affecting her.
Sometimes she woke up in a cold sweat, reliving those moments in the parking garage, hearing Lance’s taunting words.
She’d always call Gabe, and he always answered.
He’d talk her through the bad moments, help her reason through her fear, and he’d encouraged her to focus on other things.
Violet had been turning her attention to her father’s business and to helping the medical clinic. She had visited them two days ago and gone over plans to expand the facility.
She owed a lot of people, and she planned to repay them.
To that end, she had already offered Harrison funds for college. She was prepping a room over the garage—his own place where he could be free to come and go but still have all the modern conveniences he craved. He was incredibly grateful to her, thanking her repeatedly even though she’d told him there was no need, and she smiled when she recalled how touched he’d been when he learned she had invited his entire family to her Thanksgiving banquet.
Though she had no idea if all the Seavers were coming.
Eli still hadn’t heard from Cole, and Bettina was getting sicker every day.
Life was fragile.
Time was fleeting.
Violet was sorry that a man she respected couldn’t see that he was squandering both.
The doorbell rang, and she hurried to answer it, glancing out the peephole, her heart swelling when she saw Gabe and Bear.
If love were a photograph, it would be blue sky and white clouds, snow-capped mountains and a cabin in the woods. It would be this man and his dog, stepping into the foyer, Gabe in a suit, Bear wearing a bow tie.
They took her breath away.
“You two are looking very handsome,” she said, standing on her toes to steal a kiss. She had never loved anyone the way she loved Gabe. Freely and without self-consciousness. This man had seen her at her worst, and he had never judged her for it. He knew her secrets and her scars, and he loved her anyway.
“And you both look beautiful,” he murmured against her lips, his hands sliding down her back and settling at the curve of her waist. “Did you eat today?”
“You ask me that every time you see me,” she said with a laugh, stepping back but not going far. She liked being close. Knowing that he was there. A best friend, a companion, a partner.
“Because you forget every time I don’t see you,” he chided.
“I had toast. Danielle made it for me while I was putting the turkeys in the oven.” Danielle had been her parents’ housekeeper for a decade before their deaths. She’d continued to work for Violet, but they were more friends than employee and employer.
“I guess the bribe to keep you fed paid off,” he said.
“You did not pay her to get me to eat,” she responded with a laugh, leading the way into the dining room, the scents of turkey and dressing filling the air.
“Okay, you’re right. I didn’t, but I thought about it. I worry for you, Violet. It’s not just you you’re nourishing.” He touched her chin, kissed her forehead.
“I know. I’m doing better. It’s just been so busy since I’ve returned. Once the banquet is over, things will be calmer.”
“And then you’ll be prepping for some big Christmas shindig,” he commented, his lips quirking in a half smile.
“Would you mind?”
“What makes you happy makes me happy,” he responded. “Besides, I never had big gatherings when I was a kid. No family to gather, so this is nice.” He walked to the table, lifting one of the placeholders she’d made. “This is amazing, Violet. You’re amazing.”
“I learned from my parents. They were fabulous hosts.”
The doorbell rang, and her heart jumped.
“This is it! The first guest is here,” she said, breathless with sudden anxiety and nerves. What if the turkey was dry? What if the veggies were tasteless? What if she gave everyone food poisoning?
“Honey, don’t look like the world is about to end, okay? Everyone coming today cares about you. Not the food or the table or the flowers. Just you.” Gabe kissed her deeply, passionately, wiping away all thoughts of dry turkey or dissatisfied guests.
Bear gave a quiet woof, and they broke apart, breathless staring into each other’s eyes.
“If you were trying to distract me, it worked,” she said.
“Good, because here comes Eli, and from what I hear, he can eat!”
“I have enough to feed a small army,” she said, her cheeks warm with excitement and nerves.
The rest of the team arrived in pairs.
Hunter and Ariel with Juneau and Ariel’s young husky, Sasha.
Poppy and her new husband, Lex, and his toddler son. They’d married right after the case wrapped up. Stormy loped in beside the happy newlyweds and made herself at home near the fireplace.
Maya and her significant other, David, arrived next, Sarge prancing in front of them, eager to play with his canine friends.
It wasn’t long before the hearth room was filled with people—Helena and her fiancé, Everett, Luna standing protectively between them. Will and his beloved bride-to-be, Jasmine. Their dog, Scout, playing happily with Bear. Sean and Ivy West with their son, Grace lying near the little boy’s feet. Brayden and his fiancée, Katie Kapowski. Katie was the assistant to Colonel Lorenza Gallo, who stood in the center of the room, petting Brayden’s dog, Ella.
Violet’s housekeeper, Danielle, was standing near the doorway, dressed in a beautiful pink sheath. Violet had wanted her to attend. Not just to help with the banquet. She was family, and Violet wanted her to know it.
“It looks like everyone is here,” she called above the chatter. “The food is ready, so how about we go ahead and say grace? Then we’ll go into the dining room to eat. We’re doing buffet style. Danielle and I have already set everything out. Gabe has offered to pray.”
Gabe’s prayer was heartfelt and sincere, filled with thanksgiving for all God had brought to the team. The relationships. The friendships. The solved cases.
When he finished, the group moved to the dining room, gathering around tables laden with food.
“A feast fit for a family,” Gabe whispered in Violet’s ear.
“You haven’t tasted it yet. You might say something different once you do,” she responded playfully.
He, more than any other person she knew, could make her heart sing. Not with joy or passion. Although she felt those things, too. With contentment.
He was the right fit. The puzzle piece sliding right into place.
As everyone took their seats, the doorbell rang.
Surprised, Violet hurried to the door, Gabe right beside her.
She glanced through the peephole and was shocked to see the Seavers standing on her porch.
She fumbled with the doorknob, yanked the door open and dragged Dana Seaver into her arms, Ava sandwiched between them. “You came!” she cried.
“We wouldn’t have missed it. I’m sorry we are late. It’s a bit of a trip out here, and we had to hire a car to bring us.” Dana glanced at her husband and son. “We also didn’t have suits or dresses or anything. I mean, this is kind of a fancy place. If you’d rather us not come in...”
“Don’t be silly! You’re dressed perfectly.” She stepped back, ushering them into her house and seeing it through their eyes. The gleaming floors and bright lights. The excess.
“I can take your coats,” Gabe offered. “I’m Gabriel Runyon. Violet’s friend.”
He hung their coats in the closet, making small talk and doing everything he could to put them at ease.
Violet appreciated that about him.
The way he strove to make everyone feel accepted and valued. Watching him made her heart go soft and her eyes misty.
“Friend, huh?” Harrison whispered as they walked into the dining room.
“Good friend,” she corrected.
He laughed.
The boisterous conversation quieted as the Seavers approached, everyone offering smiles and hellos to the newcomers.
“Everyone, these are—”
“Cole?” Eli jumped up, obviously surprised to see his godmother’s son.
“That’s right,” Cole said. “And you’re Eli. I’m surprised you remember me. It’s been a while.”
“A while? That’s an understatement. How have you been?” Eli pulled the other man in for a bear hug.
“Good, but I hear things aren’t as good for my mother. I don’t want to steal any joy from the day, and I don’t want the meal to be about us, but I wanted you to know, I’ve thought about what Violet said in her letter. She’s right. Life is too precious to waste it on old hurt feelings and grudges. Mom made mistakes, but I did, too. After the meal, I’d like to go see her. If you wouldn’t mind taking me.”
“Mind! I’m going to text and tell her that you’re coming. She’s going to be overjoyed. Thank you, Cole! You don’t know how much this means to her and to me.”
“How is she? Violet said she’s in hospice.” Cole took the seat beside Eli.
“She is, but she’s started an experimental treatment, and the tumors have shrunk. The doctor thinks we’ve bought some time.”
“I’m grateful,” Cole murmured. “I’ve been praying that I’d have time to make up for what we missed out on. My family and I are going to get a place close by. As Violet might have already told you, Harrison wants to attend college, and Dana doesn’t want to be out off the grid and out of touch anymore. She’s a good mom, and I won’t make her give up her relationship with our child for my ideologies. Plus, ideologies change, and I’ve realized we’ve missed out on a lot.”
“Cole, do you mean it,” Dana asked, her eyes welling with tears. “We’re moving back to town?”
“I mean it, sweetheart. I know you haven’t been happy since Violet left, and you’re going to be miserable with Harrison gone.”
“But what about you? I don’t want you to be unhappy,” Dana said.
“How can I be if I’m with you?”
“Please, guys. No mushy stuff,” Harrison griped, but it was obvious he was touched by his parents’ love for one another.
Violet was, too.
How could she not be?
She nibbled on turkey and listened to the conversation swirl around her. A houseful of people who cared so much for each other, and she felt blessed and privileged to be part of their world.
The doorbell rang again as everyone gathered in the hearth room for coffee, tea and dessert.
Violet rose from her spot near the piano, but Gabe put his hand on her arm.
“I’ll get it. You look tired.”
“I’m content,” she corrected, touching his knuckles. “But I’ll let you get the door. Thank you.”
He walked away, returning moments later with a large box in his hand.
The room went silent, everyone suddenly focused on Gabe.
“What’s that?” Violet asked, getting up from her seat, worried that something was wrong. That maybe Lance had managed to send a bomb from prison.
“A surprise the team and I have been working on,” he responded.
“Here, let me take the little one,” Danielle said, hurrying over and lifting Ava from Violet’s arms.
“Were you in on the surprise, too?” she asked.
Danielle grinned. “Of course!”
Gabe set the box on the floor.
It moved. Shimmying to the left and surprising a squeal out of Violet.
“Gabe! What have you done?” she asked, kneeling in front of the box.
“Open it and see,” he said with a self-satisfied smile. “Just remember, we did discuss how much room you have here.”
“I remember.” She lifted the lid off, looked into the box and saw a fuzzy face peering up at her.
Brown and white. Floppy ears. Broad head.
A St. Bernard puppy!
“Gabe!” she cried. “She’s perfect!”
“He. Bear wanted a brother,” he said with a laugh, leaning down to kiss her head as she lifted the wiggling puppy from the box.
“He is perfect!” she said, laughing when the puppy licked her face. “What’s his name?”
“Check his tag,” he suggested, grinning broadly.
She reached under his soft fur, found the tag and leaned close to read it. “Will?” she asked. “I’d have thought you’d be a little more creative.”
“Turn it over,” he urged.
She flipped the tag, her heart skipping a beat when she saw the words engraved there: you marry me?
“Gabe!” She jumped to her feet, nearly knocking him over as she threw herself into his arms. “You know I will.”
“When?” he asked, kissing her gently. Tenderly. As if they were the only two people in the room.
“You pick the day,” she said, meaning every word. “I’ll be there.”
“Then I choose today.”
The words hung in the silence, frozen in the beauty of the perfect gift and the perfect proposal given by a man who was absolutely perfect for her.
He was waiting for her response, his body relaxed, his jaw tense. It had taken a lot for him to do this. To put his love out there for everyone to see. He had been hurt as a child, yet somehow, he had still grown into a man who could give of himself. And right now he was putting it all on the line for her, risking the ultimate rejection. Not just in a private setting...but in front of the people he respected most.
She loved him even more for that.
“We need to find a pastor,” she said, and she could see tension slide from his face, see joy fill his eyes.
“I have good news for you,” Lorenza said. “I just happened to be ordained. I also just happened to have a marriage license with me.”
“Just happened to, huh?” she said, looking into Gabe’s eyes.
“Absolutely,” he responded, taking her hands. “So, how about it? Want to get hitched?”
“Absolutely,” she responded.
And so they did, standing in front of the people who cared about them both, repeating vows to one another, promising to cherish and to love, to honor and to respect.
The fire crackled in the hearth.
The puppy played at their feet, the canine members of the team watching with interest as Will rolled onto his back and snuffled Violet’s shoes.
Snow began to fall, drifting outside the window in fat white flakes that would soon paint the world in wintry light. Danielle stood nearby, Ava in her arms, tears of happiness sliding down her cheeks.
Violet noticed those things, but more than everything else, she noticed the love in Gabe’s eyes, the sincerity in his words. His hands were warm as he cupped her cheeks and kissed her to seal their vows.
Their friends cheered and Will howled, startled by the cacophony of noise. Bear walked over and nudged him, urging him to play.
And Violet had never felt so content.
She had never felt so at home.
This was what she had longed for when she had met Lance. If she could go back and rewrite her story, she wouldn’t edit out the chapter that had brought her to this place.
As hard as it had been, as challenging as she had found it, it had brought her Ava and Gabe, Bear and Will. It had brought her a network of friends she could count on for support. It had brought her passion and focus and a desire to help more, do more, contribute more.
It had renewed her faith, it had strengthened her and, most of all, it had brought her home.
To this place in Gabe’s arms.
“I love you, sweetheart,” he whispered against her lips. “Always and forever.”
“I love you, too,” she replied, sliding her hands through his hair and kissing him deeply while the fire crackled and the snow fell and the people they loved cheered them on.
Alaska K-9 Unit
These state troopers fight for justice with the help of their brave canine partners.
Alaskan Rescue by Terri Reed, April 2021Wilderness Defender by Maggie K. Black, May 2021Undercover Mission by Sharon Dunn, June 2021Tracking Stolen Secrets by Laura Scott, July 2021Deadly Cargo by Jodie Bailey, August 2021Arctic Witness by Heather Woodhaven, September 2021Yukon Justice by Dana Mentink, October 2021Blizzard Showdown by Shirlee McCoy, December 2021Christmas K-9 Protectors by Lenora Worth and Maggie K. Black, December 2021
Keep reading for an excerpt from Holiday Heist by Maggie K. Black.
(Book One of Christmas K-9 Protectors)
