Search and Defend
Author
Heather Woodhaven
Reads
17.1K
Chapters
1
EPILOGUE
Violet pulled into the small parking lot of the Military Reserve in Boise. The rustic park was equidistant between her work at the Boise National Forest and the FBI satellite office at the courthouse.
The June air was pleasant, not too cold or hot for a late afternoon. She and Teddy followed Alex’s directions up a scenic trail to a spot overlooking the Treasure Valley. Next to a field of wildflowers, Alex was placing a picnic basket on top of a quilt. He spotted them and rushed over. He patted Teddy on the head while pulling her into a hug.
This was her chance. Over the past few months, she’d discovered notes and trinkets in her coat pockets during work hours. Alex used his sleight-of-hand training to leave her surprises to find later at work, and she had been wanting to return the favor. Except, thus far, he’d caught her every time she made a move for his pockets. Today, he didn’t seem to notice. She’d finally done it.
He pulled back and did a double take at her smile. “What? You have a twinkle in your eye.”
She shrugged. “It’s been a good day. In fact, I took an unplanned day off.”
He registered his surprise. “Any reason?”
“I received a shipment first thing this morning. Rick’s stuff is no longer considered evidence.” Bridget had been convicted on so many charges she would never be getting out. Especially since Violet had passed on the news about her finding the real Firecracker at a ranch. They’d reevaluated their DNA leads and taken a cadaver dog with them to the property.
“I wondered when that would happen.” He slid his hands to the top of her shoulders, and his eyes narrowed in concern. “How are you doing?”
“I’m okay, really. I’m thankful to have them back.” She breathed a sigh of relief at the confirmation that she really meant it. She’d spent hours poring over the photos and notes, and while her heart still squeezed with the memories and the pain of loss, the grief had changed. She no longer felt broken into a million pieces whenever she thought of Rick. Instead, she felt just a little bit closer to him.
Alex watched her closely. “I’m glad. I hope to look at them someday, too. When you’re ready.” His own smile magnified.
“Funny you should mention that. I can finally give something to you that I’m sure he’d want you to have. Except, I think you already have it.”
He raised an eyebrow and pursed his lips. His eyes widened as he patted down his pockets. “You got me, didn’t you?”
“I think Rick would’ve wanted it that way.”
Alex pulled out a small golden trophy from his jacket that read World’s Greatest Sidekick. He tipped his head back, and a delicious laugh filled the air. She’d known he’d love it.
A bittersweet smile crossed Alex’s face. She understood. Rick would always be missed. Alex lifted his eyes to hers. “I’m impressed.” He held up the sidekick trophy. “Though, I know now not to deny this title. There’s only one true superhero in our midst.”
He gave a knowing glance at Teddy, who wagged his tail in response.
“Agreed.”
Alex set down the trophy, unlatched the picnic basket and pulled out a gift bag. “First, a little something for you and Teddy.”
She opened the bag to find several framed photographs of Teddy. “They’re beautiful.”
“I thought he deserved to have his own inspiration wall for other dogs to take a look at.” He shrugged. “That is if you still want that property off State Street. The owner has agreed to let you put in an offer before it goes to market.”
She gasped and set down the frames to pull Alex into a tight embrace. “Yes!” She’d been working many nights and weekends on her business plan for the search-and-rescue school. She’d been dreaming about that location, which was propped right in between the city and the trails leading into the foothills. “Should I call him now?”
He laughed. “Tomorrow should be soon enough.” Alex pulled out a treat from his inside jacket pocket. “And, speaking of Teddy—” he unwrapped it and offered it to the dog “—would you mind if I have a moment alone with your partner? I have something of a sensitive nature to discuss with her.”
Teddy flopped down on the quilt and tilted the meat stick with his paws so he could properly enjoy it.
Alex turned back and took her hand. “I’m trying to remain calm, but I have to admit, I’m really hoping you succeeded with a one-handed switch when you put the statue in my pocket.”
The little box she’d switched out felt hot in her own pocket. The one time she’d actually managed to pull a sleight of hand seemed very dangerous now. Her cheeks felt on fire, and her heart pounded in her chest. “I didn’t look at it. I didn’t have an opportunity. It’s in my pocket. You want it back now?”
He dropped to his knee. “Would you be willing to open it instead?”
Her breath caught, but she didn’t dare hope. It could be something innocuous like a necklace or a pair of earrings.
“This is one of those times you probably already know what I’m going to ask,” he said softly.
She pulled out the box, and the black velvet beckoned her. Alex placed a hand on top of the case and flipped it open. The setting sun hit the diamond ring, and beams erupted from the dazzling prisms.
“I know you have a partner in your work, but I’d like to ask you to be my partner in life. I love you, Violet.”
She bit her bottom lip, willing her tongue to remain silent until he finished.
He grinned. “You’re biting your lip again. I think I finally understand what that means.”
“Don’t you have a question to ask?”
He laughed. “Violet, will you please do me the honor of being—”
“Yes, I’ll be your wife!” The words burst from her mouth, followed by a laugh. “I’m sorry.”
“I’m not.” He jumped up and turned to Teddy. “She said yes!”
Teddy lifted his head, and if ever a dog could smile, hers did. Right before he returned to his treat, at least. Her vision grew blurry as Alex closed the distance between them. He gently touched her cheeks, his thumbs wiping away the few tears that had escaped. He gently kissed the sides of her face. “I love you,” he whispered.
“I love you, too.”
He pulled back for the briefest of moments to look at her, his own eyes glistening. Then he kissed her soundly, wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her closer. A paw landed on top of her shoulder, and they broke apart, laughing at Teddy’s attempt to give kisses of his own. Violet wondered at the wisdom of teaching Teddy to stand on his hind legs. She also marveled at the last six months. She and Alex were done hiding from life and love, and their own personal superhero would make sure they kept it that way.
K-9 Search and Rescue
Search and Defend by Heather Woodhaven
Following the Trail by Lynette Eason
Dangerous Mountain Rescue by Christy Barritt
Keep reading for an excerpt from Rocky Mountain Standoff by Laura Scott.
