Epilogue 2

Nine months later…

KALI

I stare out the window, the view a blur through my nervous excitement. The rows of chairs are filled with people—a sea of familiar and new faces. “That’s a lot of people,” I murmur, feeling a flutter of anxiety in my stomach. Rusty’s tethered to a post to the right of the chairs. Amy suggested that I ride in on him, but that was a little too extra for me.

When we started wedding planning, I envisioned a small wedding, maybe twenty people, at Paxton’s ranch house— or ours , as he keeps reminding me. But between Paxton’s large family and what seems like the entire police force, the guest list outgrew the ranch. Amy insisted we have it here. When I saw how excited she was, I couldn’t say no.

Ari’s hand slips into mine, her touch warm and reassuring. “I know you have a hard time admitting it, but you are loved by many.” I’m starting to believe it. I’ve built a home of my own with love. Home . I’ve finally made it home. “It’s time,” she says. “Ready?”

“I’m getting married!” I squeal, still in a state of wonder. It’s hard not to admit that the journey to this moment was worth it. I can’t go back and change our path, so I’ve accepted it. And an amazing thing came out of evil—the love of my life.

I check myself in the mirror one last time, soothing out invisible wrinkles and adjusting my veil.

“Well, you’re not getting married if we don’t leave this room. We’re already late.” She grabs my hand and my bouquet, practically dragging me out the door. The soft strains of music playing outside filter in, mingling with the distant murmurs of our guests. “So,” Ari says, biting her lip and glancing at me sideways. “There are a lot of hot cops out there. Don’t shame me for enjoying my night.”

“I’d think something was wrong with you if you didn’t.”

After what happened to us, I thought she’d never want to see me again. I tried calling her the week after, left message after message, but her mom finally answered and said she needed some time to process what had happened. I understood, but it broke my heart. It was her way of telling me goodbye. But then she called me a couple of weeks later, wanting to meet for dinner. I’m thankful every day that she’s still a part of my life.

“Liam is pretty hot,” Oakley purrs, joining us with a playful grin. Since the Michigan trip, we’ve kept in touch. The quick flight to Dallas has made it easy for us to hang out, and she and Ari are my bridesmaids.

“Yes. Yes, he is,” Ari agrees.

I playfully gasp and poke Oakley. “Lady, you are married.”

“I’m not blind.” She laughs.

“This is what it’s like being with a bunch of girls, huh? Always talking about the ‘hot guys,’” Ted jokes with air quotes, striding over.

My eyes jump to Ted, and a burst of warmth fills my heart. Looking sharp in a black tux and a white cowboy hat, his smile alone makes me blink back my tears. I blow out a quick breath and fan my face.

“No crying yet,” Oakley says, jumping in front of me and swabbing the corners of my eyes with a tissue.

“I know. But Ted, I can’t thank you enough for walking me down the aisle.”

He pulls me in for a hug, the scent of his woodsy cologne filling my senses. “I’m the one honored you asked me.” There wasn’t anyone else I wanted. I blink through the tears.

“It’s time ladies,” Amy announces, walking through the back doors with Riggs. Her smile widens when she sees me and Ted hugging. Ari and Oakley slip outside the doors. Riggs trots over to my side, his little tuxedo making him the most dapper dog ever.

Everything is perfect.

I couldn’t have dreamed of a better day.

Amy cups my face, her eyes filled with adoration. “You look beautiful, sweetie. This is your day, so take moments throughout it and just breathe it in. There’s so much love here, and you deserve every last drop of it.” I nod, trying to hold it in. “Okay, okay, I’m done. I won’t make you cry anymore. Love you, sweet girl. See you at the end,” she says, giving me a quick kiss on the cheek and then hurries off. She slips outside, leaving me with a smile and a heart full of warmth.

I draw in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “You ready, Riggs?”

He barks once.

With him at one side and Ted on the other, our elbows linked, we wait at the door for our cue. “Don’t lock your knees up there,” Ted warns.

I chuckle through the nerves.

“Don’t be like Amy and pass out in the middle of saying her vows.”

I burst out laughing. “She didn’t?”

“She did. But don’t tell her I told you. I’d like to live a little longer.”

The doors open, and we step out into the humid air. A slight breeze whips my side tendrils of hair around. I stare at the clouds overhead, and for a moment I regret not having the wedding inside. But then my eyes meet Paxton’s, and all my worries fade away.

“Wow,” he mouths, shaking his head. He looks up and blinks and then whispers something to Liam. Liam responds with a reassuring squeeze on Paxton’s shoulder.

The scene is magical. Fairy lights twinkle in the trees and overhead. Fresh flowers and the soft hum of music fill the air. My heart races as I take it all in. Breathe it in .

Paxton’s eyes never leave mine as the wedding march starts.

With each step, I draw closer and closer to him, but the aisle feels like it stretches for miles.

When we reach the end, Ari steps forward to fan out my train. Paxton rubs his hands down his suit, then grabs my hands, a nervous chuckle escaping my lips. At least I’m not the only one who’s nervous. Riggs stands next to Liam.

I draw in a deep breath and release it slowly, trying to steady my heart.

The clouds above darken, and I stare at Paxton, trying not to panic. It’s not supposed to rain. So much for a five percent chance of rain. Please don’t rain yet. Not now. At least our vows aren’t long.

He squeezes my hands and winks at me, whispering, “We’ve got this.”

The pastor starts the ceremony, but his words are a blur. My attention is completely on the man in front of me, so I hardly hear a word he says. The warmth of Paxton’s hands, the scent of his cologne, the unwavering love in his eyes—it’s all consuming.

Paxton begins with his vows.

“Sweet Kalico,” he says. I bite down on my quivering smile as I’m transported back to the song on the roller coaster. “How do I say in words how much I love you? Because I don’t think they exist. Forever isn’t long enough. The ocean isn’t deep enough, and the universe isn’t big enough.”

I stand as still as a board, letting the rawness of his words wash over me, feeling them like a tender caress on my skin.

“So, let me show you every day for the rest of our lives. You often say that I’m your hero. But you, my love, are the hero of our story. Your strength alone has built the solid foundation that we stand on. You inspire me every day to be a better version of myself, to grow and prove that I’m worthy of you. I promise to make you laugh, hold you when you cry, and never make you ride a roller coaster again.”

I will hold him to that promise.

“I will protect you. I will cherish you. I will love you till death do us part.”

God, I love this man. With every fiber of my being.

“Kali,” the pastor prompts.

Oh. It’s my turn.

“Paxton… my hero,” I say, lifting a brow in playful defiance. He will never change my mind about that. “But you are so much more than that. You have shown me that love can heal the deepest of wounds. And I was able to be loved.” I pause to clear the emotions clogging my throat.

He squeezes my hands, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.

“I was alone in this world, and now my heart is overflowing. You have stood by me through every trial and triumph. And we made it.” My voice cracks as it hits a higher octave. I stare down at our joined hands and focus on breathing. Sniffles come from the crowd. Finish, Kali. I lift my gaze, and his concerned expression asks if I’m okay. I nod. “You…you gave me a fam—” The word gets caught in my throat.

“And we all love you,” Grams says and the cousins whoop and holler. If Paxton wasn’t holding me, I’d melt into the ground in a sobbing mess. I turn and glance at her in the front row and hold my hand to my heart.

“I love y’all,” I whisper.

She blows me a kiss, and I turn back to Paxton.

“They aren’t helping me get through this,” I say through a sobbing chuckle.

He chuckles once and brings my hand to his lips.

“Thank goodness I went second.” I blow out the nerves. “I love you, Paxton. You are my hero, my love, my forever partner in every sense of the word. I promise to love you with everything that I am, today, always, and forever.”

The pastor looks at Paxton. “Do you have the rings?”

Paxton snaps a quick command, and Riggs trots over, sitting obediently next to him. Paxton pulls the rings from the little pouch around his collar. I give him a rub on the head. Best ring bearer ever.

We each repeat our lines, slip the rings on, and then hear the pastor say, “You may now kiss the bride.”

Paxton wraps his arm around my waist and pulls me in. He kisses me with a promise—a silent vow that we’ll finish this moment later.

“Wife,” he mutters against my lips, his breath warm and intoxicating.

“Husband,” I whisper back.

“I’d like to present to you for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Turner.”

The crowd stands, claps and hollers as we rush down the center aisle, sensing the skies are about to open. I can smell the rain coming. We couldn’t have timed it any better. The moment everyone is safe under the tent, the raindrops fall in sheets. The air is alive with the sound of raindrops and the gentle rustle of leaves. The perfect romantic backdrop for our perfect day.

We move from table to table, talking, laughing, and dancing. My heart is so full, I think it’s going to burst wide open. Dancing under the tent, the rain drumming overhead, Paxton pulls me in close, his lips brushing my ear. “This is our forever,” he whispers.

And then one of the kids says, “It’s hailing.”

A memory surfaces, sharp and clear.

What? Where?

I rush to the edge of the tent, watching tiny pellets of ice bounce on the ground. “Oh my god.” I hiccup, tears rushing down my cheeks, my hand on my exploding heart.

“Babe, it’s okay. They aren’t big enough to damage anything.” Paxton pulls me into his side.

I shake my head, patting my cheeks dry. But the tears keep coming. “It’s not that,” I choke out. “It’s just…they’re here.”

“Who?”

I stare up at the sky, then close my eyes, letting the sound of the pitter-patter wash over me. She was really with me in that box.

I miss you.

I miss you so much.

I wish you were here to meet Paxton.

I pull in a ragged breath, letting the thick, damp air fill my lungs.

Thank you.

Paxton leans into me, whispering, “Kalico, what’s going on, babe?”

The hail stops as quick as it started, and I dig my face into Paxton’s chest, crying. “My parents. They were here.”

He doesn’t say anything, probably thinking I’m crazy. But I’m not. How else do you explain a day that wasn’t supposed to rain, let alone hail?

My mom told me. And she made sure I knew they were watching.

Golf balls from heaven.

Thank you for reading Deadly Ruse!