Chapter 19

19

"Oh, those flowers are beautiful," Dillon said as she carried a tray of food to the table outside, where they were preparing to enjoy a family dinner.

"I thought so, too," Devyn said, cringing as she sat down, gripping her side.

"Let me help you," Rip said, taking the flowers and placing them in two vases at the center of the table, his arm in a sling.

"I thought after dinner, I'd take them to the cemetery and do some visiting. One for each grave. Mama and Lucy." Devyn shared with a weak smile.

"I'll take you if you'd like." Rip offered, then handed her the kitten she'd rescued weeks before. "This one wants you. Are you ever going to name it?"

"I did. Justice." She said. "Seemed fitting since I passed the bar and all. And it was better than Bullet, which was a close second."

"She gets shot at a couple of times, and suddenly life is about her next diabolical case and…justice. Ohh, I see what you did there." Nash laughed, "Clever. It is kind of cool, getting shot and all."

"You were barely grazed." Devyn rolled her eyes.

"I got two stitches. I wouldn't call that barely." He defended.

"Is he still talking about how he got shot and barely survived to tell about it?" Cut asked as he stepped outside with a tray of meats for the barbecue.

"Hasn't stopped talking about it since it happened." Coy shook his head, taking a seat next to Nora, who handed him baby Baylor, much to his delight.

A procession of vehicles streamed up the driveway and halted in front, disgorging men and women clad in dark attire, their earpieces conspicuous. Among them emerged Ransom, dressed casually, who greeted the group with hugs and warm hellos. He approached Coy, gently taking the baby from him, planting a tender kiss on her forehead, and then passing her to Nora.

"Are you still president?" Nash asked with a dramatic eye roll.

"For a bit longer, yes." Ransom announced, "Sorry it took me a while to get here."

"You just like the dramatic entrance." Nash teased. "We get it. You're a big deal."

"Not here, apparently." Ransom joked. "I, uh, I know we're here to celebrate the engagement of Nash and Charlotte, but I also wanted to share something else."

He reached out to the agent at his side, who handed him a black velvet case, "I wanted to present you with this, Charlotte."

Ransom opened it, revealing a beautiful metal attached to a lovely satin ribbon, "These honors are rare, reserved for the bravest among us who exhibit unparalleled valor and courage, going beyond the call of duty in the heat of combat. While I wish Owen were still with us, and I understand that this recognition cannot bring him back, his actions not only spared this family further grief but also safeguarded our nation in the most courageous manner imaginable. I ask that you accept this award on his behalf, knowing that I am deeply grateful for his bravery and everything he did to keep this family united. As President, I am tasked with presenting this medal on behalf of our nation's safety and security, but I am particularly thankful for his protection of everyone gathered at this table today."

Nash wrapped his arm around Charlotte, who'd resigned to tears. She hiccupped with emotion before saying, "I would be honored to accept this on his behalf, sir. He took great pride in his work, his country, and the people he loved. I know he would have been thrilled. After all, he voted for you."

The group chuckled.

"I, too, am grateful for his bravery. As much as I will miss him for the rest of my days, he fought and sacrificed to leave me the greatest gift, and it's this family." Charlotte said, "I am so proud to call each and every one of you mine. Well, soon, after the wedding when it's official."

"It's already official, darlin'," Coy said as he bent down and placed a kiss on her head before taking a seat next to Kenzie. "You're one of us."

"Anyone who can go through what these past months had to offer and barely flinch… definitely a Stone." Devyn smiled, reaching for her future sister in law's hand, "You passed the test, sis. You're in."

The group chuckled again.

"Kenzie, I'm so sorry." Charlotte said, reaching for her hand when she noticed her tears, "I didn't mean to make you feel…"

"No, it's okay." Kenzie weakly smiled.

"But you lost someone too. I know it was under trying and confusing circumstances, but loss is loss." Charlotte said, "You only knew the good parts of Glen, and that's something to grieve."

"I, uh, guess I'm not crying for him," she smiled and wiped her tears, "I just really feel your words, Charlotte. It's like you were reading my mind. This family…" she cleared her throat, trying to push down the emotion threatening to spill over, "This family is so special. After everything my uncle put y'all through, and yet, you still invite me to this table. To celebrate with you. It means everything to me. You all mean everything to me."

"Oh, please." Dillon rolled her eyes playfully, "We claimed you a long time ago, back when we were still in pigtails and boys were yucky. You're stuck with us, Kenz."

"I think it's time for some bubbly," Nash said, reaching for the champagne bottle and filling glasses.

Dillon covered her glass, "Oh, I'm not drinking today. I'll stick to water."

"Since when does Dillon Stone-Wyatt turn down a drink in the middle of…" Coy paused, "Hold on. Dillon. Ransom, did you… Is she…"

"Oh, my heavens, our big sister got knocked up by the President," Nash shouted. "Yeehaw, another little Stone baby."

"Stone-Wyatt baby." Ransom corrected, "I get a little credit here."

"Hold on," Nash said, "We don't even know if it's yours, Mr. President. Until we can tell if it looks like you, it's all Stone."

"Nash! Of course, it's his." Dillon laughed. "I'm so sorry. I didn't want to say anything yet –– this is your day."

"Don't be silly," Charlotte said. "There's no better time than now while we're all here together."

"Agreed," Nash said. "So, speaking of together… what's next for everyone? We know fancy pants over there is going back to that big white house across the country for a bit, and he'll probably take his baby mama with him."

"Probably?" Dillon questioned. "Yes, we're in DC until the inauguration. Then we're going to settle down here, in Coyote Creek. Maybe buy one of the ranches legally that were in the trust."

"Ahh, growing poppies, are ya?" Nash teased.

"I was thinking cattle or something a little more on the up and up." Ransom laughed.

"Coy? How about you?" Dillon asked. "Have you made any decisions?"

"I'm thinking about staying put. I can work from anywhere. Maybe do a little ranching while I'm at it." Coy said. "With Nash and Charlotte taking over the Bridges Ranch, I thought Cut could use some help for a while."

Kenzie smiled and laid her head on his shoulder, pleased with his answer.

"Besides, Kenzie might be hiring over at her place, too," Coy said, kissing the top of her head.

"Sounds like a merger might be in the making." Devyn teased, "Let me know if you need a lawyer."

"Rip?"

"Oh, I'm not a Stone. I'm not part of this confessional." He said.

"Sure, you are. You've seen us at our best and absolute worst and took a bullet for us." Coy said, "My offer stands, work Safe Haven from here, with me. We need to cover the southern border now more than ever."

"If you're looking for a rookie, I might be interested." Nash said, "What we did these past few months taught me a lot about myself. It feels good to be on the right side of things."

Coy beamed with pride, "I'd love that, little brother, and I think you'd fill in just fine."

"So, what's it going to be, Rip?" Nash asked, "You want to be one of the three amigos or what?"

"I think he meant three stooges." Dillon teased.

"Yeah, Rip… what's it going to be?" Devyn asked quietly.

"Since my dog won't leave, I guess I'm staying on," Rip said, a smile threatening to break through his broody demeanor.

Diesel made his way over to Devyn, his gait marred by a limp, and rested his head in her lap, where she gently scratched behind his ears, "You hear that boy, you get to stay with me. We'll see if Uncle Ransom can get you a fancy metal, too, for being the bravest boy."

"Uncle Ransom?" Nash chuckled, then looked at Rip, "I think you just lost your dog for good, man."

"I think I lost him the minute I stepped foot on this property."

"Let's raise our glasses," Coy said, then turned to the children, "And sippy cups. We've been through a lot together, faced challenges, and overcome obstacles that tested us in ways we never imagined. But through it all, we stood by each other, supported each other, and found strength in each other. It's taken me a long time to figure this out, but this right here is what Pop and Mama were building. A legacy. One that can stand the test of time and weather any storm… together. Let's remember that and bring up the next generation just as strong. May they always know who Ben and Delilah Stone are. To new beginnings, new life, and a bond that can weather any storm."

The group cried out, "Cheers!"

"You know what they say," Nash said, after a sip of champagne, "A family that gets shot together stays together."

"Who says that?" Coy asked.

"Here we go." Dillon rolled her eyes.

Devyn shook her head, "Literally, no one says that."

As Coy reclined into the comfort of his seat, he found solace in the lively chatter and playful exchanges that filled the room. His siblings, each with their unique quirks and endearing qualities, brought a sense of familiarity and belonging that he had longed for during his time away. And beside him, the woman whose presence radiated warmth and understanding offered him a sense of peace that he had only ever found in her company.

The ghosts of his past, once haunting and relentless, now seemed to have faded into the background, their whispers replaced by the laughter and joy that filled the air. Memories, both bitter and sweet, danced at the edges of his consciousness, but they no longer held power over him. Instead, they served as reminders of how far he had come.

It was good to be home.

Thank you for reading Stone Cold Secrets. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

To read more edge-of-your-seat, gritty suspense…