Finally Found (Doms of Destiny, Colorado 10)

Janet wiped her eyes. “I bet I’ll be making a wedding cake very soon for the three of you.”

Carrie grinned and squeezed the sweet woman’s hand back. “We’ve only just told each other how we felt. Thinking about a wedding now seems a little too soon, don’t you think?”

“Not in Destiny,” Jena said. “Once those three wonderful words are uttered it’s no time before the bride is walking down the aisle.”

Sean nodded and then turned to Janet. “Except when it comes to you and Gary. When can we expect you two to finally tie the knot?”

“Sean’s right, Mom,” Matt said. “It’s long overdue.”

“Are you that anxious to get rid of me?” Janet asked.

“No, we figured Gary would just move in,” Sean said. “This is a big house. The more the merrier in our book.”

“Are you serious?”

“Yes, Mom,” Jena said. “We’re very serious. We only want you to be happy. You and Gary.”

“Knowing that makes me feel so good. Thank you. Gary is in Denver for business. Once he’s back I will share with him what you told me.” Janet stood, a happy tear streaming down her smiling face. “It’s just as much as I love Gary, I’ve never been happier than I have been living here with all of you. I know Gary is lonely and loves this family, too. He’s crazy about Kimmie as much as I am. You’ve just made me so happy, and I’m sure Gary will be, too.” She looked out the window, and Carrie caught a glimpse of her wiping her eyes. “I better get these dishes cleaned up. There’s a lot to do today.”

Carrie stood. “I’ll help you.”

Sean glanced back at her and smiled. He’d deflected the conversation for her, for which she was grateful.

“No you won’t, young lady,” Janet said firmly. “You have a battle ahead of you, and these three have jobs to do. It’s already seven-thirty. Go and have fun. I’ll clean up the kitchen.”

“Okay, Mom.” Matt kissed Janet on the cheek.

Sean did the same.

“Thanks for taking care of Kimmie for us,” Jena said. “Call me if you need anything.”

“We’ll be fine, but that reminds me of something.” Janet pulled out a note from her apron pocket. “It’s for you, Carrie. Kimmie made me promise to give it to you before you left for paintball today.”

Carrie smiled, taking the paper from Janet. “I have the best niece in the world, that’s for sure.”

Kimmie’s message touched her heart. It was a picture she’d drawn in bright colors. An arrow pointed to the tallest person in the drawing with the misspelled words “Ant Cary.” Above the little girl was the word “me.” And at their feet was a white dog, also with an arrow and the word “happynest.”

She held it up for the others to see. “We’ve got an artist in the family. I love this so much. I want to get a frame for it.”

“I have one I think you’ll like,” Janet said. “When you come back I’ll show it to you. Now scoot or you’ll be late. And good luck.”

Chapter Eighteen

Carrie crouched down behind one of the large trees by the Blue Dragon statue, which she’d learned the locals called the Mother Dragon. It was thirty-six minutes into the second round of paintball, and thankfully unlike the first, she hadn’t been shot yet. The first round she’d been taken out by an eighteen-year-old sharpshooter seconds after the starting bell. The kid had laughed. It was all in good fun, but she’d stuck her tongue out at him, swearing to find him in the next round.

“I doubt that,” he said. “You’re a newbie. This is my third year.”

Ethel had appeared out of nowhere and shot him. “On the ground, young man. That was a clean shot. And I was champion my first year.” The sweet woman came up to her and looked down. “Never underestimate newbies, right Carrie?”

“Right.”

“See you in the next round.” Ethel had darted off, hiding behind a large tree. She had the sun behind her, which blinded the other gamers. She took them off one by one. Before long, she was the last one standing. No wonder she was the player to beat. She was not only a good shot but very clever, too.

This is so much fun, even though that shot stung. Janet had insisted she wear extra clothing under the camos, and now she knew why.

She spotted a group of three headed her way. She rose up and took them out one after the other. Per the rules, two of them fell to the ground immediately. The last one cursed and remained standing.

“Get down, John,” one of his buddies said. “You don’t want one of the security guys to kick you out for the rest of the event. We’ll do better next round.”