As soon as I pull up to their gated home, the gates open and I’m let up the long driveway. My woman tried to play off that she isn’t wealthy, but I don’t give a fuck because I can give her all this and more. She doesn’t know about the money I have. Being a sheriff is just what I do as a means of returning to normal life after years of overseas activities.
“There’s something we need to discuss,” I say as soon as I reach the top of the stairs.
“Is it about the fire?”
“Yes, how did…”
“I got a visit this afternoon. It’s amazing how much information people can gather in small towns. Anyway, I gave the cops my timeline, including the receipt for the hardware store and then my trip to the grocery store, followed by my night at your sister’s house. They told me that they were just making sure to rule out all possibilities. I’m not bothered by it. It’s not the first time I’ve been questioned. When my cousin was in the crash, I was grilled vigorously, multiple times, but don’t tell him because I never did. He would be pissed to know they did it.”
“They thought you had a part in it?” That’s hard to fathom, having met her and Franco. They have a very close bond.
“No, but you know I was close to him, so all of us close or with something to gain had been questioned. Since I refused to go on the flight, it seemed suspicious to them. I’m just not a fan of helicopters.”
“Fuck, I’m grateful that you never went.”
“Me too, but I still feel guilty. I should have talked them both out of going in the first place.”
“It’s in the past. At least Franco’s happy with his life now, and you’re mine.” I drop my mouth down on hers, kissing my wife-to-be, and then I pull back and head into the house. “There’s more to discuss, but first, I have to say this. From the moment I met you, I knew that I wanted to be with you for the rest of my days. It’s crazy soon and wild, but I love you, Mia.”
“I love you too, Mark. I knew it the second you flipped me over your shoulder.”
“Then why did you fight me?”
“Fight? Hardly. Besides, as I recall, you kidnapped me.”
“I recall it as picking up a last-minute item at the store, so let’s just agree to disagree.”
“Fine. I know it’s a lost cause anyway.” She rolls her eyes.
I steal another kiss before dropping down on one knee. “I love you, Mia Fiore. You’re smart, beautiful, kind, and you make me whole. Will you marry me?”
She nods vigorously and sobs, “Yes.” I slide the ring on her finger and stand, bringing her in for another kiss as the family gathers around, and that’s when I notice it’s the entire family, including Franco and Fabio’s side.
“Told you it was worth getting over here quickly.”
“Damn right. Way to go, Soren.”
“Hey, I’m the one engaged.”
“Heck, yes. Show me that ring,” Fabio’s wife squeals, running up to Mia. I can only tell them apart because he’s got a firm grip on her at all times, just like Franco with his wife. I’m too happy to ruin it with the rest of the drama, so I’ll save it for later.
“Who’s ready to celebrate?” Mrs. Fiore waves two bottles of champagne.
“Yes.”
“Don’t worry—this one is non-alcoholic,” she says, eyeing all the women. Our families are really going to get along well at parties.
Epilogue
Six Months Later
Mark
“Thank you, Sheriff.” I’ve spent the last hour helping him drop off supplies after I left the station.
“No problem, Mr. Miller. I’m so glad we could help with the rebuild.” The older man sighs, knowing what we all know. His family had come extremely close to losing everything, including their lives, and thankfully, that wasn’t the case.
Those who were involved in the arson were arrested and pled guilty after a mountain of evidence led the way. All I’m grateful for is that Nicki was one of the ones given a solid jumpsuit especially after she had plans to end my life as well to make it look like an accident and claim millions in life insurance. How she had it cooked up for so fucking long is a damn shocker to me. That woman is pure evil and right where she belongs.
“It’s been a long six months.” A lot of good with the bad. I married Mia as soon as I could get her to agree, so by January thirty-first, she’d become my wife and the next day we found out we were having a baby. It’s been a wonderful blessing.
The demons of my past are being laid to rest while my future has just begun with Mia and our growing family.
“I’m sure it has. Just let us know if you need anything. We’re right up the road,” I say with a genuine grin on my face. Meeting Mia gave me a purpose I hadn’t had before and a reason to move into our old family home with so much land to build on, so it’s now where we live as a family.