The Family Gathering (Sullivan's Crossing #3)(98)

“You ready for that?”

“Yes. I’m in love with you, too. Couldn’t you tell?”

“I wanted to believe that’s what I felt. Will you let me spend the night tonight? Then tomorrow I’ll get out of your hair...”

“You can spend the night, and then tomorrow let’s both get back home. Together.”

“Just to be clear, I want to marry you, Dr. Shandon. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I’ve never wanted anything so much. Will you say yes?”

“I’ll absolutely marry you. I’ll have to. It’s the only way I can keep all the women back.” She got on her toes and gave him a quick kiss. “I want you all to myself.”

“I think we’re definitely on the same page.” He hugged her close.

“Am I going to have you all to myself or are we still being harassed by Neely?”

“Nah, Neely has found greener pastures. Oh, so much has happened in the two weeks you’ve been gone, it’s mind-boggling. I have a lot to tell you. Then we can go home and help celebrate all the happy endings.”

“Mine will be the happiest of all,” she said.





   Kindness in words creates confidence.

Kindness in thinking creates profoundness.

Kindness in giving creates love.

   —LAO TZU





epilogue

ON THE LAST day of August, right before the Labor Day weekend filled up the town of Timberlake and Sullivan’s Crossing campground, Sierra and Connie appeared at the courthouse with Sam in their arms. A friendly-looking judge was on the bench. When it was their turn to go into the courtroom they were followed by lawyers and a witness or two.

Cal, Maggie and Elizabeth were there, dressed in their finery. Dakota and Sid filed in. Sully was there. Connie’s mom and brother were there. Rafe and Lisa followed. Three more firefighters entered.

The judge watched this entourage and smiled. He waited patiently until everyone in the gallery was settled and quiet. “Well,” he said. “Now I see why we couldn’t do this in chambers. Lovely family you have here, Mr. and Mrs. Boyle.”

“Thank you,” Sierra said happily.

“I see some things in my court that are sad, that are tragic, that make me angry, that frustrate and baffle me. But this beautiful story makes my heart glad. I personally think everyone should know about it. I think it should ‘go viral.’ Isn’t that what you young social media people say? Here we have a firefighter and paramedic called out on a terrible accident and thank God he was able to rescue a little guy, unhurt. And he and his wife wanted to keep that little guy and become his new family. What a beautiful story. What an excellent, selfless sentiment. And apparently not just the firefighter and his wife welcome this little guy, Sam, but the whole family and half the neighborhood. Sam,” he said, leaning over the bench and looking at Sam. “It looks like you have chosen a very good family for yourself.” The judge sat back and smiled. “By the power vested in me—”

With one rap of his gavel Sam legally became part of the family.

*