Part 35 (1/2)
Epilogue.
Springtime in the mountains was just around the corner. The winter-dead world was already showing signs of new life. Crocus flowers poked their small, colorful heads through the hard, cold ground to announce the annual renewal of Mother Earth. And with each pa.s.sing day, Genevieve Madoc healed. Physically. Mentally. Emotionally. But more importantly, she was healing spiritually. Dallas's love and devotion enveloped her with the strength she needed to not only survive, but to regenerate.
What was left of Royce Pierpont's body when the wolves finished with him, was sent through the proper channels and as far as everyone knew had received a Christian burial. Jazzy, for one, hoped they tossed his remains in the river for fish food.
Cherokee Pointe and the entire county had begun to bounce back and return to normal. In a few weeks the spring tourist season would begin, and the little town's numbers would triple. Jazzy could hear the cash registers ringing already. She smiled to herself.
”Everything's ready,” Tiffany said.
Startled, Jazzy gasped.
”Sorry.” Tiffany laughed. ”We're all set. When do you expect them to get here?”
”Any minute now.”
”Do you want to do a quick inspection?”
”Yes, I'd-”
The front doors to Jasmine's swung open, and Dallas escorted Genny inside. Jazzy rushed to meet them.
”You look absolutely gorgeous.” Jazzy clutched Genny's hands and surveyed her from head to toe. Genny wore a black satin dress in a simple design, topped with a hand-embroidered black cashmere sweater.
”What about me?” Dallas asked teasingly.
Jazzy gave him a quick glance. He was decked out in a black suit, white s.h.i.+rt, and solid red tie. ”You look gorgeous, too.” Jazzy lifted Genny's left hand. ”Let me see it.”
”See what?” Genny smiled.
”Hey, half the town knows that Dallas was giving you a ring tonight.”
”Everybody knew except me,” Genny said.
Jazzy studied the diamond solitaire on the third finger of Genny's left hand. ”Wow, what a rock.” She glanced at Dallas. ”That must have set you back a pretty penny.” She winked at him. ”Are you sure you can afford it now that you don't have a job?”
”I've got a sizable nest egg, Ms. Mother Hen,” Dallas replied. ”Shrewd investments and wise financial planning.”
”That's good to know.” With a sweep of her hand, she invited the couple into the empty restaurant.
Genny glanced around at the beautiful roses on every table and the white candles s.h.i.+mmering in crystal holders. ”Are you having a private party here at Jasmine's tonight?”
”Yep. Sure am.”
”Oh, Jazzy, did you-?”
”What a perfect intro.” Jazzy let out a long, loud whistle.
Dozens of people streamed out of the kitchen and into the restaurant, Jacob leading the pack. Sally and Ludie, along with Wallace, followed Jacob. Countless other friends and acquaintances filled Jasmine's, each offering Genny and Dallas their best wishes. Then the crowd parted to allow Dallas's family to come forward. His eyes widened in surprise as he watched his sisters, Savannah and Alexandria, come rus.h.i.+ng to him. He opened his arms to embrace them. His brother-in-law, niece, and nephew hovered in the background; then when the sisters finished hugging and kissing him, his brother-in-law shook his hand and slapped him on the back. His nephew, Mark, shook hands, following his father's lead. But ten-year-old Amy jumped up into his arms and gave him a sloppy kiss on the cheek.
”It's a surprise engagement party,” Jazzy said. ”In case you haven't figured it out yet.”
Genny turned to Dallas. ”Did you know about this?”
When he grinned sheepishly, Genny punched his arm.
”I swear, I didn't know.” Dallas tapped the tip of her nose with his index finger. ”But why didn't you know, my little sorceress?”
”Because someone has been keeping me so occupied with physical matters that I haven't had time to think, let alone use my clairvoyance.”
While Dallas introduced Genny to his family, Tiffany came over with a silver tray laden with champagne flutes. Jazzy removed two gla.s.ses and handed one each to the happy couple.
A violinist strolled down the hall from Jazzy's office, already playing a romantic melody.
”Ain't life grand?” Jazzy hugged Genny. ”I don't know anyone who deserves to be happy more than you do.”
Genny hugged Jazzy fiercely. ”Your time will come. I promise.”
Jazzy pulled away. ”There are presents, you know. Lots of presents. But don't think this takes the place of a bridal shower. And I've got the bachelorette party all planned.”
Dallas slipped his arm around Genny's waist. ”Come on, a qua da li i. Let's mix and mingle. Now that I've been offered Roddy Watson's old job, I should get better acquainted with my const.i.tuents.”
”Calling me your wife is a bit premature since we're not making it legal until June.” Suddenly comprehending what he'd said about the position as chief of police, Genny gasped. ”Oh, Dallas, you didn't tell me. When did-”
”I got the phone call today, while you were taking a nap. I wanted to wait until our dinner tonight to tell you.”
”Congratulations, Chief Sloan!” Jazzy laid her hand on Dallas's back.
”What's this?” Jacob asked as he joined the threesome.
”Dallas has been offered Roddy Watson's old job,” Jazzy said. ”Imagine that.”
”Let's keep that news to ourselves for now,” Dallas said. ”Tonight is all about Genny accepting my proposal and making me the happiest man in the world.”
”How the mighty have fallen.” Jacob chuckled.
”You just wait,” Dallas told him. ”Your time is coming. One of these days some s.e.xy little thing is going to come along and you won't know what hit you. Not until after she has you on your knees begging her to put you out of your misery.”
”Not going to happen,” Jacob a.s.sured him.