Page 144 of The Way We Score

Six months later

Flashing lights circle around us. We’re back at Cooters & Shooters, and Liv is hugged against my chest as we slow dance to a song about Levi Jeans by Beyonce. We might even grind a little, but it’s not a Dare Night. So we keep it PG-13.

Dylan has the place decorated with balloons and streamers, and a banner hangs over the small bar that reads,Congratulations, Deputy Sheriff Garrett!

It took me forever to read the manual, so I wound up getting an audiobook. After watching me struggle for a month, Aubrey, the official badass, asked if I’d ever been tested for dyslexia. Frowning, I told her no. I wasn’t really sure what that was.

Well, wouldn’t you know, I have it, but according to the doctor, my brain made adjustments for it through the years. Still, that’s why I read so slow.

“It doesn’t mean you’re dumb,” Liv wasquick to note. “It has nothing to do with intelligence. It just takes you longer to finish.”

“I was told a gentleman always lets the lady finish first,” I couldn’t help teasing.

All jokes aside, it’s something I wish I’d known in high school, because all those years ago when my baby sister would be flying through one-thousand-page romantasy novels, and I struggled withFrankenstein, I wouldn’t have felt stupid.

Water under the bridge. It’s been an incredible year. Liv and I have officially moved into our small house, Baby Gina is sleeping through the night, and we’re both getting established in town.

Liv put out her shingle as a small-town, country lawyer doing wills and estates and all kinds of small jobs, and I’m officially a member of law enforcement. I even have a uniform that fits.

The song ends, and I look down into the bright hazel eyes of my gorgeous bride-to-be. “When are we setting a date for the wedding?”

“My schedule’s wide open.” Her nose wrinkles, and she rises onto her toes to kiss my lips. “I’m finally getting my figure back.”

“I’m ready to mess it up again.”

She laughs, turning as she leads me off the dance floor to where our friends and family are milling around with cake and champagne.

“It’s not going to be the same at animal control without you, Deputy.” Aubrey holds up a beer. “Still, congratulations to you.”

“Thanks, Aubrey,” I chuckle. “I really learned a lot working with you. Hell, I wouldn’t have known what to do in half those situations.”

“Sheriff Grizz!” Craig walks up, clapping my hand. “I hope this doesn’t mean you’re not going to dance on the bar with me anymore.”

“When I’m off duty, what happens at Cooters & Shooters stays at Cooters & Shooters.”

Zane walks over to where we’re standing, Rachel at his side with Baby G on her shoulder. The minute my little girl sees me, she starts fussing and reaching, which of course, makes me smile with pride.

“Garrett!” Rachel pouts. “I just got her!”

“Shouldn’t have walked over here, then.” I reach out, taking my little girl from my future sister-in-law and holding her against my chest.

She’s getting so big, she sits up and looks around at everyone with those big blue eyes. Her hair is pink like her mom’s, and she still has perfect little rosebud lips. She still squeezes them in an adorable little pout before she cries, too, which is not very often.

Liv says I’m spoiling her, but I don’t even care.

Zane pulls Rachel into a hug at his side. “Jack said Rodney is looking to retire now that you’re on the force.”

My brow lowers, and I glance over to where the old sheriff is talking to my brother. “I hope he waits until I know where the bathroom is at least.”

Zane chuckles. “I’m sure he’ll wait until you know the ropes. I’m just saying, it won’t be long before we’re changing that sign.”

“Sheriff Bradford.” Rachel lifts her chin. “That’s really cool, Grizz. You’ll be a great sheriff. You’re already a great daddy.”

“Thanks, Rach.” We’re getting to be good friends, and she fits right into the family. “Say, when are you two planning to set a date? I’m ready to tie the knot with Liv, but I don’t want to steal your thunder.”

“If we can get all the excitement to die down,” Rachel teases. “I’d love to have a winter wedding. She looks over to where Clint is leaning against the bar beside Craig. “What do you think, Clint? Could we pull together a wedding in three months?”

He pushes off, walking over to where we stand. “I think a December wedding would be divine. We could have horse-drawn carriages, little ballerina girls lighting candles, maybe do it at the stables. Would Gloria allow that?”

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