Page 126 of Everlasting Promises

She looks up at me, a smile touching her lips. “I love you, too.”

I take her hand in mine to lead her inside, rubbing her bare finger. I still can’t believe she took her wedding rings off. “Are you sure?” She knows what I’m asking.

She shrugs. “Absolutely certain. It was time.”

“I love you, Cookie. I hope you know how much.” I lean down to kiss her soft lips.

“I’m pretty sure I do.” She presses up on her toes to return my kiss. “I hope you know how special you are to me, Ben Taylor. I love you.”

EPILOGUE

1 month later …

59

BEN

“Come on, Rex.”I pat my thigh as I hold the back door to the cruiser open. He’s mostly moving freely again, but he still can’t put his full weight on the leg that was injured, which means he can’t run yet. I’ve been told he’ll be able to run again, but not as fast as before, so we’ve settled for short, slow walks around the block for now.

Evan gives him a small boost, and once he’s securely inside the cruiser for his very last ride into the precinct, I close the door. Nervous energy rockets through my system. It’s our last day on the job—not that Rex will be working. Hope will take him home while I go on patrol for the last time.

She leans in and kisses me. “See you there,” she murmurs.

I return her kiss, keeping it chaste in front of Evan. “Thanks for coming.”

“We wouldn’t be anywhere else. This is an important day for both of you.”

Evan and Hope follow in her car, and when I arrive at the precinct, I find an empty parking spot out back. I open the gatethat separates me from Rex and he surges forward. We need to be together for this special moment. Then, I put the planned call into dispatch. “Car three-Adam-twenty-five.”

A static buzz sounds. “Car three-Adam-twenty-five.” Katie’s voice sounds over the radio, and Rex tilts his head to the side, his ears twitching. Normally, when he hears her voice over the radio, it’s to call us out to work. Not today, though.

I get choked up with the next words I’m about to speak. “Will you show K9 Rex 10-42?”

“Copy break,” Katie announces. “All units prepare to copy a special transmission. This transmission is for decorated K9 Officer Rex.” I look at the best partner an officer could ever hope for. “Rex is coming in for his final goodbye. Due to a career-ending injury, he’s heading into retirement after serving our city for the past six and a half years. We want to thank him for his service and his dedication to keeping our city and its citizens safe.” Katie pauses, and I hear her take a deep breath.

“With more than three hundred deployments, Rex has made a significant impact in our community. We thank him for bringing fifty-five children home safely to their parents, eleven missing adults home to their families, and aiding in the apprehension of 186 offenders over the course of his career. He’s been instrumental in seizing over $120,000 in illegal drug money and twenty-five pounds of methamphetamine, as well as locating and seizing other illegal substances. He has participated in forty-two demonstrations at public elementary and high schools, as well as at community events, showcasing his skills and tenacity in taking down criminals.”

My eyes sting, and my nose tingles as I listen to Katie list his achievements. I press my lips together to stem the emotions threatening to spill over as I rub Rex’s jaw. He nuzzles into me, almost as if he knows this is his goodbye.

“Rex has earned the respect and admiration of his peers, and deserves a much-needed rest.”

A tear falls over my lashes and trails down my cheek as Rex and I watch each other, his eyebrows moving up and down as his eyes trace over my face.

“We thank him for keeping his handler safe over the course of his career and for bringing him home after every shift. We wish him the best in his retirement and hope he enjoys his time being a dog with long days resting in the sunshine, belly rubs, and indulging in his favorite treats. You will be missed, Rex. K9 Rex, you are 10-42 for the final time at 1809.” Emotion drips from Katie’s words. Everyone at the precinct loves Rex, and I know they’re all going to miss him.

“We all copy. Thank you,” announces Captain Thoms.

“Everybody copies.”

“Good job, boy,” I tell him through sniffles. “What do you say?”

I hold the radio close to his face so Rex can sign off with a bark, and I follow him with a simple acknowledgement of appreciation.

I blow out a long breath. That was tough. Tougher than I expected. I climb out of the cruiser and adjust my belt, then help Rex down, protecting his injured leg.

Once I have his lead, I head toward the back entrance of the building. When we step inside the door, my breath catches. Unexpectedly, a guard of honor lines the hallway with what looks like every available police and dispatch officer, as well as admin staff.

I grin proudly, and Rex wags his tail excitedly, making his rump shake from side to side. His claws clip—unevenly because of his limp—on the polished linoleum as I lead him down the passage amid pats and words of congratulations.

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