Page 69 of Scent of Peril

“I love you too, Logan.” She stopped, turned, and wrapped her arms around him. “As I was fighting to break free of the binds around my wrist, I promised myself I would be honest with you too.”

It bothered him to remember how she’d been captured and forced to kill Benton. He captured her mouth in a long, sweet kiss.

“God was looking out for us,” he whispered.

“I know.” She kissed him again. “We’re very blessed.”

“Hey, are you guys going stand there kissing, or are you coming?” Shane called out in exasperation.

“We’re coming.” He reluctantly pulled away. It was well past time to get off the mountain. But as they continued their hike back to the campground, Logan basked in Jessica’s declaration of love.

For the first time in years, he was looking forward to what his future, entwined with hers, held for them.

And he lifted his gaze to the sky to silently thank God for bringing them together.

EPILOGUE

Three weeks later . . .

Jessica stifled a yawn as she and Teddy headed outside her three-bedroom cabin. She trudged toward the main ranch house, the warm April breeze washing over her. Spring had finally sprung in this part of the state, and she welcomed it with open arms.

Although she could really use some coffee. Anna, the Sullivans’ housekeeper, had insisted she attend breakfast with the rest of the family this morning. Jess wasn’t sure why since the only day they usually had breakfast together was on Sundays.

Today was Saturday. But since she’d been interviewed by several police agencies, the DEA, the FBI, and even the Cody police chief, she suspected there were still pieces of the puzzle yet to learn. Maybe Doug wanted to give the family an update.

Logan had stayed with them over the weekend after they’d returned from the campground but then had insisted on heading back home. They’d spent as much time together as possible; she and Teddy had tagged along when he’d hiked back out to retrieve his plane. She’d been thrilled that the tail fin they’d found wasstill with the damaged aircraft. Logan had repaired the plane, then flown her and Teddy back home.

She’d asked Doug to send the plane piece for testing to determine its age and if there was a way to tie it to the one that had crashed with her parents on board. He’d promised to do so, but she knew he was busy tying up the investigation to the massive drug ring they’d busted up.

All thanks to Logan. And Teddy. She smiled as Teddy ran ahead, making circles, grabbing random sticks and darting around like a puppy.

Hearing a plane engine, she stopped and looked up. Then she smiled when she recognized Logan’s plane coming in for a landing.

“Come, Teddy!” Her earlier exhaustion vanished as she broke into a run to meet him. “Logan!” She lifted her arm to wave at him.

After landing the plane, he tore off his helmet, jumped down to the ground, then ran toward her. He swept her into his arms as Teddy barked and jumped on them, eager to participate in the reunion.

Logan kissed her long and deep, then broke off to lavish the dog with attention. “Hey, Teddy. Are you happy to see me too?”

“What are you doing here?” She tucked her hair behind her ear. “I thought you had a charter this weekend and that we weren’t meeting until Monday?”

“Change of plans.” He took her hand, and together they turned toward the house. “Anna invited me for breakfast.”

That much she’d figured out for herself. “Have you spoken to Doug? Does he have more information to share?”

“I have not spoken to Doug recently,” Logan said. “Last I heard, they’d made three arrests based on the information Big Al provided. And they found evidence on Ethan’s phone that he was taking pictures of Andrew Tolliver, likely because Ethansuspected the guy of being involved. Maybe there’s more to add?”

“I’m sure more details will come to light over time.” She could be patient. For now.

The rest of the family was already gathered at the main house. Their family gatherings were always chaotic when their nine respective dogs were added to the picture. Chase opened the front door and urged the K9s outside. They didn’t mind; playtime was fun.

Anna was in the kitchen. When Jess headed over to offer a hand, Anna shooed her away. “Go. I have it under control. Ten minutes,” the older woman added.

Knowing Anna ruled the kitchen like her personal empire, Jess backed out. Wynona and Chase stood with their son, Eli, who was still shy but slowly getting used to being surrounded by so much family. “Hi, Eli.”

“Hi.” He ducked his head. When Wyn nudged him, he added, “Hi, Auntie Jess.”

“I love you, Eli.” She dropped a casual kiss on the top of the boy’s head. He didn’t say anything more, but she knew that any conversation from Eli was a big step for the child.

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