Page 49 of Black Ice
“Fair enough. I’m not waiting another minute.” He dropped to one knee and pulled a small box out of his pocket, holding it up. “This is real. You’re my best friend, Evelyn Cotton. You’re the only woman I’ve ever loved. I don’t want to spend another hour without you in my life.” He opened the box and a stunning, marquis-cut diamond blazed in a cushion of black velvet. “Please make me the happiest man on earth and let me be your husband. By your side, whatever you need, wherever life takes us, no matter how gnarly the trail. Let me be with you forever.”
“Oh, Wyatt. Yes. You’ve always had my heart. Yes to forever with you, wherever we are. Whatever we do.” Her knees gave out and she sat down right there on the floor. He slipped the ring onto her finger and she peppered his face with kisses.
Forever had never felt so sweet. “Hurry back,” she said as he helped her to her feet once more. She extended her hand, admiring the way the ring sat on her finger and caught the light, straightening it when the loose band slipped.
“Get dressed,” he said with that wicked grin. “The jeweler is waiting to size it for you. I’ll send up champagne.”
She smiled. “The champagne and I will be right here, waiting to welcome you back.”
When he walked out Evie did a happy pirouette, thrilled not just about what tonight held, but the bright potential in tomorrow and every day to come.
WEATHER NEWS UPDATE 3
“And now out to Joyce Adams with a weather update on location today. That looks like quite an undertaking behind you.”
“You’re right about that, Will.” Joyce smiled into the camera. “Although we need to be mindful of the windchill and the reflection off the snow out here, it is wonderful to see the sun shining at last. Winter Storm Holly is marching on toward Minnesota and left us with a blanket of wintery sparkle all over town.”
She stepped closer to a cluster of people, red-cheeked and beaming, as a large group of kids worked on a snow fort behind them. “This is Evelyn Cotton and her father Dale of Cottonwood Adventures. They’re joined by Wyatt Jameson, Sheriff Russell, and Sarah and Jack, managers of the Silver Aces Casino. Evelyn, can you tell us a bit about what’s happening here?”
“Sure. Since schools and most businesses are closed again today, Cottonwood Adventures and the Silver Aces teamed up to host an impromptu snow day celebration.”
“How did you get such a big turnout?” Joyce asked.
Evelyn glanced at the others and grinned. “Between the sheriff’s department, social media, and some travelers stranded at the casino with cabin fever, word got around quickly. Everyone was eager to come out and make the best of the situation.”
“It has been a difficult couple of days,” Joyce agreed. Her face was freezing, but she wanted to get in on the fun before heading back to the studio. “And Wyatt Jameson. Don’t tell me our hometown hero is one of those stranded travelers?”
“Not exactly. I did choose the wrong week for my first visit back to Deadwood,” he admitted. “But now that I’m retired from the Army, I plan on staying right here.”
“You used to work with Cottonwood Adventures, am I right?”
“Yes,” he replied. “Back when Evelyn and I were in high school. I’m pleased to be a part of their new expansion plans.”
“Maybe this snow party will give the people of Minnesota something to look forward to as they brace for Holly.” Joyce turned to Evelyn and Dale and let them plug their business, before getting comments from a few of the kids and adults enjoying the snow party.
“Will, I might take the rest of the day off to play.” Joyce handed off her microphone and fell backward into a sparkling-white snow drift to make a snow angel.
At the desk, the evening anchorman laughed at her antics. “You’ve definitely earned it, Joyce. Thank you.”
HOLIDAY RESCUE IN DEADWOOD
A Black Ice Novella
By Regan Black
ABOUT HOLIDAY RESCUE IN DEADWOOD
This special novella returns to Deadwood, seven years after Wyatt Jameson and Evelyn Cotton reunited in Black Ice. Get ready for a glimpse of how life has changed and business has grown—and how the community still leans on them for entertainment and assistance, even during the winter holiday season.
CHAPTER 1
Evelyn Cotton Jameson stood at the top of the sledding hill, listening to the squeals and laughter flying on the wind. It was a chilly day in Deadwood despite the sunlight, the air crisp enough to snap and crackle. Her twin boys, five-years-old, were taking turns chasing their dad, Wyatt, down the hill.
Days like this were pure joy for Evie. And the miracles life kept tossing her way were top of mind as Christmas approached. She had so much to be thankful for, especially this time of year. The snow was deep, there was even more in the forecast, and Evie only wanted to celebrate it all.
Some people complained about the long and often bitter winter weather, but not Evie.
Never again.
