Summer lightening flashed in the distance, but it was far enough away to continue the 4th of July festivities. Julia followed Maverick down the ramp, with Ryan in his lap. The wood slats vibrated his prosthetic legs against the footplates of his wheelchair.
Sheriff Mason tipped his hat. “Hey, Maverick. I see you’ve got your legs on. It’s a great day for it.”
Trianna gave Julia a quick hug. “It’s great to see you guys here this year.”
Julia smiled. A piece of her heart would always remain with Henry, but the rest swelled at the sight of her friends, family, and new love. “It’s good to be here.”
Maverick kissed her knuckles, as he often did, and then released her to go over to their picnic spot.
Judy and James, Cathy and Devon, and Eric and Lisa with Amelia crawling between them, all waited on blankets spread out in a prime spot on the bank of the lake.
“It’s about time you three got here. We were about to send out a search party,” Cathy teased.
The smell of citronella and sunscreen filled the air. Tall Tiki torches lit the beach and field. As sunlight faded, a band on stage at the foot of the hill strummed to life.
Julia sat with her legs tucked under her, her pale-green summer dress spread over her legs. “I’m afraid it’s my fault. I’ve been working on some grants. Trianna was an amazing help with that. Also, I needed to finalize the opening day schedule.”
Ryan hopped down from Maverick’s lap. “Hey, can I go find Thomas? He said we could play ball.”
“Stay where I can see you, okay?” Julia said.
Ryan threw his hands by his side. “Oh, Mama, don’t be silly. I’ll be fine. I’ll stay on the field or beach.”
“As long as I can see you,” Julia repeated.
“Ooookay.” He sprinted across the field to the edge of the beach where he found his friend, Thomas, and three other boys.
“It’s good to see him branching out.” Maverick lifted one of his legs and flipped the foot pedal up then rested his foot on the ground. “I have to admit, it’s not all about him feeling better. I selfishly want some alone time with my beautiful woman.” He moved the other leg free then shoved from the chair, but wobbled.
Cathy gasped as Eric reached out to help.
“I’ve got this.” Maverick steady himself then held out his hand with a slight bow. “May I have this dance?”
Julia looked up at Maverick for the first time. Her lips pulled back into a wide, goofy smile. “I didn’t know you were so tall.”
Everyone laughed.
Judy scooted into James’s arms. “You haven’t seen him stand yet?”
“Nope. He wouldn’t even let me go to physical therapy with him the past few weeks.” Julia laced her fingers into his. “I thought he was months from being able to walk.”
“I’m limited, but getting there.” He took her hand and put it on his shoulder then wrapped his arms around her middle. “A little birdie told me you like to dance. If I can learn to walk, I can learn to dance. And maybe with these new legs I won’t have two left feet.”
James smacked his knee. “Maybe I need some artificial legs. Then Judy’s toes wouldn’t hurt so much when we dance.”
Judy shook her head. “I think I’d take the sore toes. No injuries allowed around here for the next ten years. At least. Got it, Mister?”
“You’re the boss.” James kissed her cheek and took a sip out of his red solo cup.
Maverick held Julia to his chest, their hearts beating together. She thought she would lose her balance from being dizzy with happiness.
“I’m the luckiest man alive to have you in my life,” Maverick whispered into her ear. “You’re the strongest, most courageous, loving and supportive person I’ve ever met. To think, a few years ago I almost married the wrong girl. I think losing my legs showed me who we were together. Now that I’m here and I have you in my arms, losing my legs is a small price to pay to have you.”
Julia held him close, despite the sweltering heat. The rest of the group’s attention had moved to Amelia, everyone cooing at her as she did adorable baby things. Grateful for a bit of privacy, she asked, “How’s it going living with James and Judy?”
“It’s been fine. I’m looking for a new house to restore, one that I can have a family in some day.”
“Oh, really?” Julia teased.
Maverick continued swaying, but he tipped her chin up. She could see the seriousness in his eyes. “According to the town motto this is the place my heart and home belong. And I’m inclined to agree.”
Electricity jolted through her body. The thought of Maverick remaining near her indefinitely sent her heart into a frenzy. “I think you’ll have no trouble finding something.”
“Good, because as soon as I’m done renovating the house for the preschoolers, and once the Veterans Center is open, I want you and Ryan to help me find a new home where we can live together some day.”
Julia stared at him with the same seriousness. He wrapped one arm around her back and tipped her chin a little higher. She stood on her toes and their lips met. Fireworks exploded overhead as the band continued playing the national anthem.
His kiss sent her body into a celebration of freedom—freedom from guilt, freedom from doubt, and freedom from fear. But most of all, the freedom to love again.