In the end, Charlee finally took Natalie and Sammy home with her, while Hunter and her brothers finished processing the crime scene. Sally Jennings came for Nora, and instead of cursing this time, she hugged Charlee and thanked her over and over for saving her daughter.
It was near dawn when Hunter slipped into her room and slid under the covers. He pulled her back against his chest and wrapped her tightly in his arms, like he’d never let go. “Don’t ever scare me like that again, cher,” he muttered before he dropped into a dead sleep.
Charlee cradled her head on his shoulder and drifted back to sleep herself, smiling.
Later that morning, her dad picked up Natalie to take her to the hospital before driving her back to Gainesville. Their mom had woken up, finally, and the doctors were confident she would recover. Liz had called, twice, to make sure Charlee was okay.
Sammy prowled Charlee’s small kitchen, unsure of himself. He smiled shyly when Hunter walked in.
“Hey, Sammy.” Then he walked right over to Charlee and kissed her soundly. “Good morning, beautiful.”
Charlee leaned back. “Wow. That was nice. Good morning to you, too.”
“You guys want to go to the Corner Café for some coffee?”
“And cupcakes?” Sammy asked hopefully.
“Maybe. Charlee hasn’t had time to bake any lately. But I’m sure Liz will have other goodies.”
Smiling, Sammy led the way outside. The café was crowded when they arrived, and they again spent longer than Charlee would have liked answering questions and getting hugged. Charlee was exhausted and just wanted a bit of quiet time to process it all. But apparently, that would have to wait.
The bell jangled, and Sammy’s face split into a wide grin as Frank Graham, the carnival boss, and the heavyset lady they’d met the other day stepped through the door. “Frank! Ida! It’s good to see you. I’m having a cupcake. Liz had a special stash, just for me.”
“We’re glad to see you, too, Sammy.” They exchanged glances with Hunter and pulled up chairs at their table.
Sammy grinned, a bit of frosting on his cheek. Ida handed him a napkin and signaled, so he wiped it away. “Did you hear about Tool Man? Hunter said he was a bad man. And he’s not coming back, ever.”
Ida patted Sammy’s hand. “We heard that, sugar, and we’re sorry. We know you two was close.”
Sammy shrugged and focused on peeling another cupcake wrapper. “I don’t know what to do now.”
The adults exchanged glances, then Ida said, “Well now, that’s why we’re here. We talked with Lieutenant Boudreau, and he said it’d be a right fine idea if you came and stayed with me.” Ida paused. “What do you think about that, Sammy?” Even though Sammy had confessed to shooting at Brittany and Charlee that day on the river, everyone, including the ADA, believed he’d only meant to scare them, not hurt anyone. They were all hopeful that Sammy would get a suspended sentence or community service rather than jail time.
He scrunched up his eyes, thinking. “I could keep my job?”
“Of course you could. And you could stay with me as long as you like.”
“That would be good.” He finished his cupcake and stood, held out his hand to Hunter. “Thank you, Mr. Copper.” Then he turned and hugged Charlee. “Thank you, Charlee.” He looked from one to the next. “I have to go now. But you were my friends, and you saved me.”
“We’ll always be your friends, Sammy,” Charlee said. “You come see us next time you’re in town, okay?”
“You’ll have cupcakes?”
“Of course.”
Sammy smiled and followed Ida and Frank out the door.
Charlee cocked her head as she looked at Hunter. “I think you’re nothing but a softy under that tough exterior, Lieutenant.”
He shifted uncomfortably in his chair, then looked around the café before aiming his gaze back at her. “You ready to tell your parents you’re trading your kayak paddle for a mixer?”
Charlee smiled. “Actually, I told Dad this morning that I’m ready to take over the Outpost full-time, whenever they’re ready. Liz is okay with me supplying cupcakes when I can.”
“What changed your mind?”
“Big Shoals. You.”
“How so?”
“When I was out on the rapids, I remembered how much I loved it. How much I love being outside and on the water. The guilt, the fear, it blocked out the love for a long time. I’m finally ready to put the past behind me, to move forward.”
“Is there room for a—what was it you called me, an overbearing idiot?—in that moving-forward plan?”
“Maybe. What did you have in mind?”
He looked down and unclasped the thick silver bracelet he always wore. “I gave this to my brother for his high school graduation. It’s not a ring, but maybe it will do until I can buy you one.” He looked at her, love and trust and admiration shining in those green, green eyes, just for her. “I love you, Charlee Tanner. Marry me?”
With those simple yet heartfelt words, the last of the fear slipped away, and her heart soared. This man would always have her back. He probably would never take her to the symphony—not that she wanted to go—but he’d let her know she was loved and protected every day of her life. What more could a girl want?
“I think I can put up with you for a lifetime, Lieutenant.”
“Then kiss me before I change my mind,” he quipped and cupped her face in his hands before he kissed her thoroughly.
Everyone cheered as they left the café. They drove back to the Outpost, where they took two kayaks out on the Ocklawaha River and had their very own celebration. Together.