Epilogue

“Is she nuts?” Dewey asked Phoebe in a low voice as he looked at the guests arriving for a barbecue at Dani and Matt’s. It was an eclectic mix that included her new in-laws, Phoebe’s former in-law’s already on their way to getting plastered, a gaggle of female friends of Dani’s, a mix of law enforcers from various agencies, and, of course, the two mostly reformed law breakers.

“She’s a romance writer,” Phoebe said. Dewey looked happy—contented even—despite the shiny electronic bracelet Bryn had attached to his ankle. A shiny gold band on her left hand kept Phoebe firmly attached to Jake.

“Oh.” His gaze found Bryn, lingered for a moment, then turned toward Phoebe. “I’ve missed you.”

Phoebe patted his hand. “She keeps you on a pretty short leash.”

“So does yours.”

Phoebe smiled. He did indeed. It had been a tumultuous six months. Dewey had given her away, though she’d had to convince Jesse it wasn’t the job of the ex-husband. Jake and Jesse would never be close, but they had achieved a sort of truce when the guys realized Phoebe really was madly in love with her marshal. For her honeymoon, Jake had arranged a visit to Georgia and a stop by Kerry Anne and Mama’s graves. He called it closure, she called it kind. His family had let her in, though she suspected she was still on probation with Matt. That was okay. He was a big brother. Being protective went with the territory. Kept her on her toes to know he was watching. Gave her a goal.

All God’s children need a goal. Speaking of....

“Are you ever going to tell her?” Phoebe asked.

Dewey looked at her. “I wondered if you’d figured it out.”

“I’m slow, but I get there eventually.”

Dewey nodded in Jake’s direction. “Does he know?”

“He doesn’t ask, I don’t tell.” It was the one secret she’d kept from Jake. “I wish you could have a happy ending, too.”

Dewey grinned. “Maybe I’ll consult the romance writer.”

“About what?” Bryn had approached unnoticed. In her linen shorts and top, she looked cool and feminine. Was that a softer look in her eyes for Dewey?

Phoebe looked at Dewey. “I think I’m going to go find Jake.” She jumped off the fence and headed for her man. Behind her, she heard Dewey say, “Damn, you’re cute, girl.”

She approached Jake from behind, but he still knew she was there. His hand reached behind him, found hers and pulled her close. His mom smiled a welcome, then her gaze drifted toward the cluster of Dani’s female friends, who were laughing, chatting and fending off Mentel boys.

“I wonder...” Debra said.

“What?” Phoebe asked.

“Two boys happy. One to go.”

Phoebe looked at Luke, who appeared to be talking climbing with Toes. As if he sensed their scrutiny, he turned and gave his mom a “What?” look.

His mom’s smile reminded Phoebe of her mamma’s red shoes smile.

Just a hint of evil around the edges.

Thank you for reading Byte Me. I hope you enjoyed it and will check out the next book in the series, Missing You. :-)

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