One month later
On a cool, crisp Saturday morning, a week after their wedding, Ben stood on the playground holding Dana’s hand. It was a nice day for the dedication.
Across from them, on a bench near the basketball court, Lissa sat watching them. When she caught him looking at her, she grinned and waved. Smiling, he waved back.
P.J. had joined a group of boys his own age playing kickball in the schoolyard.
Ben gently pushed the baby swing. Stacey gurgled, and he laughed.
“She’s happy the committee let her christen the swingset,” Dana said.
“Looks like it,” he agreed. He caught his new wife’s gaze. Just a short while ago, Ellamae had asked her to cut the ribbon for the dedication ceremony. “You’re okay with your new job?”
“I’m glad for it,” she said. “It will let me cut the ties to the past. The bad ties. And,” she added in a softer tone, “it’s a way for me to honor Paul.”
His throat suddenly tight, he nodded.
Ellamae hurried up to them again. “Now, Dana, I hope you don’t mind that Kayla’s giving the dedication.”
“Not at all. She did so much to make sure everything was ready for today, especially with all the additions.”
He and Caleb and Sam had taken the initial proposal beyond just the play area for the kids. They would soon break ground for the new Flagman’s Folly Community Center, too.
“I think Kayla deserves the pleasure,” Dana added.
Ellamae looked at them both thoughtfully, then said, “They asked me to speak, but I recommended her.” She laughed. “Between Becky and the new baby on the way, she’ll have more to do with this playground than I will. Besides, I’ve taken care of enough around here already.”
“You mean by joining the monument committee?” Dana asked.
“No. I mean, by creating the monument committee.” She shook her head. “If I hadn’t helped you two work through all those problems Paul caused between you, you never would’ve made a couple.”
Dana’s eyes widened in astonishment. “You knew about Paul?”
She nodded. “The way the Wrights spoiled their only son, there was no surprise he turned out the way he did,” she said gruffly. “Besides, we’d had more than a few creditors calling Judge Baylor.” She shrugged. “But all that’s between us and the judge. And Stacey.” She smiled at the baby.
Ben squeezed Dana’s hand. “The important thing is,” he said, “folks have always thought Dana and I should be together.”
“Well, of course they have. Except Clarice. But don’t worry, I’m working on her, and she’s coming along.” She gave an exaggerated sigh. “As usual, I’m the only one willing to do anything around here.” She winked at them, then sauntered away.
He and Dana exchanged a glance.
He shook his head. “Think of all the time we wasted, and for nothing,” he said.
“Think of all the time you waited,” she countered, “and never stopped being my friend. Ben, there are so many things that haven’t lasted for me. You will.”
“Yep. Like nature taking its course.” When she laughed, he wrapped his arms around her.
He’d never felt more content.
Just like the storybooks...
They would live happily ever after in the Land of Enchantment—otherwise known as the state of New Mexico.
Because Benjamin Franklin Sawyer had finally gotten his girl.
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Keep reading for an excerpt of Bet on a Cowboy by Julie Benson!