A week had passed since the tornado’s destruction. Cindy was devastated and she and Greer had cried together. Jody and Evan had flown back to Atlanta. Lin was staying in her own bed and the town was rebuilding the south end.
Adam had found the box of evidence stolen from Greer and Locke that night in Flip’s camper. Bolt Masterson had taken it to help Jenna. He was going to do some jail time.
They’d searched the Woolridges’ home and found a false back in Michael’s closet along with trinkets he’d kept over the years from his victims. The prosthetic nose, the beard and mustache had been in a bag with knives along with the trophies he’d kept to relive his murders. There were more than seven. FBI were working on the case and notifying families. The carnival had packed up and left, taking their secrets with them. Greer had called the Birmingham police about Jenna Dennison’s son being a drug dealer.
Adam had come by yesterday while Locke was finishing up his work with the research team. He’d admitted his feelings for Greer and that he had come to the soccer field to see if there was a chance for them. But after seeing her and Locke in the aftermath of the tornado, he knew there wasn’t one and he was dealing with that. He’d wished her and Locke the best.
Hollister had called. Grace had found Lilly Reed and she was now back in the arms of her parents, safe and sound.
Greer sat on a blanket with Lin in the front yard and watched her stack colorful rings onto a plastic white stick.
Locke pulled into the drive and bounded from the truck, sending her pulse rocketing. “How’re my best girls?” he asked and collapsed on the blanket beside them.
“We’re good. How did it go with the team?”
“They got a lot of good data and it looks like they’re getting another two-year grant. But I declined.”
“What?” She thought he was going to keep doing what he loved.
Locke’s crooked smile sent her pulse skittering. “I’m going to finish out this contract. Which means some traveling in tornado alley, but I can be home on some weekends and you two can come see me. You know I’ll make sure you’re safe.”
“I know. We’ll figure it out. Make it work. But what about after the two months?”
Locke skimmed her jawline with his thumb. “I called Rush and Nora.”
Why would he call her cousin Rush and his wife in Tennessee? Unless…Nora worked as a private meteorologist and storm tracker. “Are you moving us to Splendor Pines?” she teased.
“No, but I do the like the mountains. I asked her to put out some feelers here locally. Channel Six is looking for someone with experience in storm chasing. The job’s mine if I want it. And I plan to still sell nature photos and help you build this photography-studio business. Memories are priceless. I want us to help others make them.”
Greer was stunned speechless.
Locke’s smile turned mischievous. “One thing. The name has to change. Greer Montgomery Photography won’t do.”
Greer rolled her eyes. “Yeah? What are you changing it to?”
“Well… Montgomery-Gallagher Studios had a nice ring to it, but then I realized that wouldn’t work, either.” He leaned in and nuzzled her nose.
“Why not?” Her stomach dipped.
“Because, you’re not always going to be a Montgomery.” He pecked her nose and shifted to his knee, removing a velvet box from his pocket. “Greer Montgomery, I bought this ring two years ago and I wasn’t able to give it to you then, but I couldn’t let it go because I could never let you go. Will you do me the honor of being my wife?”
Greer’s heart soared. “Yes, I will.”
Lock placed the oval diamond ring on her finger and drew her into his safe arms—arms that promised to always hold her, to protect her. He kissed her wilder than a whirlwind and she melded against him. God had blessed her with this second chance. She’d been open to healing, to trusting again, and the peace and joy gushed like a river.
She drew away. “So, what are we calling our business?”
“I was thinking Fidgety Photos. Tagline—we’ll capture the shot anyway.” He laughed. “No? LLG Studios then?”
LLG Studios. Locklin, Lin and Greer. A family. Making memories and capturing others’. “I love it.”
“I love you.” He nipped at her earlobe.
“I love you more.”
Locke chuckled. “I love you most. I did run into a twister for you.”
Well played. “You win.” She pecked his lips.
“I know.” He traced her lower lip with his thumb. “I have you. And Lin.” He kissed her nose, her lips, her cheeks. “I’ve won it all.”
* * * * *