They had flown out to Texas the very next day to make sure Grace was okay. Ben told them what had happened and all he could think was he was glad James would never harm his baby girl again.
“You look just like your mama—beautiful.” He added his own comment, having overheard his wife talking to Grace.
Ken hugged his daughter twirling her around like he had always done when she was little. “I have to say, Gracie girl, that I have never seen you look more beautiful than you do at this moment. I know Jackson is responsible for that. I like him very much and it’s a big relief to know you’re in good hands with him.”
Grace grinned happily, feeling confident again. “I
am happy, daddy, and in love with a wonderful man. I’m glad you like him. Okay no more teary conversations or I’ll show up at the fair with puffy eyes. We’re meeting Jackson and his family at the fair and Jackson promised to win me a stuffed panda bear.”
Flo laughed. “Billy is already there helping Ben and Stan out with extra security. So we’re all ready to go. You look beautiful, Grace, and Jackson will have to stick by you all night to keep the other men from flirting.”
Grace just giggled at Flo’s comment as they left for the carnival. She had the feeling Billy was ready to come home for good and that made her happy. Everyone had heard how Billy saved Hannah from being shot and his hero status had been elevated even more. She wanted to be surrounded by her family once again. No more hiding out. She had a feeling her parents would move here, too, since she told them she was staying in Bear Creek permanently with Jackson. Life was looking up and she couldn’t be more content. She had experienced something bad in life but it taught her to never take the good moments for granted. Life would never be just a smooth, easy road but with her cowboy by her side they could handle all the bumps together.
* * * *
Jackson looked at the ride going around in circles as if it was the most dangerous object in the world.
“You don’t have to get on, Jackson. Hannah is going with me. She went to go get tickets.” Grace smiled, hugging him around his waist and squeezing tight. The fair was in full swing, going on for the whole weekend. Grace loved the lights and the excitement of the rides and noises of the families having fun. Tonight there would even be fireworks and she couldn’t wait to watch them snuggled in Jackson’s arms.
With James gone for good and Kelly being charged with accessory, everything had settled back down to normal. She kept her job at the café since she loved it. When she wasn’t working she was spending her time with Jackson at the ranch. She now rode Daisy with confidence and actually enjoyed being on a horse. She spent time tanning by the creek with Hannah, too, and loved being a resident of Bear Creek. It felt like home.
She loved Jackson and wanted to be with him forever. It was too soon to talk marriage but now they had all the time in the world to plan for a future. Besides, she was busy enjoying the courtship and they had the approval of both families and even the bingo ladies had given in and declared Jackson to be a good man after all.
“Okay fine.” He finally gave in. He hated rides that twirled in a fast motion. “I’ll wait here for you and glare at all the men trying to smile at my woman. I should have bought you an ankle-length turtle-neck dress that covered every inch of your sexy body. Next time we go to Austin that’s what you are getting.”
Grace kissed his chin, laughing and hugging him tightly around the waist. “I just love the caveman in you, baby. It really turns me on.”
Jackson puffed up his chest playfully. “Damn right you do.”
“Got enough tickets for the three of us.” Hannah came running happily and waving the tickets in her hand, ignoring Jackson’s loud groan of protest.
“Quit teasing your brother, Hannah.” Grace laughed as Jackson agreed, hiding behind Grace and glaring at his sister. “If you make him sick I won’t be able to make out with him under the fireworks tonight.”
Grace’s words had Jackson grinning like an idiot and Hannah pretending to gag as she dragged Grace off to the ride. Grace winked at her sexy cowboy. “Wait for me, baby?”
He looked at her seriously. “Forever, Grace.”
THE END