Page 26 of The Mountain Man's Hunted Bride

The sheriff carefully clasps Joey’s shoulder. “You did good, son.”

“What happens now? That house, it’s not ours. Can we at least get our stuff out of it.”

“You’ll have to wait a bit, but I’ll talk to the judge and make sure they know that both of you have personal items you’d like to retrieve.”

“Know any halfway houses? I don’t have much money.”

I cut in, “When the doctor releases you, you’ll be coming home with Tawny and I. We have a place for you.”

Her eyes fill with hope. I nod to show the truth of my promise.

“You may be on the couch for a couple weeks, but we were expanding the cabin anyway to add a couple more rooms and a larger porch. You will always have a home with us, with family.”

Once we’re in the truck and headed home, Tawny turns to me. ‘You always mean what you say, and you always keep your word.”

Once again, I’m reminded that family is chosen. The love and support of ours will just keep growing.

I cover her hand with mine. “Every time, love. Every time.”