Finding Home

Epilogue

Eighteen Months Later

"He has been no problem at all Mrs Whitmore" I smile as the small dog settles onto Mrs Whitmore's lap and hand her a cup of tea, she is an elderly lady and is barely able to get out and walk her Yorkshire terrier.

"I'll see you next week dear" she says, attempting to lift herself up from her seat.

"You stay put, I'll see myself out. I'll see you next week" I wave and leave. Climbing into my van and heading home.

"Long day?" Dean says from the kitchen as soon as I come in. Woody is at my feet instantly. I take off my shoes and start fussing over him.

"Yeah, I'm dying to sit down" I make my way to the couch and flop down.

"Dinner won't be long" Dean says, "Wine?"

"Yes please" the glass in is my hand quickly and Dean sits next to me leaning in to kiss me deeply.

"I missed you" he smiles.

"I missed you too"

I have been so busy lately. I started my dog walking business about one year ago. The idea came from Dean. Seeing him have to come home and take care of Woody got me thinking, what if there was someone who could do that? Feed the dogs, walk the dogs and help when people couldn't. When I first set it up it was part time. I didn't expect it to take off. Most of my clients are elderly people, like Mrs Whitmore, who loves the company of her dog but can't get out to exercise him. I even had to trade the truck in for a van to fit the dogs in. As the business grew I had to leave my job at the cafe behind. Luckily Lizzy hired a young girl to take my place. 

Ben and Georgia are madly in love. Georgia has applied to be a police officer. She starts her exams soon and we are all so proud of her. Her Mom is getting better and I see her often when I walk the family dog. 

Jess is planning a trip to California to see a tall, dark and handsome someone. Although, she insists it's not serious.

Dean and I are stronger than ever, although we are busy we always make time to for each other. I am so proud of him.

"How was your day?" I ask

"Not too bad, I had to drop one of the patrols cars off for an oil change at your Dad's garage, you Mom is looking forward to seeing you on Wednesday" Dean smiles.

Mom and Dad have always liked Dean, he's the town Sheriff, he gets on with everyone. But after everything that happened we started doing a weekly family dinner night and they really grew attached to him. He opened up about his past, not in as much detail, but my parents became almost like his adoptive parents, I know Dean is loving the family dinners, the feeling of belonging again and I love seeing him fit into our family so well. 

"I do have a surprise for you though..." Dean leaves the couch and goes to the kitchen, pulling something out of the drawer before sitting back down next to me and handing me an envelope. 

I eye it suspiciously, flipping it over in my hands.

Dean's POV

"What is it?" she asks

"Open it" I can't keep the smile from my face. I am so excited for her to see what is inside. 

Her delicate hands start to tear the seal open, she pulls the contents out and stares at it for a while before looking at me, he eyes wide in shock.

"Dean....I....."

"Tell me you're happy about it" I suddenly feel nervous, maybe I should have included her in this. She is so hard to read and right now she isn't giving anything away. 

"Two tickets to New Zealand, are you kidding me? I love it!" she shrieks bouncing over to me throwing her arms around my neck. I hug her tightly, feeling relieved.

"We fly in January" I explain when she pulls back slightly, "I already spoke to Kate, her and Tom are taking some time off so you can spend as much time together as you like, also, there are two tickets but you don't have to take me.....you can go with your Mom if you want some family time"

"Are you joking?" She furrows her brows. I don't want her to feel the pressure to have to take me.

"I know how important family is to you, and it should be....."

"You are my family too Dean, you are coming with me, I can't wait for Kate to finally meet you!" she strokes my cheek and I lean into her soft touch. 

"Me too" I have spoken to Kate, and her fiancee Tom, on the phone a few times. We've even had a virtual games night through video calling and we all get along great. 

Annie pulls my face to hers and kisses me. My whole body responds immediately, she's always had that effect on me and time doesn't change my love for this beautiful woman. 

"I'll plate the dinner up" she jumps up after breaking the kiss and skips to the kitchen pulling on some oven gloves.

My stomach twists slightly. The thought of going to New Zealand making me nervous. Not because of her family. Not because of the trip itself. But because of the conversation I had with her father yesterday. And because of the diamond ring that sits nestled at the back of my t-shirt drawer. And because that once we get there, once I find the right spot, I am going to ask Annie Stevens to marry me. 

                                                                                        The End