Walker didn’t realize he’d been holding his breath until he let it out after pulling up and parking in front of the terminal. Chance Creek’s airport was tiny, which made things simpler. The men spread out, a wary perimeter protecting the women as they hurried Elizabeth inside. Gabe accompanied her, and they all flocked into the building, saying their goodbyes and wishing the couple luck as they made their way to the ticket counter. Cab Johnson met them there.
“I’ve got deputies stationed throughout the building. I’ll take it from here.”
Walker turned to Elizabeth. “Are you going to be okay?”
She nodded. “I’m fine. Thank you for everything you’ve done.” She went up on tiptoe and pressed a quick kiss to his cheek. “Really, Walker. Thank you. I know I’ve caused you a lot of headaches.”
“Thank you for being willing to speak for all of us.”
She turned to Avery.
“I hope your wedding is wonderful. I’m sorry I’ve been stealing your thunder all this time. I promise this is the last you’ll see of me today.” She made a show of turning off her phone and sliding it into her purse. “After I testify, I’m going to head to a hotel and get a good night’s sleep!”
Still, no one wanted to leave even after Elizabeth and Gabe had gone through security and disappeared into the waiting area for their flight. When they heard the announcement that their flight was boarding, the rest of them went back outside to watch it take off.
“Nothing more we can do now,” Walker said, relieved that everything had gone so smoothly. He wondered where the gunman was now. Had he been injured badly enough he needed to go to a hospital? If so, he hadn’t gone to the local one. Maybe he’d already left the state.
“Is there any way her attacker could be on that flight?” Savannah asked, cutting into his thoughts.
Boone shrugged. “Anything is possible, but let’s hope not. Cab beefed up the security here; it would be hard to get on the plane armed with any kind of weapon.”
Walker knew no one would rest easy until they’d heard that Elizabeth had testified late this afternoon, but this was his wedding day, and Avery deserved for the rest of it to be about her. “She’ll be fine,” he said loudly. “She’s got Gabe with her and people on the other end to help keep her safe.”
“Meanwhile, we’ve got a wedding to prepare for!” Riley said brightly. “I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’ve been so caught up in worrying about Elizabeth, I haven’t had time to think about tonight. Thank goodness Maud and James are arranging everything.” Avery had told everyone about Maud taking charge of her wedding.
“Lunch first,” Savannah said. “I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m starving, and we’ve got plenty of time. Let’s go home and eat, catch up with the chores and rest a little before we head to the Russells’ at three. I’ll help make sure you’ve got everything you need, Avery.”
“We’ll need a truck just to carry all our stuff,” Hope joked.
“Two trucks.” Avery beamed at them before turning to Walker. He couldn’t help himself. He bent down to steal a kiss from her, and she met him halfway.
Riley tsked. “Enough time for that after the wedding! Avery, you ride home with us. We have lots to talk about.”
“Let’s keep being careful,” Boone cautioned them. “Let’s walk out to our trucks together. And drive together, too. We can’t assume we’re out of danger.”
Walker reluctantly let go of Avery as her friends flocked around her, joking and laughing now that Elizabeth was safely away. Boone was right: they needed to keep their guard up, but a weight had slid off his shoulders. By the end of the day, this whole long nightmare would be over.
It was finally happening.
Avery blinked back tears as she looked into the full-length standing mirror in one corner of the enormous, beautiful room Maud had assigned to her.
Her wedding gown fit like a dream. In less than an hour, the ceremony would start. Walker and the rest of the men should be on their way from Base Camp now. Jericho, Kai and Angus were already here, taking turns standing guard and getting ready for the event in a room of their own. Her parents were on their way from the airport. In seven and a half hours the show would be over, the contest won, all the cares and worries of the last year gone in a puff of smoke.
She and Walker and all their friends could get down to the business of really living. Building their community. Making their dreams come true.
She couldn’t believe they’d almost made it.
“You’re shaking,” Win told her. “Are you cold?”
“Not at all.” Avery laughed. If anything, she was warm. It was the last day of May, but it felt like July. Her cheeks were flushed, and if she didn’t watch out, she’d start sweating in her wedding gown.
She fanned her face and backed away from the mirror. “Finish getting ready,” she admonished her friends. Everyone had been so helpful to her they had neglected themselves.
