Page 116 of Shielding Instinct

A man stood at the podium. “And so, a year ago, we were all hard at work pulling people from the water. It took a lot of brave men and women, citizens, all working together to save lives. We honor each and every one of you.”

A woman took his place. “As we call your name, please come forward and accept your plaque.”

The local government had arranged for the citizens who survived to hand the thank you plaque to the person who made it possible.

Seeing Melissa balancing Terry on his arm crutches, wedding rings on their fingers, was an enormous sob that sat in Petra’s chest.

Petra knew Hawkeye was feeling his emotions too when Roy—whom he pulled out of the rip current—and a guy named Tony—whom he’d pulled from a deadman’s float and given artificial breath—stood up. Tony held a beribboned dog bone for Cooper, who, apparently, dove into the water and pulled them to safety.

The only one that was missing who Petra really wanted to see was Amanda Johnson. She was returned to her parents after Jenny and Herb became FBI informants.

Petra wasn’t sure how she felt about that.

Not good.

But she wasn’t going to let that mar this day. It was a day of celebrations.

They all went outside to a lovely cocktail party on the beach.

Hawkeye came over. “I hope you’ll forgive me for what I’m about to do.”

Petra froze.

“I try never to surprise you,” he said, taking her empty glass and handing it off to a server.

“I appreciate it.”

“But you mentioned that while you were down here last time, you wanted to swim the horses.” He reached for her hands.

“That’s true,” Petra said. “I’d met a guy named Mitch.”

Hawkeye nodded toward the beach where Mitch held the reins of two horses. “We can’t swim them because of the—”

“Christmas Winds.” Petra smiled. “This surprise I don’t mind because I already imagined having this experience, and I’ve met Mitch. So, thank you.”

“Good. Will you go for a ride with me?” He held a hand out to usher her to the horses.

As they were leaving, Hawkeye waved at Halo to let him know they were going.

Cooper ran beside Petra’s horse as they rode along the beach. The sky was painted with a tangerine sunset. The warm air was magical.

Petra thought she might even look the part of a romance heroine, since she’d worn a flowing sundress to the ceremony.

Hawkeye pulled up on the reins and dismounted. He walked over and lifted her down.

Kissing her gently, he said, “This is the part you need to brace for a little bit. We’re going to round the corner. And some people are there. People you know. No strangers.”

“But why?” Petra asked.

“Because I wanted them to share this day with us. This celebration is meaningful not just because of the lives saved but also because of the life we started together. I invited them down to mark this time. But if it’s too much, we turn around.”

“I think I’m okay.”

Hawkeye had the reins in one hand, leading their horses; he held her hand in the other, and Cooper danced at her feet as they turned the corner.

There, Petra found a heart made of flickering votive candles in the sand. At a distance, sitting quietly, were Avery and Rowan, Tamika and Diamond, Hawkeye’s parents, his brother, and Cora, both Hawkeye’s sister and now Petra’s dear friend. The Team Charlie brothers were there with their K9s.

And Petra started to cry.

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