Free After All These Years by Sally John

of your life?” He chuckled. “I’d sing this if I could carry a tune.”
    Laughter drowned him out for a moment.
    â€œWhere does your journey lead from here? Down roads unseen, midst stars flung wide? I have but one request of you, dear.” He took a deep breath. “And so…the question is: Will you marry me?”
    There were more whistles and catcalls and cheers while poor Gina covered her red face with her hands.
    â€œFolks, I don’t know if we have a yes or a no here, but that’s the latest news from Valley Oaks. I’ll let Lauren introduce—Oh, it looks as if we may have an answer on the way. Or else she’s going to strangle me.” He grinned as the crowd parted for Gina. When she reached the stage, he leaned over far enough for her to grab his vest and give it a good yank. He tossed the microphone toward Lauren and jumped down. The crowd erupted into applause when Gina’s arms went around his neck.
    Lauren spoke loudly into the mike. “I’d strangle him myself.”
    Tony rolled his eyes and nudged Izzy beside him. “Bit of an exhibitionist, isn’t he?”
    Tears streamed down her face. “Are you kidding?” she sniffled. “That’s the most romantic thing I’ve ever witnessed. He just publicly declared how much he loves her!”
    â€œYeah, well, what if the feeling isn’t mutual?”
    â€œOh, the whole town knows it’s mutual.” She wiped at her cheeks. “This was just a formality. I wonder if he has a ring?”
    A woman standing nearby turned, pressing a tissue to her eyes. “He just pulled it out of his vest pocket.”
    Izzy joined the woman in an exaggerated “Aww” and brushed away another tear.
    Tony shook his head in disbelief and touched Izzy’s arm, urging her a short distance from the others. “Is this guy truly for real?”
    â€œI told you he was!”
    â€œYou’re saying this wasn’t all an act? That he’s not just yanking heartstrings to promote his image?”
    Izzy narrowed her eyes, studying him. “Tony, if you don’t get it yet, you’d better spend some more time with him.”

    Lia jabbered about the evening to Cal. The loud country music faded as they crossed the dimly lit street behind the band shell. She felt at ease with him, but she didn’t kid herself. It was his obvious physical strength and the gun in his holster that calmed her anxiety. Chloe skipped ahead of them, slowing now and then to slip into a line-dance step.
    Cal chuckled. “I think your daughter had a good time at her first Autumn Faire.”
    A tiny fist of dread pressed against her chest, and for a fraction of a second her lungs could get no air. Would it never go away? “Yeah, she had a grand time. Cal, she’s not my daughter. Her mother…was my sister.”
    He stopped.
    She waited for him to process the information.
    â€œWas,” he said. “Then—I’m sorry. When?”
    â€œAlmost six years ago. Kathy died in a car accident. I’ve been Chloe’s legal guardian since then.”
    â€œWhat about her father?”
    â€œHe’s never been a part of the picture.”
Not as a father or husband, except to his other, legal family.
“My new friends know. Isabel, Gina, and Anne, the pastor and his wife, they all know. I just don’t bring it up in casual conversationbecause then I have to talk about my sister dying.” She exhaled. “People always learn about the situation eventually.”
    â€œEspecially in Valley Oaks. So it’s not a secret? Chloe knows?”
    â€œOh, yes, she’s always known. She remembers her mother. You’re welcome to spread the news. Not that I can imagine you spreading gossip, even if it is true.”
    He gave her a soft smile.
    They continued their stroll across the deserted street, and she realized that he fit as naturally as Isabel and the others in