Sweet Hill Homecoming (23 page)

“I ought to slap you in the face,” she said with all the anger she felt.
 

“Yes, ma’am,” he agreed. “I deserve that. But understand that it’s because of you I’m a better man.”
 

Her heart stilled. “What? You can’t possibly mean that and I’m not interested in flattery or empty words.”
 

Tate’s expression made her stomach somersault. He looked so sincere yet in pain at the same time.
 

“It has always been my goal to protect the people of this town, and I failed you, Mia. I should have hashed it out there at the school instead of taking Kyle in. Please just know that Jared won’t come near Kyle again.”

She bit her bottom lip to keep her chin from trembling.
 

“It’s not because I didn’t believe you or him,” Tate said softly and stepped closer. “It’s because I was just trying to protect you both and I couldn’t without the truth. The truth Kyle finally gave me. See, we both agreed on one thing…” He cupped her face and Mia met his eyes. “We both love you.”
 

That time her lungs just shut down and her lashes hurt from shooting so wide. “What?”
 

“I love you,” Tate said with a smile. “Everything else is secondary. And I know I’ve broken your trust, but I’m not going to stop fighting for you, Mia.”
 

She was so tired. So done with all the badness. She just wanted Tate. A man that like her, wasn’t perfect, but he was trying.
 

“You’ve got a long battle ahead of you, Deputy. And I’ll warn you now, I don’t fight fair.”
 

Tate smiled. “Ah, there’s my fiery girl.”
 

Mia launched herself into his arms and kissed him. In public. In uniform and he didn’t care. Because for the first time, she felt seen. Really seen for who she was. And Tate stood there and not only accepted her, but loved her.
 

“I guess taking a step back to sort out a situation before jumping in wasn’t a bad thing,” she said and kissed him again. “Maybe some of your logical reasoning will rub off on me.”

“God I hope not,” he said and kissed her back.
 

“Well in that case, I’m going to tell you exactly what I think,” she bit his lower lip then kissed him hard. “I love you so damn much it pisses me off sometimes.”
 

Tate laughed and the sound warmed her heart.
 

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
 

“Ah, when you guys are done making out, I’d like to get back to school,” Kyle called from over by the cruiser.
 

They both laughed. Tate took her hand and for the first time, Mia felt like she had a partner in the world.
 

And that last empty space in her chest finally closed.
 

She was home, with two men she loved, and a promising future for all.
 

Epilogue

“It’s purple!” a little girl screamed and hugged the small jacket.
 

Paul delivered as promised and since so many of the families showed up to the event that were signed up to receive the coats, they were able to start handing out some of them.
 

“You did good, sweetheart,” Tate said and kissed her temple. “Leave it to you to get designer jackets.”
 

She smiled and took a sip of her homemade cider and spice milk shake, complements of Sammy and his booth. Annie’s apple pie was a hit and she was nearly sold out, and everyone seemed to be having a great time.
 

Kyle was laughing with Will and a few other friends in the corner. All of them wearing their jerseys.
 

“I’m so proud of him,” Mia said, looking at her brother.
 

Tate nodded. “Yeah, they played a great game and did you see his face when the scout introduced himself to Kyle?”

Mia smiled. “Yeah, I guess he’s going to email him.”

“Everything is looking pretty promising,” Tate said.

She looked at the man that made her feel like a part of things. Like a part of his world. Proud that it was her world too. “It sure is.”
 

Sweet Hill was her home and this was her community. Their community.
 

“Everyone is loving this, Mia,” Ms. Delmore said and hugged Mia then hugged Tate. “I was going to wait until Monday to call you in, but the job is yours if you want it.”

“Really!”
 

“Congratulations, sweetheart,” Tate patted her bottom and Mia couldn’t help but jump up and down a little. There she was, in public with her Deputy boyfriend feeling like nothing in the world could touch her. “I’m so happy,” she said, feeling the need to just enjoy the moment. “Thank you so much, Ms. Delmore, I can’t wait to start.”

Since Tate was running unopposed and the election was next week, he was gearing up to take over Sheriff. But judging by the way people kept coming up to him, shaking his hand and offering their support, Tate gained the faith of the town, and the support from his mentor.
 

“You’re going to do a fine job, son,” Branch said and patted Tate’s back. “There’s no better man to entrust with Sweet Hill than you.” He raised his cup of cider. “Proud of you.”
 

“Thank you, sir,” Tate said.

Branch looked at Mia. “And you, young lady,” she gulped hard. “You keep Tatum here on his toes, huh?”
 

“I think I can do that.” She smiled. When Branch walked off, Mia turned and kissed Tate and knew she caught him off guard but he wrapped her up and kissed her back.
 

Of all the things to end a year with, Mia couldn’t help but feel blessed. Tate found the peace he was looking for with Branch. He was truly a good man and the entire town saw that.
 

Mia’s cheeks were starting to hurt she was smiling so much. She had a man in her life who valued her, a new job and a brother who had the promise of a bright future and great friends. For the first time, she felt accomplished, responsible and cherished. She had people counting on her and she counted on them.
 

“I love you,” she whispered against Tate’s mouth.

“I love you too, sweetheart.”
 

And Mia believed him. Just like she knew he believed in her.
 

For more books by Joya Ryan, check out her website:
 

www.JoyaRyan.com

The Shattered Series

Break Me Slowly (Shattered #1)

Possess Me Slowly (Shattered #2)

Capture Me Slowly (Shattered #3)

The Sweet Hill Series

Sweet Hill Temptation (Novella)

The Sweet Torment Series

Breathe You In

About the Author

Joya Ryan is the national and international bestselling author of The Shattered Series. She loves to cook and is a terrible dancer, though that doesn’t keep her off the dance floor. Currently, she lives in California with her husband and two young sons.