Page 363 of Rangers Mountain Rescue

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Epilogue

Aspen

The Tavern feels different.

Not quieter.

Not safer.

But… settled.

Like something finally stopped chasing us.

Dylan is outside.

Laughing.

Actually laughing.

Buddy is chasing after him like nothing in the world has ever gone wrong.

Grandpa sits on the porch. We have people working to put the farm back in order.

Watching.

Content.

Calm.

Safe.

I stand in the doorway.

Just watching them.

Holding onto this moment like it might disappear if I blink.

Because for a while there—

I didn’t think we’d get this back.

Any of it.

The sound of a truck pulls my attention.

My heart jumps before I can stop it.

Because I know.

Before I even see it.

He’s back. Ace already told us it was over.

The engine cuts.

The door opens.

And there he is.

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