“He and Colt made peace. I don’t know how, but Colt seems at peace with losing you too. He missed you the most, I think, but, of course, all of them did. He’s come back to us, whole, and I think he’s finally forgiven himself.” Barry drew in a breath.

In the distance, an eagle soared, aloft on the winds.

“Colt met a girl too. I think he’s waiting to propose, not wanting to interfere with Dodge’s big day. That’s a good sign. Apparently he can be taught.” He laughed. “I guess he got that stubborn piece from me, but I think you might have had something to do with that too.”

He looked out toward the house. The boys had cleared out the hangar and set up chairs and tables on the inside for the reception. The ceremony would take place on the tarmac.

Echo had insisted her dogs attend, so they each had a place, hooked onto a gangline near the altar, an arch made from the props of Dodge’s sacrificial plane.

But he’d bounced back, tuning up the Beaver. He’d even gone out on a couple late-season rescues for his new Sky King Rescue service.

Movement on the porch caught Barry’s eye.

Larke, coming out to check on him maybe. The wind pressed her dress against her bulging middle. Probably she shouldn’t be here so close to her due date, but he couldn’t keep her away. Especially with Riley on deployment. Maybe being at home was the wisest thing.

Dodge had picked her up in his plane and made the many hops from Florida to Alaska over a four-day stint.

Barry turned back to the marker. “Ranger got my eye issues, Cee. But the docs caught it sooner, and he’s being treated at Mayo, in Minnesota. He’s going to be okay. He’s already married—sweet girl that you’d love. She’s exactly who he needs.”

He bent on one knee again. Put his hand on the marker. “I nearly joined you a month or so back. But not quite yet, honey. See, I’m going to be a grandpa—”

“Dad!”

He stood up. “I wish you were here, and not just looking down on us. I miss you, Cee.”

He ran a finger under his eye, found a smile, and turned. “Larke. You shouldn’t be hiking all the way out here in your condition.”

She wore her hair long, a blond braid down her back, lace woven through the folds of her hair. She had on a white dress and cowboy boots.

“Woof. Maybe you’re right.” She put a hand on his shoulder, the other on her belly. “The boys want to see you.”

He put his arm around her. “What now?”

“I’ll let them tell you.”

He raised an eyebrow and then walked with her to the house.