Harper stood next to Dani, her eyes feasting on the trees…red and brown, red and yellow, red and orange, barely a hint of green left on this brisk October day. She looked out in awe as the mountain was bathed in a kaleidoscope of brilliant fall colors.

“So these are the Smoky Mountains, huh?”

“Isn’t it beautiful? I didn’t realize how much I’d missed it.” Dani took her hand and tugged her down the trail to the overlook. “This was always a favorite stop when we went to my uncle’s place.” She leaned her shoulder against Harper’s. “You like?”

“I love.” She turned to Dani, meeting her eyes. “A lot.”

Dani smiled sweetly, then leaned closer and quickly kissed her. “I love you too.” Then she grinned. “And quit worrying.”

“I can’t help it. They’re going to hate me.”

“My parents are not going to hate you. Everybody likes you. The director loved you. You got a speaking part. And you looked great in a uniform.”

Harper smirked. “I had two words.”

“And you did them beautifully.”

Harper laughed, then let her smile fade. “Are you sure you’re not going to miss it? I mean, you were really good. A natural. I liked all of your movies.”

“Thank you. But no. I’m not going to miss it. Not one bit. I’m looking forward to our life. No more Danielle Stevens.”

“Okay. I guess that’s good. Because, you know, this bodyguard stuff is kinda hard work.”

Dani laughed and linked arms with her as they made their way back to the car. “Hard work, huh? Were the perks not good enough for you?”

“Oh, they were good. Very, very good, in fact.”

“I thought so.” Dani leaned closer. “What about you? You going to miss being a detective?”

“Not one bit. I’m kinda looking forward to going back to Tucson, seeing the family again.”

“And I’m looking forward to meeting them. I just hope they don’t…I mean, they loved Jan. They might not accept me.”

“They’ll accept you. You’re not Jan. You’re not replacing Jan.” Harper paused. “You’re Dani. I love you for who you are. They will too.”

“I hope so. I wish I could say the same about my parents.”

“You told me not to worry.”

“I know. That doesn’t mean I’m not worried.”

“Tell you what, if it doesn’t go well…if they’re mean and nasty to us…then we’ll just rent a cabin somewhere out here in the mountains and enjoy these fall colors that you love so much. How’s that?”