EPILOGUE (OR CHAPTER 26)

Two months later.

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The wind in Lina's home town was blowing gentle and warm. It was one those incredibly beautiful days that almost take your breath away. The sun was shining like a golden circle from a cloudless sky as she walked down the road toward the horses' pasture.

She was back at her aunt's ranch in western Texas. Aunt Bessie had welcomed her back with open arms, glad that she was back. Lina hadn't told her about anything that had happened in Mexico. She let her assume everything had gone normal and as planned on her trip. She didn't want to answer too many questions. She also didn't tell her the truth about her father's, Bessies brothers, death. She saw no reason to worry her or anyone else, it was easier for them to believe he had died of natural causes. They didn't have to be burdened by Miguel's actions. She herself just wanted to forget. Maybe time would mend some of the wounds Miguel had caused.

She reached the fence and leaned against it. She looked at the two horses on the other side; a young black filly running around the pen as care free as only a foal could be. Its mother, a black white splashed mare with blue eyes, was eating a little further away letting its offspring play around in peace.

Even though Lina hadn't told her aunt about the events in Mexico, she would soon have a big announcement to make to everyone. Because even as she stood there on the sun bathing field, she wasn't alone. There was someone with her. Someone, who would be a big part of her life, now and forever. Yes, the life inside her was still very small, but she could feel it was strong. Just like its father.

Lina looked at the foal again and she couldn't help but laugh when it did a couple of fast turns and wild leaps. It had everything it needed, nothing in the world worried it.

Lina wondered if he or she would be as wild as that one. She hoped the baby would be as happy as the young filly and enjoy and appreciate life. Everyday. She instinctively touched her stomach and smiled.

"What's so funny?"

Lina felt a pair of hands wrap around her waist from behind. She smiled even more and leaned back against the familiar body. Jeffrey rested his head on her shoulder.

"Nothing, just… thinking." She let the smile be heard from her voice. His hands moved on her flat stomach that still hid her secret from everyone. She hadn't told even him yet.

"May I ask what about?" His voice sounded teasing and Lina turned around putting her hands around his neck.

"Oh, just how happy I am", she sighed.

A wicked grin appeared on his lips. "Really? Well let's see if it's possible to make you even happier."

He bent to kiss her lips softly. He nibbled on her lower lip a little and she smiled in the middle of their kiss. She pulled away a little when she noticed something. She looked down and saw he didn't have his dressing anymore. Sands noticed her look.

"I've been to the doctor today. He finally agreed to take the little buggers off."

Lina knew he hated wearing "the damn thing", as he so eloquently referred to the bandage that had been on the shot wound. She rolled her eyes at him. "You should be happy it was only the bandage around you instead of a winding sheet or something. You know, we were really lucky that the agent replacing you was good when it came to getting into trouble. You wouldn't be standing there if it weren't for him."

She remembered back to that night at the hideout. The bodies lying all over the room, her on the floor with Jeffrey in her arms. The amazed look on the face of the CIA agent who had rushed in from the door, her trying to explain him what had happened.
She didn't think she had made any sense though, but thank god he had recognized Sands and called help immediately. He had experience with gun shot wounds and took over the reins starting to give CPR to Jeffrey. By the time the paramedics had arrived, his heart had been beating again.

It had taken almost two months for him to recover from the injury. He of course thought he was perfectly fine already after a week, but the nurses and Lina didn't give him a chance to even think about leaving the hospital. Even when he was finally released, he still had to keep the bandages on. But now, they were history.

Sands had been credited for taking down the biggest drug lord in Mexico and was given a nice, fat reward. Jeffrey did like he had promised and Miguel's money was donated to a program designed to prevent drug use. Ironic in a way…

Jeffrey was offered a job in the States and he had accepted it. No more Mexico for either of them, they had had enough of it.

There was one thing Lina had to be grateful to Miguel for, though. After all, he did bring Jeffrey and her together. Without him, they probably would never have met. And that would have been a loss.

"I know darling, I'm only kidding", Sands said pulling her from her thoughts and closer to him again. "Well, now that I'm finally free from all strains, what do you say we go find some nice quiet little corner in the stables?" He had a wide grin on his face.

Lina grinned back just as big. "You feel like having a little re-run?" she asked raising an eyebrow, knowing he was thinking about that night in the barn too.

"With you, anytime."

He put his hand around her shoulder as they started walking back to the stables. She slipped her arm around his waist and leaned her head on him so he couldn't see her smile.

This was where the road had brought her. It might have been rocky but there was a lot still ahead. And now she was facing it with her heart full of happiness and hope, and most of all: love.

And afterwards would be the perfect time to let him in on her little secret.

THE END

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And there you have it, the end of the story as I promised. I apologize to all for the huuuge delay. If you can spare a minute or two, please review, and a thanks to those who have already given such nice feedback on my story. See you!