Epilogue
Rhodes
Frankie cooed in the back seat, her little face lighting up as Theo made the funniest, most adorable faces at her. I couldn’t help but smile, watching them through the rearview mirror. There, in that moment, I saw Theo in her element—shining as a mom, a role that suited her so perfectly.
Adjusting to life with an infant was definitely as challenging as everyone had warned me, but it didn’t make it any less beautiful. I loved the quiet mornings, just me and Frankie, while Theo got a few extra hours of sleep. The early sunlight would spill into the room, and it was just us on the couch, the silence wrapping around us like a comforting hug.
This little girl, she had me in a constant tug-of-war with my heart. Every time I looked at her, I felt this overwhelming rush of love—a love so pure, so fierce, that it almost took my breath away. It wasn’t like the romantic love you feel when you find your soulmate. No, this was something else—stronger, important, and it tingled in every fiber of my being. Theo called it "cute aggression," and honestly, she wasn’t wrong.
Today was special. Theo, Frankie, and I were headed to Cassidy Ranch to see the cows. I’d promised Theo I’d take her there someday, and considering I worked here, it probably should have happened sooner. Life with a newborn had a way of making time slip through your fingers. It had only been four months since Frankie was born, and Theo and I had been dating from the very beginning. These past few months had been filled with so much joy, laughter, passion, and tenderness.
I parked the truck in front of the barn and jumped out, opening the backdoor to help Theo out. I moved to the other side to grab our baby girl.
“Alright, show me the cows!” Theo demanded, planting her hands on her hips. “I can’t wait any longer.”
I chuckled, finishing up buckling Frankie into the carrier strapped to my chest.
“Patience, Honey,” I teased, leaning in to press a soft kiss to the top of Theo’s head. Before we arrived, I’d asked Boone to bring some of the cattle over to the smaller grazing area beside the barn, so we wouldn’t have to go inside and spoil the surprise I had planned.
The gift waiting in the barn was something I’d been planning for months. From the moment I first laid eyes on that little girl, I knew I’d do anything in my power to keep her safe, to give her the world.
I reached for Theo’s hand, threading my fingers through hers, and we walked together toward the animals. There was a new calf on the ranch, just a couple of days old, its wobbly legs and unsteady steps enough to melt anyone’s heart—especially Theo’s.
Over the past few months, there had been another big change. Boone’s dad had officially retired, which meant I was stepping into the role of head rancher. Taking on two huge responsibilities at once had been overwhelming at times, though having Theo by my side made everything seem lighter. She made everything easier, and every moment with her felt like a gift.
I was happy. So damn happy. My life was shaping up in ways I hadn’t dared to dream of. I had love in every corner of my world. People who cared for me, who wanted the best for me. But Theo—Theo was the best thing that had ever happened to me. The best chance I’d ever taken.
“Shut up!” Theo squealed, her hand flying to her mouth. “Look at the baby!” She pouted her lip and, without hesitation, let go of my hand to run towards the fence. I couldn’t help but laugh at her excitement.
“Your mom is crazy, do you know that?” I asked Frankie softly, pressing a kiss to her delicate baby hair.
When I caught up with Theo, she was crouching down by the calf, trying to coax it closer with the same sound you’d use to call a cat. It wasn’t working, she didn’t care. She was having fun, and I wasn’t about to stop her.
“Look, Frankie. That’s a cow,” Theo said, turning towards our daughter. She gently took Frankie’s hand in hers and made a mooing sound, mimicking a cow. “Cow goes moo.”
This woman. My heart swelled with love.
Frankie’s little legs kicked in excitement at the sound of Theo’s voice, a smile lighting up her face as she babbled something in response.
“They are cute!” Theo said, her smile stretching so wide it could’ve rivaled the sun. I could see the joy in her eyes as she interacted with our daughter, our little family.
Theo had made it clear from the start that Frankie was mine, too. That this journey into motherhood wouldn’t have been the same without me. At first, I’d brushed it off—uncomfortable with the thought of claiming Frankie would be mine. She wouldn’t let me shy away. She bought me a hat that said “DAD” in big, bold letters, and I wore it every day since, a constant reminder of just how much I was a part of this beautiful, chaotic life we were building together.
“I have another surprise,” I murmured, gently turning Theo away from the pen. She tilted her head, a puzzled look crossing her face. In my back pocket, I had a bandana. I pulled it out and handed it to her. “Put this on.”
“Oh, Rhodes. Are you trying to get kinky?” she teased, raising an eyebrow.
I laughed, almost snorting. “As much as I’d love to, it would be a little tricky with the baby strapped to me and, well, pretty inappropriate.”
I placed both my hands on her shoulders, guiding her into the barn. “Stay right here,” I said, my voice soft but firm, before stepping away to flick on the bright overhead lights. I took a position next to the surprise, leaning on the bumper, anticipation building.
“Okay, you can look.”
Theo slowly pulled off the bandana, her face scrunching in confusion. “The surprise... is an old truck?” she asked, taking a cautious step closer. She ran her fingers over the dented hood, tracing the chipped and faded paint, evidence of years of wear. It wasn’t much to look at, but it meant everything to me.
“I guess I should explain,” I said, stepping closer.
“Please,” she urged, her voice softening.
“This is my ‘new to me’ truck.”
“You have a truck already,” she said, her brow furrowing. “Why would you trade that thing for this? No offense.” She cringed as she circled the beat-up vehicle.
“I want to give you my other truck,” I said, my heart pounding. “I’d take this one.”
Theo froze, her eyes wide in shock. “Your very expensive, very new truck?” She tilted her head, her hands perched on her hips, clearly taken aback.
“Yes. I want you to have it, so when you have Frankie, I know you’ll be safe.”
Her face softened, and we stood there for a moment, just looking at each other. I watched her eyes glisten, her gaze flicking between the old truck, Frankie, and me.
“Rhodes, that’s a lot,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.
I shook my head, stepping toward her. “No, it’s not. I told you before, when I bought that truck it was with the idea of having a family. I want the people I love most to always be safe. You are my family, Theo. You and Frankie deserve it.”
Theo’s hands reached up, gently cupping my face, her touch sending a shiver down my spine. She leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to my lips.
“I don’t know what to say,” she murmured against me.
“Just tell me you love me, and we can call it even,” I said, my voice low, playful.
She smiled, kissing me again, a sweetness in her lips that left my heart racing. “I love you, Rhodes Dunn.”
I pulled away, tucking her under my arm, the sense of her warmth and affection grounding me in that moment.
“Plus,” I added, my voice teasing, “I thought when Frankie gets older, she could help me work on it.”
Theo stopped mid-stride, spinning me to face her. She grabbed my hand, shaking her head in disbelief. “You are the most incredible man to walk this earth,” she whispered, her eyes shining.
I smiled, my heart full as I looked down at her. I’d vow to give Frankie and Theo the life I never had. I would make sure they never had to worry about anything, that they always felt like my top priority. Theo Matthews would one day carry more of my children, and she would take my last name. And I couldn’t wait for that day to come.