Epilogue
Four months later . . .
Jace had been waiting for this day for some time. He wasn’t sure how everyone—including himself—had managed to keep it all a secret. But they had.
“I’m just about ready,” Taryn called from the bedroom. “Just putting on my boots.”
He smiled, thinking how absolutely glorious life with her had been. Their journey to each other might have taken a bit of a detour, but it had all worked out in the end. Although there had been some close calls.
Taryn walked from their bedroom in a pair of jeans, boots, and a green plaid shirt. Her long hair was loose as she walked to him where he stood next to the island, and kissed him as they wound their arms around each other. “I can’t believe this day is finally here. No more physical therapy.”
“That’s right. Now it’s time to celebrate with some good food.”
“And a horseback ride.” She pulled back and quirked a brow at him. “You said I’d get to ride. My physical therapist said it was fine.”
Jace gave a nod. “You’re going to get to ride.”
“Then what are we waiting for? We need to get to your parents’, visit, and have lunch so we can saddle up the horses and ride to the river.”
He smiled at her enthusiasm. It was on the tip of his tongue to spill the secret, but he managed to keep it to himself as they locked up the house and hurried to his truck.
The entire drive to his parents’, she sang along with the radio and looked out the window.
Jace looked at their linked hands and sighed in happiness.
When they reached his parents’ house, his mom and dad greeted them at the door.
Jace kept hold of Taryn’s hand as they made their way to the kitchen.
His mother had the double back doors open to let the cool fall air in.
Jace spotted all their friends outside. He tugged Taryn away from his mom long enough to bring her out to the back yard where everyone waited.
“Oh, my God,” Taryn said when she saw everybody.
Jace stood beside her, watching her greet everyone until she finally saw her surprise.
Everyone went silent as Taryn’s mouth fell open at the sight of the silver buckskin mare held near a fence by Caleb.
Jace had jumped through many hoops to do this for her, even had Caleb and Cooper travel to Wyoming to acquire the animal.
“She’s all yours, sweetheart,” Jace told Taryn.
Her eyes teared up as she covered her mouth with her hands, looking from Jace to the horse with its black mane, tail, muzzle, and ears. Two of her legs were also black. Silver buckskins were rare in the horse world, but the mare was as unique as his wife—making them perfect for each other.
Taryn threw her arms around him. “Jace. What did you do?”
“Bought my wife a present.”
“Thank you.” She gave him a kiss then hurried to the horse.
As Taryn stroked her hand down the mare’s back, she looked over her shoulder at Jace and mouthed, “I love you.” He blew her a kiss and grabbed a beer as his parents gave her a black saddle and matching tack.
“You look content,” Cooper said as he walked up.
Jace nodded, unable to take his eyes from Taryn. “More than you can imagine.”
“I think we’ve all earned some peace.”
“I’ll drink to that.” They clinked their beer bottles. Jace looked around at the friends and family that made up their circle. “We’ve all survived a lot. We’re lucky to be here.”
Cooper nodded as he drank. “And to find women who will put up with our shit.”
“Not all of us,” Jace said as he nodded at Ryan.
“Oh, his time will come.”
Jace chuckled. “That just might be one for the ages. But, I’ll admit, I’d love to see it. Ryan’s a good man. He deserves to find a good woman like we have.”
“Are you thinking what I am?” Cooper asked mischievously.
Jace’s mouth widened in a smile. “Damn straight. We need to start setting him up.”
“I’ll go tell Caleb and Brice.”
Jace waited until Cooper had walked away before he went to his wife. Taryn and the mare were getting to know one another. Already, Jace could see it would be a strong bond.
“She’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen,” Taryn said when he reached her.
“Caleb has had her for the last month, making sure she was trained properly. You can ride her now.”
Taryn’s green eyes lit up. Then she frowned as she looked at everyone. “Later.”
“Whenever you want. We can go now.”
She shook her head. “Our family is all together. That’s not easy for such a large group. We’re going to take advantage of it. We’ll go for a ride later, just the two of us. Be sure to pack a blanket.”
“Oh, woman,” he said as he drew her against him. “You read my mind.”
Thank you for reading A COWBOY KIND OF LOVE.
Keep reading for a sneak peek at THAT COWBOY OF MINE …