Epilogue
A FEW MONTHS LATER
Kat dug the shovel into the dirt and flashes from the photographers lit up the surrounding area.
She smiled to herself as she lifted the shovel and tossed it aside before turning her grin to the onlookers.
“Today marks the groundbreaking for Legacy Investments Inc. This company started small by a man one could only respect and admire.” Kat glanced toward her father who stood beside Chaz at the far end of the temporary stage they’d set up.
The building would be a fraction of the size of the one in New York and the style was more rustic. Kat didn’t want to take away from the beauty that Rocky Ridge had to offer.
“Not only will Legacy Investments work with our clients on this side of the country, we’ll be adding to our portfolio and helping bridge the gap for community outreach.
We’ll be partnering with members throughout the community who have already got a foothold in helping veterans and those with disabilities.
Our goal is to bring the community at large together so we’re a stronger force—one to be reckoned with. ”
Applause erupted followed by more flashes of the cameras.
Kat moved off the stage toward the one man who had stood by her side through it all.
Leo enveloped her into a hug, his lips brushing the shell of her ear. “I’m so proud of you.”
Chills skittered up her spine and she pulled back to smile at him. “Thank you, Leo.”
He placed a kiss to her temple. “You’re welcome. For what?”
She laughed. “For helping me realize I could have it all.”
That knowing smirk graced his lips. She expected a smart comment from him, but he didn’t offer her one. Maybe, like her, he understood this was a moment they could both sit back and appreciate. They’d come a long way from the people they’d been at the beginning of last summer.
“Congratulations, Kat.”
She turned toward her father and beamed, leaving Leo’s side to wrap her arms around her father.
As usual, he was dressed impeccably in a suit that left no doubt about his wealth.
It was a stark contrast to the Levi skirt and boots she’d opted to wear for this event.
Gone were her expensive heels and business attire.
She’d grown to love the simplicity this town had to offer.
And since there wasn’t a single day she didn’t spend traipsing through Sagebrush property, she clung to the more durable clothing choices.
Her father held her at arm’s length and smiled broadly. “This place has done you good.”
“Thanks, dad.”
Chaz stepped forward next and pulled her in for an awkward hug, tossing a glance of trepidation in Leo’s direction.
Biting back a smile, Kat turned again to her father. “Will you be joining us for dinner?”
Her father glanced at Leo. Something passed between them and Kat whirled to look at Leo for any clue as to what that was about.
“No, sweetheart. Charles and I have meetings early in the morning. We best be heading back.”
She frowned. “Are you sure?”
He nodded, pulling her to him for one more hug before pressing a kiss to the crown of her head. “Positive. You two have fun. Celebrate. Call me later.”
Her brows pinched further. “Okay?”
Chuckling, her father turned to Leo. “Take care of my girl.”
Kat scoffed which only spurred more quiet laughter. She gave Leo a pointed stare.
He tugged her against his chest and kissed her temple then murmured, “Just accept it, Princess. Even you need taking care of every once in a while.”
She leaned into him, reveling in his warmth.
It was hard to argue with him when he was so close.
Kat tilted her chin and allowed herself to drink in the man who had stolen her heart.
She would never tell him, but she already knew what this dinner was supposed to be.
It wasn’t her fault that she’d overheard Leo speaking to her father the other night when she’d returned from using the restroom.
Their voices came from the living room, and she’d stopped short.
At first, she’d been irritated that Leo thought it necessary to get her father’s blessing on their future union.
But then he’d said something that shredded everything she believed.
“I’m aware Kat is more than capable of making her own decisions.
But I also know how much she means to you.
I’d never dream of coming between Kat and her family.
That being said, I want you to be aware I plan on asking your daughter for her hand and it would make the whole process easier to know you approve. ”
Her father had waited a few painful moments before he grunted. “As we have discussed before, all I want is her happiness.”
She could imagine her father rubbing his jaw as he paused again.
“A blind man can see that you are a big part of that happiness. And I know you’d never stand in her way of chasing any dream she might have.”
“No sir,” Leo murmured. “She’s my whole world. I’d gladly risk anything if it means to see her smile. Everything.”
Kat believed him. Leo understood her on levels no one else had. Each and every day they’d been together, he’d shown how much she meant to him. Leo had successfully helped her let go of her anxiety over losing her sense of self.
“Leo?”
“Hmm?”
“I—”
An arm draped around Leo’s shoulder. “Please tell me your brother isn’t going to make this wedding a big deal.”
Leo dragged his eyes from Kat to Tripp who grinned at Kat then shifted a bored look to his cousin. “I thought they weren’t going to make a big deal about the wedding. Serenity has been married before. Wasn’t this supposed to be small?”
“Technically, it will be. He’s inviting close family friends.”
“But it’s going to be like a week-long thing,” Tripp whined. “I swear, they’re having events every single day. What’s up with that?”
Leo chuckled as he shrugged Tripp from his shoulder. “Why does it matter to you? You’re not part of the wedding party, are you?”
Tripp rolled his shoulders and tilted his head from side to side. “Apparently, Serenity’s work friend from the antique store suddenly became available to be a bride’s maid at the last second. She asked if I could escort her down the aisle for the wedding and be the guy to balance out the pictures.”
“Maybe your brother could—” Leo started, but his eyes were still locked with Kat.
There was a glimmer of mischief in his eyes.
A glimmer that told Kat everything she needed to know.
Leo was responsible for this whole thing.
Somehow he’d managed to convince his brother and future sister-in-law to include another bride’s maid.
Perhaps he’d even suggested Tripp be her counterpart.
“Nah, my brother’s too busy. He can’t be to every event,” Tripp muttered.
Leo finally turned his attention to his cousin. “Too bad, man.”
“It’ll be fine. Serenity said she’s cool. Pretty, too. There could be worse things.” He winked at Leo then grinned at Kat. “Speaking of weddings, when are the two of you—”
Leo gave him a shove. “Mind your own business.” He slipped his arm around Kat’s waist and pulled her away. “Come on, Princess. We’ve got a reservation to make. I’d hate to miss.”
Kat leaned into him. “Sounds fun.”
They didn’t, in fact, go to a restaurant.
Leo pulled up in front of a dilapidated building that looked like it could fall apart with a stiff wind, but there were plenty of people coming and going. Kat shot a surprised look at Leo then laughed. “This doesn’t look like a place that accepts reservations.”
He chuckled. “You’re right. This place has the best country music bands and the best steaks that Montana can offer.”
A memory tugged at her mind. Their conversation about first dates.
Kat grinned. “Sounds like my kind of place.”
“That’s what I thought.” Leo grasped her hand and lifted it, kissing her knuckles.
She palmed his cheek. “You know I love you, right?”
“Yeah,” he murmured. “And I love you.”
“I’m going to say something, and I need you to listen.”
His brows dipped and she could sense the tension rolling off him.
Kat bit back a smile. “Do you remember when we got stuck in that cabin?”
“Yes,” he drawled. “I recall telling you that I thought you were a nuisance.” It was his turn to bite back his amusement.
She rolled her eyes with a huff. “Do you recall what you told me love is?”
That had him growing serious immediately. “Yes,” he said huskily.
“What did you call it?”
“Magic.”
Kat nodded. “That’s right.” She inched even closer.
“And you know what? You were right. Love—the real stuff—it’s magic.
” Kat allowed her lips to graze against his lips.
“Leo, you helped me believe in magic—something I never thought would happen.” Her hands drifted toward his jacket pocket, the only place where a ring might be hidden.
Thankfully, Leo was far too distracted by their quiet moment.
His exhale came out in a shudder.
“Yes,” she whispered against his lips.
“Yes?” he said, his tone confused and muddled with desire. “Yes, what?”
Kat withdrew the ring box and held it up. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”
Leo ripped away from her, his eyes wide. They darted from her face to the ring and back. “Kat—”
She laughed. “I believe you told me we live in modern times, now. Isn’t that right?”
“Yeah, but—”
“That suggests that we can break the mold. We can do things differently. We already have.” She wiggled the ring box.
“Honestly, I was getting to the point where I planned on asking you if you didn’t get your ducks in a row.
” She cocked her head slightly then she shrugged. “So how about we call this a tie?”
He plucked the ring box from her hand. “It wasn’t a race, Princess.”
She watched him as he opened the box and pulled the ring free.
“But if it was, I definitely won,” he continued. He offered her a half smile as he reached for her left hand and placed the ring on her finger. Then he kissed her knuckles again, peeking at her. “I told you I would win you back. And I did.”
Kat lifted her hand and admired the princess cut solitaire set in white gold.
It wasn’t as large as the engagement rings the women in her social circles back in New York wore, but that wasn’t what she wanted.
This ring fit her lifestyle. Not only that, it was the perfect match to her own magical love story.
She smiled as her eyes cut to Leo. Then she released an exaggerated sigh. “Fine. You win.” Then she kissed him, deeply, passionately, and without holding back. Because she knew Leo would be there to catch her when she fell and he’d be there to stand by her side when times got tough.
She was his everything.
But most important of all, he was her everything, too.
Tripp’s reputation is well known in town.
He’s definitely a ladies man and he enjoys the role.
When he meets Wendy he’s stumped because she doesn’t fall all over him.
She’s not all that impressed with his so-called charm.
She has high standards. Her southern roots taught her that romance and all the trimmings are worth the effort.
She’s not sure Tripp fills the bill. These two can’t come to an understanding at all.
Join them on their sweet road to love in A Montana Southern Charmer.