Epilogue
S now was falling faster than ever. By the time Benton reached the house, there were two feet of the stuff. He had to park near the barn, where the snow had been cleared, and trudged through drifts. Once inside, he stomped snow from his boots and was barely out of his coat when Nora came running around the corner, her kitten hot on her heels.
“Daddy,” she squealed, “did you get it?”
“I did.” He winked. “Now keep your voice down. We don’t want to give away the surprise.”
He hung up his jacket and doffed his wool hat. “Where is she?”
“In the kitchen.”
“What’s she making this time?”
“Brownies. I told her they were good but…” She scrunched her nose. “They were hard like rocks.”
He grinned at that, eyes on the Christmas tree. There were already presents beneath it, and Christmas was still over two weeks away. He grabbed the small box from his coat pocket. No way could he wait that long. Collins had been in Montana since September. She spent a lot of time at the ranch, though her official residence was Duffer’s Place. It was time to make a more permanent address change.
“Can I see it?” Nora whispered and moved close.
Benton nodded and carefully opened the small velvet box. Inside was a simple ring. A large oval diamond that glittered like it was lit from within.
“Oh, Daddy, it’s so pretty.” Nora touched it and grinned up at him. “You did a good job.”
He chuckled and dropped a kiss to his daughter’s forehead. “You remember what we discussed?”
She nodded. “Are you going to ask her now?”
“I drove through a blizzard to get this thing. I don’t think I can wait any longer.”
She jumped up and down. Took his hand and followed him down the hall to the kitchen. Collins was at the island, placing brownies on a plate while listening to the Elvis Christmas album. She hummed along to Blue Christmas, wearing an apron over an ugly festive sweater and plaid pants, with her hair in a messy ponytail.
His heart was full looking at her, and when she glanced up, he smiled.
“Hey,” he said, walking over to her.
She was still pissed at him. “I have no idea why you decided that it was a good idea to drive to Bozeman in a storm, but you’re lucky you made it back in one piece.” She tossed the spatula into the sink, and when she turned back to him, he was on one knee, staring up at the only woman who could make him happy.
He saw the moment of realization. Her face broke wide open. It was a picture he’d remember until he drew his last breath.
“Marry me.” It wasn’t a question, because deep down he knew her answer.
“Marry me, too,” Nora piped up, running into the kitchen. She inserted herself between the two of them, and he was going to have to wait for his kiss.
Collins was crying, nodding, and saying “yes,” while Nora was helping her with the ring.
“It’s perfect,” Nora said.
Benton got to his feet and pulled Collins into his arms. He kissed her thoroughly, though he kept it PG. There were eyes on them after all.
“You’re not going back to Duffer’s.”
She nodded, staring at her ring. “I’m where I want to be.”
“Always,” he replied.
“Always.” She bit her bottom lip and glanced up. “Spring wedding?”
“I’m fine with whatever you want. Big. Small. Here. Or in New York.”
“Here,” she said softly. “Though I’ll probably need some last-minute alterations.”
“Yeah?” He was focused on her mouth. Wasn’t paying attention to her words.
“Because I’ll have a bump by then.”
“A what now?” He looked into her eyes. Saw his future. “You’re pregnant?”
She nodded and placed his hand on her stomach. “I know we didn’t plan, and I’m not sure?—”
He kissed her, his heart full and thankful. When he finally came up for air, he held her face in his hands because he needed to get this right. A smile touched his mouth, and he winked.
“Thank you for walking into that bar last year.”
“Thank you for letting me have my way with you.”
He dropped another kiss along her neck. Nuzzled his way up to her jaw.
“Are you going to kiss all night? I’m hungry.”
Collins giggled and moved out of his embrace. “I burned the stew.”
“Nora told me.”
His daughter giggled.
“I brought takeout from the Sundowner.”
The three of them sat together and ate their dinner, while outside it snowed. The winter storm continued for days, but Benton didn’t care. He was home with his family, making memories and looking to the future. It was going to be a great Christmas and an even better New Year.
Hours later, after they made love, he pulled her close, his hand covering her stomach. It was flat, but there was life there. He thought about the coming months. About his family. About the woman he held, and the child asleep down the hall. He closed his eyes. Listened to Collins’ breath.
He was happy and content. Not bad for a guy who’d all but given up on feeling this way. Not bad at all. He kept her close and fell asleep. And dreamed of his future.