Epilogue
EPILOGUE
Four Months Later
Lanie
It took longer than we anticipated to bring Whiskey and Smoke to Huntington. The contractor Noah hired did an amazing job with the backyard. A man-made pond surrounded by a lush green pasture field was the picture perfect oasis for the horses. The months it took between clearing the space and laying the sod were well worth the wait. Last month, when we went back to Denver for Leland and Amy’s wedding, we finalized the plan to bring them home.
They’d been here three days. At first, I worried the drive had been too stressful for them, but after twenty-four hours, they began to acclimate to their new surroundings. Each morning, evening, and every chance in between, I spent it either on the back deck watching them graze or leaning against the fence giving them treats. Which was where Noah found me.
His steely arms circled my waist and he propped his chin on my shoulder. Somehow, we ended up in this exact position at least once a day since they arrived. I couldn’t help wanting to be near them. Their gentle presence was both a reminder of my past, and a glimpse of my future…our future.
“We’re gonna need to buy stock in sugar with how many cubes you’re going through.”
“You’re as bad as I am, so don’t try to blame it all on me.”
“It’s the only way Whiskey lets me near him without trying to take a bite outta my arm.”
“Oh yeah? What’s your excuse with Smoke?” I looked over my shoulder in time to witness his radiant smile.
“She’s my girl.”
“I thought I was your girl?” I teased.
“Nah. You’re mine. There’s a big difference.”
Leaning back against his chest, I surveyed the land, marveling at the life we’d created for ourselves. It wasn’t always easy, but it was worth everything it took to get here.
“I want to have our wedding out here, next to the field.” His arms tightened around me. “Something small and intimate.”
“Do you have a date in mind?”
I’d been putting off deciding, not because I didn’t want to marry Noah, but because I wanted to be more settled. He understood without me having to explain, which made me love him even more.
“September sixth. Beth’s birthday.”
“You sure?” He turned me in his arms, kissing me soundly on the lips. “That’s like three weeks away.”
“Positive.” I returned his kiss. “Thank you for loving me, Cowboy.”
“That’s the easiest thing I’ve ever done, Darlin’.”