Epilogue
Kacey
Two years later
The bell above the door of the Plot Twist Café jingles. Carson, Trey, and Jessie file in, the latter two animatedly arguing about something, per usual, while Carson just looks annoyed.
“This better be good,” he grumbles as he claims a seat at our table.
I keep my hands laced together in my lap under the table as everyone sits and Lainey heads our way from behind the counter.
I instantly see Carson relax, like her presence brings him a sense of calm—Lainey’s smile has that effect on people.
She pulls up a chair next to him and they all look at Knox and me expectantly.
We texted everyone early this morning, asking to meet us here.
“We have something we wanted to tell you all—” Knox starts.
“You’re pregnant,” Jessie blurts before he can finish.
Carson’s eyes go wide, and Trey looks at Jessie like she’s somehow betrayed him by keeping pertinent information from him. Lainey rolls her eyes at the lot of them.
Knox lets out an exasperated sigh, but he’s used to Jessie by now. “No. Just let me finish.” Everyone at the table relaxes at his words as he continues. “Trey and I leave for the summer run in two days, so Kacey and I wanted to tell you all in person.”
I slowly unclasp my hands and lay the left one on the table.
Letting the sun glint on the oval cut diamond ring.
Jessie and Lainey’s eyes instantly snap to my ring finger, both letting out little squeals, making Trey and Carson jump.
They aren’t nearly as quick to catch on and exchange a glance, confused.
“Look down, dumbasses,” Knox deadpans.
When their eyes find the ring, Carson smiles up at me—the big brother, I’m-proud-of-you-smile.
Trey, however, isn’t so subtle. He jumps up, sending his chair crashing backwards, throwing his arms in the air, whooping. “Finally!”
Knox laughs, then the group collectively stands to embrace us both. After the congratulations, hugs, and ooohs and awwws from the girls admiring the ring, both Lainey and Carson head back to work.
We have one more thing to tell Trey, and Knox isn’t sure how he’ll take it. He has thought about it for months, discussed it with me, and even talked it over with my dad. But ultimately, it was his decision.
“Trey, I—” Knox has to clear his throat. I know this is hard for him, but he knows it’s time. “I’m not going to publicly announce it yet, but I wanted to tell you now, before the summer run. This is going to be my last year riding, I’m going to retire at the end of the season.”
Trey blinks.
Jessie looks from Knox to Trey and back again.
I grasp Knox’s hand under the table. His body is tired, and he’s ready to come home. He won a world title, qualified for the finals six times, and won countless rodeos. He’s had a career most can only dream of, and I’m so proud of him.
“Okay. Congrats, man, we’ll be sure to make it one hell of a summer.”
I feel the relief roll off the man next to me.
I tried to reassure him Trey loves him and wouldn’t be mad, but he couldn’t let go of the feeling that he’s abandoning him.
They have been best friends and traveled together for years.
When Knox moved here to be with me, Trey never hesitated, he just packed up and followed.
Knox likes to joke, saying it’s because he owned the house in Oklahoma, but it’s more than that.
They’re brothers—there isn’t anything they wouldn’t do for each other.
It’s safe to say our family dinners have grown in size since that first night Knox came over, but my dad loves it. And now, with Knox’s sister and nephew visiting for the spring, the ranch has never felt more like a family.
I see Knox swallow hard, clearing the lump from his throat. “Thanks, man. One hell of a summer and one last trip to the finals, just for old time’s sake.”
“Yeah, for sure. It’s not like qualifying is hard or anything.” They both laugh, because we all know it’s, in fact, extremely difficult to qualify for. “So once you’re done, I get the truck and camper, right? Because I think I—”
“I think you mean you get the first option to purchase it. Ya know, since you’ve traveled rent-free in it for years.”
And just like that, they’re off—bantering back and forth like always.
Jessie reaches across the table to squeeze my hand.
Her eyes water as she says, “I’m so happy for you.
I know there was a time you never thought this day would come, but I always knew.
Because you, Kacey Hart, deserve to be loved.
And I couldn’t have imagined a better man than Knox. I love you both.”
“Thank you for never giving up on me. I love you, too.”
Truth be told, if it wasn’t for my best friend, I might never have given Knox the time of day. She pushed me to take a chance, and that chance led me to the love of my life.
Since then, Knox and I have built a life together.
We travel, rodeo, train horses, spend time with family and friends, dream of our future, and most of all, love each other unconditionally.
I never knew it was possible to love someone more every day, or to spend every second together and never get sick of them, but that’s exactly the kind of love we’ve found in each other.
“I hope you’re ready to help me plan a wedding, maid of honor?” I say as a question. She mockingly gasps, like I would choose anyone else to stand by my side. “I would be honored. Do I get to pick the bridesmaid dresses? Please say yes.”
I roll my eyes. “Of course. I would never dream of making a fashion decision without you.”
As we walk out of the café, I reach out and lace my fingers with Knox’s and I see my own thoughts mirrored in his eyes.
He’s my home, my heart, best friend, and other half of my soul. And even though Trey has been calling me it for years, I can’t wait to officially be Mrs. Ward.