Epilogue
One Year Later
Nash’s divorce finalized in the summer after a lot of small town court drama and unnecessary bickerin’ between their families—neither side willin’ to accept that it was a mutual decision.
All that fussin’ didn’t matter a lick. Natty was happy that he found someone he wanted to spend the rest of his life with without havin’ to pretend.
Though she made it abundantly clear that he was obligated to visit durin’ one major holiday a year.
You were mine first, she’d teased when Nash got ready to leave for the last time.
He hugged her real tight and promised he’d visit more than once a year.
The drive to Suncreek Ridge took nearly eight hours and two gas station stops, but he made it into town before dark, which was a blessin’ in and of itself.
He made one final pitstop at the sole gas station in town then made his way to Dillard Ranch.
The sun was just startin’ to set when he pulled up in front of the house he’d be callin’ home for the rest of his life.
He checked his coat pocket, lettin’ out a small sigh of relief when he felt the smooth velvet coating.
Patrick walked out onto the porch, eyes lightin’ up like a kid on Christmas when he spotted Nash’s truck. Nash fought to keep his heart in his chest and got out of the truck, meetin’ Patrick halfway between it and the house.
“You made it,” Patrick said as if he didn’t think Nash meant it when he said he’d be there.
“You outta know by now that I keep my promises.” Nash brushed a piece of hair from Patrick’s forehead. “‘Sides, I couldn’t keep my Baby waitin’ any longer. You’ve waited long ‘nough for me.”
“Ain’t that the damn truth.”
“You ain’t gonna have to wait on me anymore, Baby.
I’m yours for as long as you’ll have me.
And hopefully…” Nash swallowed ‘round the growin’ knot in his throat and took a step back, reachin’ into his pocket.
“You’ll have me for the rest of our lives.
” He dropped to one knee and pulled out the box. “Will you marry me, Patrick Dillard?”
Patrick froze, mouth open in a small ‘o’ as he stared at Nash. Nash chewed on his bottom lip, waitin’ for Patrick to say somethin’, anythin’. Patrick’s eyes grew glossy, and Nash’s heart jumped into his throat.
“Baby…say somethin’, please,” he whispered.
“Of course I’ll fuckin’ marry you, you bastard,” Patrick said, his rough voice goin’ watery ‘round the edges. “God, get up outta the dirt,” he laughed, wipin’ his eyes.
Nash scrambled to his feet, fumblin’ the ring as he pulled it from the box.
It was a simple little thing that had belonged to Natty’s grandfather.
She gave it to Nash before he left, tellin’ him that he better marry that boy or she was gonna skin him alive.
He hadn’t told her he was already plannin’ on it.
He slipped the ring onto Patrick’s finger, smilin’ at the perfect fit.
Patrick flung his arms around Nash’ neck, huggin’ him tight and close.
Nash buried his face in the crook of Patrick’s neck, smellin’ the subtle citrus of his shampoo and the lingerin’ scent of a bonfire. He smelt like home.
“Don’t ever leave without me,” Patrick said.
“I ain’t going anywhere. I’m here to stay, Baby. Forever.”
Patrick pulled away from the hug just enough to put their foreheads together. “Forever?” He smiled. “I like the sound of that.”
“Oh yeah? You don’t think you’ll get tired of me after a while?”
“Nah. I’m too stubborn. Plus it’ll make a liar outta me to my folks after I done told ‘em I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you.”
Nash couldn’t stop the deep belly laugh that escaped him. He kissed Patrick 'til they were breathless. “I love you, Baby.”
“I love you, darlin’, 'til the very end.”
The End.