Epilogue Dakota
TWO MONTHS LATER
“ K ota Parker!” my mom called from down below. “You stop messin’ with those lights and get on in here. Supper’s ready!”
“Yes mom,” I sighed, tacking the last strand of multi-color lights into place. “I’m coming.” I glanced down at Logan who was holding the bottom of the ladder. “You can plug it all in now.”
He waited until I was off the ladder before flipping the switch on the surge protector. All at once the house lit up like a Christmas tree. Thousands of tiny lights hung from every ridge, gutter, and frame that would hold them. We’d spent the better part of three days putting them all up and as I stared with his arm wrapped around my waist, I knew it was all worth it.
“It’s a bit much, right?” Logan chuckled, his face lit up by all those tiny lights.
“It’s our first Christmas together,” I replied, leaning into him. “I wanted it to be special.”
“Gonna be special either way with you here.”
I smiled from ear to ear. “Same goes for you.”
“Boys!” my mother yelled from the door. “Come on!”
“Don’t you wanna look at the lights?” I called back.
She let out a long sigh, like I was forcing her to do something ridiculous. Wrapping a shawl around her shoulders, she stepped out into the front yard, standing beside us as she looked up at the house. She gave it a good five seconds before she patted me on the shoulder.
“It’s beautiful,” she said. “Good job. Now get in the house.”
“Yes ma’am,” Logan laughed, watching her go.
“Ever since she moved in here, she’s been such a pain in the neck,” I whispered to Logan. “A real tyrant.”
“That’s my mother rubbing off on her.”
“Why did she ask my mom to move in again?”
“Probably because they’re conspiring to drive Daddy crazy.”
I couldn’t help but giggle as we headed up the porch stairs. He was probably right. My mom had lived in the Baker house for nearly two months now. She didn’t want to leave Sagebrush but was having a hard time finding an apartment anywhere nearby. As soon as Mrs. Baker heard about it, she moved her into the guest room permanently. And Logan, not wanting to be stuck in the house with two mothers, moved into my cabin almost immediately. It was a bit of a kerfuffle, but in the end, everyone seemed exceptionally happy with the situation.
“What’s taking you boys so long?”
“Christmas isn’t for another four days Mrs. Parker,” Logan called out, taking his hat off and hanging it next to mine. “We’ll make it in time.”
“It’s miss now,” she called back. “And at this rate we’ll be going to bed before you get to the table.”
The dining table was full, even with Caroline gone. She was down in Amarillo for a couple days visiting her rodeo friend who was coming up to the ranch in the spring, but she promised to be home in time for Christmas. Supper was a talkative affair as always. Daddy wanted to know how preparations were going with the arena and how far we’d gotten on the expansion of my cabin. He could’ve just glanced out the window, but it was nice to see him so interested. His recovery was going well, and he kept threatening to get out there and help us, although Mrs. Baker had yet to sign off on such an adventure.
“How’s Dustin doing?” Mrs. Baker asked. “Did y’all go out and check on him today?”
“He’s fine, mama,” Logan sighed. “The man paid for this entire ranch so he could have some peace and privacy. I doubt he wants us buggin’ him every single day.”
“Well, be that as it may, I’m gonna pack up some food for you to take out to him after supper. That boy is too skinny.”
Logan started to argue, but I put a hand on his thigh under the table. “We’d be happy to,” I said, answering for him.
He shot me a quizzical look, but didn’t push the subject.
After supper, Logan and I bundled up against the chilly night air and headed out to Dustin’s cabin with a basket of leftovers from Mrs. Baker. The stars twinkled brightly overhead as we walked hand in hand down the dirt path, our breath forming little clouds in front of us.
“You know, we don’t have to keep checking on him like this,” Logan said, a hint of annoyance in his voice. “He’s a grown man, not some stray puppy we took in.”
I squeezed his hand. “I know, but your mama means well. And besides, I kind of like our little visits out here. It’s peaceful.”
Logan’s expression softened. “Yeah, I suppose you’re right. It is nice to get away from all the hustle and bustle back at the main house sometimes.”
As we approached Dustin’s tiny house, we could see a warm glow coming from the windows. Smoke curled lazily from the small chimney, drifting up into the starry night sky. I knocked gently on the door, balancing the basket of food in my other arm.
After a few moments, we heard shuffling inside and then the door creaked open. Dustin stood there, looking a bit disheveled in flannel pajama pants and an old t-shirt. His eyes widened slightly when he saw us.
“Oh, uh, evening fellas,” he said, running a hand through his messy hair. “Wasn’t expecting company.”
“Sorry to bother you,” I said quickly. “Mrs. Baker just wanted us to bring you some leftovers from supper.”
Dustin’s face softened into a small smile. “That woman is trying her damnedest to force me to buy a whole new wardrobe.” He leaned forward, inhaling the scent of country fried steak deeply. “And she’s gonna succeed.”
Dustin stepped back, opening the door wider. “Well, don’t just stand there in the cold. Come on in for a minute.”
Logan and I exchanged a quick glance before stepping inside. The interior of Dustin’s cabin was cozy, with a fire crackling in the small stone fireplace. Books and papers were scattered across a worn desk in the corner, and a laptop sat open, its screen glowing softly.
“Sorry for the mess,” Dustin said, hastily stacking some papers. “Wasn’t exactly prepared for visitors.”
“No worries,” I said, setting the basket down on a small table. “We won’t stay long. Just wanted to make sure you’re doing alright out here.”
Dustin nodded, running a hand through his hair again. “I’m doing just fine. It’s peaceful out here. Gives me time to think, to write.”
“That’s good to hear,” Logan said, his eyes scanning the room. “You’ve made it pretty cozy in here.”
Dustin shrugged, a hint of a smile on his face. “It’s not much, but it’s home. For now, at least.”
I noticed a framed photo on the mantle, partially hidden behind a stack of books. It showed a younger Dustin, his arm around a pretty blonde woman. They were both smiling, looking carefree and happy.
“Who is this?” I asked before I could stop myself. “Sister?”
Dustin’s expression darkened for a moment, and I immediately regretted my question. But then he sighed, moving to pick up the photo.
“Ex-wife,” he said softly, running a thumb over the glass. “Tessa. We split up about a year ago. That’s when she found out I was…” He trailed off, leaving the part we already knew unspoken. I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to marry a woman only to realize that men were your preferred company.
“I’m sorry,” I said. “I… I didn’t mean to pry.”
“No. It’s alright. I forgot I still had this.” He walked over to the woodstove, reaching out like he was going to toss the picture in, frame and all. But then he stopped. “But I’m… I’m not sure I’m ready to let go of it just yet.”
I suddenly felt like I had a lot more context for his sudden move to the middle of nowhere and that I was intruding on a very private moment. “Well, uh… we’re gonna head back to the house. Glad to see everything is going alright out here. If you need anything, just let us know.”
Dustin gave us a small, sad smile. “Thanks guys. I appreciate it.”
As Logan and I stepped back out into the crisp night air, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sadness for Dustin. The loneliness in his eyes was palpable, and I found myself wondering about the story behind that photograph.
“Poor guy,” Logan murmured as we started down the path back to the main house. “Can’t imagine how tough that must’ve been.”
I nodded, squeezing his hand. “Yeah, coming to terms with yourself is hard enough without hurting someone you care about in the process.”
We walked in comfortable silence for a few minutes, the only sounds were the crunch of gravel beneath our boots and the distant lowing of cattle. The stars seemed even brighter now, a vast blanket of twinkling lights stretching as far as the eye could see.
“You know,” Logan said suddenly, breaking the silence, “I’m real glad I didn’t have to go through all that. Coming out to my family, I mean. They’ve always been so accepting.”
I nodded, feeling a pang of guilt. My own coming out hadn’t been nearly as smooth. “You’re lucky,” I said softly. “Not everyone has it so easy.”
Logan stopped walking and turned to face me, his green eyes serious in the starlight. “I know, Kota. And I’m sorry you had to go through what you did with your family back on the reservation. But you’ve got us now. You’ve got me.”
I felt a lump form in my throat, overwhelmed by the sincerity in his voice. “I know,” I managed to say. “And I’m grateful for that every day.”
Logan pulled me close, wrapping his arms around me. I leaned into Logan’s embrace, feeling the warmth of his body against the chill night air. We stood there for a long moment, just holding each other under the vast expanse of stars.
“You know,” I said softly, my face pressed against his shoulder, “sometimes I still can’t believe this is real. That I get to be here, with you, living this life.”
Logan pulled back slightly, cupping my face in his hands. His green eyes sparkled in the starlight. “It’s real, Kota. And it’s only going to get better from here.”
He leaned in and kissed me softly, his lips warm against mine. I melted into the kiss, savoring the moment.
When we finally broke apart, Logan grinned and took my hand again. “So how about we make it even better right now?” I saw that mischievous glint in his eye, and I knew exactly what it meant. “Race you back to the cabin!”
I laughed as Logan took off running down the path, kicking up gravel behind him. “Oh, it’s on!” I called out, sprinting after him.
The cool night air whipped past us as we raced through the darkness, our breaths coming out in short puffs. Logan had a head start, but I was determined to catch him. I pumped my arms harder, my boots pounding against the dirt.
As we neared the cabin, I put on an extra burst of speed. Just as Logan reached for the door handle, I tackled him from behind, sending us both tumbling onto the porch with a thud.
We lay there for a moment, breathless and laughing. I rolled off of Logan and onto my back, staring up at the star-filled sky. “I think... that counts... as a tie,” I panted.
Logan propped himself up on one elbow, grinning down at me. “No way, I totally won.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Oh really? I don’t think so, cowboy.”
“Well, there’s only one way to settle this,” Logan said, his voice dropping low. He leaned in close, his breath warm on my ear. “Rematch. Inside.”
A shiver ran through me that had nothing to do with the cold night air. “You’re on.”
We scrambled to our feet, fumbling with the door in our haste to get inside. As soon as we crossed the threshold, Logan’s lips were on mine, hot and insistent. I kicked the door shut behind us and pushed him up against it, my hands already working at the buttons of his shirt.
“I thought this was supposed to be a race,” I murmured against his neck as I trailed kisses along his jawline.
Logan let out a low chuckle, his hands sliding under my shirt. “Changed my mind. This is better.”
I couldn’t argue with that logic. We stumbled towards the bedroom, shedding clothes along the way. By the time we tumbled onto the bed, we were both down to our underwear.
Logan rolled on top of me, his weight a comforting pressure. He gazed down at me, his green eyes dark and hungry with lust. “God, you’re beautiful,” he murmured, tracing a finger along my cheek.
I felt my face flush at the compliment. Even after all this time, Logan still had the ability to make me feel shy and giddy. “You’re not so bad yourself,” I teased, running my hands down his muscular back.
He grinned and leaned down to capture my lips in a tender kiss. I pulled him close, feeling the soft grind of his hips as his throbbing cock searched for friction. I leaned back into him, returning the pressure.
Our kisses grew more heated as hands roamed over warm skin. Logan’s lips trailed down my neck, nipping and sucking in a way that made me gasp. I arched into him, craving more contact.
“Logan,” I breathed, running my fingers through his hair.
He looked up at me, eyes bouncing back and forth between my own. “What do you want, Kota?”
“You,” I replied simply. “All of you.”
A slow smile spread across his face. “You’ve got me, darlin’. Always.”
He kissed his way down my chest and stomach, fingers hooking in the waistband of my underwear. I lifted my hips to help him slide them off, shivering as the cool air hit my heated skin.
Logan’s warm breath ghosted over my aching cock before he took me in his mouth. I moaned, fisting my hands in the sheets as waves of pleasure washed over me. His talented tongue swirled around the head before he took me deeper, hollowing his cheeks as he sucked.
“God, Logan,” I gasped, fighting the urge to thrust up into his mouth.
He hummed around me happily, the vibrations sending shivers up my spine. His hands gripped my hips, holding me in place as he worked me over with his mouth. I could feel the tension building, coiling tight in my lower belly.
“Wait,” I panted, tugging gently at his hair. “I don’t want to finish like this.”
Logan pulled off with an obscene pop, looking up at me with swollen lips and lust-blown eyes. “What do you want, darlin’?”
I bit my lower lip, still a little shy after all this time to say it. “I want… I want you inside me,” I whispered at last.
Logan’s eyes darkened. He crawled back up my body, capturing my lips in a deep, passionate kiss. I could taste myself on his tongue, and it sent a shiver of arousal through me.
“Of course, cowboy” he murmured against my lips. “Anything you want.”
I nodded, running my hands down his muscular back. “Thanks.”
He smiled softly, pressing a tender kiss to my forehead before reaching for the bedside drawer. I heard the snap of a bottle cap, and then Logan’s slick fingers were circling my entrance. I gasped at the cool sensation, my body tensing slightly.
“Relax, Kota,” Logan soothed, pressing gentle kisses along my jaw. “I’ve got you.”
I took a deep breath, willing my muscles to relax as Logan slowly worked one finger inside me. I closed my eyes and focused on my breathing as Logan gently worked me open. The initial discomfort, thanks to lots of practice, was minimal and faded into pleasure as he added a second finger, curling them just right to brush against that spot inside me that made me see stars.
“Logan,” I gasped, arching into his touch. “Please, I’m ready.”
He kissed me softly, withdrawing his fingers. “You sure, darlin’?”
I nodded, pulling him closer. “I want you. Now.”
Logan positioned himself between my legs, lining up the thick head of his cock with my entrance. He pushed in slowly, giving me time to adjust to the stretch. I moaned loudly, knowing we were all alone. Besides, I loved the way his eyes lit up when I let myself go. Logan’s cock throbbed inside me, hitting everything I needed and more.
When he was fully seated inside me, we both paused for a moment, savoring the connection. Logan’s forehead rested against mine, his breath warm on my face.
“I love you,” Logan whispered, his voice thick with emotion.
“I love you too,” I breathed back, cupping his face in my hands.
Logan started to move, slowly at first, pulling almost all the way out before pushing back in. The friction was exquisite, sending sparks of pleasure through my entire body. I wrapped my legs around his waist, a trick I’d learned from him, and urged him deeper.
“God, Kota,” Logan groaned, picking up the pace. “You feel so good.”
I could only moan in response, lost in the sensations. Logan’s hips snapped forward, hitting that spot inside me that made me see stars. The room filled with the sounds of our lovemaking, neither of us holding back at all. Logan reached down, grabbing the backs of my knees and shifting his angle. I cried out, digging my fingers into his shoulders as a burst of delight rushed through me.
“Right there,” I gasped. “Don’t stop.”
Logan grinned, angling his thrusts to hit that spot over and over. The pleasure was building, coiling tighter and tighter in my core. I could feel myself getting close, my cock trapped between our bodies and leaking precum onto my stomach.
“Logan,” I moaned, “I’m so close.”
He leaned down to capture my lips in a searing kiss. “Me too, darlin’. Cum for me.”
His hand snaked between us, wrapping around my aching cock. It only took a few strokes before I was over the edge, crying out Logan’s name as waves of pleasure crashed over me. My cock throbbed, spilling my seed into his fist. The orgasm caused my body to clench around him, pulling him deeper.
Logan groaned, his hips stuttering as he followed me over the edge a moment later. I felt the warmth of his release filling me as he buried his face in my neck, panting heavily.
For a long moment, we lay there entwined, catching our breath. Logan’s weight pressed me into the mattress, his body warm and solid against mine. I ran my fingers through his sweat dampened hair, feeling utterly content.
Eventually, Logan lifted his head to look at me, a soft smile playing on his lips. “You okay?” he murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead.
I nodded, returning his smile. “More than okay. I feel fucking incredible.”
Logan chuckled, carefully pulling out and rolling to the side. He grabbed a warm damp towel from the bathroom to clean us up, then pulled me into his arms. I snuggled against his chest, listening to the steady thump of his heartbeat.
“You know,” Logan said after a while, his voice thoughtful, “seeing Dustin tonight, it really made me appreciate what we have.”
I tilted my head up to look at Logan, seeing the sincerity in his eyes. “What do you mean?”
Logan’s fingers traced lazy patterns on my back as he spoke. “Just... seeing how lonely he seemed out there. How much pain he’s still carrying from his past. It made me realize how lucky we are to have found each other, to have this life together. Even if it took us a minute to figure it out.”
I nodded. “Yeah, I know what you mean. I feel that way every day.”
Logan pulled me closer, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. “I never want to take this for granted, Kota. What we have... it’s special.”
“It is,” I agreed softly. “And I promise I won’t take it for granted either.”
We lay there in comfortable silence for a while, just enjoying the closeness. My gaze drifted up to the bedroom window. To my surprise, there were snowflakes falling outside, a rare sight in Texas. I took it as a sign that everything I’d said about us was true. The love we shared really was special.
I could feel myself starting to drift off, lulled by the steady rhythm of Logan’s heartbeat and the warmth of his body. But then a thought occurred to me, pulling me back from the edge of sleep.
“Hey Logan?” I murmured, tilting my head to look up at him.
“Hmm?” He opened one eye, looking down at me sleepily.
“I love you.”
He smiled, kissing me once more. “I love you too.”
***
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