Epilogue
Prescott
I pull into my usual spot outside the new shop with my studio. I made better time coming home than I thought. Haven’s probably still at the distillery. Meadow greets me instead, her tail wagging hard enough it could leave dents in my car.
“Hey, girl. I missed you.” I give her a big hug and let her sniff me.
I’m filled with the scents of the many cat and dog rescues from Miles City.
The donkey is probably throwing her the most. Most photogenic one of my life.
Not something I thought I’d ever say, but thanks to the last year of working with rescues to post their animals on my amazingly successful account, yeah. I have a photogenic donkey.
Before I unload my equipment, I cross to the barn.
The kittens I rescued last spring are no longer tiny fluff balls.
It’s October, and they’re getting their winter coats.
Two of them run up to greet me. I crouch to pet them.
Meadow crowds to get more love too. Tan finally runs over to me, but he’s probably after treats.
Boots crunch on the ground behind me. “I’ve had to peel Windy off my face every morning since you’ve been gone.”
I straighten, grinning at the image that puts into my head. “You have to do that when I’m home.”
He grins. “True, but then you’re my reward for making her cranky.”
Gah, this guy. I’m his, wrapped around his little finger and, honestly, whatever else I can access, but he still says sweet things more than ever. I drink him in.
He looks better than ever. He’s still in a plain black T-shirt and jeans, but I’m so attuned to him he could be in a garbage bag, and I’d be drooling.
He yanks me to him and plasters a kiss on me. I tangle my hands in his hair. I was only gone a few days, but whenever I return, he greets me like he’s missed me for years. This man wants me around and loves telling me—and showing me—how much.
When he breaks the kiss, he gives me a heavy-lidded smile. “The donkey pics were my favorite. Can’t wait to see the rest. There are a ton of packages in your studio from Toe Beans.”
“They have a new line of wet cat food and catnip toys. I told the rescue in Miles City that I’d bring them for the shoot next week.”
“Need an assistant?”
“I can always put you to work.” I take his hand. “They also would like some after-adoption videos. You know, showing how blissfully happy owners and rescues are—of course while using their products. ”
“Of course. They are happier with Toe Bean treats. Go ahead, get the stand.”
“I can just toss the newest catnip toy and film them chasing it.”
“Nah, Red. You’re getting in this one. You said owners and pets.”
A nervous laugh leaves me. I’m not afraid of being in front of the camera, but old feelings come roaring back. “I want to get views. That doesn’t happen with me. The kittens get views.”
He tugs me into him and plants a kiss on me. “Just this once.”
“Fine.” I give him a playful shove. “I’ll prove it to you.” And then he’ll cheer me up by getting me naked, definitely not on camera.
I set up the camera stand and the light, adjusting it to catch me playing with the kittens. Haven digs out the fishing pole toy that has feathers and catnip fish on the end.
“I’m just going to make it short and then get more content when I’m done rambling.”
His boots scrape on the floor of the barn as he moves out of the way.
I run my fingers through my hair. It doesn’t matter.
This will be a quick shot. I don’t even have to talk.
I hit record, take the toy from Haven, shoot him a smirk, and face the camera.
Tansy jumps out of the shadows to grab at the feathers.
Windy dances sideways. My laughter fills the barn. That will be genuine.
Meadow trots around us, and I spin in a circle, trying to get Windy to attack. I finish the rotation and gasp. I drop the toy, and my hands fly to my mouth.
Haven’s on one knee, Meadow sitting beside him, holding out a little velvet box.
Mountains in the backdrop on the other side of the barn, just like I pictured so many months ago.
But his home—our home—is also in view, and our rescues surround us.
“Prescott, I’ve been waiting for this day. Will you marry me?”
Elation sweeps through me. This is it. What I’ve wanted for so long, but I’m so glad I didn’t get it until Haven. “Yes, Haven. Absolutely yes.”
He rises, a big, handsome grin in place. “You’ve made me the happiest damn man.”
My hand’s trembling when I hold it out. He slides the ring on my finger. A perfect fit. “I’m going to love seeing this on you for the rest of my life.”
“I’m yours, Haven. I’ve wanted you since I met you.”
He cups my chin and kisses me. “You rescued me that day.”
If I’m not already a puddle for this guy, that does it.
He’s put himself out there for me in a way he’s never done for anyone.
“I’m going to marry you, Haven, and I’m going to love you forever.
We’re going to live in this house and rescue animals and raise kids someday, and we’re going to be happy. Together.”
His grin widens. “Because you’re my person, Red.”
I’m vibrating with giddiness. “I’m so going to post this.”
“You’re going to get a lot of rescues adopted if guys think they’ll get a sexy redhead out of it.”
“I’m thinking girls will go ditch diving if it makes cowboys show up.” I glance at the camera. “I’ll edit that part out.”
He pulls me closer. “You’re going to have a lot more to edit out.”
“Can we watch it first?” I whisper .
“Hell yes. Now let me make you mine.”
“I already am.”
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Thank you for reading Haven and Prescott’s story!