Amnesia

Chapter Twenty-Nine – Mallory

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

Mallory

A cool, late-summer breeze blew my hair softly as I sat on the back porch, petting Piper.

Life on a ranch was busy, and so much had happened in the short couple of months since Jonathon and David were arrested, I took any rare opportunity I could to be lazy.

Much of my time was spent working as Liam’s assistant, and learning everything there was to know about cattle ranching and horse breeding.

I wasn’t sure which side I liked better.

Liam just laughed and insisted I didn’t have to have a favorite, and that he just appreciated the workload that I’d taken off of him by agreeing to work for him.

I’d learned to ride a horse and was pretty darn good, if I said so myself.

In early August, I helped with breeding season—and learned more about horse breeding than I’d ever wanted to.

My days were also filled with helping around the ranch, quilting classes with MaryAnne—where I’d met so many new friends—and learning how to do things like canning food and prepping a garden for fall planting.

Plus, there was spending time with Krista and the baby, whom they ended up naming LeeAnne.

It was a mix of my middle name and MaryAnne’s name.

It had been such an honor, and I wasn’t sure why she had decided against Chad and Liam’s mom’s name.

All that mattered was she and Chad were happy, and Chad had even quit his job and started his own company so that he could be home with Krista and LeeAnne.

I’d honestly went from one extreme to the other. From having no friends or family, to having a wonderful man who loved me so much, and friends who became my family. It was all born from tragedy, which made their importance in my life even greater.

On the days Liam took off, we often packed ourselves a picnic and took Piper with us to sit for hours by one of the creeks on the ranch, relaxing and talking.

It was always glorious. Nights were always filled with Liam.

We spent our time watching movies, sitting by the fire when it was chilly enough, and talking about our days.

Then we’d head to our bedroom and get lost in one another.

It was hard to imagine my life anywhere but here on the ranch.

I was so happy, a part of me was waiting for the floor to fall away.

But I was working with a therapist to get past those feelings and to talk through those few days I was held captive.

I hadn’t realized how much it had impacted me until I was having nightmares nearly every night.

Liam walked out and handed me a cup of hot tea. “It’s a beautiful day, isn’t it?”

I smiled. “It is.”

“Enjoy it, because winter will be here before you know it.”

Blowing on the tea, I took a sip. “I’m not afraid of winter. I grew up in Illinois, remember?”

A smirk appeared on his handsome face. “I’m pretty sure we get a heck of a lot more snow here. Have you ever been skiing?”

Shaking my head, I replied, “Nope. Never even been on a snowmobile, either.”

His brows shot up. “Well then, in that case, I can’t wait for the snow. That’s one of Bubba’s favorite things to do in the winter—ride the snowmobiles along the fence line.”

I laughed. “Speaking of Bubba…MaryAnne told me she overheard him in the barn earlier today, on the phone with someone, making plans to go out tomorrow night.”

Liam looked at me with a shocked expression. “You mean, like, on a date?”

“You didn’t know?” I asked, sitting forward in my chair.

He shook his head. “No!” He grinned. “Man, this whole MaryAnne and Mallory gossip line is amazing. I’m getting all the chatter on the guys.”

Another round of laughter slipped free. “We don’t gossip, we simply hear things and share what we feel is worthy of sharing.”

His brows rose. “You gossip. I can’t imagine what those quilting classes you both take are like. Some of Grass Range’s biggest gossipers are teaching the things.”

I took another drink of my tea. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.

Though, I will say that in quilting class earlier this week, Mrs. Knox told us that a new mystery cowboy showed up at Mitch Tanner’s place.

Rumor has it, it’s a son he never knew about it.

Explains why he didn’t want any visitors. ”

“Really? How could he not have known about him?”

Raising my brows, I took a sip of my tea.

“An affair?” I gasped, causing Mallory to giggle.

“Yes!”

“Now I know what he’s been so darn grumpy about.”

“I guess so.”

Liam exhaled and said, “I heard from Agent Hollows earlier today.”

“Really? What did he say?”

“He wanted to let me know that they arrested the rest of Jonathon’s group in the sex trafficking, and in the process, saved ten women.”

I nearly dropped the cup I was holding. “Ten women?”

“All kidnapped from the Pacific Northwest over the last two years, and thankfully, back home safe with their families.”

Setting the cup down on the small table, I wrapped my arms around my body. “Those poor women.”

“Yeah, he said some were teenagers.”

I blinked rapidly to hold back my tears.

“Jonathon ended up telling them who was in the rest of the ring. By you having the courage to escape, you saved their lives, Mallory.”

Shaking my head, I said, “No, it wasn’t me. They would have eventually gotten Jonathon.”

“Think that if you want, but even Agent Hollows said you escaping brought them to Jonathon quicker.”

“I think we should change the subject.”

He smiled. “I think that’s a great idea. How about we visit the barn. I have a surprise for you in there.”

“In the barn, huh? That’s a new place.”

Tossing his head back and laughing, he said, “No, not that kind of surprise, but…I’d be down for that if you are.”

“Duly noted, sir.”

He stood and reached for my hand. We walked back into the kitchen, and I rinsed out our mugs.

“Ready?” he asked, a look of excitement all over his face.

“Ready.”

He took my hand in his again and we made our way out the back door, toward the barn. Piper ran ahead, barking like she was just as excited as Liam.

“Is she in on the surprise?” I asked in a teasing voice.

“She is not, but I bet she thinks we’re going riding.”

I pouted. “Poor baby. I hope you at least have a treat for her in the barn.”

Liam didn’t say anything. The closer we got to the barn, the more nervous he seemed.

It felt like butterflies flew into my stomach as my own nerves started up. What in the world could be making him so nervous?

The main sliding barn doors were closed, so Liam walked us around to the side of the barn.

He stopped at the door, his hand on the knob.

Turning to me, he said, “I never in my life thought I could love someone as much as I love you, Mallory. It happened so fast, and under the craziest of circumstances, but I’m so glad you got away… and ran in the direction you did.”

My heart pounded in my chest. “I am, too.”

Liam opened the door, and we walked into the barn. I gasped at the sight before me. “Liam! When did you do this? It’s beautiful…oh my gosh!”

White lights were strung across the barn’s upper beams, giving it a soft, romantic glow. In the middle of the barn floor, a large blanket was spread out, with pillows and a few more folded blankets stacked on it. Piper had already made herself at home, her head resting on one of the pillows.

“This is so lovely!”

He guided us over to the blanket and motioned me to sit down. There was a bucket filled with ice and a bottle of champagne. Liam poured a glass and handed it to me.

“Thank you,” I said with a wide smile. He poured a glass for himself as well and sat down.

He slowly let out a breath. “It’s hard to believe it’s only been three months since you entered my life, Mallory.

I can honestly say I barely remember life before you.

You’ve brought me joy and happiness that I never knew was possible.

After Emily, I wasn’t sure I could ever love again.

Then I found you that night in the storm, and everything changed.

I think I instantly fell in love as I watched you sleep that first day.

The fierce way I needed to protect you was something I’d never felt before.

I hate that you came into my life the way you did, but I will forever thank God for bringing you to me regardless.

My life feels complete with you in it, and I never want to live without you. ”

He took the glass from me and laughed. “I think I should have waited to pour these.”

Downing his, he set the glass down and stood. He reached for my hands and helped me up. Then, he reached into his pocket, pulled out a black velvet box, and got down on one knee.

My hand flew to my mouth, and a sob slipped free.

“Mallory Lee Wilson, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

Dropping to my knees, I threw my arms around him and cried. He held me tightly, and I had never in my entire life felt such pure love and happiness. Drawing back, I wiped my tears away and looked into his sky-blue eyes. “Yes! Yes, I will marry you, Liam!”

His own tears fell, and he took the ring out and slipped it onto my hand…a single, round solitaire diamond on a white-gold band.

“This was my mother’s ring.”

A new round of sobs hit me as I attempted to focus through my watery vision. “It’s beautiful. I’ll treasure it with my whole heart.”

He cupped my face and brushed the tears away with his thumbs. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

He kissed me, and I suddenly saw my future.

I was married to a cowboy who raised cattle and horses.

Two little kids—a boy and a girl, brown, curly hair on both—ran in our front yard as their father chased after them.

It was a life full of love and happiness, and it was more than I’d ever dreamed of.

“Can I ask you one question?” I asked as I ran my finger along his jawline.

“You can ask me as many questions as you like.”

“If Jumping Joy competes in the Derby, can I come?”

He smiled so big, the corners of his eyes crinkled. “Only if you promise to wear one of those ridiculous hats and we’re married by then.”

My eyes went wide. “Married?”

“Too soon?”

Laughing, I threw myself against him, causing him to fall back onto the blanket. Looking down at the man I loved, I replied, “It’s a deal!”