Conrad’s Epilogue
CONRAD’S EPILOGUE
One Year Later
“ S he’s so little,” Whit murmurs as he looks down at the swaddled baby fast asleep in his arms.
“I know, she’s like the size of a dang football,” Shooter says, gazing down at his brand-new baby girl with hearts in his eyes. “I can’t believe how little they come. I’m scared I’m going to break her.”
“You’re not going to break her,” Sterling chimes in as he walks back into the living room.
“How has she been for you guys?” Boone asks.
“Pretty good,” Shooter murmurs. “Better than we expected. Although, last night, she didn’t want to sleep from midnight until close to three.”
There’s a knock at the front door a moment before it opens, in walking Cope and Xander, both of their eyes immediately finding little Hattie in Whit’s arms. “Sorry we’re late,” Xander says in a hushed tone. “Tess had a doctor’s appointment, and we wanted to be there. It ran long.”
“No worries,” Shooter says. “Get your asses over here and see your niece, though.”
After they kick off their shoes, they both shuffle into the kitchen to wash their hands before joining us in the living room.
“How’s Tess and the baby?” Sterling asks.
I don’t understand how it worked out, but Shooter and Cope were able to find two surrogates around the same time. So, while Shooter and Sterling’s daughter was just born, Cope and Xander’s son, Nash, should be here within the next few weeks.
“They’re both good,” Xander says proudly. “Nash was very active today during the ultrasound.”
“When’s her due date?” Whit asks.
“A week from today.”
The front door opens again, and we all turn our heads and look in that direction as Colt, Will, and Suzy, Boone’s daughter, stroll in.
“We got the snacks!” Suzy exclaims as she kicks out of her shoes. “Uncle Colt got me a popsicle too for after dinner!”
“Of course, he did, “Boone says under his breath as Colt smirks at him.
“They don’t call me the fun uncle for nothing,” Colt quips.
“Literally nobody calls you that except Suzy,” Boone tosses back, shaking his head as a grin breaks through, and we all laugh as Colt flips him off.
“You’re not supposed to do that, Uncle Colt,” Suzy drawls, coming to sit right in between Whit and I so she can be as close to Hattie as possible.
“Have your parents been by yet?” I ask Shooter.
“Yeah, my mom stopped by this morning to drop off a few things. They’ll both be here tonight for dinner.”
“What about your folks?” I flit my gaze to Sterling.
“They fly in tomorrow,” he explains. “Their flight wasn’t scheduled for another week, but since Savannah went into labor early, they were able to switch their flight.”
“What about Daisy?” Whit asks, passing Hattie off to Cope as he sits beside him.
“She’s coming to town this weekend with Clem.”
“How’s she liking her new surroundings?” Whit asks.
“It’s different, but she’s loving it, or so she says.” Shooter shrugs before flicking his gaze to mine. “Want to help me with the food?”
“Sure.”
Standing up, I follow him toward the kitchen. We all came over to their place this afternoon to meet baby Hattie. They just brought her home from the hospital two days ago, and we’ve all been anxious to see her. But that’s not the only reason we’re here.
As soon as we’re away from watching eyes, Shooter turns to me. “You ready for this?” he asks, a mischievous grin on his face.
“Yes, Shooter,” I drawl.
“Let me see it.” He holds out his hand.
Sighing, I reach into my pocket and pull out the little maroon box. I take a look around and make sure nobody is coming before placing it in his waiting palm.
Shooter opens the box, looking at the ring placed inside. “Is this the same ring from the first time or new?”
Today marks exactly one year since Whit and I got back together, and while I’ve wanted to do this for a while, it was important to Whit that we took things slow, so alas, I’ve waited. But I’m not waiting anymore. It’s time.
I shake my head. “It’s new, but I used diamonds from my mom’s wedding ring to put in this one.”
“Shit, he’s going to love this. Good job, man.” Glancing up, he asks, “When are you going to do it?”
“After we eat, maybe?” I say with a shrug. “Are you sure it’s okay that we do this here? Today is about you guys and Hattie. I don’t want to impose.”
“Knock it off, old man.” Shooter hands me the ring box back, and I slip it into my pocket for safekeeping. “Today is your anniversary and we’re all here. It’s the perfect time. Everybody is going to want to be present anyway, you know that.”
“Fine, if you’re sure.”
“I am. Now, help me get the grill ready while I get the meat prepped.”
The next hour passes by in a breeze as I work the grill, cooking up the burgers and dogs for everybody. Whit, Grady, and Xander prep the side dishes while the rest of the guys watch the game on the TV, and Suzy sits on the couch, holding Hattie, looking like she’s in heaven. She doesn’t even want to put her down when it’s time to eat, but eventually she does, and we all sit around the living room—because there’s way too many of us to fit around their dining room table—and scarf down our lunch.
My insides are in knots the closer we get to finishing. This isn’t the first time I’ve proposed to Whit, and I know he’s going to say yes, so I’m not sure why I’m so damn nervous. This past year of having him back has been nothing short of incredible. It hasn’t been perfect, but we’re definitely in a much better place than we were when we were married the first time. Our communication is infinitely better, we’re in couples therapy once a month, which surprisingly isn’t as bad as I thought it would be, and as of two months ago, he sold his house and moved back into the ranch with me and nana, who now lives in Copper Lake full time.
After we finish eating, Boone, Cope, and Colt clean everything up, and as soon as they’re finished and join us in the living room again, Shooter gives me a look , and I know it’s time. My heart beats erratically, my throat tightening, and my mouth dries as I stand up and take a few steadying breaths.
The room falls silent as all eyes, including Whit’s, come to me. Reaching into my pocket, I grab the box, pulling it out before dropping onto one knee in front of him. Whit’s breath catches in his throat as he watches me with wide, curious eyes, a blush already taking over his cheeks and neck.
“Wh-what are you doing?” he whispers, eyes alternating between my face and the box in my hand.
“I love you,” I start.
“I love you too, Connie,” he murmurs cautiously.
“We’ve been here before, and there was a time in my life when I never thought we’d find ourselves here again. You are the only person I’ve ever been in love with, the only person I will ever be in love with. You are the better part of my soul, and having you by my side has made me a better man. You never let me take myself too seriously, and you’re always making me laugh. I’m constantly in awe of the man you’ve become over the years. Life is a beautiful journey with you in it, and I never want to experience another day without you by my side.”
Wiping a hand over his wet cheeks, he smiles through the tears.
I open the velvet box, presenting it to him. “Whittaker Bowman, will you please do me the absolute honor of being my husband, again?”
More tears fall as he nods. “Yes, of course, I will.”
My vision blurs as I slip the ring on his finger, our friends around us clapping and cheering as quietly as they can as to not disturb Hattie, and as soon as the ring is on, Whit’s in my arms, squeezing me tightly as his shoulders shake.
“I love you,” he murmurs against my ear. “I love you so damn much, Conrad Strauss.”
“I love you more than anything, Whit. Thank you for coming back to me, for letting me love you, and for loving me.”
“Alright,” Shooter calls out. “Now, don’t forget to name me in your vows. You know, since I’m the reason you two got back together.”
Whit laughs, pulling back.
“That’s not what happened,” I deadpan, brow arched as I look over at the pain in my ass who I can’t help but love like family.
Shooter smirks at me. “Whatever you say.”
Whit and I share a glance, my chest swelling as I take in the man who will soon once again be my husband.
How the hell did I get so lucky?