Epilogue
EPILOGUE
T itus Macklin had seen Whispering Oaks Ranch go through a lot of changes over the last few years. But nothing could have prepared him for this newest idea. Sierra starting a horse training facility was one thing, and Lawson training for rodeos was surprising, but this?
Who would have ever guessed that a family of seven rough and tumble brothers who did nothing better than chase cows and get dirty would be opening a wedding venue?
He wanted to laugh at the idea, but now he needed to keep it together as Lawson and Harper came walking toward him.
“Isn’t this place perfect?” Harper was saying to Lawson.
“Yeah, I think it will be great,” Lawson agreed.
Harper pulled her camera up to her eye and started snapping pictures. “I don’t know that I want to be the wedding photographer, but I can capture the images for the website.”
Titus appreciated that Harper took her role seriously as the social media manager for the ranch. Before she took over, no one ever said things like “for the website,” since there was no website. Now not only did they have a website, but profiles on all the social media platforms. Harper had really put Whispering Oaks Ranch on the map in new ways. That was when Katie suggested the idea of a wedding venue.
“I’ve already had people ask if we host weddings. One woman begged to have her ceremony here and said she would do all the work herself if we would just rent the field.”
Lawson scratched his head. “That still seems crazy to me, but I’m glad you think it will work.”
Titus cleared his throat and spoke up. “Remember, you said you would teach me some photography, Harper.”
Harper smiled. “I haven’t forgotten. That’s why I asked you to come today. Like I said, this isn’t exactly my forte, but it will be easier starting out with still objects and landscapes.” She pulled her camera strap over her hand and handed it to him. “Here, why don’t you take a few shots and see what you can come up with?”
Titus tried to hide his grin. This was exactly what they had been hoping for. “Sure.”
Harper walked with Lawson. “Over here is where we would build an archway for the ceremonies.” She turned and pointed. “And all the chairs would be out here for the guests. We will use the old cabin on the hill, once it’s renovated, of course, for the bridal party to get ready. Then they can ride over on horses or in the horse-drawn carriage to walk down the aisle.”
“That sounds nice. What would you do?” Lawson asked.
Harper turned and looked at him in surprise. “What would I do about what?”
“Would you ride on horses or in the carriage?”
She pressed her lips together and didn’t make eye contact with Lawson. “Oh, I don’t know. I haven’t thought about that.”
Lawson reached for her hand and turned her to face him. “Are you sure?”
Harper looked at him and tilted her head. “I don’t know, maybe.”
Titus positioned the camera. “Hey, why don’t the two of you pose, so I can take your picture? We can get an idea of what it will look like when couples get married right there.”
Lawson laughed nervously. “Sure, like this?” He took Harper in his arms and kissed her.
Harper smiled. “No, like this.” She stood, holding hands with Lawson as if they were saying vows to each other.
“Perfect,” Titus said, snapping a few pictures. “That looks great.” He checked the images on the back of the camera. “Here, try this. Turn back-to-back.”
Harper did as she was asked and put her back to Lawson’s.
“Great, just look off that way,” Titus said, trying to keep her from looking at Lawson.
Meanwhile, Lawson pulled something out of his pocket and held it where Titus and the camera could see.
He kept snapping pictures and focusing on his brother and Harper.
“Harper, take a few steps that way, but keep looking out over the field.” He waited as Lawson got down on one knee. “Now, turn around and face Lawson.”
Harper turned around and gasped when she saw him. Her hands flew to her mouth. “Oh my goodness!” She moved to Lawson, and he reached out and took her hand in one of his. With his other hand he held open the small box.
“Harper, I’ve never met anyone who captivates me like you do. You are kind and generous, and you’re fun and adventurous. I admire the way you put your heart into whatever you do, whether it’s photography or cooking or telling people about Jesus. I grew up here on this ranch, and for a little while, I thought maybe it wasn’t the place for me. But now I know I want to live here as long as God will let me. I want to stay here and make a home and a life with you. Harper Sullivan, will you be my wife?”
Harper pulled one hand up to wipe her tears. “Yes!”
Lawson slipped the diamond ring on her finger. He stood, took her face in his hands, and kissed her.
“I love you, Lawson.”
“I love you too, Harper.”
Harper kissed him then, wrapping her arms around his neck and drawing him close. They were completely enthralled with each other.
Then Harper heard the clicking of the camera and laughed as she looked at Titus. “You tricked me!”
Titus laughed and shrugged. “Sorry. We just knew you would want to have pictures of this moment.”
“So what do you say?” Lawson asked. “Think we can be the first couple to use the new wedding venue at Whispering Oaks?”
“Absolutely,” Harper said. “There’s nowhere else I would rather start our life together.”
As Harper and Lawson embraced, Titus stepped back and captured the moment. He couldn’t help but wonder what was next for him, but for now, he was happy for the newest couple in the family and the next chapter in all of their lives.
Ready for more from Whispering Oaks Ranch? Don’t miss Titus’s story in “ Forever for the Cowboy ”!