Epilogue
Jessie
The green grass squishes under my feet, wet from the spring rains. I weave through the headstones, taking a familiar path.
“Hi, Gran,” I say, setting down the bouquet of flowers. “Trey picked these up this morning. We’re leaving for the summer run of rodeos today, and he knew I’d want to stop by on our way out of town and see you. That man’s as sweet as ever, and he misses you, too.”
Knox retired last year, and I started traveling with Trey full time.
I never returned to nursing, but that’s okay.
I found a new passion in managing professional rodeo athletes.
After seeing the mess that was Trey’s sponsorship organization, brand, and social media management, I offered to take it over.
One thing led to the next, and now I manage close to a dozen athletes.
On top of that, I accidentally grew my own platform on social media by posting about rodeo life, travel, and western fashion.
Now, with over 500,000 followers, I have my own brand deals and partnerships.
It’s more than I ever could’ve dreamed of once upon a time, and I love every second of the life we’ve built together.
I sweep dry grass clippings off Gran’s stone with my hand, remembering all the times she’d bring me here when she needed to “talk with Edward for a bit,” as she’d say.
“They poured the foundation for our new house this week. I can’t wait to live on the ranch—it’s always felt like home to me.”
Six months ago, Cody offered us a piece of land on the ranch.
It was unexpected, and at first I refused, but he said, “Jessie, you know you’ve always been a daughter to me, and a sister to Kacey and Carson.
You have always been a part of this family, even when you didn’t think you were.
Trey is family now, too. We want you both here with us, if that’s what you want.
” Who could say no to that? So we accepted.
“And with Trey working there when he’s not on the road, it’s perfect,” I continue.
“He’s making every single one of my home design dreams come true.
He even snagged your window boxes before your house sold, and I can’t wait to put them on the new house.
” I smile softly, thinking of the boxes on our current house, overflowing with purple and white flowers.
Trey built them instead of using Gran’s, so we can take hers to our forever home and leave these for the new renters.
We couldn’t bring ourselves to sell the little house we fell in love in, so we’re renting it out.
“I wish you’d be able to see it, but more than that .
. .” I lower my voice to a whisper. “I wish you could see the huge diamond ring I found in his underwear drawer last weekend.” I can’t help but giggle.
I expect nothing less from Trey—hiding the ring in the drawer I put his laundry away in like I wouldn’t find it.
“It’s beautiful, Gran. You would love it.
I think you’d love a lot of things in my life now.
Because I’m doing what you said, living and loving.
I love him so much it’s hard to breathe sometimes. ”
I shove my hands in my pockets. The cool spring air sends a chill across my skin.
“We have more travel plans. I know, I know, we just got back from Costa Rica. But Trey’s always wanted to go to Australia, so we’re headed there after the summer run of rodeos, which I’m so excited for.
I love rodeoing with him. Kacey was right—I’m a great bull rider’s girlfriend—or soon-to-be fiancé. ” I glance behind me.
Trey leans against the side of the truck, his blond hair falling into his face, blue eyes fixed on me.
Pickle sits beside him, tail wagging. Adopting him was one of the best decisions we’ve made yet.
Even though we spoil him rotten and it’s been a constant battle to see which of us he loves more, he’s comforted me while grieving, kept Trey company on the road, and brought us both hours of entertainment.
Trey knew I wanted a dog, but I don’t think he realized how much he needed one.
I’ll never admit it, but Pickle does love him slightly more, and that’s okay.
Trey has gone from a fly-by-the-seat-of-his-pants playboy/cowboy to steady and settled. He’s the kind of cowboy you count on, not chase. I’m so proud to be the woman he loves.
“I miss you so much. I hope you can see that I’m happy—happier than I ever thought possible. I love Trey, and I can’t wait to be his wife.” I kiss two fingers before pressing them to the headstone. Then, I turn and walk toward my future and the love of my life.