EPILOGUE
DAVIE
ONE YEAR LATER
“So, you’re doing okay?” I ask for the umpteenth time, and Jessica rolls her eyes, shifting in her chair.
“Yes, I’m fine. I’ve made friends and joined this group that makes quilts for hospital kids. It gets me out of my cell and keeps me busy.”
“Good, good…”
Cormac bumps my shoulder with his. “She likes to worry about the people she loves, but I’m working on helping her relax.” He winks at me, causing a blush to bloom on my cheeks.
We’ve visited Jessica a few times since getting custody of Jesse. The first time Cormac met Jessica again after their one-night stand was awkward for us, but once that hurdle was jumped, things fell into an easy flow.
Jessica likes seeing Jesse, even if she’s relieved that Cormac and I are more his parents than she is.
“Good luck.” Jessica chuckles, poking my crossed arms on the metal table. “Davie’s programmed to be a mother hen—pecking and prodding, concerning herself with every little thing about her chicks.”
“Guess it’s nice I’ll have backup when Linnea moves to High Ridge,” Cormac teases with a glint in his eyes.
After months of long-distance, I finally convinced Linnea to ditch the job she hated for one on the Rocking M Ranch as Connor’s assistant. His old one retired six weeks ago, and it’s been hell searching for a replacement—his words, not mine.
“Damn, everyone’s leaving for High Ridge. Maybe I’ll head that way once my time’s served,” Jessica muses.
My expression remains neutral. No way will Jessica survive long in a small town like High Ridge. She enjoys city life too much.
I’m guessing that will be tenfold after being cooped up in prison for a few years.
“You’re always welcome for a visit,” Cormac says diplomatically, and I hide a smile.
My husband has come a long way since the first time I saw him stomping across the ranch to punch a guy. His temper is rarely seen these days.
Connor says he’s mellowed in his old age, but I think it’s more of Jesse’s influence. Cormac is a wonderful dad. Always careful with his words and actions, so his son emulates the best parts of his dad.
Just like Cormac did with his father.
It’s sweet seeing them together on the ranch, even though Jesse is still too young to do much more than pet the animals and watch Cormac from the sidelines.
A corrections officer walks up to our table, sidestepping Jesse’s stroller where he’s been napping for the last half hour.
“Visitation is over. Time to go.”
Jessica sighs but stands without complaint. “Thanks for coming to see me.” She hugs me then pats Jesse’s head. Cormac gets a chin lift in farewell which is fine by him.
“Of course. You’re family.”
And she inadvertently gave me mine: Jesse and Cormac.
For that, I’ll always be thankful.
***
The Mountain Men of High Ridge series continues in Mountain Beast: A Curvy Good Girl/Bad Boy Romance!