Epilogue #2
Yes, they were, and Ellie could hardly wait.
The hour-and-a-half drive went by quickly, and soon Ellie was taking in the splendor of their honeymoon destination.
It was almost twilight, which only added to the ambiance.
The sky was caught between deep blue and stormy gray, an enchanting contrast to the vivid, snow-frosted trees—a mixture of redwoods, cedars, and pines.
“I have to say,” Nash said with the shake of his head, “I’m still surprised that you wanted a place like this for our honeymoon. Part of me figured you’d pick someplace tropical.”
Ellie glanced over, gave his hand a squeeze, and enjoyed the rapid flutter of her heart as Nash glanced over to meet her gaze. Wow, he looked good in a tux. Ellie couldn’t help but swoon every time she looked at him.
“I knew what I wanted,” she assured, “I’m just glad you wanted it too.
I’ve spent enough time at tropical resorts.
” Having treated herself to such getaways after most of her shoots, that was one life experience she’d had in spades.
“But,” she added, “if you’re ever craving that sort of vacation, I’ll totally be up for it. ”
“Good to know,” Nash said. “Maybe for our one-year anniversary.”
Ellie grinned, already looking forward to it.
She hadn’t known that Wild Buck’s had a sister ranch until she reached out about booking a honeymoon suite.
They had more impressive suites, she was told, at their location along Blackfoot River.
And more impressive was right. In truth, Ellie would have been happy staying at the family’s cabin by Feather Lake, but they’d have plenty of time to do that.
Besides, she wanted their getaway to be something special for Nash, too.
After seeing just a few photos of the place, he was stoked about the option.
And though he hadn’t obsessively scrolled through all the online images like Ellie had, she knew he’d be just as pleased with everything this place had to offer.
A fabulous list of food options, a spectacular view, and activities like dogsledding, snowmobiling, and sleigh rides.
Through occasional breaks in the trees, Ellie spotted the wide, lulling river. Glistening mounds of snow gathered along the edges and topped the tall rocks in the river’s bed.
“Should we roll down the windows and see if we can hear it,” she asked, a childlike excitement brewing in her chest.
“Definitely,” Nash said.
They lowered their windows, and Ellie grinned as the steady hush echoed throughout the cab of the truck.
“Wow,” she said. “That is spectacular.”
“I’ll say,” Nash said. “And our place is right on the ledge?”
“Yep, overlooking the river at its widest breadth. It’s going to be incredible.” She sighed, rolling her window back up as Nash did the same. “Speaking of incredible…that was the best wedding ever.”
Nash nodded. “Hands down." He gave her hand a squeeze. "And now we're fixing to have the best honeymoon ever, too."
It sounded like a promise, one that went all the way to her tummy, triggering that warm, addictive pull.
When Pastor Dean told Nash he could kiss the bride, Nash had dipped Ellie low and made a show of it right there in the chapel.
The crowd cheered, the camera lights flashed, and Ellie enjoyed her very first kiss as Nash’s wife.
Now, she’d experience more firsts with him, and she could hardly wait.
It had taken them a while to select just the right site. They’d looked at everything the place had to offer: indoor, outdoor, lodges, and tents. They finally settled on a spot that had a little of everything.
Fashioned with textured logs, illuminated by a spectacular chandelier and cozy side lamps, their glamping structure offered all the luxuries of indoor amenities with all the outdoor benefits.
Their large patio overlooking the river rested beneath a massive canopy with windows that unzipped to allow for cool breezes, fresh pine scents, and the sounds of the river.
The entire front peeled back, allowing for a full, unhindered view while plentiful heaters kept the area warm.
The interior was inspiring, to say the least. It made Ellie want to decorate in a similar fashion when she and Nash got their home built.
She didn’t have to pull up the pictures to recall the matching log dresser, standing mirror, and gorgeous, queen-size bed since, in Nash’s words, a king was far too big, and he wanted Ellie close.
The accenting quilts and pillows, along with the colorful rug at the center of the room, created the perfect, posh country feel.
While the structure had its own private bathroom, complete with a flushing toilet, running sinks, and a dual shower, the tub—a spectacular hammered copper piece—stood at the foot of their bed beside a stunning stone fireplace.
Thick, luxurious Bride and Groom robes would be waiting for them, along with the custom cozy slippers that Ellie had special ordered as a surprise.
Nash didn't know it, but she’d found the digital logo he made for their first camping excursion at Wild Bucks.
She couldn’t wait for him to slip his feet into the slippers and see that very logo on top.
At last, they pulled up to their site. “Stay here so I can carry you over the threshold," Nash said. With that, he flung open his door and stepped out of the truck.
She watched him hurry up to the front entrance, pull out his phone to retrieve the keycode, and then tap in the numbers to open the door.
Ellie bit her lip as he strode determinedly back to the truck, those seductive eyes set on her.
A delicious thrill tightened her tummy. Nash Copeland was ninety-five percent gentleman, five percent rogue, and one hundred percent hers.
Now was the time they’d finally explore all the avenues they'd reserved for this very night.
She considered all the late nights and long kisses, the growing desire for more; tonight, there would be no holding back, and the thought sent another wave of delight through her core.
Ellie unfastened her seatbelt, tossed the blanket onto the seat, and shimmied closer to the door as Nash pulled it open. He moved in with a sense of confidence, sliding one arm beneath her lap while cradling her back with the other.
He moved his mouth to her ear and let out a low growl. "You’re all mine."
And then he was lifting her out of the truck, kicking the door closed, and carrying her effortlessly to the entrance.
A glance about the place said it was just as the pictures showed, but Ellie was too distracted to appreciate it just yet. Too focused on the way Nash kicked the front door closed, moved her to the bed, then lowered her on its pillowy softness.
He moved over top of her, and the warm weight of him made her moan with appreciation.
Nash brought his mouth to hers in a manner that said he’d been holding back more than she’d suspected.
Until now, she’d sensed a level of restraint behind his kisses—his intent to pull back, cool things down, and call it a night.
There was a different sort of promise behind this kiss—a promise for more.
That notion added to the excitement as she savored the intoxicating push and pull of each kiss, their desire mounting with every breath.
His hands moved confidently but slowly, too, showing that he planned to take his time so they could savor each sensation.
Ellie had never allowed a man to help her out of a dress, let alone a wedding gown, but as Nash encouraged her to stand, took her by the hips to spin her in place, and began slowly unzipping the silky dress, Ellie mentally check-marked the experience with a flourish.
She'd never admit it, but Ellie had often fantasized about the moment she would unbutton Nash’s shirt and unfasten his belt. Now, as she did that very thing, relishing his hungry kisses, she was all the more glad they'd waited for this perfect night, made all the sweeter by their vows of devotion.
Nash pulled away from her to dim the lights and bolt the door. Ellie stood beside the bed, anxious for him to return, dying to be in his arms once again.
This time, when Nash’s warm hands encircled her waist, goose bumps rippled up her arms in a pleasing wave.
"So beautiful," he murmured before owning her kiss once again.
And as they sank back onto the bed, passion burning between them, Ellie prepared herself for yet another life experience she wasn't sure she'd attain. Tonight, she’d lie down with the man who loved her, who'd sworn and devoted his life to her, and like many of the other experiences she'd taken part in—Ellie planned to enjoy it.
What a beautiful gift life was.
She might have missed out on playing the role of Melody on the big screen and whatever features might have followed, but Ellie somehow knew this was where she belonged.
Here, in Blue Sky Country, is where that future was meant to unfold.
Here, she and Nash would discover the way their real story would end.
So far, it was off to a great start.
The End
Read Shay’s Cowboy Constant, Book 8 from the Sweet Montana Bride Series here.