Epilogue
“She looks so happy.”
I press a hand to my heart, watching our oldest daughter, Addie, talking to the instructor. She’s been around horses her whole life, but this will be her first time riding one independently. Today is the orientation for the ranch’s youngest group of kids. When they’re this little, we start ‘em out with Daisy, our sweet pony, and keep the lesson groupings as small as possible. Besides Addie, there’s only one other child, a seven-year-old little boy named Cash.
As Beckett and I watch, Addie takes a few steps closer to her new friend and whispers something in his ear. At first, he gives her a funny look, but then in the next moment, he smiles when Addie grabs his hand.
I lean into my husband. “This seems familiar.”
He smiles. “Lord help that little boy. She is definitely her mama’s girl.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Darlin’, I never had a chance of resisting you. You were a pushy little thing. Wouldn’t take no for an answer.”
I laugh, playfully jabbing him. “Really? Is that how it went?”
“That’s how I remember it.” Beck shrugs.
I give him a wry look. “I think your memory is failing you in your old age.”
“Honey, I just turned thirty-nine. My memory—among other things—works just fine.” He gives me his I’m undressing you with my eyes look, which, predictably, makes me shiver.
“I’m perfectly aware of how well those ‘other things’ work. You’ve knocked me up every other year since we got married, Beckett.” I rub my small baby bump. “And she’s takin’ up the last bedroom in the house, so I think you’ve made your point.”
“You’re back to thinkin’ it’s a girl again?” He smirks. “I thought we’ve discussed this. Fourth time’s a charm for a boy.”
“First of all, I believe the saying is third time’s a charm. Secondly, it’s definitely a girl. I can’t stop craving Cream of Wheat and fried okra.”
For a solid month, that’s all I wanted to eat when I was pregnant with Addie, and the same craving lasted two months with her sisters, Bailey and Savannah.
Beck wraps his free arm around my shoulder. “We’ll find out one way or the other soon enough. And if you’re right, we’ll just have to build a bigger house.”
My eyes widen as I take a few steps away and point an accusatory finger at him. “Oh, no. You keep your super sperm away from me. I’m done after this.”
“Mama, what’s pooper sperm?” Bailey asks from her perch on her daddy’s hip.
My husband laughs. “Yeah, Mama. What is that?”
I glare at him as I adjust Savannah on my hip. “You’re lucky I like you so much.”
He laughs, pulling me into him again. “Oh, honey, you more than like me. When we get these little angels to bed later, I’ll be happy to remind you.”
“I’m sure you will.” I laugh, rolling my eyes.
He nods to the kids. “Pay attention, woman. This is history in the making. Mark my words: that little boy will be smitten by the time this lesson is over.”
“Smitten?” I raise my eyebrows. “Is that what you were on the day we met?”
“Damn straight, Pres.” He kisses my temple. “And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
I smile. “Me neither, Cowboy. Me neither.”