Epilogue
EMERSON
“Thank you all for coming tonight. Mama would have truly been overjoyed to see how her dream has become such a thriving, enchanting place for all those who come and stay. We appreciate everything you all have done to support us over this past year, and we thought Mama’s birthday would be the perfect day to fully christen the ranch.
Let’s raise our glasses and toast Wildflower Ranch, for a successful first year! ”
Cheers and whistles ring out into the crisp October air as I sit down next to Henley. She cooked an amazing meal, all my Mama’s favorites, including her favorite lemon pie. For someone who was always so sweet, my Mama was a tad obsessed with all things sour.
Henley’s family, along with Harper and Melody, joined my father and I tonight to celebrate the ranch’s one year anniversary. As I sit back and watch everyone laugh and enjoy their meal, my heart has never been so full. We’ve accomplished everything that Mama wanted, and more.
The ranch has become so popular, we’re already booking well into fall of next year.
After Seth James came to stay to see what Henley left his offer for, he wrote a raving review for Food and Travel magazine.
That was the kickoff to guests flocking to our ranch by the masses.
We’ve even begun plans to expand and add more cabins in the spring, and we’re already working on building onto the event barn space so that Henley can start teaching weekly cooking classes.
Dad and I have been working together, our relationship growing back to the strength it once was.
I took over as guide for our horse excursions, and I’m absolutely loving being back in the saddle again.
I had forgotten how much I’d loved riding.
It used to be something Mama and I would do before she got sick.
I also convinced my Dad to go in with me and invest in two more Porsches.
We even added another excursion for guests.
Now they can take racing lessons with me out on the track.
Even though I may not be racing professionally anymore, I still get to enjoy the thrill of a drive every day.
Things have never been better.
But there’s still one thing left unfinished.
My pulse rises. Perspiration rolls slowly down my neck as I dab it with a napkin.
Ryleigh clears his throat across the table and waggles his brows.
I shoot him a glare and he chuckles into his glass a whiskey.
Tripp catches on and nudges his son’s shoulder, only making him laugh harder.
That draws my father’s attention. He gives me a knowing look, tilting his head as if to say, “Now’s the time. ”
Jesus, now the whole damn table has their eyes on me.
So much for keeping a secret.
Thankfully, the one person I need distracted is currently devouring a slice of lemon pie. Completely oblivious to all the attention. Palming the side of my pocket, I make sure that what I need is still there.
I clear my throat and turn toward Henley, pressing my lips together at the adorable sight.
She’s trying to scrape the last remaining bits of lemon crème on her plate.
Thoroughly impressed, I watch her scoop up every last bit until the plate is almost as clean as it was before.
As she slides the spoon between her lips, my heart flutters as I hear a little moan slip free.
Laughter rumbles deep in my chest, pulling her gaze—and everyone else’s—to mine. I clear my throat and everyone remains silent at the table.
“Henley, will you stand with me?” My voice cracks, and her eyes grow as big as saucers.
Ryleigh chuckles, earning himself another swat. This time from Mama Cole.
Hen begins to tremble, so I slowly help her out of her chair. All eyes are on her, and her cheeks flush a ruby red. She’s never been one to have all eyes on her.
“What are you doing, Em?” she whispers between us. A grin pulls at my lips as I pull the small velvet box I’ve been holding on to for the past three months out of my pocket.
Her breath hitches, and the rest of the table falls silent as I lower down to one knee.
“You’ve been a part of my life from the very beginning, Henley. Woven into every fiber of my being, engrained in the deepest parts of my soul. Though it may have taken me a while to finally see it—”
Laughter explodes around the table, bringing a smile to Hen’s nervous face. Her shoulders relax and so do mine.
“Though it took me a while to finally see it, I think I’ve always known that you would be the one for me.
You’ve been with me through every stage of my life.
We’ve weathered every storm, fought against the darkness, and created new dreams. All of it we’ve done together.
There is not a day that goes by that I don’t want to be surrounded by your light.
Henley Rae Cole, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife? ”
She folds her arms across her chest, and her brow rises. “Did you just full name me?”
Tossing her a playful shrug, I open the box with her ring. “Figured it’s the only way you’d listen. It’s always worked for me.”
Lifting my Mama’s gold square-cut emerald ring out of the box, I patiently wait for her answer.
“Is that . . .?” She pauses as tears fill her eyes as she stares at the ring.
“Autumn would have wanted you to have it,” my Dad whispers from beside me. She mouths a silent thank you, and he presses his hand over his heart. Then her sights turn back to me as I stand.
“So, what will it be, Trouble?”
A smirk stretches across her lips, and she grips onto the bottom of my shirt to pull me closer. “Emerson Alexander Lane, I would love to be your wife.”
I slide the ring over her finger, and celebratory cheers ring out around us as I pull her into a deep kiss. When we finally come up for air, her palm cups the side of my cheek.
“I love you, Emerson.”
“I love you, Henley. Forever and always.”