Epilogue
“Not again,” Ethan groaned, rolling his eyes as he slipped his foot into the stirrup and hopped onto the saddle like he’d been riding all his life, which he pretty much had.
“Yes, son. That’s what it’s like.” The ranch had big problems over the years, but Ethan had to start off small if he was to be one of the owners in the future.
Gage had been in a good mood all day because tomorrow was Hope and his anniversary of the day they met twelve years ago and the love in his heart only grown to the point he felt his chest would explode.
“This is the third fence we need to repair in the past week. Maybe we should do a sweep of the entire line and make sure they’re all good.
” Gage smiled at his oldest, waiting for the day that he’d say something like that.
There were several fence issues that needed to be repaired, and the men already knew it, but it was a lesson he wanted his boy to learn.
They all had been waiting and he’d figured it out.
“That’s a great idea, son. Let’s head on out and run the line.
I’ll give Bill a call and let him know the plan and then we can get started.
” Gage hadn’t missed the glee on his son’s face as he celebrated a win.
This was one of the joys of his life. He could have a dozen children with Hope, and it might never be enough.
So far they had four boys, but he knew they both wanted a daughter.
They hadn’t tried for a baby in three years, but it felt like it was time.
“Are you okay, Dad? Did you get too much sun?” Gage shook himself out of his thoughts. “Sorry. I was thinking about your mother.”
“You’re always thinking about mom.” He rolled his eyes and gave a lopsided smile like his father.
“That’s because she’s special and the love of my life. I’ll call Bill now, so we can get to work.” He sheepishly shrugged.
Gage called Bill and shared the news with the elder foreman. “You must be a proud father.”
“That I am. Can you have the guys take the cattle to the far field while we fix the first post?”
“Sure, Gage. You better tell the Missus that he deserves extra dessert tonight.”
“I’m sure he’ll tell her.”
And that he did.
He made sure to tell Hope that he fixed four broken lines in the fences and one post. The area had some severe storms over the past two weeks that had wreaked havoc and caused some damage and flooding.
With years under his belt, Gage and his team were able to bounce right back and work right through the destruction.
Sometimes it was easier to deal with than the chaos in the house.
Four boys that all had bold and daring personalities and all vying for their father’s attention.
They were about to watch a movie after dinner, so the boys set it up while Gage helped Hope clean up the last of the dishes.
While she slid everything into the dishwasher, he wiped down the table.
“You know Alex is just as excited to ride out with you as Ethan,” she said as she closed the washer door.
Gage dropped his head and sighed. Then he set the towel on the sink and pulled Hope into his arms. “Yes, but he has a cast on his wrist, and I can’t take the risk that something will happen to him out in the field while we are far out.
The cattle aren’t little fluffy animals, and my boys are my world. ”
“I know and I explained that to him, but I want you to tell him that. They all look up to you and want to be apart of this wonderful ranch. It’s crazy how much they love it.”
“I’m proud of all of them and you. They love it because we’ve made it a home, Hope. I’ll talk to my boy and then we’ll watch the movie before bed. If you’re feeling up to it, maybe we’ll work on that little cowgirl you want.”
“Yes, that sounds good. There is way too much testosterone in this house.” She rolled her eyes and pulled away from him, but not before he smacked her on the behind.
Gage bent down and tugged Alex around the waist and carried him like a football to his office. “Dad,” he yelped.
“We need to have a talk,” he grunted. He sat him on his chair. “Listen, you’re ten now and it’s time you learned some important things.”
“What things?”
“First, I love every single one of you kids so much. Second, I value your safety above everything else, even this ranch.” Alex’s eyes widened.
“Really?”
“Yes, really. I could have lost you and your mother years ago in an accident when you were in her belly and I was so afraid. I promised that I’d do everything I could to protect you all and that means from letting you do things that are too dangerous.”
“Like riding out with my cast?”
“Yes. The cattle and the horses are wild animals, son. Until you’re ready to go again, you have to stay here and help your mom.
Besides, she needs all the help with your little brothers anyway.
This ranch isn’t just running because of what happens” outside.
It takes the entire team to make things happen including in this room. ”
“I understand. I just want to make you proud.”
“I am proud. So proud. Now, let’s go watch the movie and eat some treats.”
“Yay,” he cheered. An hour into the movie all of the boys passed out, and the couple put them to bed. Then they spent the rest of the night celebrating their love over and over again.
“I’ll love you the rest of my life, Gage.”
“My life is yours, Hope.”
THE END