Epilogue
T wo months later.
The baby was asleep. Two months had gone by in a flash and she was growing like a weed. Too fast. But Kade was here for every moment since Bree found someone to sublet her house so they could live under the same roof, and that counted for a whole helluva lot in his book. The bunkhouse was temporary until the inheritance was sorted out and a proper home could be built on the property but it kept his family close to him while he worked the ranch and—to be honest—kept an eye on Beau. More importantly, any doubts Kade had had about becoming a husband and father seemed silly now.
Kade walked into the bedroom naked. His wife was wrapped in a towel, still dripping wet from the shower. At this moment, life had never been better, and he counted himself the luckiest person on earth.
“You’re beautiful,” he said to Bree, cutting across the room.
“Kade—” He quashed her protest with a cocked eyebrow and a slanted look in her direction. Bree had complained that her hips were still too curvy the last time they were together and he could tell when her gaze focused there what she was about to say.
“I meant it. You’re beautiful.”
“So are you.” Her words were spoken so quietly that he almost didn’t hear them. But they could’ve been shouted for the effect they had on him.
Kade wrapped his arms around her waist as she looped hers around his neck. His mouth came down hard on hers, and she matched every stroke of his tongue.
He picked her up, and she wrapped her legs around his midsection as their mouths fused. All rational thought was obliterated as he took her to the bed and gently placed her on it. He put most of his weight on his knees and elbows so he wouldn’t crush her with his heft. He guided himself inside her parted legs, dipping the tip of his erection inside her sweet heat.
Bree’s fingernails dug into his shoulders as she pulled him down for another kiss. He thrust a little deeper as she bucked her hips.
“Jesus, Bree. Keep that up, and this won’t be able to last five seconds.”
She laughed—a musical sound—and then bucked him in a little deeper. He started to distract himself again…but couldn’t concentrate on anything but the way she felt, the way she tightened around his stiff length as he sank into her. It sure felt a lot like home, which was strange, considering he’d never known a real one.
Kade pumped harder, and Bree matched him stroke for stroke as need overtook them. Hands danced, and fingers grazed as he kissed her.
“Kade,” she moaned against his lips. He loved the sound of his name on her lips. He delved his tongue inside her mouth, tasting the sweetest honey.
“Kade,” she repeated, breathier this time, and he could feel her body racing toward a climax.
“Kade.” The urgency inside her built, and her breath quickened as her muscles tensed before convulsing around his erection. He drove deeper and harder as he rode the wave with her, and they jumped off the cliff together, free-falling.
When he’d drawn the last spasm from her gorgeous body, and they were both gasping for air, he whispered, “ Home .”
And now it was time to make peace with the past.
Bree hummed as she walked into the kitchen to the heavenly scent of fresh coffee. Kade sat at the table, nursing his cup, a solemn expression weighed heavy on his expression. “Did something happen?”
“I just got off the phone with Zeke’s parents,” he said before lifting his gaze to meet hers. “His dad was a jerk while Zeke was alive. Losing his son without ever making it right is the punishment the man will always live with.”
“How’s his mom?” she asked.
“Better,” he said. “As good as she can be while the loss is still fresh.” He stood up, walked over, and brought her into an embrace. “She asked me to thank you for the pictures you sent of Aurora. Said she’d love to be a bonus grandma if there’s room in our hearts.”
“I would love that and I can’t imagine a better grandma to have for our daughter,” Bree said.
“I thought so, too.”
It was then she noticed the handful of fresh-picked flowers that had been carefully wrapped in a wet cloth.
Kade followed her gaze. “I was thinking it’s finally time for a visit.”
“Are you ready for that?” She’d been to Zeke’s grave a handful of times, bringing Aurora along so Zeke could meet his godchild. Bree would have asked him to play a role in her daughter’s life, just not the one of father as he’d wanted. Their friendship would have rebounded at some point, and she was certain Zeke would have made the most amazing bonus uncle.
Rinty walked over and sat next to her. Bree and Kade would always keep a close eye on Rinty’s interactions with the baby. But he was worth the extra effort. He deserved no less than to be spoiled and loved while he lived out the last of his years.
But he especially loved going to work with Kade. The wide-open Texas skies and fresh air did Rinty good.
He was a good boy who deserved the best life. And he’d found the perfect home.
“Will you come with me?” Kade asked, breaking into her thoughts.
“Of course,” she said.
“Good,” Kade responded. “I’d like to bring Aurora and Rinty, so Zeke can meet the whole family.”
Family. Bree liked the sound of that word.
The air was bitterly cold on the early February morning at the gravesite. Kade opened the door for Bree. His heart squeezed as he looked into his wife’s eyes. He’d been an idiot before. He never should have let her go.
Rinty hopped out next before Bree worked the car seat buckle. She pulled Aurora out gently, and hugged the little angel snug against her chest where the baby was safe.
“You’re even more beautiful than I remembered, and I’m finally home.” Home. He liked the sound of that word.
“I love you, Kade,” she said. Those words warmed him from the inside out. Not even the nip in the air could affect him.
“You should know that I’m here for the rest of my life and whatever comes next.”
“Whatever comes next,” she repeated before he claimed her pink lips.
Kade led his family to Zeke’s grave, set the flowers in a metal vase attached to the headstone, and read the name inscribed on the slab of granite. Tears welled.
Taken too soon.
“I’m sorry it’s taken me a while to show up, buddy,” Kade began, struggling through the emotion knotted in his throat. “And I couldn’t be sorrier that I couldn’t save you.” His voice broke.
“But I’m here now, Zeke. And I’ll remember you forever.”