“We’ll be back,” she points out. “There’s like, a whole wedding and probably more we’ll need to come home for.”
I chuckle, finally unbuckling my seatbelt, then hers. “You’re right. And we’ll be back in a year for our own.”
“I have to say yes first.” With that, she opens her own door and slides out of the truck. “Come on, we don’t want to be late,” she says, grinning. Outside, my brothers start talking about me being a wuss for wanting to stay, so I grab my shit and get out.
Rounding the truck, I toss my keys at Reed. “Don’t fuck my truck up while I’m gone,” I tell him as I reach Hattie. “And don’t let Darcy drive it.”
Reed’s cheeks turn pink. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”
Maybe we’ll get lucky and he’ll finally admit his feelings for her while we’re gone. But one can only dream.
Calder moves to stand in front of me, his smile strained. “Can’t believe you’re tearing us apart,” he says, voice thick with emotion. “Damnit man.”
I snort. “Come on, you split first.”
Calder shrugs, grinning. “Yeah, okay, I did.” He throws an arm around me and pulls me into a hug. “Have fun. Be wild. And pull that stick out of your ass.”
Before I can punch him, he pulls away and looks down at Hattie. “Thanks for coming back, shortie. Missed your face on the ranch.”
Hattie rolls her eyes, leaning into me. I release her hand to wrap an arm around her shoulders. “I missed you too, Calder. And I’ll miss you both while we’re away.”
“By the time you’re home, maybe we’ll be neighbours,” Calder jokes with a wink. “I’ll make sure your land is clear for when you return. Doubt you two will want to live in the bunks—or worse, with Ma and Dad.”
I shudder, thinking about how awkward both options would be. “Appreciate it, Cal. Seriously.”
“Land?” Hattie murmurs, frowning up at me.
“We all have a bit of land,” Reed explains. “We can pretty much do whatever with it. Everyone else is building houses…”
“While you live between the main house and Darcy’s,” I say, pointing a finger at him. “You think you’ll get a start on yours?”
“For what?” He crosses his arms, lifting his chin. “I don’t need it.”
Calder and I share a look. “Sure,” Cal says, clapping him on the shoulder. “But Darcy won’t deal with living at the main house, you know.”
Reed’s cheeks turn red. “You two are a bunch of assholes. Wouldn’t blame you if you left him, Hattie. He’d deserve it.”
“I didn’t say anything!” I motion to Calder, but Hattie pulls me away before we can start bickering.
Her arms go around my torso as she looks up at me with those beautiful, green eyes. “You ready?” she asks, smirking. “Or do you need a few minutes to say goodbye.”
I shake my head and dip my face to hers. “No, I’m ready,” I reply honestly. “I’m ready for this new life with you.”
We won’t be gone forever, and anyway, it wouldn’t matter. As long as I have her, I’m ready for anything.
“Best deal I ever made in my life,” I whisper.
Hattie raises a brow. “Really?”
“Really.” I drop a kiss to her lips, brief and soft. “I love you.”
EPILOGUE
HATTIE
SIX MONTHS LATER
The sound of traffic becomes a dull hum as I roll over to face Casper. The man sleeps too well with the noise, I’ve realised. Despite living on a ranch his whole life, he doesn’t seem all that bothered by the busyness of the city.
