“Um, y’all know Mitchell. He’s, uh, joining us today.”
Deputy Mitchell cracks a big smile, then pulls Richard into a side hug, kissing his temple.
“You are so adorable, I swear.”
The twinsewwwwsimultaneously, and I give the deputy a firm handshake. He leans in. “I took care of the issue with Tanner’s dad. Shouldn’t be any more drive-bys.”
Watching Tanner play with his brother and sister, I tap my chest in gratitude. “Thank you.”
Pretty soon, the house is filled with everyone who makes this ranch such a great place. I look over at one point, and Tanner and Sheriff Patrick are sharing a few words with each other. Patrick seems so happy for Tanner that it takes my breath away. That I’m responsible for some of his happiness…I don’t think I’ve ever been prouder of anything else in my entire life.
Right before dessert, Trip stands, holding a glass of wine. We all pick up our glasses, and he gestures toward the collage of pictures in the dining room, specifically the one in the middle. His mom.
I remember her kindness and that my mom cried when she passed away.
“I’d like to raise a glass to Renée Goodnight, whose vision for this place is why we’re all here.” There are lots of shiny eyes in the room as he continues, “She would be very disappointed that all of us are tearing up right now, so stop that shit and drink to the funny, audacious woman that was my mother.”
Everyone cheers, and we all take a drink. People share their favorite Renée stories, all red-cheeked from wine and food. It’s…lovely.
A little peopled out, I take a quiet moment in the kitchen, watching the rare Christmas snow as it blankets the ground outside.
“Hey there,” Tanner says, joining me.
I pull him to my side, wrapping an arm around his shoulders.
“Whatcha thinking about?”
“Trip’s mom.”
“Yeah?”
I nod. “If she’s out there somewhere, she’s gotta be proud of what’s become of this place.”
He kisses my jaw. “It’s not the ranch she’s proud of, I think. From everything I’ve heard, I bet it’s the people.”
I gaze at his face, loving how the kitchen lights play up his goth sparkle. “I think you might be right about that.”
We kiss and join our friends, grateful for the season and each other.
Merry Christmas, y’all.
EPILOGUE
TANNER - 5 YEARS LATER
“Junior! Have you seen my fertilizer anywhere? It was supposed to be delivered yesterday.”
Jason’s delivery service is usually spot-on, so now I’m wondering if I’ve lost my damn mind.
Junior pops his head into the supply warehouse out back, laughing at me.
“What?” I ask, putting my hand on my hip.
“Look to your left.”
I look and…nope. “That’s the seeds for Mrs. Thompson’s wildflower field.”
“Your other left, baby,” he says, not even trying to hide his amusement.
