“Maybe you are. But you know what that means?” I say, a smile playing on my lips before Toby leans forward and kisses me sweetly.
“What’s that?”
“That I’m the luckiestwomanbecause you’re mine and I’m yours.”
“Yeah, you are. And that's why I wanted to give you a little bit of home too." I suck in a breath and try to wrack my brain as to what he could be giving me.
When he moves to stand behind me and slowly removes the blindfold I go completely still at what I see. I even rub my eyes to make sure I’m not seeing things. That’s because in the stall in front of me is Miss Piggy, her snout in the air as she starts grunting and snorting happily. There’s nothing I can do to stop the happy tears from falling after that.
“My baby!” I say, diving forward to rub her head. I spin around to find Toby grinning at me.
“You… I can’t believe it! How did you…?”
"Talked to your mom and dad and they agreed that there's no way you could leave her behind. She belongs here with you and she’s used to the cold already. She's been missin’ you somethin’ fierce so now she’s here with her Mama.”
I shake my head in disbelief, realizing not for the first time that just as much as I’m Toby’s reward, he’s just as much mine. Something I won’t ever stop thanking the mountain spirit for.
Wrapping my arms around him, I lift on my toes and crush my lips to his, pouring everything I have into our kiss.
This man is my One, my soulmate, myforever,and after a lifetime of itchy feet, I know that everywhere I’ve been and everything I’ve done was leading me to him.
Now all I need to do is make sure that Duck Norris and Nelly Nosy Parker don’t corrupt Miss Piggy. Not sure I like my chances though.
EPILOGUE - DEE
One year later…
It’s one year after we moved into the cabin I’m standing in right now, and two years since that fateful night at the rodeo when my path crossed with Toby Graham. And not one day has passed since that I haven’t woken up happy and gone to bed feeling fulfilled and satisfied with the life we’ve made together.
We didn't start building until we'd designed our dream house, complete with a steam room out back, and a big kitchen with a coffee nook so Tobes could make my coffee like he still does every morning. The last luxury we added was a two-person shower thatcannotbe invaded by any ducks or goats. We also added two extra bedrooms and have plans to add more if needed.
It’s been an eventful twelve months. First, there was the whole Austin and Charlie adventure, which was a wild ride that must be read to be believed. Then there was the roller coaster that was building not just our cabin, but one for Landry and Star and then one forAustin. Add to that the fact that Cora didn’twant to miss out on a good renovation project and decided she wanted a second story built onto the Sunshine farmhouse.Thoserenovations only finished a week ago, just in time for my family to arrive and become the first guests in the new upstairs bedrooms.
Now Mom is bugging Dad to make some changes to their ranch house back in Montana, starting with a hot tub and a library that’s a ‘no men allowed’ room. Knowing my father, Mom will get her way.
“How’re those feet of yours, darlin’?” Dad asks from the doorway to the master bedroom.
I look up and smile at him from where I’m slipping on my favorite black cowboy boots with the white stitching. There was never a question as to what I’d wear with my wedding dress and Toby made sure that my boots were cleaned and shining bright with polish for the occasion.Did I say how much I loved my man?“They’re toasty warm and not goin’ anywhere.”
“So you’re not goin’ to make a run for it? ‘Cause lookin’ more beautiful than your mother did on her weddin’ day is a crime, Dee. And you’re too pretty to go to jail.”
“Dad…” I say, my eyes shimmering as a startled laugh escapes me. “Don’t you dare make me cry and ruin my makeup.”
He pushes off the wood and walks toward me. “I ain’t lyin’, darlin’. You look amazin’.”
I grab my skirt and swing from side to side. “Bet you say that to all the daughters you’re about to walk down the aisle.”
“Only one, and since I know the man she’s marryin’ ain’t stupid and knows just what he’s got and cherishes that, this is a one-and-done deal."
“He definitely knows what he’s got, Dad. Just like I know too. He’s one of the best men I’ve ever met. I’m lookin’ at the other one.”
Dad tilts his head and I catch the barest glisten of wet in his gaze. Leaning forward, he presses his lips to my temple. “Love you, Dee Dee. Hate the fact I’m about to give you away but I figure Toby’s the type who won’t mind sharin' you with your family now and then."
I wrap my arms around him and hug him tight. “Always, Dad. You’re just as stuck with me as he is.”
“Good,” he says roughly before clearing his throat.
“I love him, Dad. I love everything about him.”
