The combined groans and laughter that echoed through the radio confirmed what Nash already knew: they were part of something special, something that would last far beyond any treasure they might have found.
EPILOGUE
Amy stood at the kitchen window of the home she and Nash had built on Cross Creek Ranch, watching the sun paint the Montana sky in shades of gold and amber. The house sat on a gentle rise just down the road from Colt and Sierra's place, perfectly positioned to catch both sunrise and sunset while still being close enough to family that she could walk to Sadie's for coffee whenever she wanted.
A year ago, she never could have imagined this life would be hers. She thought about the fact she'd actually been able to finish her doctorate degree online; turns out people were fascinated by gold. It made her grateful she could complete all of that research and have answers. It also made her grateful all of it had led her to where she was at.
The savory aroma of beef stew filled the kitchen—one of Nash's favorites, simmering in the slow cooker since morning. Amy stirred it absently, her other hand resting on her still-flat stomach where a secret had been growing for the past eight weeks.
She was pregnant.
The knowledge sent a thrill through her every time she thought about it, which was approximately every thirty seconds.She'd known for three days now, having taken the test in the bathroom of Nash's small law office in town while he was in court handling a water rights dispute between two neighboring ranches.
Cross Creek Law Practice had started small—just Nash, Amy managing the office, and a part-time paralegal—but it was growing steadily. Turned out a lawyer who actually understood ranch life was exactly what this community needed. Nash handled everything from water rights to family law, and he did it all with the same integrity and care that made Amy fall more in love with him every single day.
The sound of tires on gravel made her heart leap. Through the window, she watched Nash's truck pull into their driveway, dust trailing behind him in the evening light.
Amy wiped her hands on a dish towel and turned off the stove, too excited to wait another moment. The white gift bag she'd prepared sat on the counter, tissue paper carefully arranged to hide its contents.
The front door opened, and Nash's voice called out, "Something smells amazing!"
Amy grabbed the bag and practically ran through their living room—past the comfortable couch where they spent evenings reading together, past the fireplace Nash had built with his own hands, past the framed photo from their wedding day that still made her tear up every time she looked at it.
She launched herself into Nash's arms the moment he stepped fully inside.
"Whoa!" Nash laughed, catching her easily and wrapping his arms around her waist. "Not that I'm complaining about this greeting, but what's going on?"
His blue eyes sparkled with curiosity and amusement, his tie already loosened from a long day of lawyering. He looked so handsome in his work clothes—professional but stillunmistakably a Montana man, comfortable in courtrooms and cattle country alike.
Amy pulled back just enough to thrust the white bag at him, bouncing slightly on her toes. "Open it," she said breathlessly.
Nash's eyebrows rose as he accepted the bag, his gaze moving between it and her face with obvious confusion. "It's not my birthday. It's not our anniversary." He paused, concern flickering across his features. "Did I forget something?"
"No, no, just open it!" Amy couldn't stop smiling, her entire body practically vibrating with anticipation.
Nash set down his briefcase and reached into the bag, pulling aside the tissue paper. His fingers closed around fabric, and he drew out the white T-shirt slowly.
Amy watched his face as he read the words printed across the front:Best Dad Ever.
For a long moment, Nash just stared at the shirt. His mouth opened, then closed. His eyes lifted to meet hers, wide with disbelief and dawning hope. "Amy," he whispered. "Are you—do you mean?—"
"I'm pregnant," she said, the words tumbling out in a rush of joy. "We're having a baby!"
Nash's face transformed—shock melting into wonder, wonder exploding into pure, radiant happiness. "You're pregnant?" he repeated, as if testing the words to see if they were real. "We're going to have a baby?"
"Yes!" Amy laughed, tears already streaming down her cheeks. "Are you happy?"
Instead of answering with words, Nash dropped the shirt and swept her into his arms, spinning her around in their living room with a whoop of joy that probably carried all the way to Colt's house. "Happy?" he managed between laughter. "I'm happier than I've ever been!"
He set her down gently, suddenly careful, his hands moving to cradle her face with such tenderness that Amy felt her heart might burst. "We're having a baby," he said again, as if he still couldn't quite believe it.
"We're having a baby," Amy confirmed, rising on her toes to kiss him.
The kiss was soft and sweet and full of promise—the kind of kiss that spoke of futures being built, of families being created, of dreams coming true in ways they'd never dared imagine.
When Nash finally pulled back, his eyes were suspiciously bright. "You know," he said softly, his thumb brushing away a tear from her cheek, "who knew that a year ago, when I ran into you on that trail in Salt Lake, we would be here now?"
Amy laughed through her own tears, leaning into his touch. "And I would be Amy again."
