I invited the whole family for breakfast this morning. Justin was bringing Addie and Evie back anyway, so I thought why not just break the news to everyone at once. Not the news that I’m going to marry Dixie Wilder, no. That’ll be for another day. I need to get a really important part of this equation squared away first. This morning will be casual and honestly, I think everyone is going tobe ecstatic over it. I’m putting the serving plate with steak and eggs on the table when my girls come running through the squeaky screen door. I’m not surprised they’re running to hug Dixie first.
“Hi, Dad!” Evie waves, blowing right past me.
“Hi, Dad!” Addie giggles, waltzing right up to join the hug that I’m currently not a part of. I gaze over at the three of them and it solidifies once and for all, that if my life hinges on destiny—then Dixie Wilder was always part of the puzzle.
“Get over here, boss!” She smiles and my heart skips a beat. I stride over, and when I wrap my arms around them, they all fit inside.
“Grandpa…” Blythe sings, coming through the door with little Jake strapped to her chest, her husband hot on her heels. I place my hand on the baby’s fuzzy head when she reaches me, then kiss his little cheek.
“How was the trip?” Justin asks with a grin, looking at both Dixie and I. “Did everything go smoothly?”
“It did.” I clear my throat. “Let’s all sit down, breakfast is getting cold.” I smile and motion for everyone to sit.
“Everything alright, Uncle Chris?” Lythie asks, a slightly concerned look on her face.
“Oh, no!” I chuckle. “I mean, yes…everything is just fine.” I wait for everyone to get comfortable before I put my arm around the woman sitting next to me and say, “Dixie won’t be living at the bunkhouse anymore.”
“What?” Evolette shrieks. “You’re not leaving, you promised you’d come back and still work here!”
Dixie gasps and places her hand over Evie’s. “No, no,Lettie girl. I am staying. It’d break my darn heart to leave you.”
Evie sighs audibly in relief. “You better just be moving in. If you’re not moving in, I’m moving out. I’ll live in the barn before I let Dad put you somewhere else.” She scowls at me like I’m some sort of criminal.
“Oh, really?” I scoff with a smile. “Well, I’m not putting her anywhere else. Dixie’s staying here with us, in this house, permanently.” I pause, everyone’s eyes on me. “Dixie and I are…” Hell, it feels wrong to call her my girlfriend. I’m too old for that shit. “together.”
A cheer erupts from the table and little Jake cries at the sudden elevation in noise. Blythe pats his bum and whispers in his ear. Justin smacks his hand on the table and winks with a finger pointed in my direction. Addie has tears in her eyes, Evie already with arms around Dixie’s neck.
“Addie, are you okay?” Dixie asks softly.
“I’m okay.” She responds. “I knew Dad might find someone someday—I’m happy it’s you.”
Dixie grins and blows her a kiss. “I’m glad it’s me too, darlin’.”
“You know what a grump this guy is, Dixie?” Blythe winks at me when she says it and Dixie laughs with ease.
“Oh, you just have to rub him right.” She pats my arm and her eyes sparkle.
“I’m sure…” Justin rumbles sarcastically from his seat, and I shake my head with a smirk that says,shut up. “You look like you just got off a ride at Disneyland, or maybe…lots of rides?” He lifts an eyebrow, Blythe elbows him with a look. “What?” He pretends to be innocent. “I love Disneyland—don’t you?” He winks at Blythe, still pretending there was no innuendo in either of his remarks. The little girls don’t have a clue what’s going on and I can’t keep the grin off my face. Dixie blushes and looks at Blythe, not knowing what to say.
“You just ignore Justin. He’s the biggest tease. He’s been doing that to me since day one.” She rolls her eyes with a crooked grin.
“I’ll tell you the story sometime.” Justin winks at Dixie.
After breakfast we spend a few hours together as a family. I talk to Justin and hold little Jake. All the girls go off somewhere and honestly, it feels good to just sit here with a sleeping baby on my chest, no extra noise, spending time with my son.
I can’t say how long it’ll take for someone to get a custom engagement ring banged out—but I’m going into town tomorrow to find out.
Chapter Forty-One
It’s so easy being,His. As soon as we got back, I put everything of mine in his closet and dresser drawers. Our life feels weird sometimes. Like, a fantasy that I’m about to wake up from any second. But I know it’s not. We’ve only been back a few weeks, and every day I stay, makes it all feel more real. Addie and Lettie went back to school today. We waved as they got on the bus, and I want to make chocolate chip cookies for when they get home. My mom did that for me when I was in kindergarten and I think it’ll be a sweet tradition to bring back. My boss still signs my paycheck, I just get a little more freedom to choosewhatwork I do every day.
Chris says he wants to ride the horses out to some big meadow this afternoon. Apparently it’s the most gorgeous view in Montana. I’ve ridden Blaze around here but haven’t taken her far. So this’ll be her first big adventure since the mountain accident. She’s good as new and I know she’s been itching to run.
Chris is striding toward me, carrying my saddle. I heftit out of his arms with a smile. “I might’ve been a damsel in distress for a while, but I still saddle my horse. I’m not gonna becomethatdomesticated. Still an employee.”
He smirks, then grits his teeth and yanks me back when I turn to walk away, his voice rumbling in my ear from behind. “An employee who I’ve done unspeakable things to, and who I will continue to do unspeakable things to.” He gives my ass a spank and kisses my cheek hard, his beard tickling my skin. “Saddle that girl up so she can race. Samson’s been dying to be challenged.”
When we’ve got both Blaze and Samson saddled and walked to the edge of the property, Chris gives me a devious look and I give him one right back. Cowboy or Cowgirl—I ride like the wind and my horse is lightning. I shoot off toward the open space without a signal and maybe that’s cheating but… all’s fair in love and the games my boss and I play.
