I stare at him, unsure of what to say, what to do. I can’t believe he’s said what he’s just said. But I decide thinking in this moment is beyond stupid. Because I’ve felt the same way for days. Maybe since the day I laid eyes on this grumpy cowboy.
“I love you too, Harlan Blackmoore.”
His mouth slams down against mine again, and the kiss seals the deal. Seals us. It’s perfect, just like him—all-consuming, hard, owning, and full of passion. I’ve never felt as much as I do with Harlan.
His naughty notes, his perfect kisses, and the way his arms feel around me… Harlan Blackmoore is the perfect man. This is fate. This is a dream come true, and I’m never going to take it for granted. Not for a single moment.
Epilogue
ONE YEAR LATER
LOLA-MAE
VALENTINE’S DAY
I walkinto the office and freeze at the sight in front of me. A gigantic bouquet of flowers sits in the middle of my desk. They’re peachy pink, white, soft yellows, and have added greenery.
Stunning is what they are.
If I had to describe it, I would say it’s country. Roses and hydrangeas, along with other things I couldn’t even begin to guess, but they’re gorgeous. The whole arrangement is absolutely breathtaking.
Shifting my gaze from the bouquet, I look across the road to see if Harlan is at the barn watching me, but he’s nowhere to be seen. Just like every morning, he was up and gone before my eyelids even thought about opening.
Making my way toward the bouquet, I see an envelope sticking out of the middle. I reach out and slide my finger beneath the flap, opening it gently before I pull the card out. The handwriting is Harlan’s, something that makes my lips curve up.He may have ordered these flowers from a shop, but he wrote this note himself.
Notes.
Naughty little notes that he’s been very consistent about leaving at least once a week the past year. I love every single one of them.
I love to hear your voice… especially when you’re screaming my name.
-Cowboy
There are two hearts drawn on the corner of the card. I can’t hold back the laughter that bubbles from my throat. There is a little arrow at the bottom of the card, beneath the hearts, so I turn it over, and the laughter vanishes, because my heart squeezes and my breath hitches.
I love you, Lola-Mae.
He’s said it a million times over the past year, but there is something about seeing the words written out that causes my entire body to melt. I’m not sure why, but it just makes it all real, so amazingly and perfectly real.
Picking up the bouquet, I place it at the back of the desk so I can work and see it all at once. Then I take a piece of tape and place it on the card, sticking it to the side of my computer monitor to join the others.
There are dozens and dozens of little sticky notes and cards from Harlan, all of them with a little drawing on them, along with little messages. Most of them are sexy, some are sweet, andI cherish them all. They tell the story of our relationship, every single one of them.
My phone buzzes on the desk, but I don’t look down immediately. My gaze is still focused on the notes, my eyes scanning them and letting them fill me with love. With his love. Harlan Blackmoore is everything I never thought I could have and everything I’ve ever wanted.
When my phone buzzes a second time, I tear my attention from my computer and look down at my device. It’s an incoming text from Shandy. I keep trying to get her to come to Granite Falls. There is so much more for her here than back in Marro, but she doesn’t seem ready yet.
Although the push she needs may be here now. Harlan has agreed to her living in my old house. Two months ago, I moved into the main house with him, and now my little place sits empty.
He doesn’t need to hire anyone full time, and it will stay empty until he does. But Shandy could rent it. It’s fully furnished and ready for someone else to lay their head down at night. Sliding my index finger across the screen, I wait for the phone to unlock, then find the text app and touch Shandy’s name.
SHANDY: I’m ready to get the hell out of Marro. Is your offer still open?
Leave today!
SHANDY: Ha! I’m going to pack all my shit, and I’ll be there by the end of the week.
The house will be waiting and ready for you. What changed your mind?
