His mouth turns down into a wicked scowl. “But you don’t know what they’ll have. Maybe you won’t like it.” He shrugs and explains, “I can’t have you not eating because of Mrs. Riley’s menu choices.” I’m stunned into love-filled silence as I study the man in front of me.
“Then we’ll go, but I’m already reserving the right to slide into you before sleep takes us,” he tells me with a grin.
When he kisses me this time, the heat behind licks at my skin. He undresses me with reverent hands and words of love whispered against my skin like a prayer. As he slides inside of me, all I feel is the love this man has for me.
It’s amazing to think that my future all began with a letter I addressed to my ‘Dear Cowboy’.
EPILOGUE
THE NEXT VALENTINE’S DAY
FORD
Dear Cowboy,
I was going to write you a whole scavenger hunt with rhymes and puns. But then I realized I don’t want to waste our time leading you around by the nose.
I’m in the loft waiting for you.
Wait!
My Cowboy, my husband, my Ford.
Happy birthday.
I love you more than I could ever put into words, which is kind of surprising. Thank you for supporting me, for helping meplod along through this life when I don’t have the words, or the patience, or the energy.
We jumped into our life together with our eyes wide open and our hearts full, but then we had to navigate the reality of living together.
It hasn’t been easy every day this past year, but I think we won more often than we didn’t. Even if that weren’t the case, it wouldn’t change anything.
I’m yours and you’re mine.
You are a man I am proud to have our son look up to.
We have been figuring out this life for a year now. We’ve gotten married. We’ve brought our son into the world.
If that’s year one, can you imagine what else is in store for us?
And before you worry about it, I have a blanket in the loft, and I sent everyone home for the day. The ranch is taken care of, and Bo will keep an eye on things.
I’m just waiting on you, Birthday Cowboy.
My thumb brushes over the sunflower sticker at the bottom of the page and I can’t help but smile.
She’s right. It’s been a year of figuring things out, stretching against our roles and each other to find how we fit, how we become better together. We’re figuring it out.
And there really isn’t an alternative. We’re in this together.
I gave my woman the wedding she wanted. When the whole town basically showed up, she seemed surprised, but I wasn’t.
They were there to celebrate with us. Reba threatened me with bodily harm if I ever hurt Arden. It wasn’t easy keeping a straight face as she did it, but I also understood where she was coming from.
Kendrick stood at my side and Eliza stood up for my woman.
It was perfect and my Sunflower, with her precious bump showing, was the most beautiful bride. I think the only bride who might top her is the daughter we may one day be blessed with.
For now, we’re happy with our son, Everton, who is still so small.
