A slow flush spreads up her neck. My Isabella wanted to surprise me by wearing cowboy boots. Instead, she thought she overheard me telling my mom that I didn’t love her. Noises vaguely penetrate my thoughts as Jessamine explains the misunderstanding to my mom.
Next thing, Mom’s beside me. “Oh, sweetheart.” She places one hand on Isabella’s arm. “No. Oh, Lord, no. Tucker loves you to the moon and back. If you’d listened a little longer you would have heard that part too.” And then she glances over her shoulder. “This is partly our fault. We haven’t done much to make you feel welcome, and that’s gonna change right now.” My mom pulls Isabella into her arms. “I’m so sorry, honey. It’s just that we love this guy so much. But don’t you worry. I think we get that you love him too.”
Tears overflow from the gorgeous blue eyes I love so much. Isabella looks overwhelmed, but her arms wrapped around my mother easily.
That’s when I get a glimpse at her left hand.
Digging into my pocket, I step back to allow Jessamine through.
“I’m sorry too. I was a bitch, and I really am sorry.” My sister’s one of the most stubborn people I know. The contrite look in her eyes floors me. What did I miss? What did Jess do to Isabella?
Isa is nodding but laughing a little too. “It’s okay.” But then she glances at me hesitantly. I take that as my cue. I need to leave no room for any doubt.
“I think you forgot something.” I’m holding up her engagement ring. Her eyes flicker between the ring and my face. She winces and then bites her lip. Because we both know she hadn’t just forgotten it. She left it behind intentionally.
I hold up one hand. “If there was any doubt, I’m going to put an end to it here and now.” With Leeland still wrapped around my leg, I drop down onto the other knee. Ahs and oohs sound from behind me. I’m vaguely aware that L.T. is standing beside my mom still wearing his pajamas. “Come here, buddy.” I tilt my head and L.T. steps forward. With my two sons looking on curiously, I hold the ring up to Isabella.
“Half the time I don’t know what I’m doing. And I swear to you, I’m probably gonna make all sorts of mistakes in the future. But the thing is,” I meet her gaze with my heart in my eyes. “I want to make all those mistakes with you.”
Isabella raises both hands to cover the hint of a smile that’s beginning to curve her mouth. Almost as though she doesn’t believe this is happening. Hell, I can hardly believe it myself. But it feels right.
“We’ll all make mistakes, won’t we? Lee? L.T.”
L.T. nods solemnly. Leeland just watches with wide-open eyes.
“Boys. I love Isabella. I love her so much I want her to be a part of our family. You think you’d let Isabella take a shot at being a mom?”
Now it’s Leeland nodding. This little one. He doesn’t even remember Lenora. I know that L.T.’s memories are mostly from photographs.
L.T.’s following my words closely. “For just a while? Or forever?” he asks.
I can’t help but pull this kid over and kiss the top of his head. “That’s a good question L.T.” I direct all my attention to Isabella again. So much love overflows from her that I feel it already. “What do you say, Isabella? Forever?”
She’s drops to her knees to join us. I know she’s doing all she can to keep from crying. Her cold hands hold the sides of my face. “Forever.”
She moves to wrap her arms around the boys. “Forever.” I appreciate the attention she’s giving my sons, but the knowledge that I nearly lost her has taken its toll on me.
“Isa,” I say her name softly. She meets my gaze unwavering. “I mean it. Don’t ever question my love for you again. I love you. You hear me? I need to breathe the same air as you.”
Eyes shining, she swallows hard. “Even when my head thought it knew what I was doing, my heart kept telling me I was wrong. I’m so sorry, babe.” Her sincerity nearly bowls me over. “Same air. Always.”
“Forever?” Leeland pipes in.
“Forever,” Isa and I say together. It sounds like a vow.
I slide the ring back onto her finger and growl by her ear, “Forever.”
EPILOGUE
Tucker
June Six.
Today I get to make her mine.
For the last few days, the entire ranch has been inundated with my extended family. And some very important people as well. People who love my Isa. The people who worried about her coming out here. Her poised, confident mother. A little standoffish at first, but after spending a few days around her, she’s warmed up to me.
And then there’s Ashley. Isa’s bestie from San Fran is something of a pistol.
