All he saw was her.
She’d been through hell and knew how to smile.
Staring into her eyes, as green as the fields he loved so damn much, he knew one thing with absolute certainty.
Whatever came next, they’d meet it together.
* * * * *
Fern fisted her hands in the lapels of Crew’s jacket and tipped her face up to search his rugged features. “Why are your eyes glassy?” she demanded teasingly. “Were they mean to you?”
The question was exactly the same as the one he’d asked her when the women included her.
His lips twitched even as his throat worked. His voice came out gruff. “No. Nothing like that.”
Her brows drew together. “Then what?”
He took her hands, lacing their fingers together like he needed the contact as much as she did. “I was offered a position.”
The words barely had time to sink in before she sucked in a gasp. Joy broke over her, as uplifting as the day promised to be.
“I knew it!” She laughed, and it came out a little watery. “Iknewthey’d keep you. Oh my god, Crew—I’m so happy for you.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck, holding him tight. He buried his face in her hair for a second.
His words rumbled into her ear. “This isn’t just for me, honey. It’s for us.”
Something deep inside her that had been slowly unclenching with each day she spent with Crew, with the team, with everyone here on the ranch, fully let go.
“For us.” Her throat was tight.
“And I get to see the community garden come to life.” His eyes glowed as he searched hers. She went on tiptoe and brushedher lips over his, feeling the shiver of pent-up passion between them.
Too soon, their quiet moment in the hallway faded as the guys poured out with Gray taking up the rear. Crew brushed a soft kiss over Fern’s lips and took his place with them.
She watched him go for only a beat before realizing she should take her seat with Navy so she could help keep the little girl entertained and quiet during the ceremony.
The wedding was beautiful. Ribbons and flowers were swagged everywhere, along with little crystals that twirled in the sun and cast rainbows around the rustic barn in a way that fit Honor and Gray so perfectly.
When the couple exchanged their vows, Fern couldn’t help but lock eyes with Crew and wonder if someday—soon—it could be them.
Everything became a whirlwind after, with congratulations called out and flower petals showering the new couple as they walked outside for photos.
By the time she and Crew broke away from the festivities and he led her to a pocket of quiet near the open barn doors, she was ready to spend some time alone with the man she loved.
The evening air was cool and sweet. Music floated behind them, and laughter rose and fell with the chime of champagne glasses.
Her gaze connected with Crew’s, and her heart gave that same pitter-patter it did every time she looked at him.
He reached into his pocket. “I have something for you.”
Her eyes flicked down as he took her hand and turned it over. He slipped something into her palm, warm from being carried close to his body.
A bracelet.
Not the same green one that Reed had stolen. This one was different, with deeper greens threaded through the beads, and just as beautiful as the last.
Her vision blurred as she turned it over, tracing the beads. “Crew…when did you make me a new one?”
