I push his shoulder back so he’ll face me. “I was—am. But this is an answer that works for all of us. You won’t have to give up the ranch.”
His jaw pulses. “Bree, I care more about you than this ranch. And I thought you felt the same.”
“I do. Of course I do.” I try to hug him, but he steps back.
“But you’re choosing something other than me again.”
My heart lurches at his words, and at the rawness baring itself in his face. “What do you mean?”
He scrapes a hand over his mouth before letting out a resigned sigh. “When I found out you dated Chase, my first thought was, why didn’t she pick me? I know that sounds crazy, but it’s the truth.”
My eyes burn. “Oh, Wade. I’m so, so sorry. If I’d known how you felt?—”
“I know. That’s on me.” He holds my hands in his. “Just tell me that’s not what’s happening here. That you don’t want this more than you want me.”
I step into the circle of his arms. “Wade, I’m not doing this for me. I’m doing this forus. For our future. For the family we’ll raise here. For our family gatherings?—”
“Family? As in kids?” Wonder blankets his gaze, making me realize I haven’t said THE most important words in all of this.
I link my fingers behind his neck, lifting to kiss him lightly on the lips, careful not to touch the area still healing. “I love you, Wade. Being your best friend is great, but I want a lot more with you.”
His lips slowly spread into a smile that makes my heart stutter. “I want all of that, too. I just didn’t realize you’d thought that far. About us.”
“It’s you. How could I not?”
Heat ignites in his gaze, mixed with love. So much love. And I drown in it as he lowers his head, capturing my lips in a delicate yet soul-changing kiss that claims me as his in all the best ways. I don’t know how I missed it all these years, the way this man loves me, making me feel cherished and wanted as if I’m the center of his world.
But I know now. I see it. I want it. I love it.
More importantly, I lovehim. With all my heart.
Epilogue
WADE
Six months later…
The truck rattles as I turn off the highway onto the long drive leading to the house. The old gate has a new wood and metal sign arching overhead with the words, Piercing Hearts Ranch.
When Bree proposed the name, I think I fell for her all over again. How she managed to keep our family name, yet make it sound like a mission statement for what this new venue is all about, completely blew me away.
And reaffirmed once again how right she was about all of it.
We coordinated the renovations and launch for the beginning of summer, so that I can be a part of it now that hockey season has ended. Opening is a week away, which gives me time to acclimate and, more importantly, a chance to spend some alone time with Bree before this place starts humming with visitors. Bree already has a family reunion booked in two weeks and a large wedding three weeks after that.
Her big surprise is already proving to be the best thing for us. Nana and Clint returned from a month-long European tour—their second one since Christmas—and are now on a river cruisedown the Rhine. Piper’s hockey career is taking off, and Ellie is coming home to help over the summer before she starts her sophomore year of college.
Everyone is doing what he or she loves.
But what Bree doesn’t know is that I have a big surprise planned for her this time. A couple of them, actually. That’s part of what has me on edge. I’d like to think I know how she’ll react, that she’ll be as excited about this as I am. But I may have to convince her it’s what I want.
The tires make a dragging sound on the gravel as I come to a stop. When I step out of the truck, I’m hit with the familiar scents of earth, hay, and horses. The barn, freshly painted and renovated, spans to my left near a new, smaller corral that’s for pony rides and a weekend animal farm that will be held once a month. Bree set up partnerships with other ranches in the area to “borrow” animals for those events.
Despite the changes, this place still feels like home. My home.
The sound of the porch door opening spins me around toward the house in time to see Bree launch herself down the steps, blonde hair flying behind her. She races toward me and jumps into my arms, wrapping herself around me like she did when she arrived so unexpectedly at the arena.
I wrap my arms around her, holding her close, eyes shut as I breathe in her familiar scent. Her warmth settles all the points of concern that cropped up during the drive.
