“Yes.” She nods. “I want someone to play with.”
“Think we can do that, Pres?” Kade asks, turning his attention to me.
“One thing at a time. Why don’t we get settled here and then we’ll revisit that conversation.”
“Yes.” Poppy pumps her fist before hugging Kade. “I’m glad you’re my dad. Can I go swing now?”
“Of course, Pop,” he says.
She runs off into the yard toward the tire swing hanging in the tree. Her excited shouts reach our ears as she kicks off the ground.
Tears well in Kade’s eyes when I face him. “That went better than I thought. I thought she’d hate me because I missed out on so much of her life.”
“That’s my fault. She might have more questions when she’s older, but it’s easy to see she loves you, Kade. We both do.”
Kade pulls me in for a hug. “Not as much as I love you two. Maybe that’s why Verne left me the ranch. To bring me back here to realize this was where I’m meant to be.”
I brush my fingers over his cheeks, pushing the strands of hair out of his eyes. “I have no doubt he and Arlene were up there causing mischief together to make this happen.”
“You know, I really do like her idea of giving her a brother and sister.”
“Kade.” I smack him on the chest. “You have to get the ranch ready, and this house still isn’t livable.”
“Doesn’t mean we can’t practice.”
I cover his mouth with my hand. “Later. We can’t discuss that with Poppy around.”
He pulls my hand down. “You heard her. She loves me and thinks you love me, so why not? It’s not like we’ll be getting a baby tomorrow.”
“You’re incorrigible.”
“What can I say? I think I love you.”
I smile at him. “I think I love you too.”
He kisses me. It’s soft and sweet. The promise of our life together. A life that is going to get better. One that will have its hard times, but it won’t matter. We’ll get through everything. Because we’ll be together.
Just how it should be.
Kade, Poppy, and me. Our family. This ranch here inPinecrest. It’s going to be our lives. Back in high school, it’s all I ever wanted. My dream.
Now? Now, my dream is finally coming true.
I can’t wait.
Epilogue
SAM - FOUR MONTHS LATER
“This place looks amazing.”
Kade claps me on the back. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”
“I’m glad you decided to stay. The Lost Spur wouldn’t be the same without you.”
Looking around the barn, it’s ready for our big day to celebrate all the renovations being complete. Lights are strung up and all the stalls are freshly mucked so guests can come out and see the horses and go for a ride.
In all the years I’ve worked here, it’s never looked this good.
