The tears filling her eyes this time were those of happiness. She’d be a fool to turn down such a romantic gesture. Of course, she had been a fool for wanting to marry Adam over the perfect Jesse Slade in the first place. She prayed he would forgive her.
“Marrying you would be the best decision I’ve ever made.” She threw her arms around his neck, pressing against him.
He released a loud laugh before taking her in his arms and swinging her around once. When he set her back on her feet, he kissed her soundly. Cheers went up through the church, Rosie’s being the loudest voice, of course.
EPILOGUE
LEANING ON THE PORCH’Swooden pillar, Jesse gazed out across the magnificent rolling green acres of his property, then back at his beautiful wife, who knelt with her sister beside the flower garden, doing more talking than weeding.
He smiled, and his chest constricted with that wonderful feeling of love. Both Summer and Rosie’s bellies were exactly eight months round with child, and he anxiously anticipated the arrival of the new additions to his family.
After locking Mr. Fairbanks in jail, both Jesse and Cal married the women they couldn’t wait to marry. After all, the brides were wearing their finest gowns, and the minister was ready. Even those who came to Adam’s and Summer’s wedding stayed for the the double-wedding an hour later.
The arrest of the wanted outlaws came with a hefty bounty that was awarded to both Jesse and Cal. They used the money to start their own ranch, just as Jesse had always wanted. And, of course, it gave the money to help care for Mrs. Bennett since Marvin died four months ago.
A peal of laughter rang from the stables nearby, and all heads turned to see what excitement had just occurred. Cal walked out, wiping his hands on a cloth and smiling proudly.
“Buck just became a father,” Cal announced.
Summer and Rosie awkwardly rose and waddled toward the barn. The smile stayed on Jesse’s face as he watched the people he loved—a family he thought he’d never have. He’d been so lucky to fall in love with Summer, even though it was awkward at first, but now they were just memories to share with their children.
Cal continued to wipe off the mucus from his arms from the mare’s birth as he walked to the pump to wash. “Hey, Jess? You need to come to see it. Birth is such a wonderful miracle.”
Jesse pulled away from the post and skipped down the three stairs onto the grass. “Our life is a miracle, Cal. I mean, look at us. Fifteen years ago, I never imagined we’d end up like this.”
Cal shook the excess water from his arms and strode toward Jesse. “You are right, li’l brother.”
Jesse moved with Cal toward the barn. “God has certainly smiled down on us.”
Cal nodded. “Don’t think heaven could be much better.”
“Yes, it could.”
Cal stopped and looked at him with a narrowed gaze. “Yeah? How do you figure?”
“We could have dozens of kids, most of them boys, of course, and we’d teach them everythin’ they need to know about bein’ ranchers.”
