Page 116 of Wilde Hearts

“You know you’re more than welcome to build something on the ranch, Ensley. Once the baby comes, you’ll need more room.”

Moose, Emeline’s chocolate lab, came running into the kitchen and straight to Emeline. She bent down and kissed him on the nose. “Hello, my handsome boy. Looking for me, were you?”

He barked, and my mother and I both laughed.

“He’s come to tell you the men are ready for their hot chocolate,” Gatlin said, as he strolled into the kitchen.

“Well, grab a tray then and carry it in.”

“Just a warning, Dad put a Christmas movie on.”

We all rolled our eyes as Mom let out a groan. “Please tell me it’s not Die Hard.”

Gatlin laughed. “It is not Die Hard.”

“Please tell me it isn’t The Sound of Music,” Emeline said next, as she put her hands together in prayer.

Gatlin winced. “Sorry, sis. Lilibeth was the deciding vote, and you know she voted for TSOM.”

“TSOM?” I asked.

Looking at me like I’d hit my head, Gatlin replied, “The Sound of Music. Duh.”

“Oh, right,” I laughed.

“Come on, girls, let’s get this stuff out there and enjoy our hot chocolate and movie.”

Colt and I settled on the love seat, curled up under a blanket and sipping our hot chocolate. He seemed to be staring off into space, not paying attention to the movie.

I leaned closer and whispered, “Are you okay?”

He nodded and smiled…but it seemed forced.

I raised a brow.

“Thinking of Grady. Wishing he were here for all of this. He would have made a wonderful uncle.”

Lacing my fingers with his, I nodded. “He would have. I truly believe he’s looking down on us, though, and he’s happy for us.”

The corner of Colt’s mouth lifted slightly as he nodded. I squeezed his hand, and he looked at me.

“Do you want to leave?”

Colt glanced around the room, and a more genuine smile appeared on his face as he shook his head.

I followed his gaze and took in the sight before me. My mother and father were on the sofa, snuggled up under a blanket, just like me and Colt. Next to them were my grandfather and grandmother, both passed out cold. I couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight.

On the other sofa sat Caden and Lilibeth, the latter fast asleep as Caden raptly watched the movie he claimed to hate like it was his favorite movie in the entire world. On the floor, lying on a makeshift bed, were Levi and Emeline. Surrounding them were three of their kids, all fast asleep without a care in the world. Jackson and Nellie were asleep in the nursery upstairs.

My heart warmed as I let my eyes roam over my family. Just a few months ago, my heart could hardly bear to be around my family, simply because being with them reminded me of what I didn’t have. Now, with Colt by my side, I had a future full of just as much love to look forward to.

Turning to Colt, I said, “I want to show you something tomorrow, here on the ranch.”

He kissed my forehead. “Okay.”

Snuggling into his side, I drew in a breath and slowly let it out. Life certainly was beautiful. I closed my eyes and thought of Grady, and although it made me sad that he wasn’t here with us, I knew in my heart…he was.

Somewhere in the depths of my soul, I even heard his voice. “Life is beautiful, indeed.”