Page 59 of Rancher's Pride

“I don’t need more. I’ve got two amazing girls and if that’s all we have, my life will be complete.” I searched her eyes for understanding and acceptance, but she looked confused.

“You don’t want to try for a boy, or another one of your own?” Her brows furrowed and she bit the corner of her lip.

“Toots, they are both mine. I love Lottie, no different from Josie. And as far as a boy that’s never mattered to me, all I want to know is that they’re happy, healthy and I do everything in my power tokeep them safe. There’s nothing I won’t do for them.” Deep down, I know how far I’d go for them, but I didn’t think Fallon realized exactly what I meant.

Nobody will ever hurt my girls again.

CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR

FALLON

“When do you want to get married?” I asked him as I looked up, unable to wipe the smile off my face. I was going to marry Nash Powers. It was my childhood dream come true.

“The date doesn’t matter to me as long as I’m your husband at the end of my life.” He slid his hand down to the top of my ass, and he tucked it into the pocket of my jeans. Someone needed to pinch me because after the last five years, I couldn’t quite believe this was my life.

Nash pulled open the door, and we walked into the quiet house. “Congratulations!” Everyone jumped out from the corners, behind doors, and into the kitchen. Everyone I loved was in the room, with one exception, but I knew he was here in spirit.

Mom walked over to me and hugged me with her free arm since she was holding a very awake Lottie inher arms. No doubt woken up by the commotion of this crew trying to find places to hide.

Fred followed my mother and tears filled his eyes as he hugged me tightly. Turning to Nash, he embraced him and my heart was at peace. Their relationship had been rough over the last few years, but time heals and they were as close as they ever had been. “So what about that bet?” Nash asked his dad.

“What bet?” I asked, looking at the men who shared so many similarities, but mostly their smiles. They were identical.

“Fallon, your father and I made a bet many years ago about when you and Nash would finally tie the knot.” He looked over at my mom and smiled wider. “Miller had hoped this would happen much sooner, but I knew my son and, well, I figured you wouldn’t take it easy on him.” Laughter filtered through the room. Taking it easy on him was the understatement of the century.

“So Julie handed it over.” Fred held out his hand and Mom slapped an envelope in his palm. My mom shook her head and laughed.

“I couldn’t believe it when Miller told me he’d made the bet with you. I flat out asked him if he’d ever met his daughter because even I knew this wasn’t going to be easy. He’d be so proud of both of you.” Phil took her hand as she struggled to get the words out. It took a powerful man to hear the love she still had for my dad and not feel jealous, but Phil let hertalk about him whenever she wanted, and I loved him for it.

“Did we miss it?” A voice yelled from the door, and I turned to see Tayla and Lark pulling off their jackets.

“Yes, of course you did. You both are never on time for anything,” Kipp said, annoyance dripping from his words.

“Well sorry bro, we figured this event deserved more than beer.” They pulled bottles of champagne from their bags and handed them to Nora before launching themselves at me.

“How long are you both here?” I managed to ask between the squeals and hugs.

“Only for two days. We have to head to a rodeo in Texas.” Lark said, and she sounded disappointed. I looked up at Nash, and as if he could read my thoughts, he nodded.

“Well, what if we get married tomorrow?” I said, looking around the room. “Why wait?” I shrugged, and the place erupted with chatter and I looked over at Nash, who now had Lottie in his arms. Moving through the sea of people that had invaded our house, we moved to the stairs where things were slightly quieter.

“Are you sure you don’t want a big wedding? You didn’t have one the first time.” His face was full of concern.

“I don’t need a big wedding as long as you’re the one at the opposite end of the aisle. All that matters is thatyou, Josie, Lottie and I are officially a family and I don’t need hundreds of people’s approval on that day, just the people that matter to us.” I rolled up on my toes and pressed my mouth to his.

Nash pulled away from me and smiled. “Let’s have a wedding.”

The night wore on and the party kept going. Us girls had broken off into our own group and we were frantically making nots and laughing. “Okay, but what are you going to do about a dress?” Nora asked as a hush fell over the group at the kitchen table.

“I bet you’d fit into Mom’s dress.” Tayla said, looking from Mom to me.

“If you’d like to wear it, I would love it if you did.” She beamed as she said the words. “I seem to remember it got left at the house when I moved.” She frowned, and it was like she was trying to retrace her steps as to where it would be.

“Let’s go girls.” Lark said, jumping from the table. I stood to follow and wobbled a little. Champagne always went to my head quickly, and I’d lost count of how many glasses I’d had. Kristin grabbed my arm to steady me. Looking over at her, I saw she had a stupid grin on her face, and I wasn’t sure how she could catch me because she looked as plastered as I felt. We burst into a fit of giggles, and it got worse when everyone turned to stare at us.

“We’re going to the house for a minute. Boys, you’re on sleeping baby duties,” Nora said as we all marchedout of the house like we were on a mission. We were out the door before the guys could say anything. The cool air hit me and helped sober me up slightly.

“Remind me not to drink champagne again,” I said to Nora as I threaded my arm around hers.

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