Page 61 of Rancher's Pride

“So yeah, Fallon, that little piece of paper means the world to me, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.” His words had grown quiet, and I suddenly realized that while I’d done this before and that time it was for self preservation, this time it was because I was marrying the love of my life.

Someone cleared their throat behind us, and I didn’t have to look who it was. “What do you want?” Nash grumbled.

“I don’t think you’re supposed to see her before the wedding.” Kipp’s low voice was unimpressed with his best friend.

Nash let me go and turned to him. “Well pal, pretty sure we fucked up the order of all this, so like I said to Fallon, I don’t think it matters.” I slapped my hand over my mouth as I giggled. Kipp turned to me and frowned.

“You’re sure you want to do this, Fallon?”

“Are you asking me if I’m having cold feet?” I looked at him and frowned.

“That’s exactly what I’m asking. If you want out, all you have to do is say so.” Kipps’ eyes were his tell. They were dancing with the laughter he was trying to hold back.

“Nope, my feet are toasty warm. I should have the same last name as everyone in our house, don’t you think?” I wrapped an arm around both men. They were the same, but oh so different. I’d always known both men would do anything for me, and both were as loyal as the day is long. One of them had always been who I’d needed when nobody else was there.

“Good. I’m happy for you both,” Kipp said, looking from me to Nash. “Guess you really are my brother now.” He smiled and shook hands.

“Well, not for another few hours. You boys are on baby duty while I get ready.” I glanced at the clock and let go of the two most important men in my life. “I’m going to the main house. See you in a few hours.” Standing on my toes, I kissed Nash while Kipp groaned. Patting him on the arm, I grabbed my bag and walked out the door.

My nose tingled as I looked at myself in the mirror. Life had changed so much in the lastfew months and as I waited for the wedding to start, I wondered when it would all come crashing down. The door opened, and Nash snuck through. “Hey, I figured since I already know what your dress looks like, I could sneak in. I found these for you.”

He held out a small bouquet of purple fuzzy flowers. “Crocuses?” I reached out and took them.

“Yeah, I saw some in the pasture by the cemetery, so I rode out there and got them for you.” He smiled nervously and shoved his hands in his pockets, rocking back and forth on his feet.

Closing the distance between us, I wrapped my arms around his neck. “You and Kipp used to race to see who could bring me the first crocus of the year when I was little. Then I made you take me to where you found them and I made bouquets for everyone.” I smiled as I remembered how happy they made me. As if he was standing there beside me, I could see my father reaching out, taking the flower from my hand, smiling like I’d given him a million dollars.

“We did it because it made you so happy when you could line them up in little cups along the window of the living room. I hated the years we weren’t around at this time of the year. It always made me furious that someone else was bringing them to you.”

“While you five were off doing dangerous stuff, it was only Dad who brought them. Oh, a few boys tried, but I wouldn’t accept them from anyone but you, and Kipp, so he didn’t know I had a crush on you.” Ilooked up at the man who’d been the only man I’d ever loved. He looked more at peace than he ever had. A soft smile on his face, his arm wrapped tightly around me, and.

“I hate that the season for them is so short.” I whispered as I ran my finger over the delicate flower.

“But after the long cold winter, they are the ray of hope everyone needs. They remind us that there’s an entirely new season on the horizon where the world is new and just waiting for us,” Nash said as he smiled at me.

“When did you get so deep, Nash Powers?”

“I’ve had lots of time to think over the years.” He wrapped his hand around my waist and we continued on to the house.

“You’re just full of surprises.” I laughed and put my arm around him.

“Toots, you ain’t seen anything yet.” He let his hand slip to the top of my ass.

“Nash, I’ve seen your surprises.” I roll my eyes and shake my head. The quick sting of his hand slapping my rear end made me jump.

“Not all of them.” He lowered his mouth and kissed me lightly. “Are you ready to marry me?”

“Yes, I am.” I nodded, pressing my hands to his chest. His black pearl snap shirt pulled tightly across his shoulders. The black Wranglers hugged his thighs and ass and it made my mouth water. The tattoos on his hands made him look menacing, but I knew different.He was the sweetest man, the most amazing dad, and I had no doubt he’d be the best husband.

“Okay, Fallon, let’s get you…” Kipp’s voice trailed off. “Why are you always breaking the rules?” He was exasperated and shook his head.

“Rules are made to be broken,” Nash said as he winked at me before leaving the room. Lark and Tayla frowned at Nash as they came in.

“Fallon, we just wanted to tell you how proud we are of you,” Kipp said as a tear rolled down his cheek.

“Are you crying?” Lark said, rolling her eyes.

Tayla flung her arm around his shoulder. “Aww, the big, tough brother is just a big softie. But what he’s trying to say is we know things weren’t easy, and we weren’t there for you. Not that any of us have been there for one another much over the last few years.” She looked at the three of us. “From now on, we’re back to being the flying four. No more years without talking, no more life events going by without being involved.”

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