Page 113 of Nanny for the Cowboy

For the first time in forever—longer than I can remember—I feel at home, at peace with my life and who’s in it. I belong here—with my family, with the men who’ve shown me that I can have the best of both worlds and live out my dreams.

“You know,” my dad and I look over at Brooks as he comes to stand by us, “I never got the pleasure of meeting Beth, but I can tell that she left the best mark on you both. And I’m so grateful that she was there to help you become the incredible woman you are. The woman I love.”

A sob breaks free, and I shake my head. “I’m fine. I’m fine. This is your fault.”

I glare playfully at Brooks, who grins back, his head tipping in the way it does when he’s wrapped up in staring at me. For a moment, it’s just the two of us in the entire world.

“You’re a good man, Brooks,” my dad offers. “I expect you to prove it every day, but I’m certain you will.”

My father claps Brooks on the shoulder, and I’m an absolute mess. Laughter through tears, isn't it? Like that old movie?

Well, whatever this is, it’s the happiest I’ve ever been, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.

Leaning over me, Brooks gets our drinks from the table and holds up his beer. “To new beginnings and the woman who showed me that love isn’t dead. I just needed to break my arm to find it. I love you, Lucky.”

I tip my head to the side, feeling overwhelmed with love and support and gratitude, chuckling because my boyfriend here has a hell of a way with words.

“And to you,Ace. Thank you for showing me that sheep feed makes an excellent projectile and that love can be found in the strangest of places, like a smelly, old barn.”

“Cheers!” everyone calls out, even Darby, and then he adds, “Can we have dessert now?”

We all laugh, and my dad walks over to the kid, who’s much more concerned about cake than toasts, and pulls him into the kitchen. I can hear them talking about cookies as they trail off, and Brooks comes over to me, wrapping his arms around my waist.

His shaggy hair is catching the light, and his classic button-down, plaid shirt is in place, making him look exactly as good as the day I first met him.

“Pretty good dinner, I’d say.”

I smile up at him, taking in how good it feels to have Brooks’s arms tight around me. “It was. I never should have doubted it. Because,apparently, things really will work out for the best.”

Brooks grins, mischief lighting his eyes. “Told you.”

“Yes, you did.” I lift up onto my tiptoes and kiss him, lingering in the perfect moment between us.

Kisses with Brooks are never long enough, and I will savor every single one of them.

After a few seconds, Darby shouts for us from the kitchen.

“Guys! There are cookies! And Pop says we have to help with dishes!”

I glance up at Brooks. “Pop?”

“I think your dad gave himself a nickname.” He grins, kissing me once more.

Smiling, I lean back. “I like it.”

As we grin, laughing at the amazing, goofy kid and my dad, who’s become a grandpa in just a handful of seconds, Brooks takes my hand and leads me into the kitchen.

I follow, and the truth is, I’d follow him anywhere.

Epilogue

CLOVER

Two months later…

My voice rings through the crowded bar, Brooks and Darby cheering as I launch into the final verse and chorus. They’re my mini fan club, and they’re always here for me.

Excitement and joy buzz through my skin, and I am drunk on the exhilaration of performing and knowing that my life is blossoming all around me.

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