Page 19 of Capturing Clint

Clint looked up at her and smiled. “Close enough.”

She leaned down to kiss him. “I’ll be your angel and your devil, and you can love both equally.”

“I’ll spend every day proving my worth for—”

Chrissy pressed her fingers against his lips, halting his words. “No, we’ll spend every day together loving one another, cherishing one another, and making each other better. How’s that?”

“Perfect.”

They started immediately.

Epilogue

…the following summer

“Clint, where are you?”

“Be right there!” he yelled from downstairs. He’d gone to the kitchen to whip up lunch while Chrissy and Zac were putting the finishing touches on the nursery in their renovated farmhouse.

Within two months of returning to the States from Japan, Clint and Chrissy bought property, planned the remodeling, and arranged a low-key wedding in Denver, much to the disappointment of Zac, who wanted a lavish affair. But Chrissy put her foot down and insisted on intimate and classy, with close family and friends. Clint had even surprised her by taking the time to track down Beth and making it possible for her to attend. Chrissy had been thrilled, and the women promised to never lose contact again.

Turned out Bethany Ann Drake had secured herself a position in Paris, working for UNESCO—the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, for their International Institute for Educational Planning.

Yeah, quite a mouthful! But Beth couldn’t be happier, and Chrissy was over the moon to finally reconnect with her friend. Beth had been one of the first to be informed about Chrissy’s pregnancy, promising to visit in the fall when the baby was due.

So now, with less than three months until the expected delivery, Chrissy and Zac were oohing andaahingover their project while Clint just sat back and watched the transformation.

His life couldn’t feelmore completethan it did. Clint felt truly blessed to have Chrissy’s love, and now, to be welcoming another into theirlives, with the impending birth of their baby. Clint had also returned to work, resuming his crusade to unite cattlemen’s groups across the nation, for the benefit of the entire nation.

He loaded up the tray, careful of the pitcher of sweet tea, and climbed to the second story, to the room decorated in soft shades of lavender, mint, and pink. As he stood in the doorway, his gaze immediately zeroed in on his beautiful wife and the swelling of her belly. Months ago, she had taken out her piercing when she thought the bulge would cause it to burst right through her skin. Clint had only laughed, telling her she wasthe most gorgeouspregnant woman he’d ever laid eyes on, and nodoubt,could resume wearing the gem shortly after delivering.

“Finally, refreshments,” Zac said. “Thank you, handsome.” He snagged the pitcher and began to pour the tea, handing the first glass to Chrissy.

“Thanks,” she said, taking a healthy drink. She was holding up well to the unseasonable heat the summer had produced. Thank goodness for air conditioning! “What do you think?” she asked, spreading her arm about the room.

The walls were painted, the furniture inplaceand the baby’s name was scripted above the crib—TaniMarie.

Clint set the tray down on the changing table and went to Chrissy’s side, holding her close. “It’s like I always say—perfect.” He kissed her temple and enjoyed the blaze in her green eyes.

“Always, huh?”

“Yes. Now, go eat. You’ve been working non-stop for hours and you need a break.”

“Exactly,” Zac agreed. “Here, have a sandwich.”

Chrissy nibbled on her food while she rubbed her mound.

“She been active?” Clint asked.

“Ho,boy, has she. A regular karate champion today.”

Clint and Zac laughed while Chrissy gave them a mocking glare. “Just you wait. When she’s wailing in the middle of the night, I’m going to push you out of bed to fetch her.”

“I’m at your beck and call, my love.”

“You two, so sweet,” Zac cooed. He quickly finished off his sandwich and unceremoniously guzzled his drink. “Now, I hate to eat and run, but I must eat and run. I’ve got another client to check in on, and then Doug and I are off for the weekend.”

“Oh, have fun! And stay cool. California is still plenty warm.”

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