Page 17 of Hitch Me

Enjoy your fourth of July bash out at the ranch. Lord knows there will be drama, but this time, mums the word. This is Brandi Rose, your favorite bitch with boots on the ground, signing off for the last time.

End of Boots and Bitching podcast. All episodes deleted. Account deactivated.

EPILOGUE: BRYNN ROSE

Three Years Later

I’m bubbling with so much anticipation, I can hardly keep my mind on anything else. Today is the day we find out if we’re having a boy or a girl. My sister-in-law Priya was entrusted with the sealed envelope from our doctor. She coordinated with Patty June. Now I’ve got a single, stunning cupcake sitting on the kitchen counter. Somehow I’ve got to wait to cut into it.

I sit out in the rocker on our front porch. The sun sets over the ranch that's become our home, listening to the distant bleating of goats and the gentle evening sounds of the life we've built together.

The baby kicks hard against my ribs as I settle into the porch swing. I watch Geoffrey work with the horses in the evening light. At seven months pregnant, I'm all belly and swollen ankles. But my face is all smiles. I've never been happier in my entire life.

"Easy, sweetheart," I murmur, rubbing the spot where tiny feet are apparently practicing for the World Cup. "Daddy will be done soon."

As if he heard me, Geoffrey looks up from the fence line and grins. It’s that same smile that's been making my heartskip for the past three years of marriage. He waves, and flashes me a wink that still sends butterflies flapping in my stomach. He is still the sexiest cowboy I’ve ever met. These pregnancy hormones have me counting the minutes until he steps into the shower. I’m more than ready to join him.

Buzz. Buzz.

My phone vibrates on the glass top table with a text from my mom.

Just posted the new episode. I think you'll like this one.

I smile and open my podcast app. It's been two and a half years since Mom and I rebuilt our relationship from the ground up. It hasn't been easy, but it's been worth it.

Her fire for podcasting hasn’t dimmed, but it's different now. Her new show is, Sagebrush Creek, Y’all Come By. Every now and then it’s still a little gossipy, but it’s got a heart. Mom is using her powers for good.

She talks about community achievements. She celebrates local businesses. Mom drives tourism to our town and is helping build our local economy. I’ve never been so proud to be her daughter.

Almost an hour passes before Geoffrey and I are standing together in our kitchen. I’m vibrating with excitement. A new little Kingridge is entering the world and nothing can ever be the same.

“Are you ready?” He holds up the cupcake and my heart skips a beat.

“Yes! Are you freaking kidding me? Yes!”

“It’s all yours.” He slides a knife toward me and comes to stand behind me. Geoffrey plants a kiss on my neck and I feel the sensation whip all the way down my body.

“Okay.” I count down in my mind and slice the cupcake open. When pink sprinkles cascade onto the table, my eyes well with tears. “ A girl.” My voice is shaky and my eyes well with tears. “Geoffrey, it's a girl. You’re going to be a girl dad.”

He wraps his arms around me as tears spill from his eyes. Then he places a sweet kiss on my bump. “I’m so grateful for this life with you. You are my favorite person and that has never changed.”

I’m overwhelmed with every emotion, joy, excitement, and fear that I’ll somehow mess it all up. But I know one thing for certain, this little cowgirl is loved unconditionally and without limits.

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