Page 266 of Lost Then Found
I look down at the ring, at our joined hands, at the porch full of people I love more than anything in the world—and yeah. It really is.
Boone slides his arm around my waist, tugging me in until my side is flush with his. I tilt my head back, narrowing my eyes at him. “So was this whole ‘date night’ a setup? Is the restaurant even real?”
He grins. “The restaurant’s very real. So is the hotel reservation. We’re staying in Bozeman tonight.”
My brows lift. “Really?”
He presses a kiss to the top of my head, his voice dropping low and soft. “Really. Miller recommended the place. Swears by the short ribs.”
I let out a laugh, leaning into him. “Of course she did. That woman knows the best food in the state.”
“I do,” Miller pipes up, slipping her sunglasses down from the top of her head and leveling a look at us. “And you two better go enjoy it while you still have time to make out between courses without your kid gagging in the corner.”
“Miller,” Boone says, half amused, half warning.
“What? It’s the truth.”
Molly wraps her arms around me next, warm and strong and full of something that feels like home. When she pulls back, her eyes are glossy and her hands cradle my face.
“I’ve seen you as my daughter for a long time now,” she says. “But I’m glad it’s finally official. You’re going to be a Wilding.”
Tears prick again and I nod, swallowing hard as I wipe under my eyes. “Me too,” I whisper. “So much.”
She presses a kiss to my cheek, then turns toward Hudson. “Alright, my boy, let’s get some pictures and then get you changed. We’re taking you bowling with Wren and Sage. It’s gonna be a party.”
“Wait—you’re going bowling?” I ask.
“Of course we are,” Sage calls, tugging Wren toward the car.
Ridge’s voice cuts through the phone screen. “If I were there, I’d wipe the floor with all of you.”
Miller snorts. “Sure you would, Rodeo Barbie.”
“Love you too, Millie.” Ridge blows her a kiss and Miller scowls.
Boone kisses my temple again, his hand tightening at my waist. “You ready, sweetheart?”
I nod, heart bursting as I glance between the people I love, this house he built, the life we’re starting. “Let’s go to dinner,” I say. “I’m starving, engaged, and riding high on endorphins. Seems like the perfect time for short ribs.”
I catch Hudson’s arm and pull him in for a kiss on the cheek. “I’ll see you tomorrow, okay? Try not to have too much fun without me.”
He wipes the spot dramatically, grinning like a little devil. “I’m gonnadominate everyone at bowling.”
Boone snorts behind me. “That’s the spirit, kid.”
Then he’s pulling Hudson into a hug, one of those solid, anchoring hugs that Boone gives best. He wraps his arms around him and presses a kiss to the top of his head, and Hudson stands there, soaking it up like sunshine—like it’s his favorite thing in the world and he doesn’t care who sees.
Boone doesn’t let go right away, and neither does Hudson.
My chest goes tight, the good kind—the kind that reminds me this is real. This is ours.
Hudson lets go first, jogging toward the group with a wave over his shoulder. “Don’t forget to save me cake!”
“There’s no cake!” Boone calls back, chuckling.
He reaches for my hand and laces his fingers with mine as he walks me toward the passenger side of his truck. He opens the door like a gentleman, offering his other hand to help me climb up. I slide into my seat and the second he shuts the door, the scent of his cologne wraps around me—clean and woodsy with something a little sweet underneath.
He rounds the front, gives a wave to everyone still on the porch, and climbs into the driver’s seat. I follow his lead, waving out the window as he turns the engine over.
