Page 63 of Make Me Yours
“Count me in,” she said. “I could use something creative. It’s been quiet lately—Easton’s off on his latest motorcycle kick. Rallies, road trips, you name it. I haven’t seen him in forever.”
I laughed softly. “Sounds like him.”
“Yeah,” she said with affection. “Anyway, this vow renewal idea—just say when and I’ll start pulling ideas. Florals, maybe candles on the mantel, soft lighting. We’ll make it magic.”
“Perfect. I’ll text you the tentative date once the contractor gives us the all-clear.”
“Can’t wait. And Lilly—congratulations again. You sound happy.”
I looked at the expanse of Lucky Ranch, the sun rays beaming through the pines at the top of the ridge. “I am,” I said quietly. “Really, truly happy.”
After I hung up, I lingered on the porch. The cold air stung my cheeks, but I didn’t mind. From the open doorway came the soft murmur of Sawyer’s voice as he talked to our daughter, telling her some nonsense story about horses and heroes. The sound wrapped around me like the quilt from this morning—safe, steady, real.
I leaned against the porch rail, taking in the view. The fence stretched in a perfect line toward the horizon. Tyler finished feeding Grace and gave a small wave before heading back to the stable. Grace flicked her tail and lowered her head again, utterly at peace.
Sunny lifted her head, eyes half-closed, watching me like she always did—quiet guardian, keeper of secrets. I reached down to run a hand through her fur. The wind shifted, carrying the scent of hay and woodsmoke.
Then came the gentle sound I’d been expecting—Hope’s soft cry, sweet and steady as a heartbeat. I couldn't help but smile.
As I turned toward the door, Sawyer’s low chuckle followed. “I think she’s calling for you, Mom,” he teased as I stepped inside.
The warmth hit instantly. The fire glowed steadily in the hearth, painting golden light across the room. Sawyer stood there, our daughter in his arms, her tiny fists waving in protest. He handed her to me gently, his grin full of affection.
“She needs her mom,” he said, brushing his knuckles along my jaw.
I took Hope, her warmth seeping through the blanket, and sat down in the old wooden rocker near the fire. The rhythm came naturally now—quiet, familiar, full of peace. Hope rooted instinctively, her cries softening until the only sounds left were the crackle of the fire and the sweet sound of her suckling.
Sawyer lingered for a moment, watching us. “I can’t believe how my life has changed,” he said quietly, then turned toward the kitchen. “I’ll start lunch.”
As he moved about behind me, the scent of fresh bread and coffee drifted through the air, mingling with the faint sweetness of baby powder and the pine logs crackling in the fireplace. I glanced down at our daughter, her tiny hand resting against my heart, and thought how right everything finally felt.
Outside, winter held the ranch in silence. Inside, our little family was just beginning.
Epilogue
A Visit from Lady Luck
Easton
Three Months Later
Sturgis was still clinging to me—the dust, the noise, the thrum of a hundred engines fading behind as I rolled out of the campground and pointed the Harley toward home.
The spring air cut clean through my jacket, sharp enough to clear my head. I gunned the throttle, letting the familiar vibration work its way through me, settling in my chest. Normally, leaving a rally like that gave me a sense of satisfaction. Brotherhood. Noise and grit, and no one asking questions.
But this time, something about it hit differently.
Before I took off, I looked around the lot—chrome glinting, tents half-collapsed, laughter still rolling from the beer tent. Nearly every guy I’d ridden with had someone climbing onto the back of his bike. Some brunette was hanging on tight, a blonde was tossing her hair, and someone’s wife was snapping a photo before they peeled out.
And then there were the three of us. Lone riders. No one waiting, no one waving.
Didn’t used to bother me. But lately… well, maybe it did.
I shook it off, swung my leg over the bike, and kicked it into gear. Wind always had a way of clearing the cobwebs faster than whiskey or therapy ever could.
Still, as the miles rolled by, I couldn’t help picturing the life I was riding toward.
Lilly and Sawyer renewing their vows that afternoon at the cabin—half of Lovelace invited, probably the other half showing up anyway. I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Not just because Sawyer, Rhett, and Colt were like brothers, but because somehow, seeing them with their wives and families gave me a weird kind of peace. Like maybe not all of us were meant to go it alone.
