Page 141 of Branded Betrayal

He lifts me into the air and swings me around. And despite the cold, so much love warms me in that moment. The ranch hands cheer from where they stand with the rest of the herd.

I giggle as Blaze sets me down. The tiny facets of the diamond gleam in the bright sun. “Did you really carry this every day?”

“Yep.” He drops a kiss onto my lips. “Every day. My hope. My future.”

We walk back to the pasture where Mikey, Randy, and the other hands congratulate us.

“About time,” Mikey says, elbowing Blaze with a knowing smirk.

“We have to tell Nash,” I say. “And your brothers. Let’s have them over for dinner tonight. We’ll make it a big party!”

“Sounds like a plan,” Blaze says, leaning down to nuzzle my ear. “And maybe we can do a little pregaming before they come over.”

A shiver scuttles down my spine. “Oh, I’m all for that.” I peek around at Mikey. “You guys good out here for a little while?”

“Yeah, my bride-to-be and I need to handle some . . . arrangements,” Blaze says with an exaggerated wink.

Mikey chuckles. “Take all the time you need. We’ll hold down the fort.”

We walk toward the house, his hand warm in mine. Six weeks ago, I drove back here, scared that I made the wrong choice. Today, we’re celebrating a future together in a place I love and cherish.

I came back here to reclaim my life. Turns out, my life was waiting right here where I left it.

With him.

Epilogue

Savannah

“Savvie, it’s time,” Alyssa calls from the hallway. She knocks on the bathroom door. “Do you need help getting your dress zipped up?”

“No,” I moan weakly. Tears spring to my eyes. I clutch the sides of the toilet seat, my stomach ready to revolt for the third time today.

The knob turns, the door creaking open. Alyssa gasps. “Oh, sweetie.” She rushes over and drops down next to me. “It’s just nerves. Everyone gets them. I mean, I got sick at my sister’s wedding, and I wasn’t even the one getting married.”

“I don’t think it’s nerves,” I rasp, swiping my fingers under my eyes, but I’m sure the damage to my makeup is already done.

“What do you mean?” she asks.

“I’m late. Like, two weeks late. I’ve been nauseous all week, and I figured it was all the stress about the wedding, but . . .” I let out a shuddering sigh.

She pauses, and I slowly turn my head toward her, the evidence plain as day. “Oh my God! You’re pregnant?”

Pulling myself to a seated position, I nod and lean back against the side of the bathtub. “Three positive tests say I am. I’d been on antibiotics for a throat infection about six weeks ago, and I didn’t even think about how it’d affect my birth control pills,” I moan.

“Does Blaze know?” she asks.

“No, I wanted to wait. Today should be about us, not about—”

“A baby.” Alyssa breathes, clapping her hands, an elated smile spreading across her face. “You guys are having a baby!”

“Yes,” I say, the fluttery feeling of seeing those double pink lines returning to my belly. Our real second chance, literally brought to life. The tears threaten to fall again, but I blink them back. “I can’t believe it, but I am so happy. Happier than I’ve ever been.”

She squeals and gives me a quick hug. “I am so excited for you guys. And privileged to be the first to find out.” She winks at me. “But don’t worry, I won’t gloat.”

I roll my eyes, struggling to pull myself to my feet. “Thanks.”

Alyssa jumps up and loops an arm around me for support. “Brush your teeth so I can fix your makeup. You kind of look like a raccoon.”