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“And now you’re ready to admit it?”
Lilah pressed her lips together before curling them into the sweetest smile he’d ever seen. “I love you, Trace. I’m in love with you. I—”
Trace slid his hand over Lilah’s jaw. He cupped her cheek and kissed her. Breathing her in, Trace wanted this moment to last forever.
Easing back, he ran a thumb over Lilah’s cheek. “I love you, too.”
They shared a smile and another kiss. Then Trace and Lilah tipped their foreheads together and basked in the love that had grown between them. As they did, Henry’s flashlight toppled over and rolled off the couch. When it hit the floor, the flashlight turned on and light sprang across the balcony. Lilah and Trace stared at each other in surprise.
Reaching over, Lilah placed a soft kiss on Trace’s cheek. “A sign,” she whispered, her pretty face highlighted by the arc of light.
Trace smiled at her. “Henry’s blessing.”
They snuggled together, soaking in the last ribbons of sunset, their love, and the blissfully bright future ahead.
Epilogue
Itwastheperfectday for a party. The summer sun shone down on Lilah’s friends and family as they milled about between her house and the barn. Everyone was enjoying barbeque and good company. Most of the kids were gathered close to the paddocks, petting the fur-babies, including Sweetie and Sugar—the two mares that had wiggled their way into permanent positions on Lilah’s critter-crew. They may not have been in their prime anymore, but their patience and experience made them perfect for Ben and Andy. The boys adored the mares, and Lilah reveled in the fact that Sweetie and Sugar would live out their days being pampered and loved on. Plus, their calm demeanor meant they were the ideal welcoming crew for each new rescue that Lilah rehomed.
“You’ve got a couple of little cowboys on your hands,” Jesse said, and Lilah smiled. They both stood next to the buffet that lined the backside of the house, Lilah pouring herself a lemonade and Jesse cutting up a single hot dog for his daughter.
“I sure do,” Lilah replied proudly, taking a sip of the lemonade. Her gaze flitted to her boys as they led their horses to the fence so the other kids could pet them. “My little cowboys.” Lilah grinned and looked back at Jesse. “Speaking of, Andy and Ben were just asking me about Blaze. Do you have any new updates?”
“Actually, I do.” Jesse set the fork and knife down on the plate. “I told Bethany I was going to see you today, and she sent me a few pictures to show you.” He pulled his cell phone out of his jean pocket, tapped the screen a few times, and handed it over. “Take a look.”
Lilah took the phone and gasped when she saw the picture of Blaze and his owner, Bethany. “Oh my goodness. They are so adorable together.” She gaped at the cuteness on the screen.
In the photo, Bethany was kissing Blaze tenderly on his muzzle. His red coat gleamed. Behind them, acres of green grass rolled toward an adorable red barn. “This makes me so happy.”
“They really are a perfect match.” Jesse smiled heartily. “Plus, Bethany spoils him like he’s her firstborn child.”
“I’m so glad.” Lilah beamed, wanting that for every animal she rehomed. “And she’s going to start taking him to rodeos next year?”
“That’s the plan,” Jesse replied. “He should be ready to start barrel racing in the spring.”
Last summer, after prompting from Jesse, Bethany and her husband had driven over to Lilah’s and had immediately fallen in love with Blaze . . . and Daryll.
“Actually, I’m not sure who is more spoiled . . . the horse or the pig.” Jesse chuckled. “Swipe right.”
Lilah did and went into a fit of giggles. “Is he in the house?” The picture showed two plush dog beds. Daryll was sprawled across one, his little legs sticking straight out from his round body. A yellow lab was curled up on the other bed. A television lit the background.
“Sure is.” Jesse shook his head. “They’ve got him potty-trained. Bethany said Daryll thinks he’s one of the dogs.”
“He looks happy as a clam.” Lilah handed the phone back to Jesse. “Can you send me those pictures so I can show the kids later?”
“Absolutely.” Jesse stuck the phone back in his pocket and glanced over Lilah’s shoulder. “Hey, you two. You all done playing in the sandbox?”
Lilah turned and found Trace walking toward her. He was holding the hands of two skipping little girls. Sofie was on one side, Jesse’s daughter Charlie was on the other, and they each cradled a model horse like a football.
“All done for now,” Trace said, his blue eyes shining along with his smile. “Mom told me to round everyone up. She said it’s truffle time.” Charlie bounced off to her dad as Trace scooped Sofie into his arms.
Lilah inhaled sharply. “It’s time?” The anticipation was killing her.
“It’s time,” Trace repeated her words. Then he stepped in close and planted a slow, decadent kiss on Lilah. Her heart murmured in response. Sofie giggled, and Lilah gathered them both into a hug.
“Sofie, are you ready to find out if you’re going to have a little brother or sister?” Lilah set her hand on her round belly.
“Can I have both?” Sofie asked, tilting her head. Trace and Lilah laughed.
