“Say it again,” she whispered.
“I love you and want everything with you.”
“And again.”
“I love you—”
“Once more.”
“I love you.”
“Thank God.” She smiled even as tears fell. “And I love you, Joe Wyatt, with all of my heart and all of my soul.”
Then he kissed her, deeply, passionately, and Sophie’s bruised heart healed, and her world was complete.
Epilogue
Sunday arrived with a breathtaking rose-and-gold sunrise, the brilliant rays casting a peach glow over Paradise Valley. The wedding wouldn’t be for hours yet, but Sophie lingered with her coffee at the window in Joe’s room, which, as of today, was officially her room, too. Joe had helped her clear her things out of Sam’s room and move her into his room, even as he apologized for not having a bigger, nicer bedroom. She didn’t care about the size of the room; the bed was big and comfortable, topped with a fluffy feather duvet.
She’d been secretly sleeping in here every night since she and Joe had made up—not that it was probably a secret to the rest of the household. But no one said anything and Sophie was just so happy to finally be totally comfortable here at the ranch house. She didn’t ever want to have another big fight with Joe. It had been horrible, and scary, and incredibly sad, but the fight—and the aftermath—had changed something in them. It’d changed their relationship, too. They felt like a real couple, and their relationship felt solid, and safe.
In the future, she expected they’d have arguments and would lose their tempers, but there would be no walking out, or running away. There would be no extended periods of silence or hurtful distancing. They’d both agreed they would never again go to bed angry with the other. They’d promised to talk more, and work on communication. But, honestly, communication had changed tremendously already. Just being together in the same bed at night made communication easy. Joe had dropped the last of his guard and he smiled so much more, even his expression when he looked at Sophie made her heart melt. His lovely blue eyes warmed when he looked her way, his expression so full of tenderness and love that it made her feel breathless. No one had ever looked at her this way, or made her feel so special, as if she was something miraculous.
She loved the laughter in the house now, too. Granddad was exactly as he’d always been—strong, quiet, but loving. It was Summer who’d changed. She was happy, and so lighthearted, she struck Sophie as almost girlish. Joe still wasn’t pleased that his mom had deliberately been cold to Sophie, but Sophie understood.
“Don’t be upset with her,” Sophie said last night, snuggling against his chest. “She wanted what was best for you, and you got it… me!”
He laughed, the sound a warm rumble, and his arms tightened around her and he dropped a kiss on the top of her head. “Tomorrow we have wedding number two. Are you really good with it, or have you just become an exceptional actress?”
“I’m actually really excited. I never did have a wedding. I had an engagement. But I never did wear a pretty dress, or walk down an aisle, or have a first dance or cut a cake.” She fell silent a moment, picturing everything that would happen tomorrow. “Even if no one comes, it will be special just being with you, celebrating us.”
And now here it was, the big day, and Sophie felt another jolt of excitement as she heard and then saw a big white truck come into view. The dogs dashed out into the driveway, beyond excited, with Runt practically doing backflips in his eagerness to get to the passengers.
Joe’s brothers had arrived.
And then Joe was stepping out of the house, heading to the driveway and she watched as the truck doors opened and three big cowboys climbed out and then Joe was hugging them, and they were back-slapping and laughing, and hugging some more.
Sophie’s eyes filled with tears, but they were happy tears.
Joe had been so lonely here with them gone. He’d been so lonely at the ranch before she arrived, and now he never had to be the oldest, doing the responsible thing, alone. She’d be at his side, supporting him, and caring for him, and instead of being practical and businesslike, they’d fill this old ranch house full of love and laughter. And babies. Hopefully at least four or five.
Suddenly, all the guys outside were looking up to the window where she stood and they waved. She waved back and then she quickly wiped away a tear. She was happy. She loved it here. She felt as if she’d truly come home.
*
Sophie was in her dressing room at Emerson Barn getting ready. The wedding was just an hour away now, and Amanda had arrived to do Sophie’s hair and makeup. Summer knocked at the door, asking if she could come in, and Sophie had welcomed her. “I’m glad you’re here,” Sophie said. “It makes it more special.”
Summer carefully sat in one of the chairs by the window. She looked almost radiant in her cream gown with the antique lace overlay. Amanda had done Summer’s hair earlier, and her silvery-blonde style flattered her immensely.
Summer couldn’t help beaming as she watched Amanda curl Sophie’s hair. “I have to tell you, Sophie, I haven’t had this much fun in ages. Thank you so much for indulging me. I know you didn’t want to do all of this—”
“In the beginning,” Sophie agreed, “but I’m glad you insisted we have a wedding. This is wonderful, it is.”
“Well, I appreciate you including me, and letting me help create a dream wedding for you and Joe. I just want you two to know how much we love you.”
“I do know.” Sophie’s gaze met Summer’s in the mirror. “How does it feel, having all your boys home?”
“Wonderful. They have so much fun together. The photographer, McKenna Sheenan, is with them now, taking pictures. She’ll be coming here soon to take pictures of you in your dress.”
“I don’t think I’ve met her yet.”
“She grew up in this valley. Her family were ranchers, too.”
Amanda leaned down and whispered into Sophie’s ear, “McKenna’s brother, Quinn, is the baseball player that married Charity.”
Sophie was almost finished dressing when the photographer arrived. McKenna quickly set up lights and began taking candids of Summer straightening Sophie’s veil, and Amanda touching up Sophie’s makeup.
And then it was time to go and Sophie’s heart beat faster.
*
Joe had been standing with the minister, waiting for Sophie to arrive. The guests filled the folding chairs and his mother had been seated five minutes earlier, walked to her chair up front by Sam. Joe had given her a wink as she sat down and she gave him a proud smile. This day meant so much to her. She’d made that promise to Joe’s dad to do her best for the boys, and she had. Today, her eldest was getting married.
Turning his head, Joe glanced at his brothers who stood by his side, quietly joking and talking. Joe had known they were driving through the night to make the wedding, but seeing Sam’s truck this morning pull into the driveway, and then having them spill out of the truck, boisterous and happy to be home, had given him peace. Everyone told him that his brothers looked a lot like him, and he supposed they did. The Wyatts inherited Melvin’s height, and lean, athletic build. His brothers were also tan and tough, hardened by competition, and weathered by competing in all elements.