She’d never seen anything as beautiful as the sight of him grinning through his tears. This was exactly why she hadn’t worn any mascara.
Underneath the arch, Thomas stood tall, looking so debonair in his best Western shirt and jeans, the light-colored cowboy hat tilted on his head. As soon as she and Brookie stopped at the very edge of the center aisle, he cleared his throat.
“Thank you all for being here to celebrate this family today.” His deep tenor carried, bringing a hush over the crowd. “These sacred vows are not just between Ruby and Sawyer, because you will not only be a new couple, but you will be a new family. So, Brookie, will you please join us now for the special family rites of this wedding.”
Still holding tightly to Ruby’s hand, Brookie walked forward, looking at her father, only at her father and nothing else, leading Ruby to the archway. With her back to the crowd, Brookie took both of their hands and joined them together as a family.
Thomas handed Sawyer the passage to read.
“Brookie,” he started, then paused, inhaling deeply as though attempting to keep his composure. “Thank you for loving us and for allowing us to love you with all of our hearts,” he said. “We weren’t there when you took your first steps, but we promise that now we will love and support you in every step that you take in your life.”
Brookie sniffled loudly, tears streaking down her soft skin.
As though he couldn’t stand it, Sawyer knelt and gazed into their daughter’s eyes. “We love you, Brookie, and we are devoted to making your life full of happiness and accomplishments, nurturing your creativity, encouraging your independence, and making sure you always know what a gift you are to this world.”
Ruby wiped away tears, then joined him on her knees, holding on to the joy that radiated from Brookie’s beautiful face. She wasn’t sure she’d be able to speak, but she would try. “We are devoted to ensuring that you thrive to your fullest potential,” she read. “And that while you reach for the sky, you remain grounded by the love of our family and our home,” she murmured, silently willing Brookie to always remember those words.
Thomas gave his throat a hearty clearing, as though he was having as hard a time with the tears as they were. “Brookie, do you have the rings?” he asked, his usually gruff voice soft.
The three of them stood and Brookie nodded, holding up the small box they’d decorated together.
Facing the audience, Thomas positioned himself between them and joined their hands together. “Brookie, please hand the ring to your dad.”
She carefully opened the box and held the delicate band between her fingers. With a wide smile she offered it to Sawyer.
“Sawyer, place this ring on Ruby’s finger and hold it there as you repeat after me: I give you my promise to be by your side forevermore. I promise to love, to honor, and to listen as you tell me of your thoughts, your hopes, your fears, and your dreams. I promise to love you deeply and truly because it is your heart that moves me, your head that challenges me, your humor that delights me, and your hands I wish to hold until the end of my days.”
Sliding the ring onto her finger, Sawyer made his vow to her, the sincerity in his eyes, the gravity of his deep voice making her believe. In love. In them. In the gift of their family.
Thomas shifted to look at her. “Brookie, please give the ring to your mom.”
The girl carefully plucked it from the box, as though she feared she might drop it. She opened her hand and Ruby took the gold band between her fingers.
“Ruby, place this ring on Sawyer’s finger and hold it there as you repeat after me.”
Nearly breathless, she slipped the ring onto his finger and held it there against his wonderfully warm skin, whispering the words. They filled her heart with an unbending joy and conviction that bound her to this incredible man. Forever. The whole world changed with that one word. That commitment. For the first time in her life, she wasn’t alone. She wasn’t on her own. She belonged to Sawyer and he belonged to her and that made them stronger.
Thomas rested a hand on each of their shoulders. “Ruby and Sawyer, may all your days be filled with joy and happiness. It is with honor and great pleasure that by the power vested in me by the state of Colorado I now pronounce you husband and wife.”
“Kiss her!” Paige yelled before Thomas could deliver the famous last line.
Ruby saw Ben nudge his wife with a grin.
“What?” Paige demanded. “Come on, Sawyer. Let’s get this party started!”
“Yes,” Sawyer agreed, taking her into his arms and dipping her low. “Let’s get this party started.”
The heat from his lips melted her heart and she no longer heard the hearty cheers and whoops that surrounded them. She only heard the echoes of his promise beating all through her.
* * *
The Walkers had always known how to throw a party. Ruby leaned against the couch cushion, wondering how she’d stay awake for the ride home.
Most of the guests had already gone. The presents had been opened; wrapping paper littered the floor. And now it was just the Walkers and Thomas, the Harpers, the Nashes, and James and Marybeth sitting around the fireplace, sipping wine while they chatted and laughed and simply enjoyed the peace of being together.
“You haven’t opened our present yet,” Marybeth said suddenly, scurrying behind the couch and coming back with a large box. She waved at her husband until he set down his wine and retrieved another box.
“Some of our favorite memories are from family dinners,” the woman said warmly. While they’d gotten off to a rocky start, Marybeth was friendly and kind and Ruby was sure they’d get along well.
“We hope your family will build those same memories together,” she said, nudging the box closer to Ruby.
Carefully, she tugged on all of the corners until she could lift the paper away. “Oh, wow.” The boxes held a set of the most beautiful china she’d ever seen. White plates with a delicate gold band circling the edges.
“Those were Grandma’s,” Sawyer said, inspecting the box.
“And it was her mother’s before that.” Marybeth beamed, and Ruby saw how much this offering meant to her. It meant Marybeth accepted her as a daughter, that she wanted her as part of their family.
“It’s so beautiful.” She opened the box and took out a plate, running her fingers over the smooth surface. She’d never had anything so lovely. “We’ll think of you every time we use it.” Every time she set the table for a special occasion, she would feel that connection to family.
Sawyer shifted next to her, stretching out his legs. “I guess this is a good time to give you my present.”
Brookie, who had been leaning her head against her father’s shoulder barely able to keep her eyes open, perked up. “A present?”
“Yes.” He stood and snatched a large manila envelope off the mantle. “It’s actually from Aunt Elsie and me.”
Ruby took the envelope from his hand.
Brookie scooted to the floor and peered over her shoulder. “What is it?”
“I’m not sure,” Ruby said, carefully breaking the seal. She pulled out the papers inside. “Floor plans?” She flipped through. The last one was a drawing. Of Elsie’s duplex. Or…what would’ve been the duplex. Except in the drawing it had been converted to a single-family home. Mouth gaping, she peered up at Sawyer.
“Aunt Elsie wants us to have it. It’s ours,” he said simply.
Ours. Her eyes burned with the flood of tears. She turned to look at Elsie, this woman who’d given her hope and a family and a place to belong. This woman who’d already offered her so much. “This is too much,” she whispered. “We can’t take your home.”
“It’s not my home any longer,” Elsie said in her kind motherly way. “You two will make it yours.”
Ruby looked down at the plans again.
Sawyer lowered himself to the ground beside her. “See? That’ll be the new living room, open to the kitchen.” He pointed to the room at the back of the house
. “And this’ll Brookie’s new room. I’m thinking we’ll add in a bathroom all for her.”
“Really?” Brookie gasped. “My own bathroom?”
“Really,” he repeated.
“And the baby’s room will be right next door to yours, Brookie.” He pointed to the other square, but Ruby could hardly see past the tears.
“You’re going to do all the work?” she asked, amazed that he had planned all of this.
“My crew and I,” he said, hiking his thumb toward Bryce and Ben.
Isaac grinned. “Damn. Too bad we have to head back to Dallas. Hate to miss out on the manual labor.”
“I’m sure you can come back and visit,” Ben shot back.
“Pass the plans over here,” Paige said, holding out her hand. “I gotta see how much work this is gonna be.”
Ruby handed them over, and Avery and Paige oohed and ahhed.
After everyone had gotten a good look at the plans, Thomas cleared his throat as though he had an announcement to make.
He slipped off his cowboy hat and gazed at Elsie. “Don’t you think this is a good time to tell them our news?”
“What news?” Bryce demanded, his head pitched forward like he was sizing up Thomas.
“Well…” Thomas fidgeted with his hat, turning it in circles with his hands. “Elsie and I are dating,” he said firmly.
“Pshaw, Thomas,” Elsie squawked, whapping his shoulder. “We go to dinner once in a while, but we are not dating. Don’t be ridiculous.”
Ruby raised her hand to hide her smile. Elsie’s face was redder than a scalding-hot oven burner.
Thomas seemed to ignore the desperate look that Ruby was sure was meant to shut him up.
“Damn it all, Elsie,” he said, tossing his hat aside. It landed in the middle of the scattered wrapping paper. “I’m tired of just going to dinner once in a while.”
The room went so silent, you could’ve heard a mouse cough. Ruby glanced at Sawyer, who didn’t bother to hide his amused smile.
“Now, I’ve loved you for a long time,” the man went on, as though he didn’t want to give her another opportunity to interrupt. “After Judy passed, I didn’t think I’d love anyone else. Ever. But I was wrong.”
Sawyer moved in closer to Ruby. He slipped his arms around her waist and held her, and she knew it was because they’d both been given the impossible. They’d felt the same way Thomas had. That they’d never find love again, and yet here they were, surrounded by more than they ever could’ve dreamed of.
“Thomas…oh, my dear Thomas,” Elsie breathed, tilting her head, gazing at him in that affectionate way older women have.
He pushed off the couch and stooped to one knee. “Elsie Walker, you are the loveliest woman in this world. And I would move heaven and earth to make you happy. Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
Ruby looked around the room. Everyone seemed to be on the verge of crying or whooping or doing something, but they were frozen, waiting for Elsie.
“Oh my. Oh dear. Oh my dear.” Her hands were stuck to her cheeks as she peered down at Thomas.
He waited patiently, gentleman that he was, not rushing the moment, not speaking another word. But Ruby had to tighten her jaw to keep from yelling out “Yes!” for Elsie, because she was not that polite.
Finally, Elsie simply held up one finger, as though telling him to wait. She popped off the couch and hurried over to Ruby, untying her Walker Mountain Ranch apron and slipping it over her head. “Here you go, dear.” She placed it into Ruby’s hands reverently, as if it were the Lincoln Bible. “You’re ready to manage your own kitchen now.” She looked back at her beloved Thomas, whose knee had to have been going numb. “And I’m ready to start a new life with the man I love.”
The chorus of celebration did start then, Brookie squealing, laughter bubbling, everyone hugging.
Ruby watched Sawyer dance a silly waltz with Brookie. Resting her hand on her belly, she teared up again. Elsie’s words branded her heart. A new life. That’s what she’d learned at the Walker Mountain Ranch.
Love brings new life wherever it goes.
Acknowledgments
It’s hard to believe it’s time to say good-bye to everyone at the Walker Mountain Ranch! I fell in love with these characters and am so grateful to everyone who helped me bring them to life.
I absolutely love working with the whole team at Forever. Megha Parekh, you are such a brilliant editor. Thank you for pushing me to create authentic characters. I so appreciate your hard work and creative insight. Marissa Sangiacomo, thank you for helping me get the word out about the Heart of the Rockies series. It’s so fun to work with you! And to all of the incredible people behind the scenes in sales and marketing and design—thank you, thank you, thank you for doing all of the things I would never be able to do on my own.
Thank you to my agent, Suzie Townsend, for working out the details for this project. I’m so blessed to be able to work with you!
While writing the wedding scene in this book, I searched everywhere for inspiration on blended-family vows. Thank you, Shyamala Littlefield of Ceremonies for Sacred Days, for letting me borrow your beautiful phrasing.
To my husband, Will, thank you for being by my side for every adventure, every joy, every disappointment, every moment no matter what. I love you. AJ and Kaleb, there is no greater gift than watching you grow and make your mark on the world. You are funny and smart and creative, generous and compassionate. I am one lucky mama.
After a very public breakup, work is the perfect excuse for Avery King to flee the Windy City for the gentle breezes of Aspen. Her mission: acquire the land of a rundown mountain ranch. Avery expects an easy win…until she meets Bryce Walker—the rugged and irresistible rancher who won’t give up his family’s legacy without a fight.
Please see the next page for an excerpt from the first Heart of the Rockies novel,
No Better Man.
Chapter One
Some girls claim the spa or a favorite mall as their happy place, but Avery loved Wrigley Field. She loved the blaring red sign, WRIGLEY FIELD, HOME OF THE CHICAGO CUBS. She loved the smell of popcorn and hot dogs and stale beer, the sticky crunch of the concrete beneath her feet. It was her haven, almost as familiar as her own home, which smelled like the hazelnut lattes she made every morning, for the record. Didn’t matter if the Cubbies were trailing by 12 or up by 10—every time she sat in section 14, row 4, seat 12 (right behind the home dugout), she was utterly, completely, divinely happy.
Which was why she never should’ve let her father sit next to her.
The day should have been heavenly—a shining Sunday afternoon complete with a jewel-blue sky and hints of fall crisping the air. The Cubs were up on the Yankees by three, which was a miracle in itself.
Dear Old Dad, AKA the infamous Edward King, sat next to her, dressed in a tailored gray suit, if one could imagine. His million-dollar hair was slicked back from a widow’s peak. Silver Armani shades deflected the sun. He leaned forward, hands securely fastened to his knees so his bare skin wouldn’t graze the defiled concrete rail in front of him. Really, though. Who’s afraid of a little stale beer? They were at a baseball game, for crying out loud.
“Did you have time to read the Aspen briefing?” Dad shouted over the roar of the crowd.
Ignoring the question, she glanced at Vanessa, Dad’s assistant and one of her best friends. The woman was supposed to be her buffer at the game so Dad wouldn’t pull her into some big work discussion, but at the moment, Van happened to be otherwise occupied in a nonverbal flirting contest with some hot guy sitting halfway down their row.
“Hey.” She jabbed an elbow into her friend’s ribs. “A little help here?”
“Excuse me.” Van flipped her curly black hair over her shoulder and gave her a girl-code glare for I’m busy.
Avery rolled her eyes. Please. Vanessa could get any man she wanted. She had the diva look about her, dark even skin that didn’t need make-up, round innocent
bedroom eyes accentuated by thick lashes, also natural, of course. She could have that man down the row eating out of her hand with a hello, but there was one problem. “I didn’t drag you here and sit you between my father and me so you could troll for men.” She needed her right now. “I will personally go get the guy’s phone number if you shut up my father,” she whispered.
“Avery? I asked you a question,” Dad broke in. “Have you read the briefing on Aspen?”
She raised her hand toward Vanessa. See? The man was relentless. How could he even think of work at time like this? Two more outs. They only needed two more outs and they’d be back up at bat…
“Of course I sent Avery the briefing,” Vanessa said as she waved to Mr. McDreamy eyes. “She’s looking into it.”
He leaned over to see past Vanessa. “Don told me an old ranch is about to foreclose. He sent me some pictures. It’s exactly what we’ve been looking for.”
Don Pendleton, the mayor of Aspen and an old friend of her father’s, had been trying to get King Enterprises to build a resort out there for the last ten years.
Dad went on and on about the unique location, about the natural spring on the property, yada, yada, yada. “Your mom would’ve loved it.”
That snapped her out of her baseball stupor. “I know, Dad,” she said, softening. “I was copied on the e-mail, remember? Don’t worry. I’m watching it.” Without looking over, she reached across Vanessa and gave him a consoling pat on the arm. She loved the man and everything, but nothing ruined a good baseball game like talking.
To tell him as much, she scooted to the edge of her seat and refocused on the game. One of the Yanks’ best sluggers who’d been on a hot streak since…well…forever, was up to bat. Great.
“We have to do more than watch it, Avery.” Her father used his stern lecture tone, which had stopped working when she was eight.
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