He grinned, dazzling her with that gorgeous smile she intended to see as often as possible. “Then I guess there’s only one thing left to do.”
Anticipation sped up her pulse. “And what’s that?”
“Get married. I love you, Lauren.” Their gazes locked, the proof of his words shining in his pewter eyes. “And I was thinking, maybe we could give Chad a cousin or two . . .”
“Yes,” she whispered around the tears crowding her throat. “Oh, yes!” Wrapping her arms around his neck, she hugged him fiercely, realizing in that moment that all her wishes and dreams had come true.
Epilogue
Four years later, Lauren’s dreams had developed beyond her wildest imaginings, all with the support of her loving husband. Though Rafe’s ranch was the focal point of the weekend camp established for underprivileged children, Bright Beginnings Horseback Adventures had become a project embraced by the entire community.
The men in town had assisted Rafe in building a small cabin on the property designed to accommodate four children and two adult chaperones. The residents of Cedar Creek donated their time to assist the kids on their weekend visit, Fran’s Diner supplied supper for the four children, and others contributed their spare time in whatever capacity Lauren needed. Chad, now thirteen, was always present, too, welcoming the kids and befriending them.
Three weekends out of the month was total, wonderful chaos. The rest of the time Lauren devoted to her husband and three year old daughter, Melissa—fondly nicknamed as “Missy” by her cousin, Chad. Lauren’s life was hectic and busy, but she wouldn’t have it any other way. She enjoyed spending time with the children who visited Bright Beginnings, and she loved being Rafe’s wife and Missy’s mom.
Releasing a contented sigh, Lauren headed out of the office Rafe had built onto the house for her to use as her main headquarters for Bright Beginnings, and went in search of her husband and daughter. She’d spent the morning making arrangements with a foster agency in Cody for the arrival of the next group of kids, and then had made a quicker call to Dr. Kendal’s office to confirm a more significant event.
She had some exciting news to share with her husband.
Crossing the yard toward the paddock where Rafe was helping Missy onto the saddle in front of Chad, Lauren smiled as she remembered Rafe’s response when he’d learned of her unplanned pregnancy with Missy. Once the initial shock had ebbed, uncertainties and doubts had instantly developed, rendering the father-to-be a nervous wreck. Given the eight months he’d had to adjust to the idea of being a dad, together they’d managed to work through his fears. And when Missy had been born, as soon as that warm bundle had been placed in his arms and his daughter gazed up at him with wide, unfocused eyes, he’d fallen head over heels in love with her.
The two adored one another, and over the past three years Rafe had proved to be a gentle, compassionate, and very patient father.
“Hi, Momma!” Missy greeted her, waving enthusiastically from atop the docile mare. “Chad’s taking me for a ride on the big horse!”
Lauren grinned at the pint-sized Stetson Missy wore, and the leather cowgirl boots with fringe Rafe had insisted on buying her. Chad sat behind her, holding her securely, looking happy and carefree. Missy loved to ride with her cousin, and Chad doted on her, too.
Stepping into the paddock and leaning against the fence facing the pasture, Lauren waved at the duo as Rafe led them to the open gate leading to the stretch of land. “You two have fun,” she called.
“We will,” Chad said, then spurred the horse into a trot that had Missy bouncing and giggling with delight.
Rafe made his way to Lauren, his gaze riveted to Chad and Missy. From beneath the brim of his hat, Lauren saw the worry creasing his brow. For all of Rafe’s tenderness, he was fiercely protective of his daughter and still worried over some things.
“Go faster!” Missy squealed, and Chad urged the mare to increase her speed.
Rafe scowled, and just as he started to say something, Lauren pressed her palm over his mouth, muffling the words “slow down”.
“They’re just fine,” she admonished gently, moving her hand away. “Chad is very responsible, and not only do you have Missy secured to the saddle, Chad has a hold of her, too.”
He relented with a grouchy hrmph that made Lauren smile, and in return he grinned impishly, too. His smiles and laughter were no longer a rarity; the women in his life had given him too much joy and happiness to squander it on frowns. She kissed him softly on his lips, just for the heck of it—and because she liked seeing the desire for her flare to life in his gaze. She marveled at the fact that their marriage was more passionate than ever.
Rafe rested his arm around her waist, drew her close, and together they resumed watching Missy. After a quiet moment, she said, “I’ve confirmed our four arriving guests for Friday.”
“Great,” he said, his voice low and deep, if not a little preoccupied with his daughter’s ride. “Everything is ready for this weekend.”
She snuggled a bit closer to him, inhaling his warm, masculine scent. “And I just received confirmation on another arrival for seven months from now.”
He cast her a quizzical glance. “Are sure you want to start booking that far in advance?”
“I don’t really have a choice on this one,” she said with a soft sigh. “Our son or daughter will be arriving, whether we’re ready, or not.”
His entire body tensed, and he gaped at her. “You’re pregnant?”
“Yeah,” she whispered, and waited for his reaction.
She’d expected more worry, more doubts, but the emotion that transformed his expression was pure excitement. Then he twirled her in his arms, and laughed, the sound rich and robust and filled with joy. And when she was dizzy and breathless, he kissed her, consuming her with his love.
“You’re smooching again?” Lauren heard Missy say somewhere nearby.
“Grown-ups do that,” Chad told her importantly, as if he was an authority on that fact.
Both adults laughed, breaking the kiss, though Rafe still held her close in his embrace.
Staring up at her gorgeous cowboy, Lauren pressed her hand to his cheek. “Have I told you lately that you’re my hero?”
He rolled his eyes at her question. “Only every day since we got married.”
“Do you believe it?”
The corner of his mouth hitched up in a sexy smile, and he didn’t hesitate with his answer. “Yeah, I do.”
All books available in the “Destined For Love” Series
THE MILLIONAIRE’S PROPOSAL
THE COWBOY’S GAMBLE
THE BACHELOR’S SURRENDER
About the Author
Janelle Denison is a USA Today Bestselling author of over fifty contemporary romance novels. She is a two time recipient of the National Reader’s Choice Award, and has also been nominated for the prestigious RITA award. Janelle is a California native who now calls Oregon home. She resides in the Portland area with her husband and daughters, and can’t imagine a more beautiful place to live. When not writing, she can be found exploring the great Northwest, from the gorgeous beaches to the amazing waterfalls and lush mountains. To learn more about Janelle and her upcoming releases, you can visit her website at:
www.janelledenison.com.
Other places to find Janelle on the internet:
www.facebook.com/janelledenisonfanpage
www.twitter.com/janelledenison
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