by Candis Terry
As the hour grew late, it was time for the babies to be put to bed. Jake carried Max—who’d laid his weary little head on Jake’s shoulder—over to Annie to get her help in taking the little boy into the house and putting him in the crib. Abby, exhausted from having a newborn, had offered to sit inside with all the little ones until the reception was over. Jake, looking for some one-on-one time with the woman he loved, took Abby up on the offer.
Annie smiled as he approached.
“I think it’s time this little man got some sleep,” he shouted over the loud music. “How about you?”
“When I’m done dancing with Chester.”
“Yeah.” Chester poked an arthritic finger in Jake’s chest. “Don’t be such a party pooper. It ain’t fair you Wilder boys get all the pretty girls anyway.”
Annie mouthed “sorry,” and kept dancing.
Rather than upset the old man and have to listen to his inarguable complaints, Jake made his rounds to have everyone say good night to Max. When he got around to his beaming mother, she held out her arms and embraced them both.
“Thank you, sugarplum, for making this night so special.”
“I didn’t do anything.”
“You smoked the turkeys perfectly. And you built the altar. And you even made sure Miss Giddy and Popcorn had ribbons to match my dress.”
“For God’s sake, Mom. I didn’t buy special ribbons for your goats.”
She laughed. “I suppose they just suddenly appeared in the box I gave you.”
“Geez. No. Annie bought them.”
“Well, I’ll make sure to thank her. Unless you’d like to do it for me.”
“Can’t seem to get her away from Chester long enough to get anything said.”
“Oh?” She cocked her head, but that Texas-sized hairdo didn’t budge. “Is there something special you want to say to her? Maybe something you’d like to share with your mother?”
“Mom. I didn’t know you were so pervy.”
“Oh, you.” She playfully slapped his arm, then pulled him in for another hug. “Did you hear Allison’s expecting?”
“Yeah. Jess told me just before Peter showed up.”
“Our family is really growing.”
“It sure is.”
“Maybe you’d like to add to it?”
“I brought Hank into the family,” he said, giving a nod to the black Lab sitting on the toes of Izzy’s satin shoes while his niece struggled to keep her eyes open.
“And he’s a very special dog. But I was thinking more along the lines of someone like this precious little boy.”
“If you take him into the house and put him to bed, you might get your wish.”
His mother gasped. Grinned. And said, “Hand that baby over right now.”
He chuckled as he handed her the now-sound-asleep toddler, then watched her and her ivory satin gown disappear through the crowd.
The band changed songs again, and Jake took his cue. Unfortunately, by the time he got back to the dance floor, Annie was dancing with Peter. Jake stood on the perimeter and tried to catch her eye, but she was too busy teaching Peter the Texas Two-Step to notice. With a sigh, Jake left the barn and took care of some things in preparation for what he hoped would happen tonight.
When he got back to the barn, Annie was dancing with Chester again. Jake felt his irritation rise. If he didn’t know better, he’d think everyone was trying to interfere with his plans. All he wanted was Annie. All to himself. Right now.
Finally, the band took a break and Jake jumped into action. Much to Chester’s red-nosed disappointment, Jake snagged Annie by the hand and hauled her away to the tune of Chester’s complaints.
“Where’s Max?” Annie asked, a little out of breath from all the dancing as Jake pulled her toward the barn door.
“He went out for a horseback ride with Izzy, Adeline, and Lily.”
“Funny.” Sensing his irritation, she tugged her hand from his and planted her feet in the gravel just outside the door. “Where’s Max? Where are you going in such a hurry? And was that an eye roll?”
“Max is in bed. Abby’s tired and offered to watch the kids. And yes. That was an eye roll.” He caught her hand up again and kissed her fingers. “I’ve been trying to get five minutes alone with you. I saw my chance, and I’m taking it before anyone else asks you to dance.”
A funny little tingle danced in her heart. “Are you jealous?”
“Yes. I’ve had to share you all night, and I don’t like it.”
“Awww.” She touched his face. “That’s so sweet.”
“It’s not sweet. Because now I’m cranky.”
He was. She could see that. She also knew how to unravel his tension quickly. But his mother’s wedding reception wasn’t really a good place.
“Come on.” He took her by the hand she had settled on his cheek and tugged her off into the darkness.
“To where?”
“It’s a surprise.”
“It’s not very polite to just disappear from the reception without saying good night.”
“We can tell them tomorrow.”
“By then it will be too late, and we’ll look rude.”
He stopped and pulled her against him. “Why are you giving me such a hard time?”
“Why are you being such a butthead?”
“Because you’re giving me a hard time.”
She sighed. “Are we fighting?”
“No.” He sighed.
“Seems like we are.”
“We’re not.”
“Okay. Can you at least slow down a little? These high heels aren’t the easiest to maneuver in.”
“Fine. I’ll carry you.”
“No need—” Without warning, he lifted her into his arms and kept walking. “Ack! Jake, this isn’t good for your leg.”
“Don’t you worry about my leg. I’m fine.”
“You’re limping.”
“That’s going to happen the rest of my life. So let’s just pretend it’s not happening.”
“But, Jake—”
“Annie.” He stopped, dropped his mouth to hers, and kissed her into silence.
When he lifted his head, she sighed and surrendered. “Okay. Lead the way.”
“Thank you.”
Jake and the rest of the Wilder men were a tenacious bunch. When they got something in their heads, it didn’t creep away on silent feet. It clanged loud like an iron bell until they either got what they wanted or . . . got what they wanted. One of these days, Annie knew she’d probably get used to his dogged determination. Right now, he just had her curiosity up.
Across the backyard they went, and Annie vaguely caught the lovely changes he’d made since they’d made love outside beneath the moonlight.
“Close your eyes,” he said.
“Why?”
His chest expanded on a sigh. “Please?”
“Okay.” She shut them tight. In the distance, she heard the gurgling of the creek. “Are you planning to drown me in the creek or something?”
“Or something.”
The sound of water falling over rocks grew louder, and the scent of damp earth and warm man filled her head. Then Jake stepped up, and the sound of his boots on wood took over her senses and piqued her curiosity. Finally, he set her on her feet, held her by the shoulders, and turned her around.
“Okay. You can open your eyes now.”
When she did, she gasped. Somehow, she’d been transported to a fantasyland far, far, away. The deck that crossed the creek made her feel like she was floating downstream on a raft. A copper fire bowl was alive with blue ice and hot flames. The pergola that towered over the deck came complete with soft, white, billowing curtains that fluttered with the breeze. The tree branches overhead and nearby bushes twinkled with fairy lights. And
all around the deck were glass votives lit by white candles.
She took a deep breath to contain the happiness in her heart and was surprised when she found the air scented with jasmine. The setting was so romantic, she couldn’t help but be utterly charmed.
“Jake, this is beautiful.” She turned a full circle to see everything again. “When did you finish it?”
“A couple of weeks ago.”
“And you’re just now letting me get a look?”
“I wanted to wait for something special.”
“Well, your mom’s wedding is definitely a special moment.”
“I’m not talking about that. I’m talking about this.” He eased down to one knee and took her hand, which immediately started to tremble.
“What . . . what are you doing?”
“You want to know why I’ve been so uptight tonight?” he asked.
“Yes.”
“It’s because this has been burning a hole in my pocket.” He pulled out a stylish princess-cut diamond ring set in white gold, then held it up so that the candle and firelight flashed against it and sent sparks flying.
Annie gasped.
“I’ve been trying to get you alone for hours, so I could tell you how much I love you. And though I don’t understand why you put up with me, I’m grateful. I’m sorry we wasted so many years sniping at each other when I could have been kissing you, but I’m glad we finally figured it out.”
“Me too.” Annie felt like her heart might burst at any moment.
“You’re home for me, Annie. You’re the one I can count on to light up my life. You stand by me. You make my life better. And you make me want to be a better man.” He gently squeezed her fingers. “You make my heart happy, and I can’t see a forever without you and Max in it. I love you, Annie. And I want to have babies with you. Lots of babies. I want to argue with you, then have great makeup sex for the rest of our lives. But more than anything, I want to know if you’ll do me the honor of becoming my wife. Because without you . . . I’m nothing. You make me whole, Annie. And I love you. So much.”
“Are you serious?”
The smooth skin between his brows puckered. “Please don’t make me ask again. It was scary enough the first time.”
She laughed to release all the bubbly happiness floating around her heart. Then she kicked off her heels, got to her knees, and cupped his handsome face in her hands. “There’s nothing I’ve ever wanted more in my life. I’ve loved you since the moment we met. And I’ve wanted you since you walked naked through your house in the middle of the night.”
His head tilted. “So you’re saying yes?”
“No.” She let that word linger for a split second. Then she kissed the firm, masculine lips that gave her so much pleasure—especially when they smiled like they were doing right now. “I’m saying, hell yeah.”
Some things in life were worth waiting for. Some were worth fighting for. And some were worth their weight in gold.
Jake Wilder was all of the above.
Epilogue
All her babies were settled.
And happy.
While a perfect summer night came alive around them, Jana Wilder Lane sat at the beautifully decorated table next to her husband and watched her baby boy dance with his brand-new wife and little Max cuddled securely between them.
Jake had told her just this morning that he’d already filed the papers to legally become Max’s daddy. Not that he wasn’t already. No one needed a stack of legal papers to know Jake adored the little boy and thought of him as his own.
When Annie looked up and gave Jake that special smile reserved only for those deeply in love, Jana knew everything was going to be all right for her son.
Also enjoying the wedding reception and dancing on Jake’s newly finished patio with their little ones were Jackson and Abby with a wiggly six-month-old, Lily, who looked just like her father and appeared to have his fiery temperament as well. And Reno and Charli with their nearly one-year-old, Adeline. Looking as happy as the day they married, Fiona and Mike had included Izzy as they danced about the floor. Sitting out the romantic song were Jesse and Allison, who were too busy cooing over their newborn son, Jared Joseph Wilder.
With the ever-present competition among brothers, as the one who’d delivered the first boy—by blood—into the family, Jesse took delight in using both his brother and father’s names. Jana knew deep down her boy had gifted his son with the names out of love though the others would swear it was pure orneriness just to beat them to the punch.
Peter, the newest member of the Wilder boys, laughed as he led the overly amorous Arlene Potter into a wobbly two-step, while Arlene’s male counterpart, Chester Banks, got his old bowed legs rocking with Gladys Lewis and her ever-present smear of bright red lipstick.
Just last week, they received word that Eli’s son was not only thriving but was growing big and strong with each passing day.
“Our family is really expanding.” Martin slipped his arm around Jana’s shoulder. “Hard to believe Jake and Annie’s wedding will be the last for a while.”
“But it all feels so right. Doesn’t it?” Jana looked up at the handsome man who’d supported her through some tough moments her sons never knew she’d had. Martin had done it all with quiet reserve and an abiding love she never thought she’d find again.
He kissed her cheek. “As long as you’re beside me, it feels perfect.”
“We’re lucky, you know.” She curled her fingers over the top of his hand. “To have found each other in this big old world.”
Martin smiled. “I know you must miss them at times like this.”
Them.
Her husband, Joe, and her firstborn son, Jared.
“I’ll always miss them. But at moments like this . . .” She glanced around the patio, where those she loved were gathered. “At moments like this, I feel closer to them than ever. I know Joe and Jared are here. I can feel them in my soul. And I know they’re both smiling.”
“You’re an amazing woman, Jana.”
“No. But I am very blessed. Because right now, life at Wilder Ranch is truly sweet.”
Heart full of happiness, she laid her head on Martin’s shoulder, and sighed.
Next spring, join Candis Terry
for a sparkling new series . . .
Welcome to Sunshine Valley,
deep in the heart of the Washington wine country.
Prepare to fall in love with the Kincade Brothers
as they attempt to rescue their beloved
Sunshine Creek Vineyards, restore their family name,
and tackle a chance at happily ever after.
Everything I Need
Coming 2016
From Avon Books
Indulge in all of Candis Terry’s Sweet, Texas books!
Anything But Sweet
A Sweet, Texas Novel, Book 1
For years Ex-Marine Reno Wilder managed to uphold his end of the Wilder Boys’ wild reputation. But the scars of war and the deaths of those he loved have flipped the switch on his point of view. Now, to keep tradition and memories alive, he’ll settle for a staid life of wash, rinse, repeat.
When the senior citizens of Sweet, Texas believe it’s time for their little town to become a destination for tourists, they contact a new TV makeover show. Their community is chosen to participate and everyone is pleased—except Reno.
Beneath her headstrong desire to upend Reno’s peace and quiet, makeover show host and designer Charlotte Brooks has something to offer that has nothing to do with changing drapes and everything to do with showing him that change can be sexy, hot, and very, very sweet.
Neither of them saw it coming. Who will stand their ground? Who will find common ground? And who will let go of their past and grab hold of a future full of promise?
Sweetest Mistake
A Sweet, Texas Novel, Book 2
From the moment he became her toddler-sized sandbox knight in shining armor to the day he went off to war, Jackson Wilder has secretly been in love with Abigail Morgan. She’s his best friend and the first girl he ever made love to. With the sands of war at the bottom of his hourglass, he heads home to surprise Abby and finally profess his love. But as everyone knows surprises can backfire, and upon his return, Jackson discovers that his news comes way too late.
Abby has made some mistakes in her life, but none as monumental as marrying a man she barely knew and sinking into a loveless marriage. When she hits the age of thirty her job as a trophy wife comes to an abrupt end and there’s no place for her to go but home. Abby thinks she’s learned her lesson the hard way until she returns to Sweet. And a homecoming just wouldn’t be complete without coming face-to-face with her biggest (and sexiest) mistake.
Home Sweet Home
A Sweet, Texas Novella
Lieutenant Aiden Marshall returns to Sweet, Texas after facing the devastation of war. With the help of the entire town—and a tail-wagging companion—the woman he’s always loved makes her hero’s homecoming all the more sweet.
Something Sweeter
A Sweet, Texas Novel, Book 3
A dream come true . . .
To the single women of Sweet, Texas former Marine Jesse Wilder is hot, hunky perfection with six-pack abs and a heart of gold. He’s a veterinarian who loves animals, kids, is devoted to his family, and is financially stable.
The best part? No woman has yet snagged him or put a ring on his finger.
The problem? Jesse’s been down a long, bumpy road and isn’t the least bit interested in setting his boots on the path to matrimony.
