It was a long time before they emerged from the bedroom.
Epilogue
“Breathe,” Delaney whispered as they stood on the porch.
“I’m trying, damn it.” Trent took a deep breath and knocked on the door.
The door opened, and Jake stared at him then he looked at Delaney, back to him, and a grin lifted his lips.
“I’m glad you could make it. Come on in,” Jake said as he held the door open.
Trent nodded for Delaney to enter the house and he followed. They removed their hats, coats, and gloves. Jake took them and hung them up, then jerked his chin for them to follow him. Trent grabbed Delaney’s hand and intertwined their fingers. He smiled when she raised his hand to her lips, kissed it then grinned up at him.
As they entered the living room, everyone stopped talking and looked at them. A fire roared in the fireplace. Trent swallowed hard, but then he saw Becca rise from the sofa and walk to them. She hugged Delaney then looked up at him, smiled, and hugged him. He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her back.
“Come and sit down,” Becca said.
He led Delaney to the sofa where they took a seat. Delaney kept holding his hand, and he was glad for the support. He glanced around the room, and his eyes stopped on Wyatt. When Wyatt got to his feet, Trent did too and waited while his brother moved to step in front of him.
“I owe you an apology for what I said about your mother. I never should have said it. I’m sorry.”
Trent nodded. “I shouldn’t have hit you, Wyatt.”
Wyatt grinned. “Yeah, you should have, and I would have done the same thing if someone had said that about my mother. Not many hit me and get away with it though, but I deserved it.”
“Yeah, you did, cowboy,” a beautiful woman with long black hair and amethyst eyes, said from the chair she was sitting in.
Wyatt chuckled. “My wife, Olivia. The woman doesn’t hold back, so be prepared.”
Trent grinned, and Olivia jumped up from the chair.
“Oh my God! You are a Stone. Same hair and eyes but seeing that grin did it,” she said then looked at Wyatt. “You denied it? You were just hardheaded about it, Wyatt.”
“Yeah, I get it, sweetheart.” Wyatt shook his head then stuck his hand out to Trent. “Welcome to the family.”
Trent nodded and shook Wyatt’s hand then they all resumed their seats.
“I, uh, spoke to Mr. Wallace and I’m shocked that—” Trent cleared his throat. “I can’t believe our father left me that money and bought the land for me.” He looked at each of his brothers. “I didn’t come here to see if I deserved anything. I came here to meet my father, but then to find out he was gone…well, it threw me for a loop. When I discovered I had three brothers…I never wanted anything from any of you either.”
“We know that, Trent,” Gabe said quietly.
“I had no plans to stay here even though I fell in love with Delaney.” He squeezed her hand. “I have land and money to have my ranch, and she’s going to share it with me. I’d like to—I’d like to be a part of your family.”
“You already are Trent. You’re our brother, nothing will change that. We want to know you too. You have a few nieces and nephews too, who have all decided to take a nap at the same time, and that rarely happens, but as far as your ranch, we will help you build it. I told you that Wyatt and I built our homes, so we’ll help you build yours, along with any other buildings you want. It’s what family does. We want to be here for you. Always,” Jake said.
Trent quickly blinked his eyes. “My mother loved our father, but I’m glad you learned he didn’t cheat on your mother. From what I was told by Mr. Wallace, our father loved her so much that he gave up when she passed away and I’m sorry to hear that, but I do believe in a love that strong. I have it, and it looks like all of you do too. I’m not sure why my mother kept me from him, but Mr. Wallace seems to think it’s because she was afraid I’d want to stay with him. I don’t know, but I just wish she would have told me years ago about him and I could have met him. I do know he was a good man because you are all good men. My mother loved him, so I know that’s another reason he was a good man.”
“He was a great father. I wish you could have met him too, but we’re happy to have another brother. Don’t think I was joking about helping you build your ranch either. Do you know what kind of ranch you’re going to have?” Jake asked him.
“Cattle. I know all about them. Of course, I’ll have horses too, and Delaney will continue to work with them.”
“I’ve talked with Stephanie Gentry, and we want to work together. I heard she’s outstanding,” Delaney said.
“She is. She used to give me a run for my money,” a beautiful blonde said laughing.
“My wife, Emma. Are you planning to go to an auction for the cattle, Trent?” Gabe asked him.
Trent grinned. “No need. My former boss, Cyrus Birch gave me a hundred head of prime Angus. He wouldn’t take no for an answer, only an invitation to the wedding.”
Delaney blushed but put her head against his shoulder.
“You probably get your cattle sense from Dad,” Jake said.
Trent nodded and tried to swallow the lump in his throat. “I’d like all of you to come to the wedding too. It’s not going to be a big affair. Just a best man and maid of honor. But, you’re my family now, and we want you there.”
“Yes, we are, Trent. We’re going to love getting to know you, and you couldn’t keep us away from your wedding,” Emma said.
Trent glanced at Delaney to see a tear rolling down her cheek, he pulled her to him and kissed the top of her head then he grinned at everyone. He never imagined when he came to Clifton that he’d find so much love. From his brothers and their wives to Connie and Owen, but especially from this beautiful woman at his side. And that’s where he wanted her for as long as he lived. Right by his side.
**The End**
About the Author
Susan was born and raised in Cumberland, MD. She moved to Tennessee in 1996 with her husband and they now live in a small town outside of Nashville, along with their two rescued dogs. Although, writing for years, it was a year ago she decided to submit to publishers and she chose Secret Cravings Publishing. When SCP closed their doors, Susan decided to publish on her own. She is a huge Nashville Predators hockey fan. She also enjoys fishing, taking drives down back roads, and visiting Gatlinburg, TN, her family in Pittsburgh, PA and her hometown. Although Susan's books are a series, each book can be read as standalone books. Each book will end with a HEA and a new story beginning in the next one. She would love to hear from her readers and promises to try to respond to all. She would also appreciate reviews if you've read her books.
You can visit her Facebook page and website by the links below.
https://www.facebook.com/skdromanceauthor
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Trent Men of Clifton, Montana Book 9 Page 16
