by Elle Linder
As the table filled with eleven smiling faces and one by one they held hands with the person beside them, he felt a peace fall over him.
“Shall we bow our heads?” Conway asked. “Lord, thank you for blessing Elise and me with a home filled with loving and caring children. We are so thankful for them and for keeping Tori and Lyla safe in the accident. I’d also like to express my delight in having Piper and Bailey with us this year for Thanksgiving. And as always, we thank you for our Sofie girl who hasn’t missed a Turkey Day for... well, it feels like ever.” Chuckles and snorts were made. Conway cleared his throat. “In my way of thinking, a man can’t have too many daughters or sons.” Rex peeked at Conway, hearing the emotion in the rancher’s voice and found him looking directly at Rex. “And, Lord, we’re grateful to have Rex and Lyla at our table. They are a wonderful addition to our family. Amen.”
Rex swallowed his emotions as amen was shouted. Never had he imagined being welcomed into Conway Hart’s home. Rex sent up his own prayer of thanks. The Harts were the kind of family he had always dreamed of for himself and Lyla, and now they had it.
“Let’s eat!” Dylan said.
Sofie snorted, elbowing Dylan playfully. “It’s always food with you.”
Dylan shrugged, dropping a large scoop of mashed potatoes on his plate.
“Baby, it’s God’s bounty before us. We’re supposed to enjoy it.”
Tori giggled, passing Rex the cornbread dressing after serving herself and putting a bite-sized portion on Lyla’s plate. Somehow Tori had gotten Lyla to agree to try one bite of everything. He wasn’t confident Lyla would keep her word, but so far, his little girl seemed to do everything Tori asked her to do.
“Next time this year, we’ll have a new grandbaby!” Elise said, her eyes glimmering like emeralds. “Any other takers on growing our family?” She looked at Dawson and Piper.
“Who knows?” Dawson replied. “Maybe, but I don’t know about making it in time for Thanksgiving.”
“Yeah, probably not, but we could potentially be pregnant.” Piper smiled and kissed Dawson.
“Well pooh, I want more grandbabies!” Elise pouted. “Don’t we, Conway?”
“Yes, darlin’, we do.”
“I want a baby brother!” Lyla chirped, and the activity at the table stopped.
“You do?” Elise asked with a smile stretched across her face.
Lyla bobbed her head. “Yup. When Daddy and Mommy get married, I’m gonna get a baby brother.” She smiled and bounced in her seat.
All eyes fell on Tori and Rex.
“Is there something you want to tell us?” Conway asked in his scary, stern voice.
Rex shook his head. “No, sir. Nothing to report.”
“Lyla was just joining in the conversation, right, pumpkin?” Tori asked her, helping to smooth over the shock from Lyla’s announcement.
“Right.” Lyla nodded.
Rex was relieved when everyone settled back into eating their food. He was still getting used to Lyla calling Tori Mommy. On the day of the accident, he’d learned that Lyla had asked if she could call Tori Mommy while they were driving home. It’d been only a moment before the accident. Tori hadn’t had a chance to answer Lyla, but she’d wanted to talk it over with Rex. But Lyla, being the precocious little girl that she was, hadn’t bothered to ask him about it.
Of course, Rex was okay with her calling Tori Mommy. It might be a little weird when Raquel was around, but he wasn’t going to worry about it. In the last month, Tori had been more of a mother to Lyla than Raquel had been in four years.
“Whew, that was a close one. Right?” Tori whispered.
“I wasn’t worried.”
“Is that right? You think you can handle being a part of the Hart family? We can be a boisterous bunch.”
Rex cradled her cheek and placed a soft kiss on her lips. “As long as I have you, I can handle anything.”
“I was hoping you’d say that.” Tori reeled him in for a passionate kiss.
Whoops and clapping surrounded them.
“Get a room!” Dylan shouted.
Conway growled low.
Tori giggled, her face turning red. “Any second thoughts? Now’s your chance.” She wiggled her eyebrows, smiling.
“Never. I can handle anything with you by my side, the Hart family included.”
Tori pressed her forehead to his. “I love you, Rex Knolls.”
THE END
Thank you for reading Rex and Tori’s story! I hope their heartwarming story left you smiling. I have more Hart Family stories for you so keep a look out for the next one in the coming months. In the meantime, have you read the Hart kids’ grandparents story? Merle and Peggy’s story is adorable and you can get it here, my free gift to you when you sign up for my newsletter.
If you haven’t yet picked up Conflicted Hearts, the compelling novella that introduces you Conway and Elise and their tumultuous romance that brought the Harts to Idaho.
An ultimatum is given. Will family come before love?
Western Nebraska, 1995. When cattle rancher, Conway Hart collides with a gorgeous brunette, sparks fly. A casual fling with a sweet and sassy woman might be just what he needs, but he is short on time and not looking for love.
Elise Gordon is not falling for looks alone with the irresistibly handsome rancher. She wants a commitment, not a casual fling. When at her wit’s end, Elise decides to tell Conway to take a flying leap
But she has it all wrong. Conway wants her and only her.
Passion blooms quickly. Happiness abounds... Until it all comes crashing down. When Elise’s past intersects with her future, hearts are left reeling. A family may be divided.
Will Conway and Elise’s love survive, or will family loyalties tear them apart
Conflicted Hearts is your first look at the Hart family in Elle Linder’s fabulous new series, Harts of Idaho.
Get this prequel,
Conflicted Hearts,
TODAY!
Other books by Elle Linder
The One That Matters
Love Transcends
Faithful Falls series
Stay With Me, Julia
Love Me, Lauren
Love, Honor, Respect: A Wedding Novella
Trust Me, Tiffani
A Relative Christmas: A Holiday Novella
Dream With Me, Zoey
Faithful Falls Family: A Novella
Harts of Idaho
Conflicted Hearts
Forever Hearts
Tangled Hearts
Acknowledgements
With this new series, I would like to thank my editors, Angie and Janna, for making these books fantastic. You're both a joy to work with and I'm thrilled you were referred to me.
My dear sweet friend, author Sarah Bailey, thank you for always being there when I need to talk through a scene or when I'm complaining about a rogue character. Having you in my life has made this writing journey exceptionally fun. Even though you are across the pond from me, the internet makes me feel as if you're just on the other side of town. Meeting you in person is at the top of my bucket list. I love you, friend. #olivepopegoals
To my husband and children, thank you all from the bottom of my heart for encouraging me to reach for the stars. I couldn't accomplish half of what I am if it weren't for all of you giving me the freedom and quiet to get my words down. When I'm held up in my room, racing to meet a deadline, you give me what I need-- quiet. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I love you all from the bottom of my heart.
Finally, to my readers, it is for you I write. I love how you enjoy my stories and beg for more. I'm listening and I'm writing my heart out for you! Thank you for sticking with me, for reading my stories and for asking for me.
XOXO,
Elle
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Elle, a wife and mother of seven, started writing fictional stories about strong woman and love in the snowbound confines of her northern Minnesota home on the prairie. Her novels f
ollow traditional tropes that romance readers love. She adds a twist of modern-day realism to make each unique story relatable somehow. Through fantastic characters and swoon-worthy scenes, her readers are driven to a satisfying HEA (happily ever after).
Elle's completed works include her debut novel The One That Matters, followed by the Love Transcends series, comprised of three standalone novellas. Each one delves into some heavy relational issues driven by human conditions and end with healing, forgiveness, and love. Lastly, the fun and romantic Faithful Falls series, where readers enter the quirky and loveable Idaho tourist town of the same name. They may also fall in love with one of the handsome heroes who live there.
Elle grew up in California, where she fell in love with the ocean and the SoCal lifestyle. After getting married, she had the privilege of living in various locations across the U.S., learning about the many different micro-cultures and locales that make the U.S. unique. She hopes to travel overseas one day and broaden her human understanding just a bit more. Who knows, her next series could take place in Scotland!
