by Elle Linder
The family gathered around Duke and Cherish, all with a glass of champagne in their hand. Hudson was about to make a toast.
“To Cherish and Duke, we are both happy for you.” Hudson held Denise’s hand. “It’s not easy letting go of a daughter, but I’m delighted to be gaining a son. Make each other happy. Never go to bed angry. Always love like it’s the last day you’ll ever see each other.”
“Oh, Daddy.” Cherish rushed into his arms. “Thank you.”
“I love you, baby girl. I’m so happy for you.” He kissed her head.
Cherish wiped away tears, walking back into Duke’s waiting arms.
“To Cherish and Duke.” Hudson raised his glass.
Glasses clinked, and congratulations were said. It was a simple, understated celebration.
It was perfect.
“So when’s the wedding?” Cherish’s younger sister, Cady, asked.
They’d talked about when they wanted to get married, so Duke knew exactly what Cherish would say.
Cherish looked into Duke’s eyes, a radiant smile on her beautiful face. “Next Christmas, of course.”
Epilogue
Two and a half years later…
CHERISH GAZED DOWN at the two bundles in her arms, utterly in awe and wholly grateful for her two miracles. Duke leaned in and kissed her forehead, then their son’s and daughter’s little heads.
“This is the best birthday gift I could ever receive,” he whispered, emotion thick in his voice.
“I just can’t believe it. They’re here and they’re healthy.” She sniffled, unable to take her eyes off her babies. And she was here to see them, hold them, and love them.
From the moment they found out she was pregnant, Cherish had battled her fears. Finding out she was having twins amplified everything. Duke had been her rock. He supported her at every step, calmed her when she broke down and lifted her up with his unfailing optimism. Her husband was a priceless gem.
“I had every faith you’d all come out of this healthy, cupcake.” He reached for their son. “Let me hold this little guy.”
Cherish melted, watching Duke cradle the baby carefully in his arms. She never saw a more precious sight.
“Our family… mercy, I’m so happy.” He placed a kiss on the baby’s cheek.
“Me too.” She inhaled her daughter’s heavenly scent.
Almost four hours ago, they became a family of four. To her delight, her labor and delivery were uneventful. She felt wonderful but a little tired.
And this June day was Duke’s thirty-sixth birthday. She’d prayed the babies would be born on it, knowing he secretly hoped they would. He got his wish.
“My family will be here soon,” she told him, softly brushing her thumb over her daughter’s pink cheek. Both babies had dark hair and blue eyes. They could change, but she hoped they wouldn’t. “They’re anxious to meet the newest additions to the family.”
“When I spoke to Peggy, she said they’d be here by the weekend. She’s insisting on staying with us, you know.”
Cherish smiled. Oh, she knew all right. Grandma Peggy had been like a mother to her. It was only right she stayed with her and Duke to help with the twins.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she told Duke with a smile.
Duke arched his brow while swaying. “Auntie Elise might feel slighted.”
“She’ll get to help all she wants when Grandma leaves. It’ll be fine.” Auntie Elise had been busy with Tanner and Bailey’s son and Dawson and Piper’s daughter the last year and a half. The Hart family was growing by leaps and bounds in Idaho.
Cherish couldn’t be more grateful for her life and her husband and, now, for her twins. She only wished her momma were here, then the day would’ve been perfect.
“Are we set on their names, cupcake?”
She raised her eyes to Duke’s. “Yes, if you’re sure about them.”
“I’m sure.” He winked.
There was a soft knock at the door before it cracked open. Auntie Elise poked her head in. “Can we come in?”
“Please, we’ve been waiting for you.” Duke leaned down and placed their son in Cherish’s arms. “You make the announcement, Momma.” He dropped a sweet kiss on her lips.
Her family entered with joyful faces, carrying flowers, balloons, and gifts. Her hospital room filled quickly.
She stared, in awe of her family. The best part about being a Hart was the love and support they gave each other. Day in, day out. No matter what was going on in their lives, when a Hart was in need, the whole lot of them came a-runnin’. Especially for a celebration, like the birth of a baby or two.
Even though Cherish didn’t grow up with her cousins, you’d never guess it by the way they gushed over her and the babies. Her relatives were exceptional.
Auntie Elise kissed Cherish on the cheek. “That’s from Grandma Peggy. How are you?”
“Perfect and deliriously happy.” She gazed down at the twins.
“Well, you look beautiful and serene. I’m so happy for you, sweet girl.” The love in her aunt’s eyes was always present when she looked at Cherish.
“All right, we’re patiently waiting to hold those babies.” Dylan squeezed past his mom. “Congrats, cuz.” He kissed the top of Cherish’s head. “No better way to get ’er done than two at time.” He clucked his tongue and winked.
Cherish laughed. “You’re telling me.” She and Duke had decided to be done after the twins. Having a girl and boy was all they wanted. Adoption was still on the table. They’d even started the process a year ago, then put it on hold when Cherish found out she was pregnant. Who knew what the future held? Maybe their family would grow by one more.
“So come on, tell us their names,” Tori said, waddling to the other side of Cherish’s bed. She’d just entered her third trimester. She and Rex were having a baby boy. They already called him by his name, Hunter. Lyla was over the moon about being a big sister.
“I guess everyone is here.” Her eyes scanned the room. Dawson and Piper were off to the side with their little girl, Penelope. Everyone called her Pippa. Tanner and Bailey were next to them with their little boy, Beau. Uncle Conway stood at the foot of Cherish’s bed, his dark eyes locked on the twins, probably remembering the day his own twins were born.
Just a few others were missing. “Dylan, where’s Sofie?”
“Work. She got called into the clinic not too long ago. She’ll stop by on her way home.” Sofie was the top large animal vet in the county. Cherish was certain the hospital would be her first stop. Sofie had been anxiously awaiting the twins’ arrival, just like her and Duke.
“Okay then.” She smiled at Duke as he stood beside her. “Duke and I would like to introduce you to Levi Hudson Landon.” She kissed her blue bundle and then her pink. “And this is Sky Mary Beth Landon.” Cherish’s daddy had given her his blessing to use his and her momma’s names for the twins. It meant the world to her. She would always have her daddy and momma close by.
“Oh, my sweet girl, those are precious names. What a lovely tribute to your parents.” Auntie Elise dried her eyes. “May I?” She reached for Sky.
“Of course.”
Uncle Conway approached next. “Gimme my little Levi. Need to have a talk with him about ranching.” He winked, taking the baby from her arms. He might be a gruff, serious man, but he always had a soft spot for babies.
“Wait. Levi’s going to be a musician like his daddy,” Duke said and kissed Cherish. “Right, cupcake?”
“Son, dream on. Levi’s got Hart blood in him. Harts are ranchers.” Uncle Conway’s eyes twinkled, but Cherish knew better. He’d stop at nothing to turn Levi into a rancher.
“Yeah, we need to grow the next generation of cattle ranchers,” Tanner said, making his son giggle in his arms. “So far, we only got two boys in the family. Rex is deadset on Hunter working the ranch. Ya need to get on board, Duke. Just embrace it. You’re in Hart land.”
The room filled with laughter. Tanner wa
s right. The Harts were taking Idaho by storm as more moved to the area and babies were being born.
“Well, have no fear. I only possess Y chromosomes.” Dylan clucked his tongue. “My brood will run the ranch.” Heads turned in his direction.
Cherish cocked her head. “Is there something you’re not telling us… cuz?”
Dylan smirked. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”
“Don’t encourage him, cupcake. This is our moment in the spotlight. I only wished I had a ball of mistletoe to raise above your head.”
Cherish’s heart fluttered. “To think all this started with just one kiss.”
“One life-changing kiss, my love.” His lips descended upon hers.
THE END
Ahhh, don’t you love that Duke and Cherish get their happily ever after? As always, let me know what you think by leaving your review here.
Next up in the Harts of Idaho series is Perfect Hearts, Dylan and Sofie’s love story! Don’t miss this small town friends-to-lovers romance!
Maybe lifelong best friends weren't meant to fall in love.
Rancher Dylan Hart may be the youngest in the family, and a bit of a smartass, but there is one thing he never jokes about…love. He's been in love with his best friend Sofie since preschool and the time has finally come to wrangle this career-driven girl. He's been patiently biding his time so Sofie could achieve her goals without him distracting her. As soon as she returns to Piper Ridge, he plans to romance the pants off her. But family keeps getting in his way and messing up his plans. It's a good thing Sofie is here to stay. Or is she?
PREORDER YOUR COPY OF
PERFECT 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
Faithful Falls Box Set
Harts of Idaho
ConflictedHearts
Forever Hearts
Tangled Hearts
Secret Hearts
Mistletoe Hearts
Perfect 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 follow 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!