by Jill Lynn
Relief ignited as the meeting replayed. God had certainly come through with flying colors. The fleece had been wet and dry and then some. “The Franks had been praying about adopting Hudson. They have three children already, but Mrs. Frank’s doctor advised her not to carry another pregnancy. She had complications the last time. But every time they prayed, they both felt that they weren’t supposed to adopt Hudson.” Mr. Frank had described it as a resounding no. “They believed God was telling them that Hudson was already where he was supposed to be.”
Emma’s hand flew over her mouth, and then she sagged a little, the arm holding Hudson inching toward her hip.
Gage took the baby from her and moved him into the living room, wanting Emma all to himself for a minute. He surrounded Hudson with a few favorite toys and his sippy cup, but the boy crawled over to the movie cupboard and began unloading DVDs, chewing on them, then tossing them into a haphazard pile. Fine by Gage. Hudson could disorganize whatever he wanted as long as he didn’t injure himself.
Gage returned to face Emma, his nervousness reaching bar-exam levels.
“So...you’re keeping him?”
He couldn’t decipher if her face held hope or simply shock.
He nodded. “You were right all along. I can’t give him up. I still don’t feel qualified to raise him, but that doesn’t mean God won’t equip me.” Gage paused. Scrounged for courage. “I want you, too, Emma. In my life first and foremost, but Hudson’s, too. But even if it’s too late for that, I’m still keeping him. Even if I’m meant to do this on my own.”
Tears spilled, tracking down her cheeks, and Gage stepped closer, catching the moisture with his thumbs. She didn’t shrink from his touch. “Em, don’t cry. I’m so sorry I hurt you. That I didn’t believe in us. But it wasn’t you that caused my lack of confidence. It was me. Always me. I thought I’d messed up too much the first time around and didn’t deserve a second chance. And maybe I don’t. But I want one. With you. I’m ready to believe that things can be different this time.” Can? “Will be. Because you, Emma Wilder, are the best thing that has ever happened to me. And I don’t want to go another day without you in my life. I want to marry you. I want you forever.”
Nothing like putting it all on the line. But Gage would never forgive himself if he didn’t. Still, his heart thrashed like a fresh catch on a dry dock as he waited for Emma to speak. But she still didn’t. More moisture saturated her cheeks. Oh, Emma. What if he was too late? And he’d hurt Emma beyond repair? His need for her wasn’t about Hudson. Gage now felt confident that God would provide for the two of them if they were to be a family. But he didn’t want to move forward without Emma. Couldn’t imagine not having sunshine again after so many years of cloud cover. Gage retrieved the tissues and offered them to her.
She blew her nose. Wiped under her eyes. “I think maybe we should start with a date before we head down the aisle.” Her smile grew, and then she laughed.
The rubber band that had tightened around Gage’s chest broke free. He crushed her against him. He actually felt her melt. Let go. As if she’d been holding herself together, too.
“I’m so sorry I hurt you. I’m going to try not to do that again.”
“Okay.” Her reply was muffled against his chest, arms banding around his waist.
“But I might.” He shifted enough to see her face but didn’t let go. “I need you to tell me if I do. To always be honest with me. Because I don’t want to mess this up. I need to know so I can fix it if something’s wrong.”
“Okay.” Softness radiated from her. “I might mess up, too. The deal goes both ways.”
“I can’t imagine that.”
“Me, either.” Teasing danced in her tone, her eyes.
His hands slid to cradle her face. “A date sounds really good, by the way.” To go out to dinner with Emma, watch a movie with her, to hold her hand and kiss her and have it all be right and good...oh, yeah. He wanted that. “But just so we’re clear, I’m not playing games. And I’m definitely not James. I know what I want, Emma, and it’s you. That’s not going to change.”
Emma put her hands over his, capturing him. Holding him there. As if he wanted to go—be—anywhere else. “I feel the same way. You’re stuck with me, Counselor. Both of you. Because I’m not going anywhere.” His relief was so swift it buckled his knees. “I love you. So much.” Finally, the words he’d been craving.
“I can promise you it’s not as much as I love you. As I need you.” Gage could guarantee that. He dropped his forehead to hers. “I was so afraid I was too late. That I’d messed it all up and that you wouldn’t be able to forgive me. I should never have gotten upset about the James stuff. It doesn’t matter. He doesn’t matter. And I totally understand why you didn’t say anything earlier.”
“You do?”
“Yes. We don’t ever have to talk about it again as far as I’m concerned.”
“Sounds good to me.”
He kissed her then, taking his time, tasting that plump lower lip that owned him. Kissing Emma was like walking into a candy store as a ten-year-old and being told he could pick out whatever he wanted, no parental limits involved. “Your lips have been driving me crazy for weeks now.”
“Really?” Why did she sound so astonished?
“Really.” Gage would have to spend the next fifty years convincing Emma just how stunning and amazing and mesmerizing she was. And he was just fine with that. “So, Emma Wilder, will you go on a date with me?”
She gave a shy, sweet grin. Nodded.
“Do you have a group at the ranch this Friday?”
Her head shook.
“I’ll get a sitter for Hudson.”
Her mouth formed a tight bud. “Maybe we should just hang out here. I don’t really want to leave Hudson. I’ve missed him so much the last few days.”
Spoken like a true mother. And that’s what Emma was to Hudson. Maybe she didn’t have the title yet, but she carried a banner that claimed him loud and clear. The little guy didn’t know how good he had it with a mom like Emma in his future.
“There will be plenty of Hudson time to come. He’s not going anywhere. And I want you all to myself for a night.”
“Okay.” Her exhale mingled with amusement and another dash of watery emotion.
The next question he asked quietly, near her ear. “And how about the week after that?” Emma stretched her neck to give him better access, and Gage grinned, dropping a kiss there.
“Mmm-hmm.” She sounded breathless, distracted. Gage was just fine with that, too.
“And the one after that?”
Her bubbly laugh rang out. “You can have all of my days, Counselor. You pretty much already do.”
“That—” he preoccupied her with another kiss “—is exactly what I wanted to hear.”
Epilogue
Two perfect months, and then three days that made her doubt it all.
“I’m afraid Gage is going to break up with me.” The statement spilled from Emma as Cate drove them home from their Denver shopping excursion. Baby supplies this time. The two of them had shopped for hours, stopped for lunch, then went at it some more. It had been the perfect distraction for Emma. But now that they neared home, the fears she’d been holding under water all day boiled to the surface, demanding her attention.
“What in the world would make you think that?”
“A week ago I would have said the idea of him breaking up with me was ludicrous. But he’s been acting so strange the last few days. Mumbling to himself. Turning his phone so I can’t see the screen when I go anywhere near it. As if I want to read his messages. I don’t.” Emma huffed. “Or at least I hadn’t until he started hiding them.” She twisted her hands together, her voice shifting into low gear. “I just can’t shake the suspicion that something is wrong. Off. He canceled on me coming over last night without any real explanation. And w
hen I told him I was going shopping with you today, he practically gave me a stack of bills to spend and a shove out the door.” A forlorn sigh escaped as the familiar ranch drive came into view and Cate turned. “Like he was excited to be rid of me for the day.”
Cate patted Emma’s leg, the warmth a flash through her jeans. Emma had worn an oatmeal front-cross sweater today and her leather booties. Because sometimes a cute pair of boots made the messy parts of life more bearable.
“Hmm.” Cate was definitely assuming the calmer role out of the two of them. “I bet he’s just stressed about the ranch or even Hudson.”
“Could be.” But why the sudden change in his demeanor? The past two months had been sprinkled with gold fairy dust. As close to perfect as it got. Emma and Gage spent so much time together that Luc and Kenzie teased her about it on a daily basis. Love had turned her starry-eyed for sure, so she accepted the ribbing without complaint. Emma had thought that she’d been crazy in love with Gage back when he’d first decided to keep Hudson. But those feelings had only grown with time. At least for her. And up until this week, she’d thought they had for him, too.
Cate pulled up to the lodge and turned off the car. “I can say without a doubt that Gage loves you. That hasn’t changed.” A reassuring grin flashed. “I have to run inside to grab something for Luc out of his office. If you could come with me that would be great. I’ll need your help carrying it.”
“Sure.” Emma unbuckled, and they walked up the lodge steps. It was dark inside, and she shook off the peculiar sense that someone or something was in the room with them. She flipped on the lights, and a cheer came from the group of people filling the lodge lobby.
Cate stood to Emma’s side, her shrug mischievous. “I wasn’t allowed to say anything.”
So many of Emma’s friends were present. And her parents. Her mom was holding Hudson, beaming at her. The room was decorated in various tones of teal and peppered with colorful tissue paper balls. Someone switched on white twinkle lights, illuminating an artfully designed table dripping with appetizers and desserts.
And right in the middle of everyone was Gage. He approached her, those crinkly eyes in full force, got down on one knee in front of her and produced a ring box.
Oh. Oh, my. A jet-engine roar started in Emma’s ears.
“Emma Wilder, I cannot imagine my life without you.” Adoration filled his voice, his gaze. “You are the best thing that has ever happened to me. Marry me, please? I’m not whole without you.”
Was that squeal-like animal sound coming from her? Somewhere along the line, her hands had covered her mouth. Now she peeled them away. Forced her voice box into coherent functioning mode.
“I thought you were breaking up with me.” Seriously, Emma Wilder? The man you love is down on his knee and that’s the gibberish that comes out of your mouth?
“What?” Gage’s head tilted and the ring box dipped, almost falling out of his grip. “Why would you think that?”
“You acted so weird the last few days, and I just got worried.”
“Em.” His grin grew, warming her from head to toe. “It’s a lot of pressure and planning to propose to the most romantic woman I know. Organize all of these people.” His head jutted back to the crowd watching them with curiosity. “Hide your parents. Mine couldn’t come but we Skyped them in.”
She couldn’t believe he’d done all of this. No wonder he’d been jumpy. Floundering for answers at the simplest inquiry. Now it all made sense.
“Any chance you’re going to answer now?” Gage jiggled the ring box like one might dangle a bottle in front of a baby.
Her laugh was layered with the good, is this really happening to me? kind of tears.
“I will definitely marry you.” And then she flew into his arms, practically tackling him to the ground. Gage managed to steady them both. He cradled her face with his free hand. His kiss was short and sweet, but the message traveled down to her toes.
“I love you, Emma. So much.”
“I love you, too.” She stole another kiss, then threw her hands above her head with a victory whoop. “I’m going to marry this man!” Their friends and family erupted in laughter and cheers.
Emma untangled herself from Gage and they both stood. He took the ring from the box and slid it onto her left ring finger. A princess-cut diamond sparkled back at her.
“You did good, Counselor.”
He grinned, then swept her up in an embrace, his voice quiet, near her ear. “I can’t believe you’re going to be all mine for the rest of our lives.”
“Me, either.” A subdued screech of excitement escaped at the thought of Gage being her husband, her best friend, Hudson’s father. Forever and ever, amen.
He lowered her reluctantly as family and friends approached, surrounding them, offering congratulations and waiting for hugs. “Guess I have to share you now.”
“Yep.” Her mouth battled to stay stoic, serious. “I actually have plans tonight.”
A shadow of uncertainty crossed Gage’s handsome face. “And what are those?”
She shot him a playful grin before turning to embrace her mom. “I have an engagement party to attend.”
* * *
If you enjoyed this story,
pick up these other books by Jill Lynn:
Falling for Texas
Her Texas Family
Her Texas Cowboy
The Rancher’s Surprise Daughter
Available now from Love Inspired!
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Keep reading for an excerpt from Her Cowboy Inheritance by Danica Favorite.
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Dear Reader,
I recently had to make a decision I was incredibly torn about, and I prayed earnestly that I would know what to do. I didn’t receive a big sign like Gage, though I have had those appear in my life. This time God’s answer was quiet. Hard to hear. Once I believed I understood His directive, I obeyed, even though it wasn’t the answer I wanted. After, I felt overwhelming peace. And in the time since, that peace has remained whenever that particular situation comes to mind.
Regrettably, I don’t always listen to God’s leading. I try to do things my own way, or I fight the path He’s directing me down. But the good news is, God never gives up on any of us. He loves us every step of the journey, whether we’re stumbling to follow His plan or running a straight line in the right direction. He’s consistent even when we’re not, and I’m so thankful for that.
I’m also thankful for your support as readers. Your encouragement means the world. Thanks for celebrating book news with me and participating in the development of these stories. Hudson and Ford both earned their names from your suggestions.
I love to connect with readers. Sign up for book news and giveaways at www.Jill-Lynn.com/news or find me on social media: www.facebook.com/JillLynnAuthor & www.Instagram.com/JillLynnAuthor.
Jill Lynn
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Her Cowboy Inheritance
by Danica Favorite
Chapter One
Leah Holloway stood inside the old ranch house in Columbine Springs, Colorado, unable to believe that in the twenty years since she’d last been here, everything seemed almost unchanged. Except for the silence and emptiness.
“It’s weird not seeing Grandma Nellie sitting in her rocking chair, isn’t it?” her sister Erin said, coming behind her.
Leah turned. “She wasn’t our grandmother.”
“The closest thing we had to one. Besides, everyone called her Grandma Nellie.” Erin put her arm around her and gave a squeeze. “You doing okay?”
Everyone asked her that, and Leah hated having to answer the question. Of course she wasn’t doing okay. How could anybody be okay when everything in her life was falling apart? Everyone had a million questions for her, and Leah hadn’t had the chance to process what had happened. She’d been too busy trying to stay strong for her kids, doing everything she could to keep a roof over their heads, and now this.
Not that being here on the ranch was necessarily a bad thing, since the surprise bequest was literally the only reason she and her kids wouldn’t be living on the streets. But it was one more set of emotions being thrown at her that she didn’t have time to deal with.
Fortunately, her sister Nicole came in, carrying a box. “Isn’t this great? I can’t believe this is all ours.”
Erin gave their sister a small smile. “The happiest I remember being as children was the summer we spent here with Helen. The Colonel was on another temporary assignment, and she brought us here to her family’s ranch. I remember wishing we could stay here forever and never have to see the Colonel again. Who would have thought the wish of a ten-year-old would come true twenty years later?”