by Barbara Gee
Jolene watched as he opened the little box, and her eyes widened. “It’s beautiful. How did you know what I’d like? We never talked about it.”
“I went into the store, looked at a hundred different rings, and this is the one that said ‘Jolene’ to me. Elegant yet not too showy, classy and beautiful, sparkling and pure. That’s you.”
He took her left hand and slid it on her finger. “I’m afraid I’ll lose it,” she breathed, holding her hand up and admiring it. “It’s so perfect. I love it. I love you. I’m so happy.” She hugged him hard, pressing her face into his chest. “Thank you, Boone.”
“I hope I can always make you as happy as you are right now, baby,” he said.
“You will, just because you’re you,” she said. “My husband and my hockey player, all rolled into one.”
EPILOGUE
They got married a month later, and five months after that, Jolene was at the ranch helping to decorate the two huge Christmas trees Kay always insisted on having in her living room. Maddy and Libby were there, too, as was Carla. She had visited the ranch several times over the summer and fall, once spending a whole month there volunteering in the dining hall. As predicted, she and Kay had become fast friends, and Boone was pretty sure his mother would end up spending more and more time there. The guest cabin had been renovated and an addition put on with a separate bedroom and a full kitchen, so that she had her own place whenever she did come.
Carla still hadn’t visited Aaron in the minimum security prison he’d been sentenced to for five years, but Boone tried to get there at least every few weeks. Aaron’s health was failing and he understandably didn’t have much will to get better. Boone was hoping Carla would relent and see him before it was too late. He didn’t blame her for not wanting a relationship with Aaron, but he knew her well enough to know she would feel some guilt after he passed if she didn’t speak with him at least one more time.
Other than that situation, life was pretty incredible. Jolene spent most of her time in St. Paul, splitting her time between working as a consultant for the Full Heart Retreat Center, and a volunteer for several organizations in St. Paul. She still traveled to the ranch at least once a month, and had kept her house in town for those trips, and also because after the current NHL season was over, she and Boone would once again spend the entire off-season in Barlow. Their life together was busy and they were separated often for Boone’s road trips, but they’d adjusted and made it work. It made their time together that much sweeter—that’s what Jolene told him whenever he started feeling guilty about being gone so much.
He was lucky enough to have four days off over Christmas. Jolene had come to the ranch early, to help with all the preparations and spend some time with Carla. Boone was getting there today, and she couldn’t wait. Ryan and Tuck had gone to pick him up, and they should be back any minute. She was so excited about their first Christmas together, and then when they returned to St. Paul her own family was flying in for New Year’s. So much to be thankful for.
The trees were slowly taking shape, and the house was full of laughter, favorite Christmas carols on a continuous loop, and the smell of spiced cider and cookies. Jolene’s heart was full and she felt like her cheeks were raised in a permanent smile.
The front door opened and Boone walked in, his eyes widening at the sight of the huge, glowing trees. Then his eyes found Jolene and he grinned, opening his arms when she came to him.
“Hey, baby,” he said, holding her tight.
“Welcome to Christmas at the ranch,” she said, smiling up at him.
“Glad to be here.” He dropped a kiss on the top of her head, then went and hugged all the other women, both of his mothers beaming with love.
Later, with everyone stuffed full of chili and cornbread, they sat around one of the trees and listened as Libby read Hank The Night Before Christmas. Jolene snuggled against Boone and decided things couldn’t be any more perfect. And then, after the story was finished, Maddy shyly informed everyone that she and Tuck were expecting a baby next summer, and things were even more perfect.
After a round of hugs and congratulations, Boone grabbed Jolene’s hand and pulled her around to the back of the far Christmas tree, grinning down at her as the sparkling lights shone on her hair and reflected in her dark eyes.
“I love you, Jo,” he said softly.
“Is that why you snuck me over behind this tree, Wildman? To tell me that?” she asked, smiling happily.
“No, I could whisper that to you anywhere. But it’s been six days since I’ve seen you, and I can’t wait another second to kiss you. And I’d rather not have an audience.”
Jolene rose up on her toes and met his descending mouth eagerly. “I love you, too, Boone,” she said breathlessly when the kiss finally ended.
He grinned. “So, do you want another cup of egg nog, or shall we head on back to the house?”
She pretended to think about it, laughing when his brows drew together. She relented quickly. “House,” she said, her dark eyes sparkling. “Definitely the house.”
Boone hugged her tighter, burying his face in her hair and inhaling her scent. “Good answer, baby,” he said softly. “Good answer.”
***
Thank you so much for reading Know Me, Keep Me. I hope you enjoyed it. If you get a chance, please consider leaving a review on Amazon.
If you wish to be notified when Book 4 in the Full Heart Ranch series becomes available, please contact me at:
[email protected]
Other titles by Barbara Gee:
Always a Will and A Way
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LYCORKM
Find Me, Save Me
Book #1 in the Full Heart Ranch Series
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SGWEKVY
Love Me, Trust Me
Book #2 in the Full Heart Ranch Series
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XTHXH7O