by Sienna Parks
“Not at the moment. I was married for a brief period of time, but we went our separate ways, and I’ve been raising my baby girl back in my hometown for the past few years.”
“Everyone is going to ask when they see the papers tomorrow. Who is the woman you were seen with today?”
“That would be my girlfriend, and before you ask… no, I’m not giving you her name. Let’s just say, I love her.”
“There are hearts breaking in this arena tonight, for sure! So, are you planning on returning to riding?”
“No. I’m happy where I’m at now. I run my family’s ranch, and I was lucky enough not to sustain any major injuries in my career. I wouldn’t want to jinx it now.”
“It’s been great talking to you. I’m a big fan. Hope to see you back here in the future.”
“Thanks.” The commentator shakes my hand.
“Maddox ‘Hail Mary’ Hale, everyone! What a great way to kick off the evening.”
I stay and chat for a few minutes, before following the security guard out into the crowd. There are cowboy catchers everywhere I turn. Phone numbers being thrust into my hands and pockets, as I slowly make my way back to Rae and A.B. I’d forgotten how crazy the attention could be. I’ve missed it over the years, building it up to be a better experience than the reality of it. I’ve grown used to small town living. Everyone knowing your face on the street, and you knowing theirs, is completely different than being known as a ‘celebrity,’ accosted by strangers who want something from you.
I never thought I’d see the day when I look forward to getting home to Kingsbury Falls, but as I fend off the unwanted attention of at least ten women who are exactly like Samantha, I can’t help but be thankful for the life I have now. As soon as I catch a glimpse of A.B. and Rae, my pace quickens, anxious to get to them. I sign as many autographs as I can along the way, but in the end, I fight my way to them, and try to get lost in the anonymity of the crowd.
“You were amazing. I loved hearing everyone cheering for you.” I lean over, pressing a gentle kiss to her lips, only to be interrupted by Rae, grabbing my face, her eyes wide as saucers.
“Daddy! They shouted your name!” Her grin is as wide as I ever saw, her eyes dancing with excitement.
“Was that fun?”
“Yes!” She jumps into my arms, giggling and pointing to the jumbotron. “Your name was up there. I couldn’t read it, but Uncle Jax says it was.” I study her face, and look around me at the life I once had.
“I love you so much, sunshine. I wouldn’t trade you for any of this.”
“Silly Daddy. You can’t trade family.”
“You’re a wise little girl, Sally Rae.”
“What does wise mean?” A chuckle escapes me as the lights dim, and we settle in to watch the show. I’ve never felt more content than I do in this moment, knowing the best is yet to come.
Over the past few days, Jax has been annoyingly unbearable. Since we got back from the rodeo, his new love interest, Savannah, seems to be giving him the cold shoulder. He’s been moping around the ranch, checking his phone every two minutes. It’s so unlike him. I don’t get what’s so special about this girl. She’s pretty, and seems nice enough, but Jax has always been a player—even in high school. He jumped from one girl to the next, without a care for how they felt.
He and I are at opposite ends of the spectrum. There are types of children—the ones who repeat their parents’ mistakes, and those who strive not to. His dad left when he was young, around the same time my mom left. Maybe that’s why we understand each other so well. My dad’s reaction pushed me to vow I would never let that be me. It’s probably why I didn’t even attempt to juggle riding and parenthood. I wanted to be a good family man, and a great father. It’s why I forced myself to give A.B. a second chance. Jax followed in his mom’s footsteps. She never trusted another man again. Men became a transient variable in her life, and by default—Jax’s.
This is the first time I’ve seen my best friend knotted up over a woman. I understand why he’s kept them at arm’s length. He’s protecting himself. When he loves—he’s all in. Not just with women, but with friends also. He has been there for me my whole life, and since the moment Rae was born, he’s treated her like family… we are family.
“How long are you going to let this girl jerk you around?”
“That’s a joke, right?”
“No. I hate seeing you so cut up.”
“You realize you are the last person on earth who can comment on this? You never got over your high school sweetheart. I’ve watched you moon and mope over her for months at a time.”
“That’s different.” His brow furrows—his eyes wide.
“Because it’s me? Don’t worry about me, I have no real feelings, right?”
“That’s not what I meant and you know it. A.B. is it for me. Are you telling me this girl could be the one?”
“I don’t know! Fuck. Maybe.” He’s really hurting. I didn’t realize he was serious. I figured it was just the thrill of the chase.
“I’m sorry, bro. I had no idea. I’m going to repeat your advice to me… if you want her, you can’t take no for an answer. Go and get her.”
“I’ve already made an ass of myself with this girl.”
“So? Sometimes you gotta suck it up and take the leap.” As the words leave my mouth, an epiphany strikes—sometimes you have to take the leap. “Go… do what you gotta do. I can finish up with the horses.”
“Thanks, bro. I owe you one.” He’s out the door before I get a chance to respond. As I fork the new hay into the stalls, a plan begins to formulate. I shoot a quick text to A.B., telling her to come over tonight. I can only hope she’s as excited about my idea as I am.
“Maddox! You here?” A.B.’s voice echoes through the house and out into the night sky.
“Back porch. Come on out.” I quickly pour two glasses of wine, my preparation for the night ahead, complete.
“Wow. What is this for? It looks amazing out here.” Her face lights up at the sight of our intimate dinner for two. Wine, flowers, and lanterns lining the porch.
“Does there need to be a reason?” My heart is pounding as I press a chaste kiss to her lips, relishing the sweet taste of her lip gloss.
“Mmm. You’re up to something, Hale. Where’s Rae?”
“Asleep. I thought it would be nice to have some time, just the two of us.”
“Sounds perfect.” She runs her hands seductively down my back, deepening the kiss.
“I didn’t mean that.” Fuck. I feel nervous. “I mean… yes… that, too. But, that’s not why I wanted to get you alone.” My palms are sweating, my brain misfiring as the blood rushes to my cock. I can’t think straight when her body is in contact with mine, her breasts pressing against my chest, her hips grinding on my crotch.
“What’s wrong? You seem… not yourself.” There’s a flash of worry in her eyes as she takes a step back, searching my eyes for answers. My cock strains against my jeans, bereft at the loss of connection.
“Don’t you want to sit and have dinner first? I’m starving.”
“Mad. You’re scaring me. What’s going on?” I take her hands in mine, leading her over to our table for two.
“I was going to wait until after dinner, but I guess we’re doing this now.” Her pulse is racing as my fingers trace her wrist, struggling to find the right words.
“You know I love you. And Rae loves you, too.”
“Ok-ay.” This is way harder than I thought it would be. Doubts begin to flood my mind. What if it’s too soon? What if she says no? “Just spit it out, Maddox.”
“I want you to move in.” It comes out as a garbled rush, my nerves getting the better of me. She sits for what feels like an eternity, and I’m wondering if she heard what I said. “Did you hear me?”
“I heard you…” A small smile begins to crack her perfectly pouty lips. She lunges into my arms, barreling me over, off the chair, slamming to the ground. “Shit! Are you okay?”
“I will be when you answer the question. You sure know how to make a man sweat.” Her lips find mine, hard and demanding.
“Of course, I’ll move in. I love you. I hate being alone in my house! I miss you guys so much.” I pull her in for another kiss, but she quickly pushes me away. “What about Rae? Have you spoken to her? I don’t want to do anything that would make her uncomfortable.”
“And that’s why I love you. I’ve already asked Little Miss Sunshine’s permission. She would love to have you living here.”
“Really?” Her surprise is both disarming, and adorable.
“Really. Move in with us. We want to be the family we were destined to be. You, me, Rae, Pops… and any other Hales who happen to join the brood.” Her face sobers, and I know I’ve said something wrong. “What?”
“You know I can’t give you any more kids. You need to be sure you’re okay with it. You’re an amazing dad. I know it’s a lot to ask you to give up.” I pull her into my arms.
“Being with you isn’t a sacrifice, A.B. It’s a gift. I want you. If you don’t want kids then that’s fine with me. If you want kids, then we will adopt the hell out of some babies who need good parents. You’re already a mother in my eyes… and in Rae’s.”
“Where have you been all my life?” She jokes, kissing the scruff of my chin with a feather-light caress.
“Right here, darlin’. Waiting for you.”
ANNABETH
“You sure everything is set up the way I asked?”
“A.B. You’re nervous as a fly in a glue pot. It’s all good. We’re ready.” Jax pulls me into his arms, his warm embrace and steady heartbeat calming my nerves.
“What if they say no? What if they hate it? What if it’s too soon?”
“They won’t. You may only have been living together for a few months, but you’ve been building up to this moment since kindergarten. Trust me. It’s going to work out. We’ve been planning this for weeks—everything will go smoothly.” I busy myself with the checklist I’ve been clutching in my hand for days.
“Are you sure we haven’t forgotten anything?”
“I’m positive. You need to go home and chill for a few hours. This is supposed to be a great night. You’re gonna worry yourself sick, and then you won’t enjoy it.”
“I haven’t been able to look him in the eye this week. I keep worrying he’ll figure it out.”
“He has no idea. So, I’ll get him out of the house to let you get organized. I’ll have him in position at 6:00 p.m. Pops has Rae. Lottie has the outfits. The entire town is ready.” I take a deep breath, trying not to second-guess myself.
“Okay. I’m going… after I check everything one last time.” He grabs me by the arm and starts walking me out of the barn.
“Go! I got this.” The old barn looks fantastic. Jax and I have been working tirelessly all week to make sure everything is perfect. It’s been tough keeping Maddox away from here. He’s so involved in every aspect of the ranch, it’s not an easy task to keep him in the dark about anything.
The Wedding Barn looks phenomenal—better than I ever imagined. Thousands of twinkling lights hang from the rafters. White flowing drapes lining the walls. Rustic pews form a stunning aisle. There are wild flowers spread throughout the barn, intertwined with sprigs of hay. Everyone will be here to celebrate with us. I can’t believe we’ve pulled this off… well almost!
As I ride back toward the house, I’m filled with excitement. Today is the day I’ve been waiting for my entire life. My wedding day. All I need to do now is propose to the groom!
I’ve spent the past three hours being primped, prodded, and poked like a mare at a pony show by Lottie. My hair, nails, waxing, and makeup have all been done. Every moment has been planned with military precision. When she left for the barn, Pops brought Rae back to the house. She is the picture of a perfect flower girl right now… without the dress. She has no idea what’s about to happen, but I need her to be there with me when I ask her daddy to marry me. It wouldn’t feel right otherwise.
“You wook pretty, A.B.”
“So do you, sunshine.” I lift her into my arms, my heart overflowing with love. “Shall we go see Daddy, now?”
“Yay. Where is he?”
“He’s waiting for us at the lake. I have a surprise for both of you.”
“Tell me! I wove surprises. Is it a new teddy?”
“Sorry, it’s not.” Her brows furrow. “But, I hope you’re going to love it.” A shy smile hints at the corners of her lips.
“I will. It’s always fun with you and Daddy.” I squeeze her tight, nerves pooling in the pit of my stomach.
I take one last look around the house… our home… before heading out to the stables. The past six months have been the best of my life. Moving into the ranch was something I dreamed about when I was a kid—making family dinners on the big range. Sitting on the porch, watching Maddox work the fields. I always saw myself raising a family here, and growing old.
With Rae nestled in front of me, we ride to the lake and wait for Maddox. I watch as she dips her feet in the water, fish tickling her toes as they pass. She splashes around searching for the perfect pebble—it’s become a quest for us in recent weeks. I slip off my shoes and join her, enjoying the cool water on my skin.
Rae’s smile widens the moment her dad arrives, throwing my nerves into hyperdrive. I don’t know if it’s the occasion, but Maddox looks even more mouthwatering than usual. The way he strides toward us, with a confident swagger, has me weak at the knees. His smile so genuine, it reaches his eyes. “How are my two favorite girls?”
“Daddy! I found pebbles!”
“You did? Let me see.” He sweeps her out of the water and into the air, twirling her in circles as she giggles with glee. She holds them out to him, and he studies them as if they were diamonds. They are wrapped up in each other, lost in their own little world. A world they share with me. He turns to me with a smile.
“Hey, darlin’.” His arm snakes around my waist, pulling me to his side, planting a chaste kiss on my lips. “So, what’s with all the cloak and dagger stuff today?”
“I… I wanted to…” Words escape me. I shake out my hands, trying to disperse the nerves coursing through me right now.
“Are you okay? What’s wrong?” His voice is full of concern, laced with fear.
“Nothing. Can we just get out of the lake for a minute?” His hand finds the small of my back, guiding us to the water’s edge.
“You’re scaring me, A.B.”
“No. Don’t be scared. I just wanted to ask you something.”
“Ok-ay.” Rae wriggles out of his grasp, running after a stunning Monarch butterfly.
“Rae!” I shout after her. “I need to ask you, too.” Maddox takes me by the hand, and waits for Rae to come back.
“We’re listening, A.B. What is it?”
“You know I love you both, don’t you?” They nod in unison. The same puzzled look on their faces. “And the past six months have been… wonderful. You’ve made me feel like family.”
“You are family.”
“I know. Oh God, I’m making a mess of this.” Rae reaches out to stroke my cheek.
“No mess.” There’s something in her words, her innocence. She gives me the strength I need to continue.
“Breathe, Annabeth.” Maddox interjects. I fill my lungs, breathing in the scent of his cologne, taking a moment to compose myself.
“Maddox Hale. I’ve loved you since the moment I laid eyes on you. No distance, or time could ever change that. I let you go once, and I know without a shadow of a doubt, I never want to let that happen again. You are my heart and soul. The reason I get up in the morning, and the last person I want to see before I go to sleep at night.”
I turn my attention to Rae. Her smile beaming back at me. “Sally Rae. I never thought I would get the chance to love someone the way I love you. You’ve given me so much joy. I can’t thank you enough for letting me share your daddy with you
. You bring sunshine to every day.” I take one last deep breath, ready to ask the biggest question of my life.
“I want to ask both of you… will you be my family? Maddox… will you marry me?”
Maddox turns to Rae. “How would you feel about A.B. being your mommy?”
Without hesitation, Rae responds with a resounding, “Yes!”
“Then our answer is, yes.” His hand grasps my head, pulling me in for a soul-shattering kiss.
“There’s one more thing.”
“What?”
“Will you marry me tonight?” Rae starts clapping, before jumping into my arms, squeezing me as tight as she can.
“I’d marry you anytime, anywhere, Annabeth Clark. But… don’t you want a proper wedding?”
“You mean like the wedding barn, with all of our friends and family?”
“Well, yeah.”
“It’s all set up. Kickoff is in two hours… if you’ll have me?”
“Are you kidding me?”
“No. I’m serious. Jax is up there right now with a tux for you. Lottie has dresses for me and Rae.”
I’ve never seen a smile like it. Maddox looks overjoyed. With Rae in my arms, he lifts us both, and strides toward his horse. “What are we waiting for? Let’s get married.”
“I think I’m going to puke.” Lottie is fussing with my veil, while the ladies of Kingsbury Falls coo over Rae in her flower girl dress.
“You’ll be fine. Stop fretting.”
“I know. I just want to be married to him already. I don’t like being the center of attention. What if I trip and fall flat on my face in front of everybody?”
“Then your daddy will pick you up and keep walking.”
My mom is too busy with Rae to cause me any problems today. Since the moment I moved onto the ranch, she’s taken the roll of grandmother to a whole new level. Her and Rae are thick as thieves and always ganging up on Maddox and me. It’s a beautiful thing to watch.
Rae is my daughter in everything but name. I don’t think I could love her anymore if I’d given birth to her. When she spies me staring at her, she leaves everyone behind, running toward me in her princess dress and cowboy boots. “Docor Mommy! You wook so pretty.” I hoist her into my arms, much to everyone’s dismay.