Epilogue

It hasn't been an easy process, but Mae and I can finally rest assured, knowing that Ryan and James are locked up, the money they borrowed is back in my account, both of our homes are secure, and our future together is looking brighter than ever.

In terms of properties, we've actually combined them into one large farm, and we often host fun little events that allow children to come and engage with the animals just to see what life on a farm can look like.

We've rebuilt a newer and bigger barn and purchased some new equipment to make life a bit more modern. My house has become a guest house and craft space, along with an art studio large enough for both Dylan and me. Grandpa Bob has a new extension on their house with his own studio apartment that he loves. His well-worn recliner still lives on, and Mae says great thanks that it has a new home.

I've also purchased the large plot from Dwight Summers, and I'm in talks now to start building Cornel Condominiums.

Thankfully, life unfolded the way that it did, because realizing that my brother was the mastermind behind everything allowed Mae to finally believe that I was telling the truth, and I'm the happiest I've ever been with her.

Our Father-Son art exhibit was a huge success and both Dylan and I are making time in our busy lives to draw or paint a few times a week now. Although I realize that crochet hook deal was a ploy to get me to the art supply store, I think I've seen the beginnings of that blanket peeking out of Mae's chairside basket once in a while.

And today, Mae thinks we're having another one of the youth enrichment events, but I have something else in store for her.

"Are we ready?" I ask in a walkie-talkie. "Ten-four," Mina says on her end.

I walk down the stairs and find Mae doing the dishes.

"Hello, my love." I hug her from behind and kiss her on the cheek.

"Oh, that was nice. What was that for?" She stops what she's doing and faces me, wrapping her arms around my neck.

"Do I need an excuse to kiss the woman I love?"

She smiles. "Well, no," and she leans in for another one.

"Will you come with me? There's something I want to show you?"

"Dean—there's so much I have to do before the kids show up—"

"I know, I know. It will be fast. I promise."

Reluctantly, she follows me to the door. "What are we doing?"

"Hold on. You'll see." I place a bandana on her face.

"How am I going to see with this thing on?"

"Well, that's the point, don't you think? Just play along."

I usher her into the barn and remove the covering.

It has been completely decked out with fairy lights and flowers—courtesy of Mina and Coral. There are also candles all around. Most of the flowers are pink roses and she just stares.

"Oh, my goodness. What is this?" she asks as she looks around.

"It's for you."

When she faces me again, I'm down on one knee.

"Oh, no." Her hands quickly go to cover her mouth. "Is this really happening?"

"It's happening, baby." She starts to cry a little.

"So, for a little over a year and a half, I have been totally in love with you, Mae. And I can't even begin to put into words how you've changed my life. All I can say is that you've made it better. Well, mine and Dylan's."

I then wave him over, and he gets down with me. He has a ring box, and he asks, "Mae Dale, before meeting you, I swore up and down that I never wanted to see my dad get remarried. That's because I was frightened he would get hurt like he did when my mom left. But I'm here before you today because I trust you with his heart, and I want to ask if you'd do me the honor of being my not-so-wicked stepmother."

She's in hysterics by that point, but she manages to get out, "Yes. Of course."

We both stand up and hug her. After that, Bob, Mina, Coral and all her gang huddle around us as well. Coral is unbelievably pregnant with number six and she is all smiles. Her hubby shakes his head, but winks at me.

"You done good, son," Bob comments, as Mae shows off the ring.

"You really did," Coral agrees.

"Oh! And you're finally going to get that Mexico trip, buddy!" I say to Dylan.

"What do you mean?"

I pull five tickets out of my back pocket and a stack of sombreros from under the table beside us. "For the honeymoon."

"All of us?" Mina asks.

"Yes! Even Grandpa Bob!"

Mae looks at me with dread, and I already know what she's thinking—his health. So, I give the floor to her grandfather.

Bob clears his throat before saying, "I got everything cleared with my doctor. It looks like the pills have been working." He thumps on his chest. "And this old ticker seems better than ever!"

She rushes to hug him.

Then, after the initial excitement dies down and everyone leaves us, we dance to our song, I Love a Rainy Night, by Eddie Rabbitt, which always reminds us of the beginning of our relationship.

"How long did you have this all planned?"

"Hey! A magician never reveals his tricks."

"That short, huh?" We both laugh.

"I'll have you know that I've had the ring for almost two months."

She looks at it again. "It really is beautiful."

"Mina helped pick it."

"Really?"

"Well, yeah. I knew I had to ask the person who knows you better than anyone for advice."

"You both did an amazing job. I can't believe she kept the secret this long." She leans in and kisses me.

"I'm so glad you like it. We said it reminded us of you. It kind of brightens up a room…just like you."

We kiss again. Then, she pulls away and shakes her head.

"What?"

"Did you ever think that we'd end up here?"

"Happy and engaged? Of course not. I swore serious relationships off before I laid eyes on you."

"What made you change your mind?"

"Well, you. Obviously. But it's like Dylan said, I trust you with my heart."

"I promise I'll never break it. Not intentionally, at least."

"I appreciate that. I promise the same."

"We just need to be careful to change together. I think that's where most relationships fail."

"You're absolutely right. That's what happened with Anna and me."

"You mean, she decided to mess around with your younger pool boy…and you didn't?"

"Exactly."

"Well, her loss is my gain."

She rests her head on my shoulder, and we continue to sway back and forth. It truly has been the perfect day, and I know we'll both remember it for the rest of our lives.

But the sentimental moment is ruined after hearing screaming outside.

"Nice, Mama Duck! Nice, Mama Duck!" Mina and Dylan yell while sprinting past us. In the meantime, Boris is barking like crazy.

We look up at each other and just smile at this crazy, hectic life that we've built together. And I, for one, can't wait to see what happens next. Maybe some more animals? Maybe even a few more kids? Who knows?! The opportunities are endless, and I feel so blessed.

"I love you."

"I love you, too."

She takes my hand, and we walk out into the sunshine together to break up whatever mess of feathers and fur awaits us.

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Did you like this book? Then you'll love this other book by Josie Frost

Falling for the Silver Fox Pilot

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Falling for the Silver Fox Pilot

A Silver Fox drops out of the sky trying to steal my business and my heart.

As a female bush pilot running a supply transport business in the Alaskan wilderness, I often brave harsh elements alone. Today is really bad.

Flying through white-out conditions, I emergency land at a client's inn.

Once on the ground, I'm met by the staff and…. whoa, a gorgeous silver fox who has also just landed.

Snowed in together at this quaint Alaskan inn, candlelight dinners and fireside talks lead to romantic feelings for us both.

I may be a small-town girl, but I'm really falling for this big-city man. That is, until he admits to me that he's a billionaire businessman looking to take over my business.

It seems he has had ulterior motives to steal my Inn contract all along, and he can't be trusted.

He may be trying to take my business, but I'll be darned if I let him steal my heart.

But it might already be too late…