Epilogue

D emi gripped the paper in her hand. She wasn't shocked when her hand wobbled, causing the sheet to flutter. After all, it contained the results of the test they performed on her in the hospital.

She knew the sex of the baby.

But Ledger didn't.

She sat behind the wheel of her SUV, letting it all sink in.

Just weeks ago, she was shocked to see the positive sign on a pregnancy test. So much had happened since then. She went from being uncertain about her future plans to knowing without a doubt what she wanted.

It was time to surprise her baby daddy—again.

She drove to her office. Her receptionist smiled at her when she entered through the back door.

"I'm glad you're here early. I've got a pile of messages—"

Demi held up a hand, stopping her. "I promise I'll take all the messages in a few minutes. I need to do something first."

She went into her office and closed the door. Looking at her boring desk, she imagined photos of their beautiful child in cute frames lined up.

She had plans for more photos.

Sinking to her chair, she pulled up the email she asked the doctor's office to send her. It too contained a photo—of the latest ultrasound.

After printing the photo in two sizes, she took the smaller one and cut it out to fit into a tiny clear keychain. Then she pulled out a package of baby bootie stickers she'd picked up at a scrapbooking shop in town.

She selected the appropriate color bootie and placed it carefully on the corner of the photo of their little bean.

So far, everything was perfect. She just had one more thing to do.

She cut a slip of white paper small enough to slip behind the image. In neat letters, she wrote a message to Ledger.

Sitting back, she stared at her handiwork. Her stomach fluttered with butterflies. This was a huge step forward in her life.

One she couldn't wait to embark on with the man she loved at her side.

She pocketed the keychain and then went out to take those messages from her receptionist. Tonight, she'd give Ledger the keychain, and everything would be wonderful.

She drew her lip between her teeth. At least she hoped it would be. The ball was in his court.

* * * * *

Ledger swiped his forearm across his forehead, catching the bead of sweat with his sleeve. "Damn, does this place ever stop being hot?"

"Come winter you'll be asking where all the warm weather went." Zach set the point of his shovel in the mound of dirt at their feet. The new fence posts to be strung with electric wire would secure the land even more. Neither of them expected more attacks, but the rangers hadn't found all the wolves yet.

Ledger eyed the man. Zach had a lot in common with Ledger. They just didn't say much because they were cautious about who they let in.

"You wanna go to a baby shower at the end of the month?"

His question sent surprise across Zach's face. "You want me to come?"

He held his stare. "Of course. You're part of the team now."

Zach rolled his shoulders in a display of discomfort. The shirt he wore pulled tight across the width. "Didn't know you felt that way. I'm not sure the others do."

"We all want you here, Webb."

He seemed to struggle for a response. Then his lips firmed, and he gave a swift nod. "I'm here for all of you. And I'll be at the baby shower. I'm real happy for you and Demi."

A soft noise came from their right. They swung around to see Demi standing there, her fingers pressed to her lips to trap in the quiet sob.

He dropped his shovel and took off toward her. "Oh, baby. Come here."

He wrapped her in his arms, pulling her tight against his chest. She hadn't been joking when she told him she was in the emotional stage of pregnancy. Over the past week, she'd cried several times. Each time he was there to comfort her, he fell in love with her a little more.

Zach moved up next to them, leaning his shovel against the barn wall. "I'll leave you two alone."

She sniffled and gave him a watery smile. Ledger watched him go before turning his complete focus on Demi.

"I'm glad you're here. I didn't expect to see you until after your rounds."

"I had to check in at the Vales'."

His brows pinched. "Is Opal holding up?"

"Yes. She took a leave of absence to handle things on the ranch. Her little girl loves it at Springvale. I wouldn't be surprised if they move in soon."

"That's good news. If she needs any help, we're all here."

She looked nervous. Shifting from foot to foot and chewing on her bottom lip, which drove Ledger to distraction.

"What's going on, baby? Everything all right?" A half dozen reasons for her to worry flitted through his mind.

"I have something for you. A little present."

Surprised, he stared down at her. "Shouldn't I be the one giving you presents instead?"

"Well, you already gave me one." She looked at her flat stomach. Then she reached into her pocket and withdrew an object.

When she placed it in his open palm, he gazed at it. A small key chain with a photo. A blue baby bootie in one corner.

He stroked his thumb over the ultrasound photo of their baby. To him, it just looked like a blob. But it was an indescribably beautiful blob.

His chest burned. "Demi. Thank you. I love—" He broke off, attention on the bootie again. He met her stare. "Is there a reason it's blue?"

A smile broke over her face. "Yes."

"It's a boy?" he choked.

She bobbed her head more vehemently. "I got the results from the blood test they took in the hospital. It's a boy!"

He hooked an arm around her, yanking her against him. Before he slammed his mouth over hers, she stopped him with a hand on his chest. "There's more."

He stilled.

"Turn the keychain over." The quiver in her voice had his stomach bottoming out with anticipation.

Slowly, he turned it over in his hand and read a message on the back.

Marry My Mommy

The air punched out of his lungs. Joy exploded inside him.

"Seriously? Baby, you're asking me to marry you?"

"Some might call me a catch. I've got a great career. I'm smart, and people laugh at my jokes."

He chuckled, drawing her tighter against him.

She went on listing her attributes. "I've got a bright future in store. An adorable and perfect baby on the way."

Laughing more, he leaned in to claim her lips. "That you do, my love."

"And a fantastic and supportive significant other slash baby daddy. So…what do you say?"

He rocked his hips against hers. "I say that I'm going to take you to bed and show you just how much I want to marry you."

She moaned softly, rolling her hips against his too. "There is some soft hay nearby. Do we need to find a bed?"

"There's always the she-shed."

She looped her arms around his neck, holding him close. "I love you, Ledger. Anywhere you go, I'm happy to go there with you."

He swept in and captured her mouth in a kiss that sealed the deal on his fate. He'd always been a SEAL and a friend.