Epilogue

Levi scanned the crowded bar, trying to spot Kinley, but she was lost in the sea of people. His grinned when he spotted Scarlett making her way toward him.

“Hey there, Levi. Want a ginger ale?” she asked, handing him a glass.

“Yes, please. And by the way, you could’ve mentioned that Noah was your husband. He’s a good man.”

“He is one hardhead man, is what he is.” Scarlett laughed. “But I love him. And I’m happy for you and Kinley.”

“Thanks, Scarlett. You played a part in bringing us back together.”

“I’ll take the credit,” she joked before heading back to the bar.

“Are you enjoying yourself?” Kinley asked as she wrapped her arms around his waist from behind and rested her chin on his shoulder.

“I am. How about you? So many people showed up. I’m glad Scarlett offered to host our engagement party here at the bar.”

“Yeah, she’s closed on Sundays but still helped us out.”

“I told her she helped get us back together. And I’m glad I came into this bar that night.”

“Me too.” Kinley yawned. “I’m getting tired. Someone kept me up last night,” she teased.

Levi chuckled. “You can keep this cowboy up anytime, darlin’. ”

“We had a busy day yesterday. Oh, and I put an ad online to rent out the townhouse.”

“Did anyone respond yet?”

“Not yet, but I’m sure someone will come along soon. As long as they take care of it, I’ll be happy. And didn’t I tell you Tootsie would warm up to you?”

“That damn cat follows me everywhere,” Levi grumbled before laughing along with Kinley.

“I’d follow you anywhere too,” Kinley whispered in his ear.

“Behave yourself. We can’t leave yet,” Levi replied, glancing around the bar. “Is there a closet we could sneak into?”

“If there is, I’m not telling you because I know you’re not joking about that.”

Levi laughed. “You’re damn right I’m not.”

“Let’s make some rounds and talk with these amazing people.”

“Alright.” Levi took her hand and moved through the crowd.

He never thought he’d ever be this happy, but he was glad that Kinley came into his life, and he’d show her every day just what she meant to him.

****

The sound of laughter and chatter filled the crowded bar as Kinley led Levi through the bustling crowd. She paused to talk with a few familiar faces, her smile widening when she spotted Vanna from Timeless Treasures making her way toward them. Without hesitation, Kinley wrapped her arms around Vanna in a hug .

“I am so happy for you both,” Vanna exclaimed, beaming at the couple.

“Thank you so much. I’m glad you could come,” Kinley replied gratefully.

“I wouldn’t have missed it. It’s always nice to meet new people,” Vanna said with a smile.

As they caught up on each other’s lives, Kinley couldn’t help but notice Vanna’s tired expression. “Are you busy at the shop?”

Vanna let out a sigh. “I’m swamped. I’ll probably have to hire some help once tourist season starts again. It’s crazy how things have picked up since I first bought the shop.”

Kinley chuckled. “Be careful what you wish for, right?”

Vanna laughed along with her. Then, Kinley had an idea. “Where do you live, Vanna?”

“I live above the store. Why do you ask?”

“Well, I actually have a townhouse that I’m looking to rent out.”

“A townhouse? I would love to see it!” Vanna exclaimed excitedly.

“Let me get your number and I’ll send you a text so we can set up a time to meet there,” Kinley offered and they exchanged numbers.

“That sounds perfect! I should probably continue making rounds and introducing myself,” Vanna said, glancing around at the lively crowd surrounding them. “What a wonderful bunch of people.” She hugged Kinley again before moving on. “Talk soon.”

Kinley turned to Levi with a grin on her face. “I think I may have found my new tenant.”

“It sure sounds like it. Now let’s get through this crowd and find a place to sit,” Levi suggested.

“Great idea. These stilettos are killing my feet,” Kinley remarked, looking down at her white heels.

“They’re killing me ,” Levi commented with a teasing smile.

Kinley leaned in closer to him, her voice low as she whispered in his ear. “Don’t worry, I’ll keep them on later.” She couldn’t resist laughing when he groaned in response. “Okay, let’s sit.”

Finally reaching a table, they joined their friends Ryder and Kelsey, Logan and Dixie Townson, Sam and Tess Garrett, and Cody and Addison. As they chatted and teased each other, Kinley couldn’t help but feel grateful for this town and the people in it. But most of all, she was grateful for Levi by her side. She knew deep in her heart that there was nowhere else she would rather be.

She daydreamed about starting a family with him, imagining a little one with Levi’s striking gray eyes. And she was certain he would be an amazing father; nothing like LeRoy. Kinley knew without a doubt that Levi was the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with.

Snuggling against his shoulder, she felt his lips press a gentle kiss to the top of her head. This was exactly where she wanted to be; right beside her cowboy, surrounded by love and happiness.

* * * The End * * *