EPILOGUE

SAMUEL

"We live an idyllic life in Guardian Valley."

Hope's long hair flies behind her as Krueger takes off in a run. Over the years, I've taught my girl everything I know about horses, and her connection with Krueger has only deepened with time.

He's mellowed out with her care, though she remains his favorite person. Something I can't blame him for.

"Hurry up if you want to win!" My wife calls back to me.

Urging my gelding to go faster, I race across the Montana plains to catch up with Hope, marveling at how lucky I am.

We live an idyllic life in Guardian Valley—full of love and family with all of the heirs, their spouses, and the children that have come.

Vanderhorn and I are even on civil-speaking terms these days. Something I never would have imagined before.

And it's all thanks to my girl. Like her name, Hope gave me a glimpse of a better future the moment I met her. She taught me that I'm not too much for the right person and that I don't have to hide my true self to be accepted.

I thought I wasn't meant for relationships, but that's not true. I just hadn't found the right woman yet.

Turns out, she needed to find me instead.