EPILOGUE TWO

brOOKE

"My perfect romance hero come to life."

"You'll be working where?" My brother and I are lounging on the deck while Travis lets us catch up. Ryan flew in from New York late last night after wrapping up his final contractual obligation before retiring from his professional hockey team.

I expected today to be spent discussing what he wants to do next, not for him to arrive with a plan already in motion.

"Not you, too." Ryan sighs and lets his head fall back on the Adirondack chair with a thump, the brim of his baseball cap shifting to shadow his face more. "Jason thought it was a step backward in my career, too, but I don't care. It's not like I need the money, especially with what Foster left us."

Jason is, or was , Ryan's sports agent. I could see why he'd be concerned about this new direction his client is taking.

High school hockey coaches don't land wealthy sponsors. They don't incite pandemonium among sports fans. Don't sign huge contracts where an agent would receive a large percentage of the profits.

"That's not it. I just never imagined you coaching teenagers. What about that broadcasting position with ESPN?" He'd mentioned the offer after releasing his retirement announcement.

Ryan shrugs, his lips forming a thin line. "I did a trial run last week. It's not for me. I'm not cut out for business suits and talking about player stats and highlight reels. Just because I'm a retired player doesn't mean I want to stay off the ice."

"When I researched Guardian Valley online, the job listing popped up, and it seemed like kismet. The principal was only too happy to offer the position. Guess hockey's a big thing around here, but since the old coach passed away six years ago, they've struggled to return to the championship level they used to be at."

"Wow… You're serious about this."

Ryan shoots me a sheepish grin. "Yeah. Playing professionally was never going to last long-term, and now I feel like I can make a difference in these kids' lives."

"If anyone can, it's you." Warmth spreads in my chest at his conviction. My brother has always had a soft spot for children, ever since we lost our parents at such a young age.

He volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Plays Santa at charity events.

He's a good guy and deserves happiness. Even if it involves coaching a bunch of rowdy teens.

Travis walks out with a tray of snacks and bottles of water. "Sorry to interrupt, but you need to eat. You skipped breakfast." He stares pointedly at me, and I roll my eyes, though I'm secretly pleased with how attentive he is.

My perfect romance hero comes to life.

"Yeah, sis. Can't be skipping breakfast," Ryan taunts. He shares a brotherly nod with Travis, a smirk brightening his features.

I'm glad Ryan and Travis get along, but I don't care for them teaming up against me, not that it happens often. "Shut it," I mutter, reaching for a cracker and cheese. "Ryan is going to be the new head hockey coach at the high school."

"Congratulations." Travis takes that as his cue to sit next to me on the deck swing and slings an arm over my shoulders.

"Thanks, I'm looking forward to it."

"So, when do you start?"

Ryan grins and rubs his hands together like he's already concocting a plan for the season. "Our first game is late October, but we'll have tryouts for the team when school starts back up in August."

"Whoa, that's a few weeks away."

"Yup, which is why I want to have everything settled beforehand." Ryan stuffs a double-stacked cheese, turkey, and cracker sandwich in his mouth. "I'll meet with a realtor tomorrow about renting something closer to the school. The ranch is cool, but a little further out than I prefer if I'm going to be trekking back and forth between the high school and the ice rink."

"Well, if you need any help, let us know, and of course, you're welcome to stay here, though it's not much closer to town," Travis says as he toys with my hair.

Ryan's brows hit his hairline, and he vehemently shakes his head. "No offense, but I'm not too keen on hanging around you lovebirds all the time. There's only so much PDA a brother can take."

I laugh at his disgusted face. To mess with him, I twist to face Travis. "I don't know what he's talking about," I say with false innocence.

Travis catches on and leans closer. "I haven't a clue either." Then our lips touch in a searing connection. Ryan's groan in the background has me smiling into the kiss.

God, I love my life. Annoying my big brother and loving this man.

I couldn't have written a more perfect happily ever after for myself if I tried.

And I've gotten damn good at those, too.

***

Only two more heirs left! Don't miss Hope in Montana Rescuer and Ryan in Montana Guardian !