Epilogue

The late-summer sun cast a warm glow over the grassy yard beside the main cabin as Grant sat on a quilt between Faith and his brother. The rest of their group stretched out on other blankets, relaxing after their little church service and the hearty meal the women had put together afterward.

Nearly a week had passed since they'd arrived at the Collins ranch, this haven nestled in a wide valley with the distant peaks rising majestically in every direction. No wonder Faith loved this place. He could only pray she'd be agreeable to what he was about to ask.

He glanced around the group once more. Dragoon and Ol' Henry had ridden out a few days ago, but the rest of Faith's family were here, including the honorary Peigan members.

With souls at rest and bellies full, the bright sunshine seemed to be lulling everyone to sleep. Riley and Juniper's little daughter, Bertie, had already succumbed, her body sprawled across the blanket and her small mouth parted to allow even breathing.

A few conversations still carried on, like the one between Will and White Horse, as his brother asked the brave's opinion about some of the land they'd both traveled. Will had the urge to wander, it seemed. Maybe that meant he'd come for regular visits amidst his travels.

When White Horse finished speaking and Will didn't immediately ask another question, Grant prepared himself to speak. This was it.

But before he could get the first word out, Lorelei's voice drifted from the blanket where she lay, her hand shading her eyes. "White Horse, your stories never fail to amaze me."

His mouth curved in a small smile as he sat with his back against a tree. "What is it that surprises you?" Sharing his blanket were his mother, who lay propped against a stack of furs someone had brought out for her, and Rosemary.

"Just that you remember so much about everywhere you've been. The way you just described that bluff, I'd think you stared at it every day for ten years. Most likely, though, you only rode past it one time. Maybe even in the dark."

Now the corners of his eyes crinkled. "It was early morning, but the sun had risen enough for me to see its outline."

Lorelei snorted, and a few chuckles drifted through the group.

Grant should speak up now, before a new conversation began. This would be the last time all of Faith's family were together for many days. Maybe weeks. He had to take this opportunity.

Will cleared his throat like he was about to say something, but Grant sent a sharp elbow into his brother's side.

To cover Will's surprised noise, Grant cleared his own throat and started in. "I have a question."

All eyes turned to him, and he couldn't stop the wave of heat that rose up his neck. He couldn't back down now, though.

He swallowed down his nerves and focused on Rosemary first. "A request, actually. I..." He slid a quick look toward Faith. That was a mistake, for her wide eyes nearly made him falter. Was she worried about what he was about to ask?

He tore his gaze away from her and focused on Juniper this time. "From the moment I met your sister, I knew she was special. But the more I've come to know her, the more I realize she's one of the most remarkable women God created."

He shifted his attention to Lorelei. She'd sat upright, and now clasped her husband's hand, her eyes shining. The encouragement on her face made his words come easier. "I didn't realize what I was missing before I met Faith, but now I can't imagine life without her. I'd like to ask her to marry me. But first, I'm asking for your blessing—each of you." He looked to White Horse and met the brave's eyes for an extended breath, then moved his gaze to scan the entire group, touching on Tanner and Riley as well as the women. He wanted all of Faith's family to know he meant this.

Though a sound like a sniffle drifted from Faith's direction, he didn't allow himself to look that way again. Maybe he should have asked her first, but this had felt like the right way to begin. That had come clear the more he prayed for the Lord's guidance.

At last, Rosemary cleared her throat. She slid a look to Juniper and Lorelei, then to White Horse. Then, finally, she turned her attention to Grant. She straightened her posture and met his gaze.

"We appreciate your request. Faith is"—she sent a small smile to her youngest sister—"special. We won't part with her unless the man will take care of her the way she deserves. A man who loves God and desires to make her happy. Who understands her spirit and will nurture it, not restrict her."

She paused, and his chest ached for breath, but he couldn't draw in air as he waited.

"Speaking for my sisters and the rest of those gathered here, we can't think of anyone better for our littlest sister. You have our blessing."

The relief and elation that washed through him nearly made his vision spin. He struggled for words. "Thank you." It was all he could manage as he breathed in a deep gulp of air.

After two more steady breaths, his mind cleared.

Faith.

He turned to her, and the sight of her made his throat constrict. The sun reflected off the twin tracks of moisture sliding down her cheeks. Her eyes—those beautiful blue windows—shimmered.

He swallowed hard, his heart pounding as he gathered the words she needed to hear. The ones he'd been planning. Why had he thought it right to do this in front of the entire crowd? But Faith deserved this, and he couldn't back down now.

"Faith, the first time I saw you, clinging to that rock by the waterfall, my life was changed. Your strength, determination, and unwavering spirit have drawn me like nothing else. As we've journeyed together, I've found myself falling more and more in love with you." His words tumbled out, raw and honest, leaving him exposed and vulnerable. The world around them faded away, leaving only the two of them.

He reached for Faith's hand and brushed his thumb across the top of it. "You've brought light and love into my life in a way I never thought possible. And I want nothing more than to spend the rest of my days by your side, caring for you, protecting you, and cherishing you as you deserve."

His breath hitched in his throat as he searched her eyes for any sign of hesitation. But only love and warmth reflected back at him.

"Will you marry me, Faith?"

Faith bit her lower lip, trying to contain the grin that threatened to overtake her face. Her heart swelled with happiness—too much joy to contain. Grant was still looking at her, his eyes pleading and hopeful.

"Yes. Of course, yes." Laughter spilled out with the words.

The chorus of squeals and cheering from her family drowned out any response Grant might have uttered, but his grin said plenty. Her own smile had spread all the way to her ears, and she had no plans to stop it any time soon.

As the excited voices settled, Juniper spoke above the others. "I'd say this calls for a celebration. Anyone up for blackberry pie?"

Once more, the chatter rose. Riley pushed to his feet and trotted toward the main house, where June must have left the dessert cooling. While they waited, Faith received hugs from each of her sisters, relishing the love and support from each of them. This, Lord. This was worth waiting for.

When Riley returned with the pie, Juniper sliced it quickly and passed out servings. A single pie didn't last long among this group, but the warm confection was worth savoring.

When she finished her last bite, she settled into the crook of Grant's arm with a happy sigh. Juniper was telling the story of Bertie's antics while she'd helped roll out the pie dough, which kept the others distracted.

Grant's warm breath brushed against her ear as he murmured, "Thank you."

She glanced up at him from the edge of her vision. "For what?"

"For saying yes." His eyes twinkled, but she could see the truth behind their teasing.

She squeezed his hand, her heart swelling with affection. "I always will."

He squeezed her back and leaned even closer. "That's what I'm counting on." Then his mouth rested on top of her head, pressing a kiss to her hair that embraced around her like a warm promise.

She had no idea where the journey ahead would take them, but with God leading the way and this man's arms wrapped around her, she couldn't wait to begin.