Epilogue

Epilogue

Two years later . . .

Being married to a lady millionaire wasn’t a bad deal, Max reflected as he drove their rental down the driveway to the Nilsen ranch. He got to travel in style, first class, find the best horseflesh for their charity, and spend time at his first real home whenever it suited him. This time Phoebe had come with him. She was currently dozing in her seat, her cheek smooshed against the glass as she gently snored.

Max touched her arm as he drew to a stop. “We’re here, princess.”

She woke up and smiled at him. “That was quick.”

“Jen texted to say she’s been in our house and made sure its aired and the heating is on.”

“She’s so kind.” Phoebe stretched out her back. “Our first Christmas at the ranch.” She pressed a hand to her rounded stomach. “I think I might be stuck at home next year.”

“Then everyone can come to us.” Max got out and the freezing cold hit him. He didn’t miss it in the slightest. “Although leaving a working ranch with no personnel isn’t ideal. The cows get ideas.”

He opened Phoebe’s door and helped her out. Though the baby wasn’t due for four months, she still looked as if she’d just stuck a soccer ball up her sweater. He drew her back against him and cupped her stomach.

“How about Althea?”

“Have you been talking to grandmother?”

“Yeah, actually. She’s a hoot and it is a great name.”

“She absolutely adores you because you charm her to pieces.” Phoebe acknowledged as they made their way to the main ranch, which was strung with multicolored Christmas lights. “And I do like that name. I just don’t like agreeing with her.”

Max was still chuckling when Luke opened the door.

“You made it! Come in!”

Luke hugged Phoebe who went through into the kitchen to a series of whoops and turned to Max who had lingered by the door.

“Good to see you, bro.” He grinned. “I guess we’re both going to be dads next year.”

Max wrapped Luke in his arms and slapped him hard on the back. “That’s awesome!”

“Sky and baby Lee are going to have some playmates.” Luke said. “You’ll bring your kid over here, right? Make sure they get their American on and can ride a horse western-style.”

“You bet. Can’t let them think they’re all posh like their mama.”

Max moved through into the kitchen and was soon hugging and kissing his found family, exclaiming over baby Lee’s growth and likeness to Noah, and being talked at incessantly by Sky.

He took a moment to stand back and appreciate it all and felt a light touch on his sleeve. Sally, who had retired completely from her medical practice, stood beside him.

“You look happy, Max.”

“I am.” He smiled at her. “Thanks for helping me make the right decisions.”

“You knew it in your heart. You just needed to believe that you deserved to be loved.”

“Yeah,” he looked over at Phoebe who winked at him. “I know that now.”

“Are you going to tell your parents about the baby?” Sally asked.

Max had thought about it a lot. “I’m still not sure.”

“Then wait until you see your baby before you decide.” Sally smiled. “I hope they take after you, Max, because you deserve to be led a merry dance.”

Max laughed out loud, and everyone looked at him.

“Sally’s wishing the baby’s just like me, Feebs.”

Phoebe smiled right back at him. “I can’t think of anything I’d love more.”

And that, right there, was why they were married.

She got him.

She really did.