Third Epilogue

Lila–five years later

The sun filters through the trees, casting a golden light over the river, its surface glimmering as the water moves lazily along. Phantom River is alive with the sounds of nature—the wind rustling through the pines, birds singing in the distance, and the laughter of children playing. I sit back on the picnic blanket, the crisp air filled with the smell of pine and fresh earth. It's a perfect day, and I take a moment to breathe it all in, savoring the warmth of the afternoon and the peace that settles deep in my chest.

I glance over at Holt, and my heart swells. He's standing near the riverbank, cradling baby Shylo against his chest in the baby carrier. She's cooing, her tiny hands reaching up and grabbing at his nose, and he laughs, pressing a kiss to her forehead. The sight of him—this rugged, untouchable mountain man—so tender with our daughter makes my breath catch. It's moments like this when I can hardly believe how far we've come. From the struggles of infertility to this—a family of six, three wild and rambunctious boys and our sweet surprise, a baby girl who feels like the greatest gift from heaven.

Holt catches me staring, and a playful grin tugs at the corner of his mouth. "You staring at me, city girl?" His voice is teasing, but there's a rough edge to it that sends a shiver down my spine, one that has nothing to do with the cool breeze coming off the river.

I bite my lip, returning his smile. "I'm staring at the incredible father you are," I say, my voice soft with admiration. "Sometimes, I can't believe how far we've come."

He steps closer, his eyes glinting with that familiar teasing gleam, but there's something deeper there too. He rocks Shylo gently in the carrier, her tiny fingers still tangled in his shirt. "Far? Babe, we've only just gotten started." His breath is warm against my ear as he leans in, his lips brushing the sensitive skin of my temple. "I'm hoping God blesses us with a few more, you know. I don't think we're done yet."

My heart skips a beat, the warmth creeping up my neck as I meet his gaze. His voice is low, rough, and full of promise, and I feel the familiar pull between us—the same magnetic tension that's been there since the first time we met.

"You think four kids isn't enough?" I tease, but there's an unmistakable heat in my voice that I can't quite hide.

Holt's grin turns wicked, his eyes darkening with desire as he leans even closer, his lips grazing the spot just behind my ear that always drives me wild. "Not even close," he murmurs, his voice sending a thrill through me. "Practicing is the best part, remember?"

A laugh escapes me, breathless and filled with anticipation. "Practicing, huh?" I trail my fingers up his arm, the muscles beneath his shirt flexing under my touch. "You think we've got time to sneak away for some more... practice?"

Holt's eyes flash with dark amusement, his grin broadening. He's just about to suggest something when Jeremiah and Elijah, working together as always, scoop handfuls of water from the river and splash us both, their giggles ringing through the air.

The cold spray hits my skin, and I let out a squeal of surprise, laughing as Holt jumps back, his broad shoulders shielding Shylo from the splash. "Hey! Watch it!" he calls out, trying to sound stern, but the grin on his face betrays him. The boys laugh harder, their faces lit up with joy as they splash us again.

"Truce, truce!" I cry out, holding up my hands in surrender as I pull Holt closer, still giggling as water drips down my arms. "We're outnumbered!"

Holt chuckles, his arm wrapping around my waist as he pulls me against him, the warmth of his body seeping into mine. His lips brush lightly against my temple, a soft kiss that sends a rush of affection through me. "Don't worry, babe. I've got you," he murmurs, his voice low and filled with a promise that makes my heart flutter.

As the boys run off, still laughing and splashing in the water, Holt turns his attention back to me, his gaze softening as he cups my face in his hands. "You're so beautiful when you're happy, Lila," he says, his thumb brushing across my cheek. "You make all of this worth it. Everything. We're so lucky to have you."

His words hit me with a depth that makes my chest tighten. I look up at him, my heart full, my lips parting as I take in the intensity in his eyes. "I'm so happy, Holt," I whisper, my voice barely more than a breath. "You've made all my dreams come true."

Holt's grin is slow, sensual, as his hand trails down my back, resting possessively on my hip. "Damn right I have," he says, his voice rough with desire. "And I'm not done yet." The way he says it—the heat in his voice, the promise of more—sends a rush of warmth through me, and I feel the pull between us, the tension simmering just beneath the surface.

My heart races, my lips parting as I lean in, ready to lose myself in him. But just before our lips meet, another splash of cold water hits us, this time from all three kids working together.

I gasp, pulling back with a laugh as Holt groans, wiping the water from his face. "You little rascals!" he calls out, shaking his head with mock exasperation, though the grin never leaves his face. "Just you wait. Your mama and I are gonna get you back."

The kids shriek with laughter, running off as they splash through the shallow water. I watch them for a moment, my heart swelling with love as I take it all in—the laughter, the joy, the pure happiness of our family. It's everything I ever wanted. Everything I never even knew I needed.

Holt's hand finds mine, squeezing gently, and when I look up at him, his eyes are filled with the same emotion I feel. This is our life—our beautiful, messy, perfect life in the mountains—and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

"Ready for round five, baby?" Holt whispers, his voice teasing but laced with that same smoldering intensity that always sets my pulse racing.

I laugh, my heart full as I lean into him, my fingers curling into his shirt. "Only if we practice first."

His grin turns wicked, his arm wrapping around my waist as he lifts me off the blanket and pulls me close. "You read my mind, city girl," he growls, his voice sending a shiver down my spine.

"Being tied to you is the best decision I ever made," I hum with sweet contentment.

"Mm, I thought the day I made you mine was the best of my life, but every day with you gets even better, beautiful."

And with that, he sweeps me into his arms, our laughter mingling with the sound of the river and the kids splashing and playing, our love stronger than ever, our future bright with possibility.

"Being tied to you forever is the best decision I ever made, handsome," I murmur against his lips.

A low groan rumbles through him before he swats my bottom playfully. "You drive me crazy, woman, and I wouldn't have it any other way."

The End.

Read the next book in the Rugged Hearts series here.