Epilogue

Epilogue

Keely Jo Dalton was born at 4:45 in the morning, weighing in at five-and-a-half pounds. After a week in the hospital she was coming home to Dry Creek Ranch.

Charlie wrapped her in a swaddling blanket, clipped her into her car seat, and rode next to her in the back of Jace’s king cab.

“You two okay?” Jace watched them in his rearview mirror.

“We’re great.”

Twenty minutes later they pulled up to the ranch gate, which had been decorated with pink ribbons and balloons and a giant banner that read, “Welcome home, Keely!”

There was more of the same at the house, including fresh bouquets of pink gerbera daisies. The entire Dalton clan was waiting. Keely got passed around like a football, everyone wanting to hold her, most of all Travis and Grady. The two of them were so in love with their new baby sister that Charlie feared Keely would be spoiled rotten.

Everyone moved into the kitchen, where a feast had been spread out on the center island. Gina had outdone herself. Charlie’s parents and sister had sent a giant basket of cookies and planned to come in person later that month to help with the baby.

Mitch had brought over a rocking horse almost identical to the one Jace had as a kid. Jace took one look at it and suppressed a snarky grin. Yes, Mitch was trying too hard. But Charlie suspected that eventually Jace would pardon his old friend. And that was good. Friendship was more important than old grudges.

While the Daltons were eating and Jace had Keely cradled in his arms, she managed to pull Travis aside.

“How did it go with your mom?”

“You’re my mom.” He was adamant. “But it went okay. I did what you said and told her how angry I am with what she did. She said she’s sorry and I think I believe her. I think she wishes she’d done things differently.”

“I’m proud of you.” Charlie brushed away a stray hair that had fallen into his eye. The boy still needed a haircut. “And Travis, it is a blessed child who has two mothers instead of one, you know?”

“We’ll see,” he said, but Charlie could tell that Travis and Mary Ann were already making headway.

Grady would be easier. He was younger and more forgiving than his big brother. But Charlie realized they all had a long way to go in the forgiveness department. They’d get there, though. Charlie’s heart was too full not to.

Jace joined her to the other side of the room. “What were you and Travis talking about?”

“Mary Ann. He and his mother are trying. Grady too. She’s planning to stay in the Stoddard place through Christmas, you know?” Charlie had gathered that information from Mary Ann herself, who’d brought a gift to the hospital for Keely when Jace wasn’t there.

“That’s what I hear.” Jace nodded. “I guess it’s good. Healthy.” For the sake of all of them, Charlie knew Jace was putting his best spin on the situation.

“I told Travis that I’m proud of him. And I’m proud of you too for accepting that Mary Ann may very well be back to stay.”

“I’m trying,” he said and grinned. “It’s difficult to remain angry with her when I have everything I ever wanted.” He wrapped his arms around her and held her tight. “Thank you for giving me that.”

“Giving you what?”

“Everything I ever wanted.”

She reached up and pulled down the brim of his Stetson. “Thank you for being my cowboy true.”