Chapter Sixty-Three Ivy

CHAPTER SIXTY-THREE

Ivy

I have no idea what we're doing, but the smug look Wade is wearing both scares me and excites me. The air is warm when we step outside, like spring is threatening to break through, and Wade holds my hand and pulls me down the gravel road toward his cabin. I've been moving what small amount of things I have into it over the last week, but we aren't going to get married right now, I told him one thing at a time.

First, I'm going to get used to becoming a mama and get these boys moving on prepping Angel for her juvenile season, then I'll think about becoming a wife.

I expect the surprise is at our house, and that is where we're going until he stops in front of Spirit cabin's steps.

He gestures a hand to the front door and I blink, not a clue in the world what he has to show me here. I know the contractors just finished working on it yesterday because Wade talked about paying them.

"Why don't you go in, take a look around," he says, and as his wide jaw flexes his dimples appear on full display, and I know something is up.

I narrow my eyes at him and creep up the old steps. An old wicker sofa has been redone and sits on the covered porch with new outdoor cushions looking out to Sugarland Mountain. There's the soft sound of wind chimes in the cool, late winter breeze.

The old wood door has been redone and has a new black handle that I turn. I push through it to enter the tiny foyer. The scent of citrus and vanilla hits me, mixed with a hint of fresh paint.

Spirit is the smallest cabin on the property: the kitchen and living room is one open space with a small eating area in between. An old leather sofa and loveseat sits in front of the stone fireplace, throw pillows are perfectly placed and cozy blankets hang over each end. The coffee table is empty save for a large tray that holds the remotes for the TV and copies of Magnolia Journal . The windows are large and like in every other cabin at Silver Pines, the interior boasts warm log walls. New stainless steel appliances grace the tiny kitchen.

I make my way to the back of the house to the bedroom and attached bathroom, and find they've both been redone too. What looks to be a freshly made bed and old antique dresser grace the tiny bedroom. The bathroom is clean and efficient, not unlike Wade's, with a wide subway-tiled shower and new vanity. It's beautiful, but …

"Wade, I don't … understand why we're here."

He moves to stand in front of me and places a hand on each of my shoulders.

"I thought this would be a good place for your mama when she's done her treatment. What better chance does she have for success than right here on the ranch with us."

A large hand slides down to my low belly, almost covering the tiny bump completely that you'd never see with the naked eye.

I stand in front of him, shocked. Shocked as I quickly realize that he started working on this the day my mother went into the hospital, like there was never a question in his mind. Shocked that he loves me so much he would accept my mother with open arms—her flaws, her struggles and all. But I shouldn't be shocked.

This is who Wade is; he doesn't show it to many people but he has the most beautiful heart.

"If she agrees, we can gather her things and bring them here for her, bring her home here right from treatment. Start completely new in a place with no demons."

"I love you so much, Wade. Are you sure?"

"Of course. I thought she could maybe even work here a bit when she's ready; you said she used to assist your father, and surely there are some courses she can take to brush up on her skills, but I don't want to get ahead of myself. And this way she can be with you and her grandbaby."

"It's just … so much. Mama Jo knows about this?"

Wade kisses me on my lips, softly, gently.

"It was her idea." He grins. "She knows her grief; she's hoping they can become friends."

He kisses me as I stand there before him, still at a loss for words because this, this, is above and beyond my wildest dreams.

"Look, I know you Spencers can take care of yourselves, but we Ashbys take care of each other. And one day, as soon as you'll let me, I'll make you an Ashby too, unless you've changed your mind? We could get married right now?" he asks me for the tenth time in two weeks.

I reach up on my tiptoes and kiss him.

"So greedy, Chief," I tell him as he kisses me back and looks down at me with all the love I could ever ask for.

"For you, always," he says as he pulls my face to his, kissing my lips.

Warmth floods my chest and I just know. Wade is the epitome. He's everything I've ever wanted. Everything I never knew I needed.

My dad's words play through my mind. Where there's a will, there's a way. I can't wait to find my way through life with this gorgeous bossy rancher that sets my soul on fire.

I think I'll keep him.