Epilogue

EPILOGUE

MARIGOLD

T he week before Christmas was a whirlwind. Chance worked, but he made a point to stop by the library to bring me lunch or coffee and came to my house every evening. On the night before Christmas Eve, he gave me the key to his house and asked me to be waiting for him when he came home.

I climbed into his huge bed and fell asleep waiting for him. He woke me up with his mouth between my legs. If that was how he greeted me, I intended to come over more often.

Chance mentioned that he talked to his parents about his struggle with relationships, and that they cleared up a few of his misconceptions from his childhood. I’d always thought his parents were kind and caring people. I didn’t sense any strain, and that’s what they confirmed to him.

I loved that he talked to his dad. It showed that he was committed to making our relationship work. The fact that he struggled was a testament to how seriously he took our future.

It wouldn’t always be perfect. One or both of us would have doubts and concerns, but we’d get through anything together. I was sure of it. And he’d done an amazing job so far of convincing me that he could balance work and our relationship.

When we knocked on his parents’ door on Christmas Eve, I was nervous, and I’d never felt that way before. The St. Claires were like a second family to me. It wasn’t like I’d never met them before or had to impress them.

Chance held the side dish of macaroni and cheese I’d prepared for dinner. “You didn’t have to make anything.”

Oakley pulled on his lead, sniffing something behind a bush by the porch. “You’re bringing me home to your parents for the first time.”

Chance grinned, amused by my sudden bout of nerves. “You’ve known us since you were in elementary school.”

“But this is different,” I insisted, right before Bart opened the door.

“Are we knocking now?” he asked, an amused expression on his face.

“Marigold has it in her head that everything’s different now that we’re dating.”

“You weren’t supposed to say anything,” I hissed at him as we stepped inside, and Bart took my coat from my shoulders with a chuckle.

“Well, everything is different,” Pam said as she approached us and hugged me. “You’re going to make Marigold my daughter-in-law sooner rather than later.”

Warmth spread through my chest as Pam hugged Chance. I hadn’t expected them to be so happy about our relationship. I’d expected them to question it a little, especially since Scarlett was my friend. I unclipped Oakley’s leash so he could explore their house.

“You’re not allowed to interfere in our relationship,” Chance griped.

Bart winked at me. “We can have our fun.”

Pam clasped her hands together. “I’m so happy you two are dating.”

“You wanted us to get together?” I asked as I followed her into the kitchen where Scarlett was sitting at the counter, and Eli had an arm around her.

“I’d always hoped something would happen, and you two are so cute together,” Pam said, bustling around the kitchen.

Chance set the casserole dish on the counter. “Cute?”

“Well, that’s something to base a relationship on,” Scarlett said dryly.

Pam’s eyes danced as she looked from Scarlett and Eli to Chance and me. “It couldn’t be more perfect. Chance is dating your best friend, and you’re dating his.”

Scarlett’s eyes widened. “I hadn’t thought about it like that.”

“You’ve always been family, and now it will be official,” Pam gushed as she uncovered my casserole dish.

“Well, we only just started dating. It’s still new,” I interjected, a little overwhelmed by the conversation but touched at the same time. The fact that the St. Claires wanted me in their family was nice.

Chance leaned over and kissed me on the lips in front of everyone. “It’s only a matter of time, and you know it.”

I blushed, loving his confidence. He no longer doubted his feelings or how he’d juggle everything. He was determined to make it work, and that soothed my fears that we were taking things too fast.

Pam waved a hand in our direction. “I don’t mean to rush you guys. You take your time. Enjoy your new relationships before you get married and have kids.”

“Speaking of enjoying ourselves. We’d like to throw a New Year’s Eve party at the lodge.”

Pam paused. “This New Year’s? Do you have time to plan something so soon?”

“We’ll hold it in the restaurant and bar area. I can set up heaters on the deck if anyone wants to go outside. There’s plenty of space,” Eli said.

“It’s our last holiday living in the lodge, and we wanted to do something special,” Scarlett added.

“It sounds perfect,” I said with a smile.

“You want to come with me to get a dress?” Scarlett asked me.

I nodded, pleased my relationship with her brother hadn’t altered ours. I had tears prickling the back of my eyes because of the love. My family was right here in this room. The St. Claires and Oakley. I didn’t need rushed calls from my parents or empty promises. I knew what I had, and these people had my heart.

The way we all ended up together was one for the story books. It was a never-ending dream come true.

We had more things to look forward to, like Christmases with family, a New Year’s Eve party, the opening of the cabins at the lodge in the spring, and more love.

We spent the rest of the evening talking about the New Year’s Eve party. I couldn’t help but think about the tradition that who you kissed on New Year’s was who you’d spend the year with.

After dinner, we talked about our plans for Christmas dinner with the Wildes at the lodge. Eli insisted on hosting.

Chance and I would spend the morning in bed, then open presents. Eli suggested we go skiing during the day, which seemed so fun for Christmas day. Then we’d gather for dinner.

I felt like a part of the St. Claires’ family in a way I hadn’t before. I was no longer on the outside looking in.

On the way home, Chance held my hand on my thigh. Oakley was snoring in the back seat. Snow was coming down, but it was warm and cozy in the truck. I was content to just be together, enjoying the holiday.

At home, Chance started a fire, and we sat on the couch admiring the lights on the tree.

I wasn’t ready for the holidays to be over. They felt so much bigger than they ever had in the past. This year, I wasn’t alone, and my heart was filled with love and hope.

Chance sat next to the tree where we’d placed our presents for each other and his family earlier in the day and pulled out a small box from under the branches.

My heart rate picked up. “I thought we’d open presents in the morning?”

“I want you to open this one tonight.”

The evening was magical. I moved to join him on the floor. “What is it?”

He pressed the gift box into my hand. “You have to open it.”

I carefully unwrapped the gold ribbon, then the white paper with trembling hands. The paper was thick, and the design was elegant. For some reason I was nervous.

It was a red velvet box. It had to be jewelry. It seemed too soon for such an extravagant gift. I’d gotten him books and a night at a local bed and breakfast. My gaze flew to his. “Chance?”

He shifted to one knee and opened the box with a soft click. It was a diamond ring that reflected the white lights of the tree.

I gasped, not quite believing what I was seeing.

“For so long I didn’t see you as more than my sister’s best friend. But lately, it was like seeing you for the first time. I got to know you better as a person. Every minute we spent together felt like the beginning of the rest of our lives. And I know you’ll say this is too soon, but I’m going with instincts on this, and they’ve never been wrong. Marigold, will you marry me?”

He lowered the box and cupped my cheek. I was blinking away tears, his face swimming in my vision. I nodded, then choked out, “Yes. I’ll marry you.”

Then I knelt up and threw my arms around his neck. With a chuckle his arm banded around my waist.

When I eased back, Chance smoothed my hair away from my face. “You don’t think it’s too soon?”

“It’s perfect.” Chance was my fiancé. I was overwhelmed with happiness. “The perfect Christmas Eve.”

“I didn’t want to wait until tomorrow. Tonight felt like it was for us and no one else.”

“I love you, Chance.” I’d never say it enough.

“I love you too.” Then he slipped the ring onto my finger where we admired the way it caught the light.

“I’m yours,” I said as I looked up at him, not quite believing that he was mine. I hoped the sensation of this being a dream never dissipated. It gave everything a magical quality to it.

“And I’m yours,” Chance said as he kissed the back of my hand, then pulled me closer.

We made love on the plush rug in front of the fire. It was only the beginning for us, and I couldn’t wait to build a future with my dream man.

The April Before Wild Love and Wild Dreams

I accepted the drink from the bartender with a smile. As the conference coordinator, I was on my feet all day ensuring that everything ran smoothly. Since it was the last day of the conference, most attendees had already taken a shuttle to the airport and were on their way home. I could finally relax at the resort's bar.

A trio of women sat close to me on the bar stools.

"All the Wilde brothers in one spot. My ovaries can't take it," one woman gushed.

The second woman frowned. "Killian's not here. He's the famous snowboarder."

Another woman openly counted them with her fingers. "That's the rest of them. Eli, Xander, and Oliver."

Her hand was waving so wildly; I couldn't follow it to figure out their names. I only knew Eli, who was the resort manager I worked with when I was scheduling and planning conferences. He was always professional when I'd had to coordinate an event.

One woman fanned herself. "They're wild and reckless. Any one of them will help you to get over your breakup."

One brother was in a long sleeve polo with stitching that read Xander - Wilde Ski Resort Instructor. There was Eli in a suit, and a third brother—presumably Oliver—wore a button-down shirt with the top one undone, his sleeves rolled up to reveal strong forearms. His hair was dark but shorn closely to his scalp in a military-style. My face flushed when his gaze lifted to meet mine.

There was a sheet of paper on the high-top table in front him that the brothers kept referring to, as if they kept score of their games.

I couldn't seem to take my gaze away from Oliver. It was as if he had me transfixed.

A slow smile spread over his face, and he winked.

I quickly looked away, swirling the ice in my glass. I didn't want to be associated with the women next to me who clearly had too much alcohol in their quest to have a good time. I just wanted to enjoy my drink and head to my room for much-needed rest.

The women settled their bill and proclaimed loudly they were heading to the dance club. When they left, I let out a sigh of relief. I drank my drink, content to be alone at the bar. I was used to traveling by myself, and I was adept at conveying “don't approach me” vibes to any man considering it.

To my surprise, a hand braced on the counter next to my elbow. The scent of something spicy hit my nose a second before he leaned in. "Are you having a good time?"

I raised my gaze to the blue eyes that had only just winked at me a few minutes ago, my heart thumping. "Yes."

A slow smile spread over his face as his hand moved to the back of my stool. "Is there anything I can get you?"

His family owned this place, and he was treating me just like every other guest. "I'm fine, thank you. Did you win your game?"

Oliver chuckled, and I felt the rumble deep in my chest. "I won one and lost one. Xander's the best at pool. I have the spreadsheets to prove it."

I turned slightly so that I was facing him, his arm making me feel like we were cocooned together against the bar. "You keep track of your games, and not just for one night."

Oliver nodded. "My brothers and I are competitive. It's the only way to keep them honest."

There was something about the smooth tone of his voice that struck a chord deep inside me. "Who keeps track?"

"Me. I'm the numbers guy."

Why was that so attractive? I usually gravitated toward the athletic type, the ones who prided themselves on hitting the gym most days of the week. Given the muscles on his forearm, Oliver did the same, but he was an interesting combination of smart and athletic that had my heart racing.

He straightened slightly so he could offer me his hand. "I'm Oliver Wilde."

I tucked my hand into his. "Carolina."

His eyes widened slightly as he held my hand. "That's a beautiful name."

My body heated from his obvious admiration. "Thank you."

He let go of my hand and tipped his head toward my almost empty glass. "Can I get you another drink?"

I pushed the glass away. "I think I'm going to head to my room."

"That's too bad."

I arched a brow. "And why's that?"

His cheeks were tinged pink, and I wondered if he didn't pick up women at bars often. "I was hoping you'd dance with me."

There was zero chance I was going to the lodge's dance club. I wanted nothing to do with that scene. But then he gestured toward the dance floor nearby, where a few couples danced to the live band.

"I don't know if that's a good idea—" I hadn't planned on talking to him or pursuing anything. I lived in Maine and only came to Colorado a few times a year.

Oliver arched a brow. "How do you know if it's a good idea if you say no?"

I laughed despite my reservations. He was charming. Not as outgoing as the brother that led ski lessons, but he possessed a quiet insistence that was attractive.

He turned the stool so that my chair was facing the dance floor, holding his hand out to me. "Carolina, will you dance with me?"

I hope you loved Marigold and Chance’s story! To read more about their happily ever after download their bonus epilogue .

Oliver and Carolina are next in Wild Nights . My days might be boring and predictable, but my nights are spent with a sexy-as-sin tourist. Whoever Carolina’s in town, we indulge in each other. It was the perfect arrangement until one of us wants more.