That’s when she floors me, something I’m starting to think might become a common occurrence in my life moving forward.
“With you by my side, I’m ready for anything.”
Funny, I’ve felt the exact same way the whole time I’ve known her.
The gate leading into Wilson Ranch is open when we arrive.
When I bring the car to a stop, it’s when I realize Wyatt, all of my brothers and their wives are here too. Who would’ve thought the Coopers and Wilsons would be gathered on the porch for Em’s homecoming.
Turning the engine off, I undo my belt and turn to see Em’s tear-filled eyes pinned to her family–our families. “I can’t believe I’m actually here.”
My brows furrow. “One of the things I love most about you is your determination once you’ve set your mind to somethin’.”
She pins me with a knowing stare. “Says the man who waited for his chance while I played runaway bride.”
A snicker escapes me before I brush my thumb over her wedding ring. “I’d have waited longer if I had to. Especially if it meant bein’ right here with you now, my ring on your finger and our families gettin’ along like there was never a rivalry to begin with.”
Em moves closer, letting go of my hand to cradle my jaw and pull me in. “Thank you. For bein’ here, for lovin’ me, and for bringin’ me back when I was ready.”
Well, hell.My own eyes sting at the love shining back at me. “You humble me, wifey.”
“Just accept it and kiss me like you mean it, Jude Wilson-Cooper,” she whispers. “Better make it a good one. We’ve got an audience.” She brushes her lips against mine then leaves them there, staring deep in my eyes as she does it. “Let’s make my brothers lose their minds again.”
When we kiss–and kiss we do–it’s for a damn good while, and althoughnoneof her brothers lose their minds, they make sure we hear all about it afterward.
Then again, so do mine.
Chapter 23
Em
It feels different than I expected.Ifeel different. Mainly because it’s not as overwhelming as I thought it would be. It doesn’t feel like there’s a piece of me missing anymore, and I have Jude to thank for that.
I would have gotten here without him by my side, but there’s something to be said about having a partner who gets you and fills you with a confidence you didn’t have before.
Nothing has changed about being at the Ranch except for the fact Dad’s not here.
He won’t be calling me sweetheart again. He won’t be laughing at my stories about the twins annoying me. But I can still hear his voice every time I think about him. I carry his presence, his influence, his life lessons, and yes–even his stubborn determination–with me and will do for the rest of my days.
My life was all the better because of my parents, and I’m going to enjoy every single second of whatever the future holds because that’s what they would want me to do.
“You OK?” Jude murmurs by my ear as we walk hand in hand toward our families.
“Areyou?” I shoot back sassily, earning the chuckle I was hoping for. I flex my fingers in his. “I’m good, hubby. It feels right, you know?”
“Yeah, Em. It feels right.”
Seconds later, I’m snatched away by my two oldest brothers who swallow me up into a two-way hug.
“Good to have you home, Little Em,” Dare says into my ear.
“Back where you belong,” Ash adds.
“Would be better if I… could… breathe,” I joke.
They let me go and I’m immediately claimed by Jude again, his arm wrapped around my waist pulling me in close.
Will and Birdie are next up. “Welcome home, guys,” Birdie says.