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“Will you excuse us, Laura?” Arlene asked.

“Of course. Luke—come on and show me the books your grandma gave you.”

Minutes later, she was lying on her tummy next to Luke, reading him a story. Molly and Jessie were stretched out next to them. The story was one of her favorites. By the time she closed the book, Luke was lying on his arms, his eyes closed, breathing deeply.

Her heart melted. She had indeed fallen in love with this little boy even before she’d met his dad. Combing his hair out of his face, she kissed his cheek.

“Mom,” he murmured softly with a deep sigh.

Tears gathered behind her eyes. She would probably make many mistakes, but she would make sure he’d always know how very much she loved him.

Trying not to disturb him, she sat up. A movement from the door caught her eye. Hayden was leaning against the frame, watching them. Her heart tripped. With a quick glance to make sure Luke was okay, she hurried over to him.

He took her hand. “He’ll be okay. Come with me?”

She followed him to the living room. Laughter and voices could be heard from the direction of the kitchen.

Hayden closed the door behind them before he turned to her. “I have something for you. If you don’t like it or if it doesn’t fit, I’ll drive into Bozeman tomorrow…I was going to do that anyway. I can get you another one in any case—”

Smiling, she grabbed his hands. “What are you talking about?”

“The ring,” he said, frowning, as if he’d been making perfect sense.

“What ring?”

Grinning sheepishly, he patted his pocket. “I forget everything when I’m with you.” He took out a small box, a bit frayed at the edges. “This was my grandma’s ring, Mom’s mom. You would’ve liked her. She had spunk—like you have.” Opening the box, he held it toward her.

Laura’s breath caught in her throat. On a bed of black velvet was a cluster ring in a delicate vintage setting. Smaller diamonds were grouped around a central big diamond, creating a dazzling and radiant effect.

Putting out her hand, she touched it. “It’s gorgeous. Will you put it on?”

“You like it?”

She couldn’t stop the tears if she tried. “I love it. I love that it’s part of your family.”

He wiped a tear away with his thumb. “And the tears?”

“Because I’m so happy.”

“So am I,” he said huskily, slipping the ring on her finger. It fit. Perfectly. “This makes you my fiancée and part of our family.”

Staring at her ring, she swallowed. “I haven’t realized how much I’ve missed being part of a family until I met you guys.”

The door flew open. “Can we now please pop the bubbly?” Willow laughed as Hayden’s family gathered around them.

Her family too. She teared up again.

Hayden pulled her close, his familiar scent filling her senses. A perfect moment.

“You’ll marry me any day, anywhere—that’s what you said, isn’t it?” Hayden asked.

“Yes, but…”

“Just checking.” He grinned before he kissed her.

Whatever did he mean? But he deepened the kiss and she leaned into him. Nothing else mattered.

Chapter Twenty