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Standing in a snowbank in her open-toed sandals was a clear recipe for disaster. “Oh. Here,” he said, reaching down and scooping her into his arms. “Let me take care of that.”

She gave a gasp of surprise but wrapped her arms around his neck, holding tight. She ran her hand over the taut muscles of his shoulders. “Last time you did this, I missed the whole thing.”

He dropped his mouth onto hers again, feeling her smile against him. “We can’t have that. But don’t worry. This won’t be the last time.”

She laid her head on his shoulder. “Is that a promise?”

He pulled open the kitchen door to the barn where the music and cheer inside poured out and he stepped inside with her, into their future, and finally their lives together. “That, love,” he said, “is a guarantee.”

Epilogue

The Christmas celebrationwas in full swing at the Hard Eight when Gus, Luke, and Ella arrived, arms full of wine and a bag of presents. He could see Cami helping her mother in the kitchen and the rest of the family was gathered in the living room.

Shay kissed Gus on the cheek. “Welcome in,” she said, giving Ella and Luke a hug. “We’re so happy you’re here.”

“Me, too,” Gus said, handing her a wine bottle. “Merry Christmas!”

“Merry Christmas! And who’s this little munchkin?” she asked of the sweet, curly-haired puppy Ella was holding in her arms.

“This is Taffy,” Ella said, her face half buried in Taffy’s fur. “Our new puppy. I got her for Christmas.”

Gus said, “We couldn’t leave her home alone. Cami said you wouldn’t mind.”

“Mind? Oh! She’s adorable. Wait until Pippa and Poppy meet her. I bet she was tops on your Christmas list, Eloise.”

She nodded shyly. “I love her,” she said, hugging the pup. The Hardesty dogs, Poppy and Pippa had spotted her and were heading her way.

Gus took Taffy and lifted her up out of the path of the enthusiastic duo. “We’ll have to introduce them gently.”

Liam came into the front hall and clapped him on the shoulder. “’Bout time you made it over. Cami was worrying about you. She’s in the kitchen. Luke? How about a glass of something? Soda, beer, or something stronger?” The two of them headed over to the small bar set up near the front window where Shay’s fiancé, Cooper Lane, was manning the drinks.

Gus said hello to Izzy and Will who had postponed their honeymoon until after Christmas and he nearly bumped into Sarah with an armload of plates heading to the dining room. She stopped and kissed him on the cheek. “Merry Christmas, Gus. We’re so glad you’re here. And this little darling, too. What’s her name?”

“This is Taffy. And she’s happy to be here.”

Gus passed Sarah’s boyfriend, Ray, holding Lolly in the living room, as Tara unwrapped a half-dozen gifts that were under the tree for the two of them. Gus couldn’t help but smile at the look on Tara’s face, as if she’d just stepped into some kind of alternate universe.

He stopped to shake Ray’s hand and tickle Lolly’s little feet. “Merry first Christmas, little one. And to you, too, Tara.”

Tara smiled up at him. “Thank you,” she said. “For everything.”

“I’m real glad it all worked out for you.”

“Everyone’s been so kind. I-I just…”

He couldn’t agree more. “I know exactly what you mean.” He kept moving, holding Taffy and headed into the kitchen.

Cami’s back was to him, and he snuck up behind her, giving her a kiss on the cheek. She jumped but turned around happily. “Hi there.”

“Hi, yourself. Merry Christmas.”

“Back at you.” She gave Taffy a smooch. “How did the surprise go?”

“I pulled it off. Taffy woke her up this morning with a big wet kiss.”

“Aww.” She ruffled the dog’s little head.

“Yeah, she loves her. Somehow, I don’t think that was what she asked Santa for that day at the Graff.”