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“I can’t believe we’re married,” she whispered.

Brett was having a hard time believing it himself. “I’ve dreamed about this for a long time.”

She shifted from left to right and pressed her eyes closed against the pain. “I hate that this is the way we’re starting our marriage. You’ve been taking care of me for weeks, and now I’m injured again.”

Brett lifted his hand and pressed his lips to the soft skin on the back. “For better or worse. In sickness and in health. I’m here for all of it, Cupcake.”

Thea’s eyes drifted closed, and a small grin spread over her face. “I could eat ten cupcakes right now.”

“I’ll get you a dozen a day when we get home. I’ll take care of you and bring you cupcakes for the rest of our lives.”

Epilogue

THEA

Thea tapped her fingertip against the empty punch cup in her hand as Mrs. Scott listed her grandson’s advanced testing scores. Apparently, Jacob’s academics were worth a lot of recognition, and Betty was more than happy to brag about his achievements.

“And he’s just a wonderful, level-headed boy. He couldn’t be here today because he’s doing a canned food drive with the Science Club.”

The wedding reception was beautiful, and considering Everly put it together in four weeks with little help from Thea while she was healing, the whole event had Thea’s jaw hanging.

She’d expected a few friends from the ranch, but there were close to a hundred people filling the reception hall right now. Her old boss even flew out from Alabama for the weekend.

Twinkle lights were strung through the rafters, white tablecloths covered the round tables, and cupcakes covered an entire tiered stand near the front of the room. The place was gorgeous.

Having her friends and family all in one place was the best part of the day, but the cupcakes were a close second. She’d already helped herself to two.

“It sounds like he’s a great kid,” Thea said. Really, she’d met Jacob at the feed and seed once, and he’d been nice enough to carry her bags to the car for her.

“He comes from the best.”

“I agree. I don’t know where I’d be today without Asa.”

The officer had gone above and beyond for her and everyone else at the ranch, and he’d made sure Thea’s mom was safe and protected as she packed up her things and moved out of the house she’d shared–or been trapped in–these last few years with Tommy.

It had been a decade since Betty Scott gave Thea her first job, but the woman jumped back into Thea’s life as if they’d been right across the street from each other this whole time.

“I’m proud of my boys every day.” Betty held up the hand holding a small plastic cup and pointed across the room. “Did you meet my daughter-in-law, Lyric?”

Thea spotted Asa and Lyric and gave a friendly wave. They were two of the many people in Blackwater who had become fast friends. “I did. She’s the sweetest.”

“Asa and Jacob are so blessed to have her. I am too. I thank the good Lord for my family every day.”

That was something Thea was still getting used to–thanking the Lord for her family. Family used to be a dark spot in her life, but now, she had more than she could have ever dreamed. “As do I.”

“You have no idea how good it is to see you two together. You look happy.”

Thea caught sight of Brett dancing with Abby. “I am happy.”

Happy was an understatement.

Mrs. Scott pulled Thea in for another hug. “It’s so good to see you again.”

The song came to a close and Brett made his way toward her.

Their wedding reception was a casual party with their friends, but he’d worn his Sunday best. Despite her assurances that he could just wear his usual flannel, jeans, and boots, he’d insisted on wearing a charcoal-gray suit.

And she wanted to eat her words because Brett Patton could have stepped off the cover of a men’s fashion magazine today.