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Mr. Chambers looked down and worked his jaw from side to side. If he kept the mic much longer, Thea was going to ruin her makeup.

“I’ve seen a lot of love in my day, and these two got it right.” He looked at Brett and gave him a stern nod. “I’m proud of you, son.”

Thea gripped Brett’s arm and held her breath. She would not cry. She would not cry.

But hearing Mr. Chambers claim Brett like he was his own was more than Thea’s fragile heart could take.

“And I have a wedding gift for you. Well, Brett already knows about it, but he wanted it to be a surprise for his bride.”

Thea jerked her attention to Brett. She hadn’t expected a gift from Mr. Chambers. He’d done so much for them already.

“There’s a little spot on the western side of the ranch. It’s not far off the road, and it backs up to one of the horse pastures. I figure it’ll be a nice place to build a home one day, and I suspect you’ll both enjoy watching the horses graze from your back porch.”

“What?” Thea breathed. She looked back and forth between Mr. Chambers and Brett.

Then, the tears came. She covered her face and let them fall into her hands. They both loved this place, and now it would be their home forever.

Brett’s calming hand rubbed over her back, but she couldn’t stay in her seat. Thea stood and wrapped Mr. Chambers in the biggest bear hug.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

“It’s my pleasure, Thea. Welcome to the family.”

She released Mr. Chambers and turned to find Brett waiting for her with a smile brighter than a belt buckle.

“You knew about this.”

“I did. Surprise, Cupcake.”

Thea wrapped her arms around his neck and looked up into his eyes.

This was who she was meant to be. She’d happily taken Brett’s name because he’d broken the curse on their families. “I love you.”

“I loved you first.”

She kissed him in front of everyone, earning them a round of cheers.

This love was worth waiting for, but they didn’t have to wait anymore. She was ready for their love to grow into a family–a new one they’d make on their own.

Bonus Epilogue

LINC

Linc stepped into the ranch garage and stretched his neck to one side, then the other. It felt good to be back in jeans after the reception. He was happy for Brett and Thea, but two hours in a suit was his limit.

He fit in at a fancy party about as much as a bucking bronc fit in at a China shop.

Not even a little.

He rolled up his sleeves and grabbed the wrench. He’d change the oil in a few of the ranch vehicles and feel like himself again.

He jacked up the old Ford F-150 and found the oil pan. He laid back on the creeper before sliding under the truck.

He’d barely lifted his wrench when soft footsteps drew his attention to the side.

Unfortunately, he knew those shoes. They were the ones Jess had worn to the reception, and he’d spent a little too much time looking at her legs.

Why’d she have to look so good in a dress? Better yet, why’d she have to be gorgeous on a good day without even trying.