Page 89 of The County Line

“Cheers to that,” I say, clinking my glass against his.

Colt arches a brow at me, his expression unreadable. He knows. Of course, he knows. We’re trying to have a baby, and after another frustrating cycle of perfectly-timed attempts and carefully-managed expectations, I woke up to my period this morning—again.

Colt keeps saying,it’ll happen, Molly. We just have to keep trying and be patient,but that doesn’t erase the sting of disappointment that comes every month when I see blood.

Still, I lift my glass. Maybe this isn’t the celebration he’d choose, but for me? For the man who tried to ruin my future husband’s life finally getting what he deserves?

Oh, I’ll toast to that every single time.

The whiskey burns warm on its way down, smooth and sweet with just the right bite. Before I can set the glass back on the counter, Colt’s behind me, his arms wrapping protectively around my waist. He tilts my chin back and presses his lips to mine, slow and tender, tasting of whiskey and full of promise that we’ll be a family someday. That I’ll see that plus on a pregnancy test soon.

Regan lets out a soft “Aww,” clasping her hands dramatically over her heart. “My best friend and my twin. Love you guys.”

Cash, never one to miss a chance to tease, groans. “If I ever find a Hallmark love like yours, I’ll throw up.”

I laugh, resting my hands on Colt’s arms as he holds me close. But all I can think about is how grateful I am that life brought us here, back together, when everything could’ve gone so much differently.

For a long time, I carried so much resentment for my past. Marrying Jordan? Falling for a man who shattered me socompletely? Spending my twenties trapped in a cycle of pain I didn’t know how to escape?

It felt like wasted time, like an endless series of wrong turns leading nowhere. But now, looking back, I see it all differently.

Life isn’t linear. It’s messy and winding, full of storms you think you’ll never survive. And while I would’ve given anything to skip the pain, to avoid the scars that have marred my heart, I know now that sometimes you have to walk through the storm to find the rain.

And this—Colt with his arms around me tight, the warmth of his love steady and unwavering, the excitement over starting a family with him—this is my rain. My fresh start. My new beginning.

I tilt my head back to look up at him, my heart swelling with gratitude. “Love you,” I whisper, and he smiles, pressing a kiss to my temple.

“Love you too, Molly. Always.”

THE END.