Page 62 of The Rancher's Heart

“Mom and Dadwould be proud,” Nathan said, as Jonas leaned on the pasture fence with his brothers, watching the mares in the field.

Duke, his head lifted high, mane waving in the gentle breeze, called to his ladies. The mountains seemed taller. The sky was a victorious clear blue. In his mind’s eye, Jonas could see his mom and dad walking in the field with the mares.

“Duke’s DNA results and registration with the Colorado Ranger Horse Association came just in time.” It was good news but not nearly as great as Sloane agreeing to become his wife. “I got a call from two ranchers back east who want to breed their mares with Duke. Dad’s breeding program is back in business.”

“The Triple L broke even this month,” Blake added. “I’m happy to say the ranch is well on its way to being out of trouble.”

“It doesn’t hurt that Duke placed first in the barrel racing event at the rodeo, and Rosie second,” Nathan said, beaming.

Jonas had to give his brothers kudos. Despite their past difficulties, they’d worked through it all and saved their parents’ dream. “We make a good team.”

“Yup,” Nathan said at the same time Blake agreed, “You bet we do.”

The year had started with the family and ranch in dire circumstances, but they’d pulled together and become the close family they were meant to be.

“Congratulations, Blake. I notice your latestTimmybook made theNew York Timeslist.” Jonas was putting together a scrapbook for Blake and Timmy. And one for Nathan and Duke for their rodeo successes. He planned to give them as gifts to his brothers for Christmas.

He couldn’t ask for more, except...

Sloane, with Clara in the front passenger seat, parked in front of the barn. Malorie, Andee, Reece, and Timmy were right behind her. At the same time, Izzy came from the guesthouse, where she was staying until she and Nathan got married in the spring.

Jonas grinned. “We have company, boys.”

“Speak for yourself, big brother. Malorie and the kids, they’re my family.” Blake wrapped his arms around his wife, watching with pride as the kids climbed the fence beside them to watch the horses.

“Yeah,” Nathan agreed, as he pulled Izzy close, her back to his chest as they turned to watch the horses too. “I can’t wait until we get married.”

Too impatient to wait for Sloane and Clara to reach him, Jonas met them halfway. “How are my girls?”

Clara grabbed a quick hug and then ran to join the other kids on the fence.

He wrapped his arms around Sloane. That night at Stephanie’s, he’d been afraid she wouldn’t give him a chance, but he was the lucky one. He couldn’t get enough of holding her next to his heart. She rose on her toes, kissing him on the lips. He couldn’t get enough. When he finally let her go, it was to whistles and clapping from the fence line echoing the marathon racing in his chest.

“I know it doesn’t leave much prep time, but what do you say we get married the week before Thanksgiving?” He rested his forehead against Sloane’s. “It’s not like we need a lot of time to get to know each other. We can get married at The Wedding Cottage. I checked the calendar. There are several open dates—”

Sloane placed her hands on each side of his face, her eyes shining brightly. “I think mid-November will be perfect.”

He turned to his brothers and their families. “Did I mention that I think I might have found who bought Dad’s hundred acres?”

That brought them all to their feet.

Yup. He was one lucky cowboy. His heart had finally found home.

The End