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January 21 - January 26, 2025
My heart aches at the way I’ve disappointed the two most important people in my life.
“Ya broke up with her? For me?” I nod. “For our relationship. I didn’t wanna lose you.” “It’d take a lot more than datin’ my ex-girlfriend to lose me, Dad. Not happy y’all lied and snuck around behind my back, but I don’t want y’all miserable on my behalf. You’ve suffered enough. You deserve someone as great as Noah.”
“You’ve been mine since I laid eyes on you. Even when we couldn’t be together, I was always yours.” Then I press my lips to her knuckles. “I’m madly and desperately in love with you, Goldie. Nothin’ would make me happier than you being mine out in the open for everyone to know you own my heart.”
This moment is unlike any other as we connect and make love with no secrets between us. No more hiding our relationship and fearing the worst. We’re free to be who we are and love whoever we want without the risk of hurting people.
The last time we slept together was emotional because I thought it’d be the last time, but now it’s emotional because we have forever.
“I’m so obsessed with you,” he whispers in my ear as he pins me underneath him. His confession has my heart soaring to the moon because the way he loves me is unlike anything I ever th...
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Waking up with her in my arms each day is a life I never knew possible. A year ago, I was positive I’d never find love and die alone. It was what I told myself I deserved.
Noah’s gorgeous on her sickest days, but tonight, she’s goddamn stunning. I can hardly keep my eyes and hands off her. I thought seeing her in a cowboy hat with braids was cute, but her all dressed up and looking happy as ever has me even more excited for tonight.
When she gets to the last two pages, I dig into my pocket and clutch the velvet box. “Oh no, I think the photo fell out of this frame.” She traces it with her finger before realizing the date written on top is today’s date. “Wait, what’s this mean?” As soon as I slide out of my chair, I get down on one knee and pull out the box.
“Noah, I have loved you for no less than three hundred and sixty-five days, and if you’d do me the honor of being my wife, I promise to love you for the rest of my life and all the days after. Goldie, will you marry me?”
We sit side by side, smiling wide at the camera. Noah holds up her hand to show off her new ring. When Mrs. Hollis counts down and gets to one, I turn and beam at my future wife. The perfect last photo for the final page of our first year together and the start of our forever.
I never imagined I’d be married by the age of twenty-three. I also never imagined I’d be married to a man twice my age. I definitely never imagined I’d fall in love with my ex’s dad. But still, I couldn’t be happier.
We had an intimate and beautiful country fall wedding at the ranch. I’d like to say it went flawlessly, but nothing rarely ever does around here with horses and changing their schedules. Still, it was the best day of our lives and one I’ll remember forever.
“How did I ever go without you? How could I almost lose out on this?” He brushes a finger over my sweaty cheek and pushes loose strands of my hair out of my face. The somber tone in his voice has my stomach tightening at the thought of us never meeting.
“Maybe you were meant to live because I couldn’t be without you,” I say, wrapping my arm and leg over his body. He pulls me closer, tightening his grip on me. “After all these years, I believe that wholeheartedly. Besides reunitin’ with my son, you were the best thing to come out of all of this.”
“I’d love nothin’ more than to see you pregnant with my baby and start a little family with you. If that’s what you’re worried about, then don’t be. But if you’re not ready—” “Knowin’ that I could be changes things. I do want a baby with you. Even if it’s sooner than I expected, if I am, I want this,” I say with my whole chest. “I might be a little scared, but havin’ you by my side makes me confident we can do this.”
Our first ultrasound. My eyes flick to hers, to the page with the empty space inside the frame, then back to hers again. “You’re…we’re…pregnant?” “Yeah, I took a test this mornin’ after you left for work.” “Oh my God.” I engulf her in my arms as a roller coaster of emotions hits me. “Sweetheart, that’s amazin’.”
Before Noah, I never wanted more children. Never thought I deserved to be a father again. Never considered I’d meet someone as perfect as Noah and want to start over. But she’s changed all of that. Now, I can’t wait to start a family with the love of my life and watch her become a mother.
“I’m so head over heels in love with you, Noah. Thank you for being with me, marryin’ me, and havin’ my baby. I couldn’t ask for a better life.”
Jase and I went to Lyla’s gravesite the following week, where I shared the news that they’ll have a new sibling in nine months. When Jase gave me the biggest hug, I nearly teared up at his support. He didn’t have to give me a second chance in the first place, but the fact that he did, means the world. Hell, it changed my life.