Page 77 of Colt

“Goodnight, baby,” he whispered, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead.

“Goodnight,” she replied, snuggling closer to him and feeling contentment wash over her.

Soon enough, she heard his breathing become deep and even, signaling that he had fallen asleep. With a smile on her face, Chelsea closed her eyes and drifted off into a peaceful slumber in the arms of the man she loved.

****

Colt sat in his office, surrounded by the comforting scent of leather, hay and coffee. The rhythmic clacking of his keyboard was interrupted by occasional rustling as he shuffled through inventory lists for the horses and ranch supplies. After a lengthy phone call with Ash Beckett about feed orders, Colt stood up and stretched his arms above his head, feeling satisfied with the day’s progress.

As he made his way out of the office, he paused in the aisle, struck by the sight of snow falling heavily outside the open barn doors. Without hesitation, he strode over and closed them, shutting out the cold and preserving the warmth inside. Feeling a sense of peace, he opened the entry door and leaned against the sturdy frame, watching the snowfall with a contented smile.

The sound of snowflakes hitting the ground was like soft whispers, calming and serene. Colt couldn’t help but look toward the direction of the house with a grin. Things were going well for him and Chelsea, and he couldn’t be happier.

Colt finished up his tasks for the day and headed out of the barn, bundling himself up in his coat. The snow had slowed down, but it still blanketed the ranch in a pristine white. As he made his way across the yard toward the house, he couldn’t help but feel content with his life.

As soon as he stepped inside, he saw Chelsea, and his heart swelled with love. A grin spread across his face as she ran over to him, jumping into his arms. He kissed her passionately, holding her tight against his chest. In that moment, surrounded by love and warmth, Colt knew he had made the right decision in getting Chelsea back into his life. And he was never letting her go again.

Epilogue

With the hot July sun beating down on her, Chelsea stepped into the barn in search of Colt. As she walked down the aisle, sweat trickled between her breasts and her clothing clung to her skin. She paused when she reached a stall and saw Colt emerge, shirtless, his muscular chest glistening with sweat. Her mouth fell open at the sight of him, and she couldn’t help but admire his rugged good looks. He turned and their eyes met, a grin spreading across his handsome face.

Smiling, Chelsea approached him as he strode toward her with purpose. When he reached her, they stood facing each other.

“Hi,” she said softly.

“Hey there, darlin’. What brings you out here?” Colt replied with a hint of amusement in his voice.

“I was looking for a hot cowboy,” Chelsea teased, tilting her head playfully. “Have you seen one around?”

Colt raised an eyebrow. “Can’t say that I have.”

“Well, you’ll do,” she said flirtatiously.

He chuckled and leaned in closer to her.

“I’ll do you,” he whispered huskily, causing her to swat at him playfully. But he grabbed her wrist and pulled her toward him, pressing his lips to hers in a passionate kiss.

Chelsea wrapped her arms around his neck, lost in the moment as they kissed. When they finally pulled apart, Colt looked into her eyes.

“I love you,” he said sincerely.

“I love you too.” Chelsea smiled, feeling overwhelmed with happiness. “My parents want to take us out tomorrow night to celebrate our engagement. Are you okay with that?”

“Of course,” Colt replied without hesitation.

“I think Eli and Lorna are coming too.”

“That sounds good. I’m looking forward to it,” Colt said with a smile, leaning in to kiss her again.

“I have an engagement present for you,” she said as she reached into the back pocket of her jeans, then handed him an envelope.

Colt took it from her and frowned. “What’s this?”

“Well, it’s not two and a half million dollars. Open it.” She stared at him.

He grinned, then opened it, and pulled out a folded sheet of paper. He looked at her with a frown, unfolded it, and read it. As his eyes skimmed the letter, his mouth dropped open, and he looked at her.

“What is this?”

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