Page 109 of Christmas with Three Cowboys

“Dam’ light!” Kyle mimics his father.

Mitch scoffs. “Setting a great example, as usual.”

“Shut up,” Colton chuckles.

“Shut up!” Jason also rushes to imitate him, prompting a hearty laugh out of Ethan.

“Alright, then, we’re doing this,” Mitch says, lovingly hugging me. “I can’t wait to see what you do with what they teach you over there, Mrs. Avery.”

“And I can’t wait to knock your socks off with the menu for your future new restaurant in Long Pine, Mr. Teller-Avery,” I reply, eagerly softening in his embrace.

Our boys cheer and giggle. Their fathers rush to join Mitch, and so I’m once again wrapped in strong arms, kept warm and happy by the purest, most powerful kind of love. Come September, a new chapter begins. One I didn’t expect, but one I fully welcome.

And to think I came here with a hint of shackles on my wrists and ankles.

But I found the truest, purest freedom.

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