Page 53 of Dead Man's Hand

“Isn’t it wonderful to have so much family?” Ansley said, knowing that Bella had also been an only child. So had Lori and Carla and Ellie. Probably why all of them wanted numerous children. “Just think, Daisy will grow up with all these cousins. Won’t that be fun?” Carla and Ellie were both pregnant. When Ansley had gone looking for her birth mother she could never have imagined finding this much family.

“Don’t try to change the subject.” Bella looked down to where Tommy was standing. As if feeling her gaze on him, he looked up and smiled. She smiled back and glanced down at their daughter. Ansley knew Bella had to be thinking about how close she’d almost come to losing him the day their baby was born.

“What’s going on with you?” Bella said. “I can tell you’re holding out on me.”

Ansley smiled as she saw her twin standing with the other men. Just the sight of DJ brought her such joy. She’d been so afraid that they would never find him and when Buck had, she’d been so afraid that she would lose them both. When he’d walked in before her wedding...

Tears filled her eyes at the memory. She made a swipe at them, embarrassed at how emotional she’d been lately. “I’m happy, that’s all,” she said. “I love my life and you’re a part of that.”

Bella made a rude sound. “Okay, fine. Just keep it to yourself, but I have to tell you, you should never play poker. Your face gives everything away.”

She laughed as she scanned Bella’s backyard. Soon she would have a backyard of her own. Her brothers and Buck’s father and brother had been helping with the new houses being built on the Colt Ranch for her and Buck—and for DJ and Sadie. She couldn’t wait until theirs was finished.

Past the men at the barbecue grill, Lori and Ellie were uncovering the salads and desserts on the table under the umbrella. Sadie was busy putting serving spoons in everything. Ansley could tell they were laughing and was amazed how Sadie had become one of them so quickly. Having all of these women come into her life was a joy she’d never anticipated when she’d come looking for her birth mother.

Speaking of her birth mother, where was she? Running late probably, because she was working even on a holiday. Being the mayor of Lonesome was a full-time job, one Beth took seriously—just as she did motherhood. She was going to make a wonderful grandmother. Ansley started to go help with the other women when Bella stopped her.

“Ansley!” Bella demanded. “No one is this excited for her thirtieth birthday, not even you.”

She couldn’t help but smile. Her happiness just seemed to overflow these days. “It’s my birthday! Mine and DJ’s. It also just happens to be the Fourth of July.” They were also celebrating Davy’s birthday as well since his was only a few days ago.

Bella was giving her a side-eye when suddenly her eyes widened. “Oh, you are not.” She was laughing and smiling. “Does Buck know yet?”

“No, and don’t you dare tell him. I want to surprise him tonight during the fireworks show.”

Her friend’s eyes filled with tears. “I am so happy for you. So happy for all of us. I never imagined that our children would be raised together on this ranch. We’re all going to get sick of each other,” she joked.

She pulled her into a hug. “I’m so glad you came into our lives and brought DJ and Sadie. You know they’ll be getting married soon. I love weddings. Can you imagine what it is going to be like when all of our kids go to school?” Bella asked as she looked down at her daughter, who’d fallen asleep. “The Colt kids will rule the school. Along with the Crawfords and Diamonds, of course. The teachers won’t know what hit them.”

Ansley saw Buck look up at her. Their gazes met and she realized that he knew. He gave her a wide grin. So much for waiting until the fireworks. They’d already had their fireworks and now they were going to have a baby.

DJPULLEDSADIEASIDE.“It’s not too late. You can change your mind about marrying me.” He waved a hand, taking in all the family gathered today. “I suspect it will always be like this.”

“I certainly hope so,” she said, stepping into his arms. “Happy birthday.” She kissed him and let him lead her into the cool of the pines and out of sight of the others.

He held her at arm’s length as he studied her. “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you. I almost lost you because of it.”

She shook her head. “Wearehere now. Together. There is no looking back anymore. You changed my life...don’t you realize that?”

DJ smiled. “How did I ever get so lucky?”

“I guess you played to your strengths.”

“Whatever the reason, thank you for being my partner. I’m sure you had your doubts when your godfather suggested we work together.”

Sadie laughed. “It was when I met you that I really had my doubts. What was I supposed to do with this arrogant Montana cowboy?”

“Save him from himself,” DJ said, and pulled her closer for another kiss.

“Do you think we could sneak away during the fireworks show?” he asked.

“You’re incorrigible,” she said with a laugh.

“I just can’t seem to get enough of you.” He kissed her and drew back. “Okay, we should go back to the barbecue. Everyone will be talking about us.”

“Everyone is already talking about us. They wonder what a man like you is doing with a woman like me.”

He drew her close again so that their bodies were molded together. “I hope you told them.”

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