Page 213 of Burn the Wild

Wyatt shoves a hunk of cake into his mouth. “Hiding out from the adults.”

“Hate to break it to you, Wy, but we are the adults,” Davis says dryly, feeding Dakota cake while she juggles their squirming newborn.

Mouse, wearing a tiny tuxedo suit, saunters across the hardwood floor.

“Now I’ve seen everything,” a deep voice drawls.

“Grady!” Spinning around, I throw myself into Grady’s arms. “You made it.”

“Hell, three planes later, and I’m finally here.” He squeezes me tight as he’s rocked by hearty backslaps from his big brothers. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

The world—he gave it all to me the night he sent me to Runaway Ranch.

A frazzled world, but a happy, beautiful world, nonetheless.

I have everything.

A man who loves me more and more every day. My new album,bluebird, debuted at the top of the charts last week. Ford’s school opens in a month. Ford and I—we’re moving at ninety-five miles per hour, but unlike my life a year ago, it’s my choice.

Emmy Lou, Ford’s sister, rushes through the kitchen. “Three down, two to go,” she chirps triumphantly before racing after one of her twin daughters.

Grady laughs and swoops up Duke. Wyatt settles onto a bar stool and stares into an empty beer glass.

My cheeks heat at the sight of Ford in the open door, taking us all in. He’s so damn handsome.Long and lean, my golden-haired broody country boy is a sight to see.

His gaze lands on me. “Checking me out?” Looking deliriously happy, he flashes the gold band on his finger. “Sorry to say, I’m a married man.”

My lips quirk and I bat my eyes. “Lucky girl.”

Ford whistles, getting the attention of his brothers. “On the field, assholes,” he drawls, rolling up his cuffs.

“You ain’t serious,” Charlie groans, tucking Ruby under his arm.

“As a heart attack.” He flashes me a grin and pumps his arm. “We got to break this baby in. Get ready to feel that 100 mph heat.”

“Cocky bastard,” Charlie grumbles.

With that, Ford takes my hand, and we herd our family and friends onto the rustic wooden deck. My breath hitches at the otherworldly view. While Charlie and Ruby have a pasture, we have a baseball field. Green and lush, lit up by the glow of stadium lights, it’s beautiful.

Ford still plans to work at the ranch this summer, but his baseball camp opens in July. He’s also signed up to coach Resurrection’s Little League team in the fall, before going on tour with me later this year. Like I said, our plates are full. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

We all assemble on the field. Ford gives directions, splitting us into two teams. Bride versus Groom. Ruby sits in a director’s chair, keeping score.

I slam a fist into my mitt and dance around Ford. My wedding ring glints in the sunset. The massive diamond could put an eye out, but the band with a small bluebird etched on the side is simple and perfect. “You’re goin’ down, Country Boy.”

“Later, baby,” he rasps, running his broad hands down the tight bodice of my dress. He wiggles his brows. “Save that for later.”

We take our positions. Ford pitches. The game is chaos and commotion. No one knows what they’re doing. Keena chases the ball as Lainie screams her adorable heart out. Charlie and Wyatt argue over a stolen base.

It’s everything I’ve ever wanted.

For the fifth time today, tears fill my eyes.

It’s been nearly a year since Gavin tried to destroy everything.

But he didn’t win.

I did.

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