Page 61 of Caleb

For the first time in years, Taylor felt truly whole.

They would face the future together, one step at a time. And this time, there would be no looking back.

CHAPTER27

The laughter and music echoed through the Burnett family clubhouse, mingling with the hum of conversation and the occasional clink of champagne glasses. Caleb stood near the dance floor, a smile tugging at his lips as he took it all in. His family, Taylor’s family, and their friends—all gathered to celebrate the beginning of their new life together.

But none of it compared to the sight of Taylor.

She stood across the room, radiant in her ivory dress, talking animatedly with one of his cousins. Her smile was as bright as the twinkle lights strung across the ceiling, and Caleb couldn’t take his eyes off her.

Someone nudged him, and he turned to find his brother Cody smirking at him. “You look like a man who just won the lottery,” Cody teased, holding a glass of whiskey.

“I did,” Caleb replied, his voice quiet but firm. “I really did.”

Before Cody could respond, the DJ’s voice filled the room. “All right, folks, it’s time for the bride and groom’s first dance. Let’s give them the floor!”

The crowd cheered, and Caleb made his way across the room, his heart pounding as he reached Taylor. She turned toward him, her eyes sparkling with love and happiness.

“May I have this dance, Mrs. Burnett?” he asked, holding out his hand.

She grinned, placing her hand in his. “I thought you’d never ask.”

The crowd parted as they stepped onto the dance floor, the soft strains of a love song filling the room. Caleb pulled her close, his hand resting on the small of her back as they swayed together.

“You look beautiful,” he murmured, his voice low enough for only her to hear.

Taylor smiled up at him, her cheeks flushing slightly. “And you look very handsome,” she replied, her tone teasing but tender.

As they moved together, Caleb’s heart swelled with an emotion he could barely contain. He gazed down into her eyes, his voice thick with sincerity. “I’m so happy, Taylor. I love you so much.”

Tears glistened in her eyes, and she tightened her grip on him. “I love you too,” she whispered.

"This is the beginning of a life filled with happiness," Taylor said softly, her voice carrying the weight of hope and promise as she looked into Caleb's eyes. A gentle smile curved her lips, one that spoke of all the dreams she was finally allowing herself to believe in.

"Our happiness," she added, her hand sliding into his, their fingers lacing together as if they were always meant to fit.

Caleb’s heart swelled with an emotion he hadn’t dared to name until now. He tightened his grip on her hand, grounding himself in the moment. For the first time in what felt like forever, he believed her words.

“Our happiness,” he echoed, his voice steady, a promise in itself.

Around them, the room seemed to disappear. It didn’t matter that everyone was watching—it was just the two of them, locked in a timeless moment.

Caleb smiled, his voice soft but full of meaning. “Living at the ranch, building our business together... I never thought I could have something like this. You’ve made my life so much more than I ever dreamed.”

Taylor blinked back tears, resting her head against his chest. “We’re going to make it amazing, Caleb. Together.”

As the song began to wind down, a small voice called, “Mommy! Daddy!”

Caleb and Taylor turned to see Liam standing at the edge of the dance floor. His little face lit up with excitement. The crowd chuckled, and Taylor laughed softly.

“Come here, buddy,” Caleb said, holding his hand.

Liam ran over, and Caleb lifted him, letting him stand on his boots as they continued to sway to the music. Liam giggled, his arms wrapped around Caleb’s waist, and Taylor leaned in, her cheek brushing Caleb’s as they danced together as a family.

The room erupted in applause and cheers, but all Caleb could feel was the overwhelming warmth of the moment—his son, his wife, his family.

And then, out of the corner of his eye, he saw her.

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