Page 43 of Marrying the Billboard Cowboy

“Cousin,” Kaitlyn said in awe, her grin spreading as tears filled her eyes. She was holding her own shirt, proudly proclaiming her Aunt of the Year. Zeke felt his own eyes watering in response. Cassie had been so intentional to include Kaitlyn and Stetson in her announcement, it made his heart swell.

“I know you’re already a grandma, Mom. Stetson did that for you first. And you’re already an uncle, Gideon. But we’re going to have a baby!”

Cheers and congratulations rose from around the room as everyone moved to hug Cassie and congratulate Jason. Zeke was first in line.

“Congratulations, baby sis.” He tugged her close. “And thank you.”

After all the cookies had been eaten and the Christmas story read from his grandfather’s Bible, Zeke carried a drowsy Stetson back to the cabin.

“Can’t I stay up just a little longer?” Stetson pleaded, but the yawn that followed betrayed his weariness.

“Christmas morning can’t come until you’re asleep,” Kaitlyn reminded him with a wink, and Stetson’s groan of protest morphed into an excited giggle.

“Let’s get you to bed, little man.”

“Will Santa really come tonight?” Stetson’s question was hushed, full of awe as he climbed into bed, clutching his toy horse close.

“Absolutely,” Zeke assured him, tucking the blanket around the boy’s small form. “And when you wake up, it will be Christmas.”

“Promise?”

“Promise,” Kaitlyn echoed, bending to kiss Stetson’s forehead. She met Zeke’s eyes over the top of Stetson’s head.

“Good night, Stetson. We love you,” Zeke whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

“Love you more,” Stetson murmured, his eyelids fluttering closed, the grip on his horse loosening as sleep claimed him.

They paused inside their bedroom, the gentle rhythm of the boy’s breathing a lullaby that wrapped around their hearts. Kaitlyn’s hand found Zeke’s, fingers entwining naturally. He pulled her closer, her slight frame fitting perfectly against his broader one.

“This has been the best Christmas,” she whispered, her breath warm against his neck.

“This is just the beginning,” Zeke replied, his voice a low rumble filled with certainty. “We’re going to make a wonderful life together.”

They stood in silent agreement, the quiet of the house wrapping around them like a blessing, the anticipation of the morning’s joy a heartbeat away.

The soft glow from the Christmas lights strung along the outside eaves filtered through the window. He reached out, fingers brushing a loose strand of Kaitlyn’s brown hair backfrom her face, tucking it gently behind her ear. Her skin was soft beneath his touch, and he soaked in the trust mirrored in her dark eyes.

“I’m not in a rush,” he began, his voice stronger than he’d intended. “I know we started all this out of necessity, but I love you. And I can’t imagine a better Christmas present than knowing I get to spend the rest of my life with you. Loving you the way a husband loves a wife.”

She nodded, her gaze never leaving his. “I love you, Zeke. You’re my Christmas miracle.”

Kaitlyn’s breath hitched, her hands rising to rest on his broad shoulders. He felt the deliberate movements of her fingers as they traced the lines of tension that had eased away throughout the evening.

Slowly, Zeke lowered his head, his lips seeking hers in a kiss that was tender yet full of promise. He pulled her onto the bed with him, eager to show her just how much he loved her. There was nothing hidden between them anymore. No secrets. No fears. Nothing held back. He was hers in every way. And tonight, he was going to show her just how completely he belonged to her.

EPILOGUE

Kaitlyn’s fingers brushed through Stetson’s dark hair as they settled into the warmth of the living room, the Christmas tree casting a soft glow on his eager face. Zeke stood nearby, his broad shoulders relaxed, a gentle smile playing on his lips as he watched over them, the protective aura never waning, even in such tender moments.

“Stet, you get to open the first one.” She handed him a small package, the paper crinkling under his excited grasp.

“Can I really?” Stetson’s eyes sparkled, mirroring the twinkling lights of their small tree, his vivacious energy a stark contrast to the stillness around them.

“Of course, sweetheart.” Kaitlyn nodded, her heart swelling as she witnessed the joy in her son’s movements.

The wrapping paper tore away with an eagerness that only a child on Christmas could muster. Stetson’s gasp filled the room when the wooden horse set came into view, each piece carved with care from the Second Chance store.

“Look, Mama! Horses!” he exclaimed, clapping his hands together, not a hint of hesitation in his voice.

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