Page 114 of Nanny for the Cowboy

This life I’ve made is a damn gift that I’ll be grateful for forever.

I’m doing my thing on the stage, and as I walk back and forth, singing my heart out, I think about everything that’s happened since I came to Red Lodge, especially in the past few months.

Brooks is the biggest change, and being with him—acting as Darby’s mother figure—has changed my life more than I can put into words. I finally feel like I’m doing what I was meant to do.

And I’m still running a business, still an independent woman. I haven’t lost myself at all in a relationship, which had been a secret worry of mine. If anything, I’m more myselfbecause I use my innate skills and talents to keep our family running smoothly—with the best partner a girl could ask for.

Darby is the sweetest kid, and I’m actually impressed with myself for how naturally I’ve picked up being his caregiver. I’ve always loved kids, but this one is mine—blood or not—and it is the best feeling in the world.

“Woo! Sing it, hon!” Brooks shouts out, and I smile all the more as I bring the song home.

Before him, before I was able to get Kyle out of my life, I don’t think I would have ever found the courage to do this. And I am beyond thankful that I’m here now.

And in one of the best bits of good news I’ve ever had, Kyle is going away for a long time. I was terrified that the authorities weren’t going to do enough about it, but the law actually stepped up and protected the little guy this time.

The little guy being my family and me.

Kyle is going to prison for at least twenty years, which is remarkable. But the jerk crossed state lines and assaulted both Brooks and me with the intent to kidnap me.

That’s a big deal.

With the stalking, intimidation, and numerous fraud and racketeering charges also levied against him, Kyle was screwed. He wouldn’t be bothering anyone again.

Knowing he was in jail also allowed me to go back to New York and make a proper exit. I said goodbye to some old friends and coworkers, explaining the situation. And I was able to have one last in-person meeting with the clients who requested it.

Cleaning up my apartment had been a bittersweet goodbye, too. I was so ready to begin my life in the country with Brooks, but I had to admit to myself that I’d made a lot of memories there.

Still, a lot of those memories had to do with the man who’d been so cruel to me, who tried to kidnap me and do Lord knows what with me.

Red Lodge would be so much better for never seeing him again, and I would be so much happier living here, more so than I ever had been in New York.

I know that staying was the best decision I’ve ever made. This is my home now, and it’s with the people who I love more than anything.

Hell, we even get together once a week to have dinner with my dad. It’s so damn quaint, and I will not feel bad for admitting how much I love it.

It’s certainly been a challenge running my business, taking care of Darby, and going through the trial to convict Kyle, but Brooks has been at my side every step of the way.

I love him so much.

And there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t feel as loved and cherished. Both Brooks and Darby do an excellent job of making me feel appreciated.

Especially during performances.

“Thank you, everyone! I’ll see y’all next time!” I wave, then run off the stage to the side where Rosie is waiting for me.

“Another killer set. Well done, Clover.” She looks over to where Brooks and Darby are cheering. “You have quite the celebration committee over there.”

“I do, don’t I?” I smile over at them and then give Rosie a hug. “I’m off, okay? I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“Bright and early for coffee.” She squeezes me back. “Catch ya later.”

As I sprint to where my people are standing front and center before the stage, I’m wearing the biggest smile. Brooks catches me in his arms as I leap into them.

“You were amazing.” I go up on my tiptoes as he stares down at me, kissing him. “Another flawless performance.”

“Good job, Clover!”

Looking down at Darby, I give him a smile, taking his cheek and running my thumb up and down his skin.

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