Page 89 of Every Promise Broken

Today marks exactly one year since Whit and I got back together, and while I’ve wanted to do this for a while, it was important to Whit that we took things slow, so alas, I’ve waited. But I’m not waiting anymore. It’s time.

I shake my head. “It’s new, but I used diamonds from my mom’s wedding ring to put in this one.”

“Shit, he’s going to love this. Good job, man.” Glancing up, he asks, “When are you going to do it?”

“After we eat, maybe?” I say with a shrug. “Are you sure it’s okay that we do this here? Today is about you guys and Hattie. I don’t want to impose.”

“Knock it off, old man.” Shooter hands me the ring box back, and I slip it into my pocket for safekeeping. “Today is your anniversary and we’re all here. It’s the perfect time. Everybody is going to want to be present anyway, you know that.”

“Fine, if you’re sure.”

“I am. Now, help me get the grill ready while I get the meat prepped.”

The next hour passes by in a breeze as I work the grill, cooking up the burgers and dogs for everybody. Whit, Grady, and Xander prep the side dishes while the rest of the guys watch the game on the TV, and Suzy sits on the couch, holding Hattie, looking like she’s in heaven. She doesn’t even want to put her down when it’s time to eat, but eventually she does, and we all sit around the living room—because there’s way too many of us to fit around their dining room table—and scarf down our lunch.

My insides are in knots the closer we get to finishing. This isn’t the first time I’ve proposed to Whit, and I know he’s going to say yes, so I’m not sure why I’m so damn nervous. This past year of having him back has been nothing short of incredible. It hasn’t been perfect, but we’re definitely in a much better place than we were when we were married the first time. Our communication is infinitely better, we’re in couples therapy once a month, which surprisingly isn’t as bad as I thought it would be, and as of two months ago, he sold his house and moved back into the ranch with me and nana, who now lives in Copper Lake full time.

After we finish eating, Boone, Cope, and Colt clean everything up, and as soon as they’re finished and join us in the living room again, Shooter gives me alook, and I know it’s time.My heart beats erratically, my throat tightening, and my mouth dries as I stand up and take a few steadying breaths.

The room falls silent as all eyes, including Whit’s, come to me. Reaching into my pocket, I grab the box, pulling it out before dropping onto one knee in front of him. Whit’s breath catches in his throat as he watches me with wide, curious eyes, a blush already taking over his cheeks and neck.

“Wh-what are you doing?” he whispers, eyes alternating between my face and the box in my hand.

“I love you,” I start.

“I love you too, Connie,” he murmurs cautiously.

“We’ve been here before, and there was a time in my life when I never thought we’d find ourselves here again. You are the only person I’ve ever been in love with, the only person I will ever be in love with. You are the better part of my soul, and having you by my side has made me a better man. You never let me take myself too seriously, and you’re always making me laugh. I’m constantly in awe of the man you’ve become over the years. Life is a beautiful journey with you in it, and I never want to experience another day without you by my side.”

Wiping a hand over his wet cheeks, he smiles through the tears.

I open the velvet box, presenting it to him. “Whittaker Bowman, will you please do me the absolute honor of being my husband, again?”

More tears fall as he nods. “Yes, of course, I will.”

My vision blurs as I slip the ring on his finger, our friends around us clapping and cheering as quietly as they can as to not disturb Hattie, and as soon as the ring is on, Whit’s in my arms, squeezing me tightly as his shoulders shake.

“I love you,” he murmurs against my ear. “I love you so damn much, Conrad Strauss.”

“I love you more than anything, Whit. Thank you for coming back to me, for letting me love you, and for loving me.”

“Alright,” Shooter calls out. “Now, don’t forget to name me in your vows. You know, since I’m the reason you two got back together.”

Whit laughs, pulling back.

“That’s not what happened,” I deadpan, brow arched as I look over at the pain in my ass who I can’t help but love like family.

Shooter smirks at me. “Whatever you say.”

Whit and I share a glance, my chest swelling as I take in the man who will soon once again be my husband.

How the hell did I get so lucky?

WHIT’S EPILOGUE

Seven Months Later

My eyes are already full of unshed tears, and we’ve barely begun. While I stand here, gazing into Conrad’s eyes in front of all our friends and family, my heart skips a beat as I take him in. His red-rimmed eyes, his beard that he trimmed specifically for today, how dapper he looks in his tuxedo. He steals my breath away.

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