Jared grabbed his suitcase from baggage claim and rushed to his truck. He paid for his long-term parking on the way out, then stopped at the nearest convenience store for an energy drink. An hour of sleep before his mad rush of connecting flights left his body worn. His mind, however, was on full alert.

As soon as he’d read Sybil’s last text, he couldn’t get home fast enough. He’d moved his flight to the first available to Jacksonville, even though that meant the inconvenience of multiple stops. He considered it worth every extra dollar he’d spent to make it happen.

He guzzled his drink, shed the heavy winter coat he’d needed in Wyoming but not here, then went straight to Sybil’s house. Her car wasn’t there, and no one answered when he knocked.

Then he remembered she’d be at church. It was Sunday morning after all.

What’s another hour when I’ve waited months?

A light breeze blew, sending unpleasant scents to his nostril. He cringed as it dawned on him those smells came from him. He hadn’t showered since yesterday morning, had spent that afternoon at the ranch, and on his final leg this morning had sat next to a man who apparently transferred his days’ old filth to Jared by mere proximity.

Seconds ago, disappointment had filled him when he realized he’d have to wait for Sybil, but that soon changed to gratitude. She deserved better than to have him show up for this important moment smelling like a barn mixed with a gym.

He hopped back in his truck and went home. Showered and changed into a fresh pair of clothes. The occasion called for more than the worn jeans and sweatshirt he’d had on before. He pulled on a pair of tan cotton pants and a navy sweater. A compromise between dressy and casual.

The minutes ticked slowly by as he waited for the time the service usually ended. Finally, he returned to Sybil’s house, walking this time. He waited on her front steps, then stood when he saw her car.

If she noticed him, she didn’t let on. It looked like she was singing along to the radio. Before she got out of the car, she leaned over the passenger seat and grabbed something. She walked towards him but didn’t see him until she was several feet away.

She froze in her tracks. “You’re home.”

“Surprise.” He shrugged and waved his hands slightly in an open gesture.

“I didn’t think you were coming in until tomorrow.”

“I couldn’t wait until then.”

Her mouth formed an O.

“You asked a question, that can only be answered in person.” He stepped toward her. Again. And again, until he stood in front of her. He touched her arm then reached her hands. “The answer is yes, I’ll teach you about forever.”

Moisture built in her eyes. “I thought you’d changed your mind when you didn’t respond.”

“Never.” He lowered to one knee, still holding one of her hands. “When it’s forever, we commit to love each other through the good times and bad. We know we’ll hit hard patches, but we promise to work through them and fight for our forever. We’ll anticipate the big moments but cherish the everyday ones. We’ll laugh and cry together on each other’s shoulder. We won’t be perfect, but we’ll show mutual respect and practice forgiveness and grace. We’ll do life as a family and raise our children in a house full of love. We’ll pray together and keep God as our focus.”

“Jared,” she whispered.

He pulled a ring from his pocket. “I asked you once, but for the wrong reasons. I’m asking you again, this time out of love. Will you marry me and be with me forever?”

“I never knew forever existed, but then I met you, and you broke through my defenses.” She sniffled and wiped her eyes with her forearm. “You’ve shown me that love is patient, kind, and doesn’t ask for anything in return. It took you leaving for a few days to make me admit it, but I love you. Yes, I’ll marry you, and move with you to Wyoming to start our family.”

Standing to his feet, he slipped the ring on her finger. She didn’t glance down but kept her eyes on his, and he fell more in love with her. Their love had taken an unconditional path and had a happy ending they didn’t deserve, but God’s mercy shined down on them.

His arms wrapped around her, needing her touch after too long apart. “I love you.”

If he lived to be a hundred, he’d never stop spending his days showing her.

At some point, they moved inside. Sybil was about to show him the decorating she’d done when something she said clicked in his head.

He stopped in the opening to the living room, furrowed his brows, and tilted his head. “Did you say you’d move to Wyoming with me?”

She nodded and smiled. “I could see how much it meant to you, and I want our daughter to have family nearby.”

“You’d give up your job?”

“I like it well enough, but I also like the idea of staying home for a few years.” She slid her arm around his waist and rested her head on her shoulder. “If our marriage is to succeed, I can’t bring my fears with me, and that means trusting you.”

His heart swelled, and he wondered if she realized the gift she’d given him. “I won’t let you down. And if you want to stay home, then I support you.”

“I’ve thought a lot about it, and I’d like to take online classes and work toward a degree.” She lifted her head to look at him. “When Brilyn is older, I’d like to return to work. Not because I want to be financially independent, but I want to make a difference in other people’s lives. I’m not sure how yet, but I figure I have time to figure that out.”

“You’ll do great at anything you do.” He tugged her even closer to him. “I have faith in you.”

Her smile said it all. “I have one request.”

“Your wish is my command.” He grinned, then broke away to bow.

“I’d like to be married before the baby comes.”

That surprised him, but he wouldn’t argue—her request suited him just fine. “Tell me a date, and we’ll make it happen.”

“January twentieth.”

He cocked his head. “Any special reason why?”

“You told me that’s your great-grandparents anniversary and they were married seventy years.” Her bashful smile that he’d come to love appeared. “I thought it would be a good way to honor them.”

Stunned that she’d remembered that tidbit and touched by her sentiment, he fought against the emotions pooling in his chest and throat. “January twentieth would be a great day to get married. And that gives us three weeks before Brilyn’s entrance to the world.”

She bit down on her lower lip. “Here or Wyoming? When did you plan to move?”

“Here, if that’s okay. My contract doesn’t expire until April, and I feel obligated to fulfill it.”

“Good.” Her chest fell with a relieved sigh. “I would have gone now if that’s what you wanted, but I’d really like to stay with my same doctor for the delivery.”

“Of course.” He dusted a kiss on her forehead. “Should I call my mom and Cara and tell them to book their flight?”

“Will they mind that it’s so soon?”

His laughter ended in a snort. “Not one iota. They can’t wait to meet you.”

Her shoulders shrank into her, revealing a glimpse of the old, insecure Sybil. “Are they upset I got pregnant how I did?”

He shook his head slowly. “Did I ever tell you about my great-great-grandmother Tallie?”

“No.”

“Most of the Scott family that’s still around consider her the matriarch of the clan. She was pregnant and never married when she met my great-great-grandfather.” He brushed a hand over her hair. “Our pasts don’t define us, and my family is well aware of that. They’ll adopt you right into the fold.”

She drew a long breath then exhaled. “This is insane … but it’s the best crazy I’ve ever experienced.”

He couldn’t stop his laughter. “That’s an interesting way to put it.”

“Come on.” She tugged at his sleeve. “I want to show you all I did, and then we’ll sit down and figure out all the details.”