SAVANNAH
Four Months Later
Life is wonderful. Long before the day I lost my mother, I was alone in the world, but I didn’t wallow in it. She was never a real parent to me—neither of them could stop being selfish long enough to care about me or what I needed. In truth, I didn’t know any better. It wasn’t until I came to Kingsbury Falls that I realized what I’d been missing. The moment I met Jax, he triggered a chain reaction inside me. Suddenly, nothing else mattered—I wanted this life… with him.
I could never have imagined how much my life would change in such a short period of time. I went from being an only child with absent parents to being a sister, granddaughter, aunt, and most importantly, a fiancée. For the first time in my life, I feel loved and wanted and needed.
Jax has been working eighteen-hour days for weeks now, and I’m acutely aware of his absence in our apartment. I’d never tell him that I lie awake every night, not because I can’t sleep, but because I can’t sleep without him. He’s been crashing at the ranch when he works late, and the days he’s at college, he’s always playing catch-up. Our time together is limited, but I know it’s going to pay off. When I sit in the audience on graduation day and cheer him on as he walks that stage and becomes a qualified vet, I’ll be beaming with pride.
Today is a rare joy—Jax wants me to meet him at the spot where we were engaged. We haven’t been back since that night, and I’m excited to go to my favorite place on the ranch. I’ve been giddy all day waiting for my workday to finish and go home. I want to look nice for my husband-to-be.
We’ve set a date for the wedding, but Jax would have a quick, no fuss ceremony at the courthouse if I’d let him. Not that he doesn’t want a beautiful wedding, but he just wants to be married already. I understand—I want that, too, but I need to do this properly. It’s only going to happen once, and I want to walk down the aisle to the man of my dreams, so today marks one year to the day until we become man and wife. I’m almost certain that’s why Jax wants to go to the creek tonight.
A.B. has been on my ass all day texting me in between patients asking how I’m going to wear my hair and suggesting outfits for my date. She’s never been interested before, so I’m thinking Jax has something special planned for us. As soon as her afternoon clinic is finished, she turns up at the apartment.
“What are you doing here?”
“Helping you get ready, of course!” She brushes straight past me to my bedroom. The covers are still messy from Jax’s version of a morning wake-up call. “Oh, you guys were getting nasty before work. Nice.” She lacks boundaries now that we’re sisters.
“I thought you were ‘helping’ me with all the texts today. I can dress myself.”
“I know, but I wanted to see you before you go. Do you want me to do your hair?”
“This is how I’m wearing it.” She rolls her eyes and perches on the end of the bed.
“Oh. It looks lovely.”
“Jax likes my hair in a ponytail. He says it’s good to grab hold of.” I give her a sly wink before disappearing into my closet.
“Too much information! He’s like my brother.”
“You started it!”
A.B. means well, but she’s making me nervous. I try on four outfits before I emerge.
“Oh, my God. Sav, you look fantastic. Jax is going to die when he sees you in that dress.”
“Can’t you give me a hint of what he’s got planned?”
“No! He’d have my guts for garters. Anyway, are you going to give him his surprise tonight?” I point to the box on the nightstand—wrapped in a pretty white bow.
“I sure am. I can’t wait to see his face when he opens it.”
“I’m so excited!”
“Just make sure my brother doesn’t come anywhere near the creek. Last time Jax and I were there, things got… heated. I’m hoping for a reenactment tonight.”
“Girl, I have my own hot plans. You’re not the only one who’s excited for them to be taking a night off. I love all the new expansions for the ranch, but I need some adult time with my husband. Don’t worry about him, I’ll keep him busy.”
Butterflies take flight in my stomach as A.B. drives the familiar road back to Mustang. My legs are restless jostling the gift box in my lap.
“Are you sure I look okay?”
“You look amazing. Calm down.”
“You’re the one who made me nervous.” She reaches for my hand.
“I’m sorry. I’m just so happy for both of you, and I’m excited that a year from today, you’ll be Mrs. Savannah McKinney.” I squeeze her tight—the prospect of my future with Jax making my heart beat faster.
* * *
As Mustang comes into view, my nerves disappear. This place has become home, and wherever Jax is—that’s where I want to be. I can’t wait to see him even though we saw each other this morning. Pulling into the driveway, I’m aware that something is different. Jax is standing on the front porch waiting for me.
A.B. slides out of the driver’s seat and heads into the house without a word. Jax strolls toward me with his inately confident swagger making my insides come alive with anticipation of a wild, passionate night. He opens the door for me with a wry smile and a single red rose.
“Hey, darlin’.” His jaw drops as I step out of the truck. “Wow. You look… phenomenal.”
“You’re looking very handsome tonight.” He hands me the rose but spies the gift on the front seat.
“What are you hiding in there?” I grab the box and clutch it tight to my chest.
“It’s a surprise… for later.”
“Well, I have a surprise for you first. Come with me.” He peels one of my hands from the gift, linking his fingers through mine. The field is lined with lights forming a path in the direction of the creek—it’s breathtaking.
“Jax… this is… I’m speechless.”
“This isn’t the best part.” The excitement in his eyes is so endearing. He’s like a kid at Christmas. “Let’s go.” The enchanting pathway continues through the trees and into the next field.
“How long did it take you to do all this?”
“You’re worth every second.” He wraps his arm around my shoulder pulling me into his side as we lazily stroll in the moonlight. “A year from now you’ll be walking down the aisle to me.” Warmth spreads throughout my body.
“I won’t be walking, I’ll be running.” His body is shaking—almost imperceptible—but I’m so attuned to his every move. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Why would you ask?”
“You’re shaking.”
“I’m a little nervous.”
“About getting married?” I hold my breath concerned that he’s not going to be happy when he opens this gift.
“Hell no! I’d marry you tomorrow.”
“Then what’s wrong?” We step out into the south field. Lights surround us all the way down to the creek. I’m lost for words. The spot where he proposed is unrecognizable. My eyes fill with tears unable to contain the emotion welling inside me. “Oh, my God, Jackson.”
“Every single day I want us to look out over the spot where you changed my life. I want to carry you over the threshold the night of our wedding. We’ll sit out on the porch swing together as we sing lullabies to our children. And, when we’re old and gray, we can watch our grandkids splash in the creek as the sun sets over the horizon. I’m so excited to build a life with you, Savannah, so I built you this house.” The gift I’ve been clutching the entire way here drops into the grass as I clasp my hands over my mouth to stop the sobs from escaping. My heart is pounding so hard, I can hear it pulsing in my ears.
“How… when?”
“Maddox and I have been working night and day since the moment you agreed to be my wife.”
“Jackson. I can’t believe you did this for me.”
“We picked this spot the morning before you brought me here. I knew the moment you suggested this place that I’d made the right decision, and when you said yes, it only strengthened my resolve.”
“It’s so beautiful.”
“Come with me. I want to show you the inside.” I follow him through the sea of lights and up the front steps to our house. I stand in awe as he twists the handle and opens a stunning set of double doors.
“Welcome home, Savannah.” I can barely see through the haze of tears that continue to flow as I take in my surroundings. Every detail is flawless. A wide-open living space with a wall of windows looking out over the creek. The most amazing kitchen I’ve ever seen, and a winding staircase with an intricate wooden balustrade. I’m trying to take it all in, but there’s so much to see, and I can’t believe my eyes.
“It’s… more than I could ever dream.”
“Do you like it?”
“I love it. I… this is our home? You and me?” He lifts his hand to caress my cheek before brushing his lips against mine.
“Forever.”
“I love you.”
“I love you, too. Now, let me show you the rest of the house.” I spend hours taking in every detail of every room. There are five bedrooms upstairs, each more astounding than the last. By the time we head back downstairs, he can barely contain his excitement. “Time to show you our room.” He leads me into the hallway before standing behind me. “Open it.”
“I’m not sure my tear ducts can take it. This entire house is everything I could ask for and more. It’s so… us. You haven’t missed a single detail. It’s like it’s a living, breathing extension of who we are together and everything we can be in the future.”
“Go inside. I want you to see where I’m going to make love to you every night.” I’m trembling as I reach out my hand and turn the doorknob. When I step inside, my lungs constrict as I gasp in wonder. Imagine a place that embodies soft, sensual serenity. It’s a haven in the chaos of life—a retreat for Jax and me to be alone in our little corner of the world.
“How did you keep this a secret? I’m here on the ranch every day.”
“With great difficulty. I’ve been dying to tell you every time I look at you. It’s been killing me to keep it from you because I want to share everything about my day with you, but I needed to do this for you… for us.” I wrap my arms around his neck, my lips finding his in an all-consuming, earth-shattering kiss.
“Thank you. There are no words to describe how I feel right now. Thank you doesn’t even come close.”
“You’re welcome, darlin’. You know I’d do anything for you.”
“Can I ask you to do one more thing?” His low raspy chuckle is sexy as hell.
“Just name it.”
“I dropped your surprise in the field. Can you get it and bring it in here?”
“Sure.” With a swift peck on the cheek, he heads outside. I walk back through to the living room mesmerized by the stunning vista laid out before me. The view is just unbelievable. While Jax is outside, I try to compose myself taking a few deep breaths focusing on the feeling of my lungs expanding and contracting.
The minutes drag on as I wait for him to return, anxious to see him open the box. When he strides through the door with a grin on his face, my heart swells with more love than I ever thought possible.
“Before you open it, I just want to tell you how much I love you and how blessed I feel to have found you. You’re the love of my life.”
He carefully unties the ribbon and opens the lid. His eyes widen as he removes the tiny trinket.
“Is this what I think it is?” He looks to me for confirmation.
“Yes.” He runs his hand through his hair, his facial expression astounded.
“I’m going to need to hear you say it. I won’t believe it until you say the words.”
“I’m pregnant, Jax. You’re going to be a daddy.” He stares at the tiny framed ultrasound picture in silence. “Are you happy?”
“Are you kidding me?” He places the frame on the table next to him before sweeping me up into his arms. “I’ve never been happier.” His lips descend on mine in a gentle kiss—soft and protective but urgent and passionate. “How far along are you?”
“Four months. We conceived him the night you proposed.”
“Him?” His eyes light up sparkling brighter than the stars in the sky.
“It’s a boy.”