Epilogue

They pulled into the long gravel driveway, heading toward the single story brick house surrounded on all sides by pastures and hayfields. Memories assailed him even though it had been years since he had visited his parents or their home. Familiar fields where he and Dillon had played baseball and chase. Where livestock had grazed for as long as he could remember. Mom would place a pitcher of sun tea out on the porch early so it would be ready for lunch. They hauled hay in the summer, helped feed that same hay to the livestock in winter when over a foot of snow closed roads and school for the day.

This was home.

Dillon had called them earlier in the week, serving as a go-between once more. His parents wanted a small family get-together with their sons. Not since before the divorce had that happened. The time had come to lay the past behind them and step ahead into the future, which included reuniting with his parents, or at least trying to. Dillon was right in that regard, although he didn’t dare tell his younger brother that. His head was big enough already.

Unfortunately, Dillon had also told Lily. She’d lectured him more than once on the importance of parents in his life, even as an adult, making him feel guilty when she mentioned how much she wished her mother was still alive, so he could meet her. She didn’t nag. It wasn’t her style. Besides, those stories of love and missing her departed mother had proved much more effective in relaying her message. They’d cut through his defenses as nothing else could.

He’d tried to ignore her, but she had placed Operation Parent Reunion at the top of her to do list. She’d cajoled, lectured, sweet-talked, and had finally swayed him with all her prodding. He couldn’t deny her anything she wanted. That fact would terrify him with anyone else. Lily possessed an innate honesty and compassion that earned and kept his trust while her unquestioned love made him strive to keep her happy. She did so much for him, gave him so much. He sought ways to repay her for all those little moments of joy only she could provide.

Cale had sucked it up and phoned his parents a few days before. They had only spoken for a few minutes, but his mother had sounded hopeful and excited to hear from him. His father had concurred, in his gruffer manner. Since his father had spent his early medical career as an Army physician before leaving to pursue private practice, gruffness and orders were simply a part of the man. It had been that way as long as he could remember.

When his mother had invited him out the following weekend, he’d immediately agreed, promising to bring Lily along. As if he could leave her at home. Lily would’ve moped even as she understood his reasons. However, his mother had refused to be denied the opportunity to meet Lily after Dillon had sung her praises to them. His father, short on words, would expect an introduction, wanting to assess Lily for himself.

It was a start and he really hoped a springboard for the future. He had missed his family, more so as he realized the important things in life were more than a paycheck and a sniper rifle. Dillon had filled in the gaps over the past few years, but now he wanted more.

Carson had offered to look after the girls while they were gone for an extended weekend. Lily had fretted about leaving them alone—after all, none of them had ever spent a night without her. But Casey had reassured her that between her and Carson, the cats would be well cared for and wouldn’t miss a single meal.

Of course, Tally came along for the trip. The German shepherd had made great progress in her shyness and fears, blossoming under Lily’s patient touch. She now ran and played, chasing a ball until whose arm grew tired. Though still frightened of loud noises, a spark had returned to her eyes, replacing the dull, hopeless expression of before. Cale placed the credit squarely on Lily. With love, she showed the dog that happiness and fun still existed, she only needed a bit of trust and belief.

Lily refused to leave her alone, even with Carson looking in on them. One thunderstorm without someone there could send Tally backwards, she’d argued, losing all the hard-won progress. Lily made it a requirement, even if they needed to stay at a local hotel. Luckily, his parents understood and extended the offer to Tally, as well. They’d always had dogs growing up, so it wasn’t a big inconvenience to them. Animals were the center of his parents’ life on the ranch. One well-behaved dog following alongside could easily be accepted, even happily welcomed.

Nearing the house, Lily discovered a small group of horses standing near the east fence, close to the driveway. “Oh, my. Look! Aren’t they gorgeous?”

No sooner had Cale cut the engine on the SUV, than Lily threw the passenger door open. She dashed over to the fence, already talking to the small herd that quickly gathered around her, curious and probably looking for treats. A bold colored stallion nudged to the front, stretching his head over the fence. His white hide with brown spots sparkled in the morning sun. As he watched, Lily reached out, scratching the horse’s forehead as he leaned in for more, ears and body relaxed, a look of equine contentment if he’d ever seen one.

Cale could only shake his head—whether bulls or stallions, Lily turned them all into big babies.

The squeak of a screen door drew his attention. His parents walked toward him, both wearing jeans and sweatshirts.

“Cale! I’m so happy to see you!” His mother hugged him tightly before stepping back, beaming at him with a wide smile. Her dark hair bore more silver steaks than the last time he had seen her, but she remained as always, beautiful and dignified.

His father offered his hand, grinning when Cale shook it without hesitation. “Good to see you, son.”

“You, too, Dad.” Cale noticed his father’s hair held more gray and his jeans had probably increased a belt notch, but otherwise, he had changed as little as his mother.

He searched his father’s eyes, trying to locate the harbored resentment and anger. If there was any, he couldn’t detect it.

“Is that Lily?” His father gestured toward the pasture where she stood petting horses with Tally sitting dutifully beside her. The dog had bolted out of the car right behind Lily, never wanting Lily out of her sight. A stuffed turtle dog toy hung from either side of her mouth. Tally had latched onto the thing as soon as Lily had brought it home a couple of weeks before. Since then, she’d carried it everywhere she went and slept with it every night. Her version of a security blanket, they’d decided.

His father’s question didn’t really surprise him. Although he had spoken to his parents a couple of times recently, Dillon remained the major source of information between the two parties. Obviously, his little brother had filled them in about Lily and their relationship. Knowing Dillon’s penchant for yapping, Cale would expect his parents to know pretty much everything about Lily and how he felt about her.

“Yeah, that’s her. The one enamored with your herd stallion.”

“She’s got a good eye for studs.” His father answered shrewdly. A low snort followed.

“Hal!” His mother lightly smacked her husband in the arm. “Good grief.”

Cale chuckled, noting his father did as well. He relaxed his shoulders, feeling for the first time that things just might work out between them. It was a good start, at least. Much better than he’d feared.

“I’ve got to get the boxes out of the car.”

“Boxes?” His mother shot him a look of bewilderment. “I told Dillon we didn’t need anything. Just to bring yourselves.”

“Lily wanted to cook something and bring it with us, insisting we couldn’t just show up without a contribution to the dinner table. She decided she could bake better than cook and spent hours figuring out what to prepare. We brought homemade bread, cinnamon rolls, and a couple of pies.”

“Oh, my. That’s enough to fatten everyone up for winter.” She brought a hand up to rest on her chest.

Cale grinned. “Yeah, she kept hoping that Dad wouldn’t turn up diabetic before we arrived, just in case.”

His father rolled his eyes at that, while he continued to watch Lily pamper the stallion.

As if feeling eyes on her, Lily turned to them. Blushing prettily, she slowly walked in their direction, chewing on her bottom lip the whole way.

“Seems a bit nervous,” his father pointed out.

Cale followed his father’s gaze. “She’s a bit like the shepherd. Brave, dedicated, loyal, and would lay down her life for someone she loves. For all that, she’s a little uncertain of new people and their acceptance of her.” His words trailed off as she stepped up.

After confiding to Lily about his past, Cale had understood her hesitancy in meeting his parents. She was so afraid they wouldn’t like her. She’d told him more than once that she didn’t want to ruin his second chance, but insisted he go visit, mend the old hurts, and regain parental support. He’d reassured her over and over again that they would simply adore her, just like everyone else. Everyone knew that to be true but Lily. Hopefully, today would prove all her fears unfounded.

He wrapped an arm around her waist. “Mom. Dad. This is Lily. Lily, these are my parents, Hal and Linda.”

“We’re so happy to finally meet you,” Linda gushed as Lily shook hands with both of his parents.

“Me, too.”

Cale pulled her against his side. “Maybe we should get those baked goods?”

Lily grinned widely. “Oh, good idea.” She stepped after him, then paused to look back at his parents. “I hope you find something you like. I wasn’t sure what to bring, so I just brought a little of everything.”

Cale pulled the biggest cardboard box from the back of the SUV after handing Lily the smaller one.

Linda peeked inside Lily’s box. “Oh, my. It looks like you prepared to feed an army.”

“Well, Cale did say Dillon was coming,” Lily tossed out tartly, following his mother toward the house.

Chuckles filled the air. It was no secret Dillon ate like the world would soon run out of food and he intended to stock up before that happened. Only his high metabolism and constant exercise prevented him from carrying an extra hundred pounds in body weight.

Linda led Lily to the side door, holding it open for the younger woman. Tally hopped along on her three legs with ease of practice, keeping pace with her mistress. She, too, snuck through the open door with her ever-present green toy, wagging her tail at his mother in thanks.

Cale started after them only to be stopped by his father’s voice.

“Son.” One hand combed through his dark hair while he sucked in a breath. “Look, I know we’ve had our issues in the past.”

Cale nodded, his gut clenching with anticipation of what would come next. He really wanted this to work. His father was his mentor, his hero when he was younger. The black hole caused by his ex-wife had torn a wound inside that begged for repair.

“I like that girl. Anyone that can take on an ornery, old cuss and make him happy as a dog with a big bone is all right in my book.” He slapped Cale on the back. His smile extended into his eyes, making the blue irises, so like his own, glimmer.

Leave it to his father to be most impressed with Lily’s ability to soothe the nastiest-tempered beast. He assumed his father spoke of the Appaloosa stud in the pasture. But, the twinkle in his father’s eye made him realize that his father could easily have meant him, too.

He shook his head at the backhanded compliment, returning his father’s amused grin. You have to read between the lines with him. Relief flowed over him at the warm reception. He never knew how much his father’s acceptance meant to him until he lost it. Now, thanks to Lily, he had it back. It couldn’t have been better in his opinion. Old hurts still remained, but he pushed past them, just thankful that his father had the gumption to forgive him.

“Take my advice and marry that one.”

Cale blew out a breath. “I’m thinking about it, Dad. Really thinking about it.”

“Good to know. I always knew you were smart.” With a light smack on the back, his father guided him toward the house.

Perhaps his father was right after all. She had wormed her way under his skin, into his heart, and each day made him smile and crave those sweet hands on his body.

Cale had been a true beast of a man before Lily had tamed him with sheer kindness, compassion, and something more. So much more.

He’d gleefully spend the rest of his life in the glow of their love. For dreams occasionally do come true.