Epilogue

Two months later…

 

“I CAN’T BELIEVE it! You’re married!” Alice wrapped her arms around Peggy. “The day was perfect, and you, my friend, are beautiful.”

“Thank you for everything. And hey, I won’t be a spinster after all.”

They giggled and hugged again.

“I can’t believe you invited Marsha Mayfield.” Alice scowled in Marsha’s direction.

“Daddy insisted after he became Larry’s beef supplier. I guess Merle secured the deal without needing me to kiss up to her.”

“Merle is a great man.”

“He’s the best.” Peggy sought him out. As if he felt her eyes on him, Merle looked directly at her. “I’m nervous about tonight.”

“Tonight?”

Peggy hiked a brow.

“Ooh, tonight. S-E-X,” Alice whispered.

“Yes, that.”

“You mean you two haven’t done it, already?”

“Are you kidding? The night Merle declared his feelings for me and kissed me for the first time, it heated way up. We got hot and bothered fast and nearly burned the house down. Afterward, Merle refused to be alone with me. Why do you think he looks at me the way he does?”

“I did notice a hungry look in his eyes.”

“Yeah, well…” Peggy fanned her face. “He’s not the only one…” She looked away from Merle, giggling some more. “We should not be talking about this!”

“I guess not. Was it me or did it look like Marsha’s stomach isn’t so flat anymore?”

“I wasn’t you. I know it isn’t. Merle overheard one of the waitresses at Larry’s Diner say she had a bun in the oven.”

Alice gaped. “What?”

“Yup. I can’t imagine who might be the father. There must be at least a dozen possibilities.”

Alice cleared her throat.

Strong arms encircled Peggy’s waist.

“Ready to leave, wife?”

“Been ready, husband.”

“Don’t worry about a thing here. I’ve got it covered,” Alice said, smiling. “I’m so happy for both of you!”

“We appreciate your help,” Peggy said, leaning against Merle. “I’ll call you next week.”

“Will you have time? I mean, you’re a married woman now.”

“I’m also married to a rancher, who works from sunup to sundown. I’ll have plenty of time to call you.”

Merle laughed and whispered, “Let’s go…” Gently, he tugged her away.

Peggy waved bye to Alice as they made their way out to their Chevy Impala.

Her daddy appeared, a broad smile on his face. Since Merle had proposed, he’d smiled a lot more. It was easy to see he was thrilled about their union.

“Leaving?”

“Yes. Thank you for everything, Daddy.” Peggy hugged him tightly. “I’ve felt Mama here all day,” she whispered in his ear.

“Me too.”

“Sir.” Merle nodded with his hand out. “Thank you.”

“Merle, call me Dad. It’s done my heart good, seeing my little girl happy and in love.”

“Marrying Peggy has been the best thing to ever happen to me. I’m the luckiest man in the world.”

“Aww.” Peggy snuggled close to him. “I love you, Merle.”

“Well, I won’t keep you kids. Speaking of kids…” Her daddy’s eyes twinkled. “Anytime you want to make me a grandad, I’m ready.”

“Daddy!” Peggy buried her face in Merle’s chest, her face so hot it might melt off.

Merle laughed, playfully pinching her waist. Last week, he’d declared he wanted to make a baby on their wedding night. For as frisky as he’d been the last few days, she was sure their wedding night was all he could think of. It was certainly the only thing occupying her mind.

“All right, all right.” Her daddy chortled. “Didn’t mean to embarrass you, Peggy dear.”

“I’ll just say this.” She gazed into Merle’s loving eyes. “We’re open to a baby anytime.”

 

THE END

 

 

Did you enjoy Merle and Peggy's sweet love story? Their son, Conway's story is just as sweet with a little heat in Conflicted Hearts, a prequel to the Harts of Idaho series.

 

Preorder your copy TODAY!

 

CONFLICTED HEARTS

 

An ultimatum is given. Will family come before love?

 

Western Nebraska, 1995. When cattle rancher, Conway Hart collides with a gorgeous brunette, sparks fly. A casual fling with a sweet and sassy woman might be just what he needs, but he is short on time and not looking for love.

 

Elise Gordon is not falling for looks alone with the irresistibly handsome rancher. She wants a commitment, not a casual fling. When at her wit’s end, Elise decides to tell Conway to take a flying leap

 

But she has it all wrong. Conway wants her and only her.

 

Passion blooms quickly. Happiness abounds... Until it all comes crashing down. When Elise’s past intersects with her future, hearts are left reeling. A family may be divided.

 

Will Conway and Elise’s love survive, or will family loyalties tear them apart?