could hardly think straight. “I’ve always felt something was missing in my life. I thought it was because of my childhood. I thought it was because I never knew my father. In a sense, that’s true. I missed knowing Beau as a boy, having his guidance and love, but I’ve come to realize I’ve also missed this place. Look Away and Texas. It feels right being here, with you. I’ve known only city life, but now that I’m here, I don’t want to leave. I’m going to work it out so that I can stay closer to my family. The company is in good hands. I can run it long-distance.”
“You’re staying?” The hope in Ruby’s voice swelled his heart.
“I want to, yes. I hear there are some pretty nice ranches for sale close by.” Brooks rose with Ruby still in his arms. Her warmth mingled with his, and as soon as he lowered her down and her feet touched the floor, he felt the loss. “I went to your place looking for you. And nearly died when I couldn’t find you.”
“I had a surprise for you, Brooks.”
“Having you here was the best surprise I could ever hope for,” he said. And then he dropped to one knee and gazed into a pair of astonished eyes as firelight caressed her beautiful face. “Ruby Lopez, I promise to love and cherish and yeah, probably protect you for the rest of my life. I can’t help it. I’ll always be your Galahad.” He fished inside his pocket for the wedding ring he’d brought with him from Chicago, a diamond ring that had once been his Grandma Gerty’s. It was all he had left of the woman who’d taken his family in during a precarious time in their lives.
Brooks held up the ring, and it glistened under the firelight. Clearing his throat, he presented it to her and said, “Ruby, this ring was given to me by my grandmother. She told me one day I’d give it to a special woman. That day has come, sweetheart. I want to give you this ring and along with it, my heart and soul. I ask that you do me the honor of marrying me. Ruby, will you be my wife?”
Tears spilled from Ruby’s eyes, raining down her face without warning. Brooks held his breath, hoping they were happy tears. “I went to Beau and asked for his blessing, Ruby. I asked him for your hand in marriage, and he was touched and happy for us.”
“Oh, Brooks,” she said, grasping his wrists as he rose. “That’s the sweetest thing...”
Facing her now, he stared into her eyes, waiting patiently for her answer. “Ruby?”
She began nodding quickly, the tears still trekking down her cheeks. “Yes, Brooks. I’ll marry you. I’ll be your wife.”
He laughed, and the sound of his relief and joy filled the room. “You had me worried there, sweetheart.”
“No, no. It’s just that I didn’t expect this.”
Using the pads of his thumbs, he wiped at her tears, carefully drying her eyes. Cupping her face, he said softly, “I didn’t expect it, either. It happened so darn fast, but it’s the right thing. For both of us. I promise you, Ruby, we’ll have a great life.”
“I know we will.” And then she took his hand and walked him over to the scraggly Christmas tree. Turning to face him, she smiled sweetly. “You’ve given me this beautiful ring and a promise of your love. It’s a wonderful gift, and now I have a gift for you, my sweet love.” She handed him a small box decorated with snowmen and reindeer wrapping paper. “Merry Christmas.”
He lifted the lightweight box in his hands and jiggled it. Nothing moved. He shot her a glance. She gave nothing away, and he had no idea what she was up to, but her expression was hopeful, and her eyes positively beamed. “Let’s see,” he said, ripping away the wrapping and opening the small box. After separating the tissue paper, he lifted out a small white garment.
“It’s called a onesie,” Ruby said softly.
Puzzled, Brooks read the printed saying on the front. “Future Look Away Ranch Wrangler.”
He blinked. And blinked again. Normally he wasn’t slow on the uptake, but this...this was like a lightning bolt striking his heart. Something else lay at the bottom of the box. Cute, small, adorable tan leather baby boots.
He stared at them for a second. “A baby? Ruby,” he said, tears burning the backs of his eyes so hard he could barely get the words out, “are we having a baby?”
She began nodding her head. “Yes. We’re going to have a baby, Brooks.”
Joy burst inside him, and his face stretched wide as he grinned. Thankfully he didn’t shed tears, but his emotions were off the charts. “A baby...” he said, awed, as he pulled Ruby back into his arms and kissed her cheek, her chin and finally her lips. “It’s the best Christmas gift in the world.”
“Yes,” she whispered. “I think so, too. But I wasn’t sure how you’d feel...”
“I love you, Ruby.” He set his hand very gently on her belly. “And I love our baby already. I couldn’t be happier. To have you and our child in my life, it’s a dream come true.”
“I love you, too. You’ll be a great father, Brooks.” Ruby covered his hand with hers and positioned it where new life was growing inside her. Then she leaned in to kiss him. The kiss bonded them together forever, and Brooks had never been happier in his life. He was complete. His life held new meaning and purpose.
Here on Look Away Ranch, he had finally found home.
Christmas morning on Look Away was usually a chaotic affair of eating, joking, opening gifts and spreading the love, and today was no different, except that the family had expanded to include the Winchesters. Ruby had coordinated with the household staff to make sure they were as comfortable as possible.
Sutton Winchester had his own set of nurses, and the older man who’d played a role in Brooks’s, Graham’s and particularly Carson’s lives was holding his own this morning. His wheelchair was right next to the warm flames of the fireplace, and he seemed to be in good spirits. Occasionally Ruby would see him smile at his daughters, Nora, Grace and Eve. For a powerful man who wasn’t long for this earth, his eyes still held a bit of mischief, and though he spoke seldom, what did come out of his mouth was witty and charming.
Ruby knew the history he had with Brooks’s mother. Last night, while in bed with her new fiancé and father of her unborn child, Brooks had recounted to her all he’d known of their relationship. Sutton was Carson’s father, and it was sad that Carson had come to know him only in the last months of his life.
“Gather around the tree, everyone,” Beau said after they’d eaten a Christmas morning meal that would probably stay with them throughout the entire day. Except for her. She was still ravenous. And now Brooks was watching her like a hawk, eyeing her with love in his eyes, but also concern over every little move she made. It was sweet, for now, as they were both getting used to the idea of her pregnancy and overjoyed at the little one who’d be making an appearance in eight months.
Married now, Nora and Reid Chamberlain took their places along with newly engaged Grace and Roman Slater. Carson stood with his fiancée, Georgia, next to Sutton’s wheelchair, and his allegiance to his ailing father was inspiring. Toby, Malcolm and Clay were to Beau’s right, and next to him on the other side were Graham and Eve.
Brooks grabbed Ruby’s hand and angled them beside Graham.
