Page 51 of The Bull Rider & the Wedding Planner

Cassie’s heart threatened to burst with joy watching the interaction.

“No.” Easton tried to look sober, but he winked at Cassie. “You’ll call me Daddy.”

“Yay!” Presley hugged him again. “You’ll be the best daddy ever!”

“Well, of course I will.” Easton grinned. “I’m the best at everything.” He danced Presley around and sang, “‘Let me tell you a secret, about a father’s love … It’s a love without end. Amen.’”

Cassie’s heart melted. The George Strait song was perfect. Easton would be the best dad ever. He loved Presley like his own. Tears stung her eyes.

“No crying, love,” Easton said.

“I’m just so in love with you,” she admitted. It was finally their time, after years of pain.

“Of course you are. I’m your charming cowboy.”

“Don’t you mean the most rizzie and charming bull rider on the planet?”

“I’m not trying to impress anyone. The only woman I care about already knows I’m the best ever.”

She did.

A pounding came on the door. Somebody typed in the code and then it flung open. Rhett and Houston stood there, snow pounding at them.

“Come on!” Houston called. “We got the cover on the Mule. It’s Christmas morning and we want to see Presley open her presents.”

Cassie felt more tears coming. The Colevilles were her and Presley’s family now. She’d never been so surrounded by love.

“Let me get my coat,” Presley hollered, rushing for the mud room.

“Thank you for coming for us,” Cassie said.

“I haven’t been this excited for Christmas in years,” Rhett said. “Thank you for sharingPresley with us.”

Easton wrapped his arms around her and sang low and deep, “‘Don't know why I can't forget one little taste of your lips. Come on, baby, tell me, tell me, what you put in that kiss?’”

“I’ll show you.” She whirled into him and kissed him.

“Stop!” Houston protested.

“I still can’t believe he sings,” Rhett said.

Easton only sang for her, and for Presley.

Presley tugged at her arm. “Come on, Mama and Daddy. Santa came!”

“Daddy?” Rhett asked.

Cassie held up her glittering engagement ring.

The boys hooted and Presley cheered with them.

“I think they’re cheering because they want a show,” Easton said.

“‘Are you gonna kiss me or not?’” she sang their original kissing song to him.

Easton’s blue eyes were bright and full of her. He dipped her low and kissed her thoroughly.

The cheering turned to protests, but Cassie didn’t care. She was tied to Easton, heart, body, and soul. Loyalty and love intermingled, and their joy couldn’t be contained on this most special Christmas morning.

Thanks be to the Savior. Their rocky path had been orchestrated by heaven, and they’d found each other with the good Lord’s help. Cassie would never doubt again.