Page 48 of The Maverick

“Now Rachel, repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed.”

Megan handed Rachel the ring she’d bought for Nick. It was platinum with a large center diamond and four smaller diamonds surrounding it. “With this ring, I thee wed.” She slid the ring onto the third finger of his left hand and then grinned.

“You may kiss the bride,” said the judge.

Nick pulled her into his arms.

The room exploded with applause.

The kiss he gave her was not what she expected. He kissed her deeply, and she felt his love in the kiss. She relaxed and returned it with all the love in her heart.

She’d returned home to start a new life and found her heart. Nick had always had her heart. Now, she was sure she had his, too.

The reception was a party and lasted long into the night.

Nick and Rachel danced the first dance to Dolly Parton’sI Will Always Love You. Lots of couples danced after that.

Rachel danced with Jake.

While Nick danced with Bailey.

Both kids were glowing and happy. They even danced with each other, which surprised Rachel and Nick both.

Megan danced with her boyfriend. A pro quarterback named Brandon Murphy. She looked beautiful and happier than Rachel had ever seen her.

Rachel had arranged for the event to be catered and gave Sarah the night off so she could partake of all the festivities.

When the cake was cut, they fed each other cake without shoving it into each other’s face. They had agreed they would be civilized with the cake.

After every person had left and the kids were in bed. She and Nick were finally alone.

He took her hand and pulled her inside. “Now that you’re my wife, I can’t wait to hold you in my arms and make love.”

Rachel squeezed his hand. “I can’t wait either.”

They grinned at each other and then hurried toward the stairs.

EPILOGUE

Five years later

The Lincoln Navigatorpulled up to the Centennial Airport Terminal. One of Nick’s employees met the vehicle.

Rachel watched as Nick got out and tossed the man the keys. “We’ll be back in ten days. I’ll contact you beforehand just to make sure there have been no changes.”

“Yes, sir, Mr. Kincaid. I’ll see you then.”

Opening the back door, Nick helped Bailey to the ground.

Jake helped his little brother out of the booster seat. Of course, at three, Wyatt thought he was too big to be helped so he yelled at his brother.

“I do it.”

Ever patient with his baby brother, Jake pulled his hands back. “Okay, you do it.”

Rachel had opened the passenger’s side back door and waited for Jake to get out. “Jake?” She was amazed at how quickly her oldest had grown. He was as tall as her now and at thirteen was still growing. She had a feeling he would take after her side and be as tall as Nick before he was done.

“Wyatt thinks he’s too big for help out of the booster seat. So, I’m letting him figure it out.”