Epilogue
“Clint Jackson Keegan, don’t you dare!” Zoey threatened as Clint tried to fondle her breasts from behind. They stood at the front door waiting as Tanner parked the suburban and helped Lance and Nina Keegan from it.
“Aw, don’t tell me we can’t have sex just because mama and pops are here,” he groaned and she giggled.
“I didn’t say that, but we sure as hell aren’t messing around in front of them. Now, come on, you have to introduce me.” She tugged on his arm, but he just looked at her like she was crazy.
“You’ve talked to mama on Skype every freaking week for a month making wedding plans, and you’ve known her since you were a little girl. Why would I have to introduce you?”
Rolling her eyes, she looked to Dalton for help. “I just mean you have to go with me to introduce me as your intended bride, you goof. Unless you’ve changed your mind?”
Both men growled at her, and simultaneously pushed her out the front door onto the porch. Dalton was the first to step into his mother’s embrace as she rushed the porch. “It’s good to see you, Mama.”
Nina had tears in her eyes when she pulled back and kissed Dalton’s cheek, “My, you look so handsome. I’m glad you’re home for good, son.”
Clint stepped up next and accepted the same greeting before tugging Zoey forward. Nina gave her a brilliant smile as she embraced her. “Zoey Carson, you are even more beautiful in person. I can certainly see why you stole my boys’ hearts.”
Zoey felt a blush creep up her cheeks as she accepted a hug from Lance too. “Thank you. Did you guys have a good trip?”
Lance shrugged, “I never consider commercial airline travel good, but it was alright. The place looks great, boys. When will the remodeling be done?”
They all entered the living room, and Zoey offered drinks and cookies to her future in-laws as they took seats. Clint took their luggage on up to the apartment over the garage, while Tanner filled his father in on the remodeling plans.
Nina turned to Zoey with a bright-eyed gaze and she couldn’t help but notice the similarities between her and Dalton. Nina’s blonde hair was pulled back in a clip, but her dimpled cheeks and brilliant blue eyes looked decades younger than she actually was. “So, dear, are you all ready for the big day?”
“No, I still have some shopping to do. I have had to wait until last minute because Clint will sneak a peek if he thinks I have presents hidden,” Zoey answered, sipping her wine. When Nina looked at her funny, she laughed, “Oh, you mean the wedding! Oh I’m definitely ready for that. All that’s left is picking up the flowers and the guys’ tuxes.”
Nina’s happiness was nearly tangible as she reached out to hold Zoey’s hand. “I’m so glad you four decided to have the wedding while we’re here.”
“Of course, Nina, we would never have left you guys out.”
“I’m just so excited to see my boys married, and on Christmas Eve no less. Tell me, what can I do?”
Zoey laughed at the woman’s enthusiasm. “Figure out how to hide me from those three tomorrow, because they haven’t seen my wedding dress, and I want them to be surprised when I walk down the aisle.”
Her future mother-in-law nodded, “And how are you holding up, sweetie? I know this is your first Christmas without your mom.”
Zoey shrugged, “Not exactly, I mean, mom and I weren’t ever close. I’m managing. The guys have kept me distracted, and so has my new job. Keeping up with the backlog of cases the State of Texas has has been a challenge. There are so many kids out there in need.”
“It breaks my heart to think of them not having family to spend Christmas with. I remember wishing I could steal you away from your parents’ home and bring you to spend Christmas with us, if I had known how bad it really was, I would have. You were always such a sweet child. I’m so sorry I couldn’t do more to help you back then. No one should have had to live in those circumstances.”
Zoey shook her head, “If you had, then everything would be different. I’m happy with how my life has turned out. I have three men who love me to death, and a family of friends. I feel extremely blessed.”
“You’re right. We all have to experience a little of the bad in order to accept the good with gratitude when it comes our way. Now, let’s call Rachel Brooks and see if we can come up with a plan for tomorrow. Maybe you should stay the night over there tonight?” Nina’s words had no sooner left her mouth, than all three Keegan brothers growled and protested. Zoey laughed as her mother-in-law took charge of the herd of men like a general, and before long, Zoey was packing an overnight bag for her best friend’s house.
Tanner drove her to Rachel’s against his own wishes, but Zoey promised him a reward for his sacrifice after the wedding. The next twenty-four hours passed in a blur of nervous energy and happiness.
Zoey walked down the makeshift aisle between hay bales to Carrie Underwood singing “I’ll Stand By You.” Tears weren’t necessary to express the emotions that rippled through the foursome, as they pledged their love and loyalty in front of the glowing tree as the sun set. The glow of the fireflies was extended by the hundreds of candles and torches that surrounded the small gathering.
Rachel stood holding Juliet behind Zoey surrounded by the four Brooks brothers and Mack and Ryker Thompson. Dottie dabbed at her eyes with a tissue next to Minnie and Walt White, and Lance and Nina. There was no need for anyone else. Everyone who was important to them was there, and the moment seemed more intimate because of it.
As Zoey repeated her vows with Tanner, making them legally married, and then pledged her commitment to his two younger brothers, she felt the cool Texas winter breeze brush over her face blowing her black hair out behind her. In that moment she knew her mother was there with her, and proud of her. For despite her own flaws and weaknesses, Zoey had managed to grow into a strong woman whose love was bigger than one person.
It was as though accepting herself allowed her mother to be at peace, and the last lingering fingers of doubt that had held her heart, released. No matter where she was in her life, she would never forget where she came from, but her past wouldn’t define her future. She would begin a new life this Christmas with her new family and more love than she ever dreamed possible.
The End