Page 115 of Somewhere Safe

“What about you, Beau?” Luke asked.

“Honestly, I never thought kids were in my future, but having kids with Iris would probably be amazing,” Beau blushed.

I hugged him tightly because having their kids sounded great. Little Iris’s, Beau’s or Nash’s running or riding around sounded perfect.

“Also, I think you would look hot as hell carrying our babies,” Beau whispered in my ear. “And I really want to see a blonde-haired little girl running around who looks just as beautiful as her momma.”

“Beau,” I choked up. “I think we all need to have a chat with Nash.”

“Nash would be a great dad,” Brooks said.

I looked over my shoulder at him, grateful he was here with us. After selling the land to him and taking over the farm, Nash and he had grown closer. It was great to see them fix their relationship and Brooks really wasn’t a bad guy, he was just lost. He was perfect for the farm, and he did what I couldn’t do which was make the farm prosperous. Even after all this time, I could keep my family’s farm in the family. It also meant Nash’s dad was nowhere in the picture. He had fucked up too many times and was now being investigated by the IRS. He deserved a lot more than that, but I’d let karma do her work. Hopefully she included his momma too.

“I think he would be amazing,” I said, patting his knee.

“And he’s off!!!” The announcer yelled.

I grabbed Beau’s hand as we watched the last rider. Our family held their breath for eight seconds and when he dismounted, everyone started saying that Nash had to be the winner.

Waiting for his scores was torture and each minute that passed made me feel sicker, even though I was positive he had won. Nash deserved this, he had worked so hard for it. The announcer stated his score and Parker and Brooks yelled before I realized Nash had won.

Our entire section jumped up and hollered. I cried as everyone hugged each other, wishing I could go back with Nash. They announced second and third place, as each of them took their ride around the arena. I couldn’t sit still as Nash came out on his horse to take his victory lap. Grabbing Beau’s hand, we ran to the front so he could see us.

I whistled as he passed by us, catching his attention. He looked so damn happy it made me cry more. They announcedNash as the winner, giving him his saddle as he waved at the crowd.

“Let’s go see him,” Beau said, dragging me out of the stands.

We made our way around to the rider entrance waving to the guy patrolling the back entry. After our relationship was out there, everyone knew who we were and while it was hard to deal with at first, times like these I appreciated the most. We still got ugly looks, but I was learning that I really didn’t care. If they wanted to be ugly and horrible, go right ahead; it was no skin off my back. I was happy. They were happy, and that was all that mattered.

We intercepted Nash on his way back to his area as a few men were congratulating him. He still hadn’t seen us, but when he did, I couldn’t help but cry even more. I ran to him, jumping into his arms. Beau threw his arms around us and there had never been a more perfect moment.

“I’m so proud of you,” I said, hugging him tighter.

“You were so amazing,” Beau said. “You fucking did it.”

Nash said nothing for a moment, just holding us.

“I couldn’t have done this without you,” he said, setting me down, wiping tears out of his eyes. “I owe this all to y’all. All the countless hours driving, the encouragement and the late nights with me.”

He picked up his saddle.

“This is for you,” he said, handing it to Beau and me.

“No, Cowboy. This is for you,” I said, pushing it back to him.

“You’ve earned it and we are happy to be here with you when you finally won it,” Beau said.

“You’re fucking amazing.”

“We are so proud of you.”

Beau and I spoke at the same time. Nash looked between us, wiping his face again.

“I love you,” he said, pulling us in for a hug.

“We love you, too,” Beau and I said together.

I hugged my men tighter, sending a thank you to whoever was out there. We had found somewhere we belonged, together and safe, and I couldn’t ask for anything more.