Page 50 of The Rancher's Secret Son
As Nick drove her home, she placed her hand on his knee.
“Nick, we’ve never talked about children. We’ve lost some time. Cody is already three. I’d like Cody to have a sibling or two.”
Nick smiled. “I think that’s a marvelous idea. I agree. As soon as you want.”
“I might want to just retire to the ranch with you and raise a family.”
“That would suit me fine,” he said.
She laughed. “Cody is going to be impossible to calm down. If he thinks he is moving to the ranch, he won’t sleep for a week.”
“So maybe we ought to both take the rest of the time until Christmas and go to the ranch. I can fly your grandmother and grandfather there, also his nurse and a caregiver, whoever you need to hire for him.”
“I’ll ask if they want to do that,” she said, watching him drive and bubbling with happiness over the changes in her life. “I love you so much, Nick. You’ll never ever know, even though I’m going to try to show you. Even though I’ve held out for things, I love you with all my heart.”
“Tomorrow I’ll come by and let’s tell Cody the news.” He snagged a quick kiss. “Get your camera ready.”
Twelve
In a white silk dress with a square neckline, short sleeves and a narrow skirt that ended at her knees, Claire stood in the vestibule of her church in Houston. Her great-uncle stood beside her with her arm linked in his as they watched Cody walk down the aisle with the wedding ring.
In the front, on the aisle, sat her grandma. Next to her was Grandpa and beside him a nurse. A wheelchair was set out of the way temporarily.
When it was her turn to walk down the aisle, her gaze honed in on Nick, who had never looked more handsome in his black suit.
As Nick took her hand, he stepped close beside her to repeat their vows. Near them, Cody stood with a big smile. She glanced up at Nick who squeezed her hand.
As soon as they were pronounced man and wife, Nick picked up Cody and the three of them walked up the aisle to the vestibule where Nick turned so they could hug.
“I love you both with all my heart,” Nick said gruffly.
Cody smiled. “I love you, too, you and Mama,” he said, smiling at her.
“This is going to be good, Claire,” Nick said. “I’ll do my best to see that it is.”
“I think it’s going to be difficult to see who’s the happiest—Cody or me,” she answered.
“Let’s get this reception over.”
While the wedding had been small, the reception was large, filled with relatives and friends from all over Texas. The January party was held at a Houston country club. As the band played, Claire and Nick mingled with guests. At one point they stood in a Milan family gathering.
“You’ve been the miracle worker,” Tony said, “getting my brother to finally take up ranching. If anyone had challenged me, I would have bet my spread that wouldn’t ever happen.”
Nick merely grinned and kept his arm around Claire’s waist.
“I’m betting you never have a second’s regret,” Madison said, smiling at them.
“Well, my term as sheriff will be up before you know it, so if you need a political office, I can throw your hat—”
“Brother, stop right there,” Nick said, grinning. “You can forget that one. Wait until Cody is old enough. I can’t get him to stop wearing that little badge.”
Wyatt smiled. “He can visit anytime he wants.”
“We still need to get that kid to a rodeo,” Tony stated.
“That’s on my agenda,” Nick said. “Once he sees one, he’ll want to go all the time.”
They stood laughing and talking, and at one point Madison took Claire’s arm to walk away and leave the brothers. “I thought you might need a break from horse talk. Seriously, Claire, I’ve never seen Nick look as happy. Frankly, he didn’t at his wedding to Karen. You and Cody are so good for him. He’s way more laid-back now.”
