Page 77 of Dreaming of a Cowboy Christmas
“Anything for you, Sunshine,” he vows.
God, this man is incredible. He knew how down I was about spending another Christmas without my parents and how much I’ve missed Gemma, too. We’ve seen her a few times when we’ve met in New York for business, but it’s not the same after living in the same city for so long.
With her help, my podcast has been thriving. When I first told my audience I was dating Shep, he admitted he was intimidated by the thoughts of millions of people knowing we were together. I’ve kept most of his personal details private, but it was important to me to show that I was finally ready to live authentically—even if it meant facing scrutiny for our age gap or how we met. I wanted to show the world that age is just a number and that love deserves to always be celebrated, never judged.
It turns out people appreciated my transparency, and the episode where I shared the news about Shep and me became one of my most viewed. My audience was equally supportive when I decided to cut back to three episodes a week. The change hasgiven me the work-life balance I didn’t realize I was missing and has allowed me time for all the things I love—including bingeing mafia romances on my e-reader, tending to our barn full of rescues, and soaking up lazy mornings with Shep.
“I have a surprise of my own,” I say, barely able to contain my excitement. “I’ll be right back.”
Shep nods, leaning back on his hands, getting comfortable while he waits.
I hurry into the bathroom and crouch down to open the cupboard under the sink. Pushing past a stack of towels and a box of tampons, I grab the washcloth I tucked in the back. I carefully unfold it to reveal the white stick I tested yesterday while Shep was in his workshop. He’s not the only one with life-changing news.
When I return to our room, Shep’s right where I left him, sitting on the mattress. But the moment he notices what I’m holding in my hand, he scrambles to his feet.
“Is that what I think it is?” he murmurs, almost trembling with anticipation.
I close the distance between us and hold out the test so he can see the two blue lines. “Merry Christmas, Shep.”
He stares at the object in my hand, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.
I stopped taking birth control this past summer, and after a few months, we decided not to let it dominate our thoughts, trusting that one day we’d get our chance to be parents.
His eyes widen, disbelief and joy on his face as the news sinks in. “I’m… really going to be a dad?”
“You are,” I say, unable to stop smiling. “The best one there is.”
Shep exhales a shaky laugh. “This is the best gift anyone’s given me. Thank you for making my dream come true.”
He winds his arms around my waist, lifts me, and twirls me around, laughing without restraint. I throw my arms around him, the pregnancy test still in my hand, loving to see him so genuinely happy. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude that he’s finally getting the family he’s always longed for, and that I’m the one he wants by his side through it all.
He slows down, gently setting me on the ground, but keeps me secure in his arms.
“I love you so damn much, Noelle.”
“I love you too, Shep.”
He leans in, capturing my mouth in a kiss—this one fierce and passionate. As he moves his hands along my curves, deepening the kiss, we’re interrupted by a cheerful yip. I pull back to find Luna at our feet, chasing her tail.
“Looks like someone’s eager to be part of all the action,” I say.
Shep settles his hand on my belly. “We’ve got our work cut out for us this coming year, huh?”
I place my hand over his, grinning from ear to ear. “We sure do,Daddy,and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“Neither would I, Sunshine. Neither would I.”
Our story is just beginning, and I can’t wait to see all the memories we’ll make as an engaged couple—and soon, as husband and wife. Shep’s not one to drag his feet, so I have a feeling it won’t be long before we tie the knot, especially now that we have a little one on the way. It’s a good thing he’s been set on wanting to build a bigger cabin near the barn come spring. I can already picture us there next Christmas Eve with our baby in my arms, living our own version of happily ever after.
Looking back, it’s clear that fate stepped in during that spontaneous trip last year. One impulsive choice changed the trajectory of my life, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
