Zoe & Dylan: The Sons of Dusty Walker (8 page)

He gaped at her. “What?”

Twining their fingers, she drew his hand to her stomach. “We created another miracle.”

His head swimming, he stared at their linked hands. “A baby.”

“A-are you happy?”

He lifted his gaze, not even caring if the mistiness collecting in his eyes was less than manly. An epic moment like this, it was okay to give in to a tear or two. “More than I dreamed I could ever be.”

She stroked his face, whisking away the moisture sneaking from the corner of his eye. “You are the keeper of my heart, Dylan. The other half of my soul. I’m probably gonna mess up this marriage thing once in a while because I don’t know what the hell I’m doin’. But I know you’ll always be there to catch me when I fall.”

He snuggled her to him and kissed her tenderly. “I love you, Zoe Walker.”

“I love you too,” she whispered, her smile tremulous.

A little hand tugged Dylan’s pants leg and he released Zoe just long enough to lift their son into his arms. In that moment, his life felt like it’d come full circle. He had an amazing family and more love than he knew what to do with.

When it came to an amazing future, it didn’t get any better than that.

EPILOGUE

Dylan grinned at the way Hunter goggled at his first sight of the Osprey Lake house all lit up like Santa’s Wonderland. It was worth the endless hours he and his brothers froze their asses off stringing up all those lights. They’d wanted their first Christmas Eve as a family to be extra special. Well, he’d say they’d definitely hit the mark.

Zoe squeezed his hand as they made their way up the drive. “You guys did a great job. Everything is so beautiful.”

He lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles. “Not half as much as you are, darlin’.” It was the God’s honest truth. Beneath her cashmere coat, she was decked out in a winter white floor-length gown that truly made her resemble the angel he always referred to her as. She’d pulled her hair into an upsweep, leaving her neck vulnerable to his kisses. Something he’d definitely took advantage of before they’d left the house.

Her eyes glowing with happiness, she stroked his cheek. “And you are the handsomest, sweetest man I’ve ever known. I can’t imagine my life without you in it.”

“You don’t have to. Because you’ve got me for the duration.” He rubbed his thumb along her wedding band. In the weeks following their impromptu vows in Vegas, they’d settled easily into the role of blissful newlyweds. Every day was a blessing to him. He’d never take that for granted.

They crowded with the rest of the Walker clan on the porch. Greetings and hugs made their rounds before the front door cracked open and Marliss poked her head out.  “Oh, good,” she exclaimed. “You’re all here together. Well, come on in and let’s get to celebrating.”

Not about to turn down that welcome invitation, they all eagerly piled into the house. He and his brothers might have gone a bit crazy with the outdoor decor, but inside, Marliss and Lou had almost outdone them with the Christmas spirit. The flickering electric candles glowing in every window was a particularly nice touch.

A massive white pine held center court in the entry. Multicolored lights shimmered amongst the fragrant needles, but no other ornamentation hung from the boughs. According to Marliss, Theresa used to decorate her trees with the boxes of white bulbs down in the basement. They had all unanimously decided that was a tradition that would be replaced with a new one. Starting today.

He and Zoe each took one of Hunter’s small hands in theirs and approached the tree. Zoe loosened her hold and dug in the paper sack she carried. She located the popsicle stick ornament Hunter had made special for the occasion and handed it to their son. “Now find a good spot for it, Boo Bear.”

His tiny features pinched with concentration, Hunter stared at the branches for an eternity before shuffling forward and securing the hook on one of the lower boughs. Everyone clapped and his boy anted up a toothy smile. Zoe went next. Fortunately she was much quicker with finding a home for the snow angel that he’d bought for her. After he placed the kickass miniature guitar that she’d found for him online, his brothers and their sweethearts hung their own ornaments.

With that part of the festivities taken care of, Dylan and his brothers hauled in the mountain of wrapped packages everyone had carted with them. He eyed the numerous tyke-sized bicycles. “Y’all realize my boy doesn’t need a different bike for every day of the week, right?” Damn good thing he and Zoe wisely opted not to get one for Hunter. Though with Dylan’s bittersweet memories of the first bike Dusty had given him and taught him to ride, it’d been a strong temptation.

The tiny bells on Marliss’s gold lame shoes heralded her approach. “Lou’s overseeing the turkey and roast beef. We’ve got a full spread of hot appetizers in the dining room.”

Taking the hint, the ladies ventured in that direction, leaving the men with the task of placing the gifts under the tree. His eyes huge with wonder, Hunter bounced from gift to gift, inspecting the name tags. It’d be a damn miracle if the boy didn’t sweet talk them into letting him open something in the next two minutes. It was surely more temptation than a three-year-old could withstand. And he’d get to experience the thrill all over again tomorrow morning after Santa made his annual trek across the globe.

Truthfully, Dylan was probably even more excited than his son. Earlier they’d made a special batch of cookies to put out for jolly St. Nick. And Zoe even had some carrots on standby for Rudolph and his buddies. She’d promised he wouldn’t have to eat the veggies, but he’d gladly make the sacrifice just to see Hunter’s reaction when he woke up to see their edible contributions had been absconded with.

“Looks like the gals have found the bar,” Rogue drawled.

Dylan glanced over his shoulder and spotted Zoe approaching with a glass in one hand and a plate in the other. Judging from the clear substance in the goblet, she’d opted for ice water. The reason for that sent another rush of happiness through him. He still couldn’t believe he was gonna be a daddy. Again. Maybe they’d have a girl this time. He’d love to have a pint-sized Zoe running around the house, keeping her big brother in line. Regardless, he’d love that kid beyond reason, no matter what.

Zoe stopped beside him and he filched a couple of the crescent dogs from her plate.

With the last of the presents stashed under the tree, Jackson approached, bearing four tumblers of Dusty’s finest single-barrel whiskey. He passed one to each of his brothers. “I’m thinking we should each say a few words. Ladies?”

“I’ll go first,” Lexie said, “if that’s okay. The best day of my life was the day Killian walked into it. Like everyone else, we’ve had our challenges.” She smiled at her husband. “I’m grateful for the man he is and for the future we have together. I love you, Killian. Merry Christmas.”

Echoes of “Merry Christmas” volleyed amongst the group.

“And I have one more announcement to make.” Killian extended his arm and Lexie stepped to him, beaming. “We’re adding another Walker to the mix. Lexie and I are having a baby.”

“Oh, my god!” Squealing in excitement, Zoe rushed to Lexie and squeezed her in a hug. His wife was soon joined by the other women, including Marliss—who gushed on and on about welcoming another Walker into the clan.

Dylan bit back a grin. Much as he wanted to spill the beans, he wouldn’t steal that moment from Zoe.

Rori leaned in close to her cowboy. “Since it’s the ladies’ turn to toast, I want to let everyone know that I’ve never been happier, thanks to Jackson. I’ve fallen in love. For the first time in my life.” She raised her glass in salute. “And for the last time in my life.”

Jackson stole a kiss from his sweetheart. “You got that right, Rori darlin’. Merry Christmas.”

Dylan joined in with everyone’s “Aww”, and chuckled at the lovebirds’ beet red expressions.

Zoe cleared her throat, gaining everyone’s attention. She glanced toward Dylan, the happiness in her eyes nearly leaving him dizzy. Damn, he had it bad for that woman. And he always would.

“Since Lexie let the cat out of the bag, I might as well spill the beans.” She splayed her hand on her tummy, her face radiant with joy. “Looks like it’s going to be a packed house at the next Walker Christmas gathering.”

Her announcement was immediately met with hugs, kisses, and too many congratulations to count. Grinning like the happiest cowboy on Earth, Dylan shook hands with his brothers.

Kit raised her glass. “I’m grateful to be here and glad to put the trouble of the last few months behind us. I’ve never been happier, and I wish all of you the same.”

He wondered about the
trouble
part of her toast. But if there was one thing he’d figured out about Rogue, his brother wasn’t quick to share all the details of his life. At least not yet. Maybe with a few more whiskeys that tongue of his might loosen.

Hunter chose that moment to trip and fall. The wail that rose from him was overly dramatic as hell, but it managed to get all the women to rush to his aid. They carried him into the big bathroom off the kitchen, and sure enough, within seconds the cries stopped.

He chuckled. “The boy is a chip off the old block when it comes to ensuring he’s got all the ladies’ attention.” The other Walker men groaned.

“As long as we have a minute here…” Jackson divvied a look between his brothers. “It’s been a pleasure getting to know each of you. Despite all my doubts, I’m glad we’ve been able to work out the kinks in the company, and have grown to appreciate one another. And I do. I appreciate you, and I’m happy to have you in my life.”

They raised their glasses and took a drink as the women filed back into the room. Dylan caught his son’s eye and gave him a wink. The boy attempted to wink back, but he didn’t quite manage it, and instead ended up looking like he had a mad twitch in his eye. Dylan rolled his lips together to keep from laughing.

“It may sound corny, but I feel truly blessed,” Killian said. “I have a wonderful family, a perfect wife, and a life I wouldn’t trade for anything. That’s the best Christmas present of all.”

“Nope, not corny in the least.” Dylan clapped Killian on the shoulder. “This time last year, I thought the road was the only life I had. Much as I love the stage and my band,
you
are my family.” He gestured to each brother with his glass. “If nothing else, I guess we owe Dusty a debt of gratitude for bringing us together.”

Solemnness fell over them as they drank a toast to their father. A moment later Rogue’s baritone broke the silence. “I have something to say.”

Damn good thing Dusty’s bar was well stocked. Because they’d go through that entire stock of whiskey at this rate.

“This past year has brought a lot of changes for all of us. We’ve stepped out on faith to form an alliance none us ever expected. We’ve faced challenges.” Rogue held out his hand to Kit. “We’ve had to come to terms with our father, Dusty Walker, and his legacy.” He chuckled. “A man I scarcely knew did his best to destroy me.”

Woah. Yeah, they were definitely getting Rogue properly loose-tongued with a few more toasts so they could hear all about
that
story.

“But what I’ve gained is so much greater than what I lost.” Smiling at Kit, Rogue continued with what was probably the closest Dylan had ever seen his brother come to gushing about anything. “I have a beautiful wife, a baby on the way and…” He raised his glass, indicating them all. “I have the best family a man could ask for.”

“Here, here!” Jackson cheered as they all raised their glasses again. “I think this calls for refills.”

Groaning, Dylan leaned down to whisper near his wife’s ear. “Thank the good Lord I only have three brothers. Anymore, and we’d have run out of booze by now.”

She giggled just as the front door opened. A gust of wind caught the heavy oak against the frame with a bang. A tall, rail-thin woman strode in, her long black coat swirling over the tops of a pair of red cowgirl boots.

Before any of the adults could recover from the stranger’s bemusing arrival, Hunter bounced up to her, apparently appointing himself as the official welcoming committee. “Iz you a new rel-a-tive, too?” No doubt his boy was hoping that meant one more present under the tree for him.

The woman smiled, her blue eyes softening as she crouched down to his level. “Yes, I am, young Hunter. I’m your cousin, Mercy.”

How the dickens did she know his name?

Before Dylan could ponder that mystery further, Hunter shivered in response to the frigid wind whipping into the room. “Mama says we shouldn’t waste energy leaving the door open.”

The woman stood and shifted her attention to the adults. “She’s a wise woman.”

Behind her, a middle-aged man wearing a chauffeur’s cap walked in carrying wrapped packages. “Ma’am?”

“Under the tree, Barnes. Thank you.” She approached Dylan and his brothers. “I just assumed I was still welcome. Although your father and his wife passed, I had a feeling you’d all be gathering tonight.”

“Yes, ma’am. You’re more than welcome.” Killian stepped forward. “May I take your coat?”

She shrugged it off, revealing a red blouse that matched her cowgirl boots, and a long denim skirt. “Thank you.” Lifting a brow, she cycled her stare between the rest of them. “This one has manners.”

“Let me get you something to drink,” Dylan offered. “Then we’ll make introductions.”

“I know who you all are.” She held out her hand. “Dylan.” After they exchanged that initial shake, she treated his brothers to the same before greeting the ladies. “I believe you’re all the family I have left. Am I intruding if I ask to spend Christmas with you?”

“Not an intrusion at all. You’re welcome any time,” Rogue assured.

Gratefulness softened Mercy’s features. “I’d do well with a few fingers of that whiskey your dad squirrelled away for special occasions,” she admitted in response to Dylan’s earlier offer.

He nodded and started toward the bar, only to be cut off at the pass by Jackson, who shooed him away. They all adjourned to the living room as his cousin’s chauffeur hauled her suitcase up the steps, the familiarity of the action verifying that it indeed wasn’t the first time Mercy had been inside this house.

“I’m Mercy Walker.” The announcement pulled Dylan’s focus back to his cousin. Sipping the whiskey, she relaxed in her chair. “I’ve got a good-sized cattle ranch in Idaho, and will expect you all to come for Easter, as was the arrangement between your father and me.” Her no nonsense tone suggested that she seldom heard the word no. “My husband, Grover, was your father’s first cousin. Grover, he…passed away, gone nearly four years now.” Her jaw tilted up. The air of detachment she’d adopted didn’t entirely mask the loneliness that she seemed to wear around her like a heavy cloak. “I have four daughters who are too busy this year to come home for the holidays.”