“It’s amazing, what a difference the right business plan can make,” Sage murmured two years later, as she and Nick took one last look around the satellite store, before calling it a night.
The first Monroe’s Outpost was set to open the following morning. Located on Main Street, in the county seat of a rural county just west of Laramie, the brand-new mercantile bore the same distinctive Texas atmosphere as the original Monroe’s Western Wear.
Although much smaller in scope, it was well-designed and well-outfitted with every necessary item a cowgirl or cowboy could need. The boots, jeans, shirts, chaps, jackets, hats and belts were both high-quality and reasonably priced.
Nick looked around with a pride she and his family all shared. “I think Mom and Dad would be proud to know we were bringing a needed service to this community.”
Sage nodded happily. “And the other rural community stores that will come in the next decade.”
All without requiring any outside capital, or interference.
The clatter of little cowboy boots sounded on the wood floor. Sage followed Shane as he raced curiously down the aisle. “Trust me,” she teased, over her shoulder, “if there is one thing every busy parent knows, the less time it takes to get any task accomplished, the better.”
In her life, and many others, convenience was key.
“And that’s only going to be truer five months from now,” she said, as Nick caught up with them.
“I imagine that’s so,” Nick predicted, tenderly wrapping one arm around her shoulders. “Although—” he curved a hand lovingly over her blossoming tummy “—Shane doesn’t seem to mind going places now.”
Sage leaned against her husband’s chest. She rested her head on his shoulder, as their little boy took his pint-sized hat off his head, let out a whoop worthy of a rodeo cowboy and tossed it in the air. He hooted again as it clattered to the floor. “Because we’re letting him run around and explore, unfettered. The minute we strap him into his car seat...”
Nick chuckled. “He’ll let us know he would much rather be free.”
Sage grinned as Shane caught sight of himself in the mirror, then resettled his hat and paused to reflect.
She turned back to Nick, splaying her hands against the solid warmth of his chest. “Think he comes by his independent spirit naturally?”
“Probably.” Nick kissed Sage’s temple and smoothed a hand through her hair. “But he also has a boundless ability to love.”
They all did, Sage thought contentedly.
Shane stopped just short of them. He lifted his hands, signaling his desire to be picked up.
Nick obliged.
Shane smiled happily, then leaned over and put his hand on Sage’s tummy, as he had seen his daddy do. “Baby. In there,” he declared.
Nick and Sage smiled. “There sure is, little dude,” Nick said proudly.
Shane’s smile broadened. “I like babies.”
Her heart overflowing with gratitude and joy, Sage bussed the top of her little boy’s head. “We all do.”
Shane grabbed a fistful of each of their shirtfronts and pulled them in for a group hug. “I love Mommy and Daddy, too,” he said adamantly.
“We love you, too,” Nick and Sage said in unison.
Shane squinted comically. They squinted mischievously back. Then they all began to laugh. Life, Sage thought, did not get any better than this.
* * * * *
Watch for the final story in Cathy Gillen Thacker’s
TEXAS LEGACIES: THE LOCKHARTS miniseries,
A TEXAS SOLDIER’S CHRISTMAS.
Coming November 2017,
only from Harlequin Western Romance!
Keep reading for an excerpt from THE RANCHER’S SURPRISE BABY by Trish Milburn.
Join Harlequin My Rewards today and earn a FREE ebook!
Click here to Join Harlequin My Rewards
http://www.harlequin.com/myrewards.html?mt=loyalty&cmpid=EBOOBPBPA201602010003