“Exactly. A job that I’ve never given you any credit for. Just as I never told you I was proud of how well you did with your studies and medical school.”
From the corner of his eye he saw Ellie dab at her eyes. Ty clenched his teeth, determined he would not let his father’s words get to him.
“But I was always proud of you, Ty. Proud that no matter what anyone said you went after your dreams and the rest of the world could take it or leave it. I was proud that you were your own man with your own mind and that you aced everything you did.”
Ty wanted to hit the side of his head to clear his ears, because he was certain he hadn’t heard correctly.
“Today, what you did, Ty, son, I can’t begin to tell you how in awe I am of what you do, of how proud I am of the fine doctor you are.”
A tiny sob escaped Ellie. Her fingers dug into his.
“I …” He glanced around the empty lobby. “Well, that’s all I came to say. That I am proud of you and I’m sorry for not telling you sooner.”
He turned to leave the lobby but Ty stopped him, wrapping his arms around his father’s stiff body.
But after just a second Harold took over the hug in true Harold Donaldson fashion and hugged Ty so tightly that he could barely breathe.
When his father had left the lobby, Ty turned Ellie and pulled her to him.
“Did you say something about being mine for always and forever, darlin’?” he asked, holding her close to him.
“Seems like I recall saying something along those lines.” Ellie smiled, knowing that always and forever with Ty sounded about as close to heaven on earth as one could get.
EPILOGUE
“YOU READY for this?”
Checking to make sure his tuxedo was straight, Ty grinned at his brother. “I’ve been ready for this for months.”
“Yeah, a shame it took you that long to convince the bride to make an honest man of you.”
It had taken him way too long to convince Ellie to marry him. “Stubborn woman wouldn’t agree until after Levi was born.”
“Yes, because every woman wants to be pregnant in her wedding photos.”
Ty could have pointed out that he’d have marched Ellie down the aisle on the day he’d first told her he loved her, on the day that she’d first told him she loved him.
He’d known he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. In the months that passed, he’d not changed his mind or his heart. The way he felt about Ellie just kept growing, getting stronger with each day that passed.
Ty and Harry joined the rest of the wedding party on the lawn of the Triple D. Row after row of white chairs were filled with Texans in their best Sunday duds and New Yorkers in the latest European fashions.
His father held Levi in the front row. Ty grinned at the tiny white Stetson that his dad had insisted the six-month
-old wear. William fidgeted next to Harry, toying with the ring pillow he held.
The live band began to play the wedding march and all eyes, especially Ty’s, went to where Ellie rode up in a white carriage with crushed red velvet seats. Her beaming newly reelected to the Senate father stepped up to the carriage and assisted his lovely daughter down.
Ty’s breath caught at the beautiful woman who would officially become his during this ceremony. In reality, she’d been his from the moment they declared their love and he’d been hers.
He took in her long dark hair in a mass of curls about her neck and cascading down her back. Her gown was strapless and accented her beautiful curves and nipped-in waist. Never had a bride been more beautiful.
Never had a woman been more loved.
Her gaze met Ty’s and she smiled.
A smile that told him everything words never could convey.
A smile that told of a love that would last always and forever.