Flawless Surrender (The Surrender Trilogy, #2)(58)

Zoey heard another sob in the room and lifted her head to find Rachel wrapped in Parker and Hudson’s embrace as she cried with her. “Zoey, she loved you too.” She couldn’t respond to Rachel’s words, all she could do was nod. “Your mom was proud of you, I know it. Any mother would be.”

It was as though Rachel’s words breathed strength back into Zoey’s lungs, and she edged out of her men’s arms to embrace her friend in a much needed hug. “Thank you, Rachel, for everything. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have survived childhood, or been strong enough to walk away and build my own future. It’s because of you, that I found these guys.”

“Oh, girl, you don’t have to thank me. Just seeing you find happiness is all I’ve ever wanted for you. Let them take you home and take care of you. We’ll talk soon.”

Zoey let Dalton lead her from the Brooks family home and out to his old suburban where he helped her into the front seat, even buckling her seatbelt. She felt like a broken doll. Her limbs didn’t seem to be attached to the rest of her as she limply stared out the window watching Tanner and Clint climb into Tanner’s old red pickup truck.

When Dalton started the truck music blared from the radio, and she let herself drift with the painfully somber song by Pink. It soothed something inside of her, as she wanted answers to some of the same questions the song asked. She realized she embodied the song’s words, not broken, just bent. She would move forward, with her three cowboys at her side.

Tanner would continue to worry about the ranch, and providing financial support for his family, while Clint worried more about the emotional health of those around him, and Dalton spent his days caring for their physical forms. It was a perfect triad, and somehow she was lucky enough to fit in their center. She knew in her heart that their future would have hurdles, but who really got to walk a flawless path to happiness?

When they drove through the gates of the Triple T, she felt the heaviness leave her heart. This was her home, and these three men were her future. Flaws and all.





Epilogue





“Clint Jackson Keegan, don’t you dare!” Zoey threatened as Clint tried to fondle her breasts from behind. They stood at the front door waiting as Tanner parked the suburban and helped Lance and Nina Keegan from it.

“Aw, don’t tell me we can’t have sex just because mama and pops are here,” he groaned and she giggled.

“I didn’t say that, but we sure as hell aren’t messing around in front of them. Now, come on, you have to introduce me.” She tugged on his arm, but he just looked at her like she was crazy.

“You’ve talked to mama on Skype every freaking week for a month making wedding plans, and you’ve known her since you were a little girl. Why would I have to introduce you?”

Rolling her eyes, she looked to Dalton for help. “I just mean you have to go with me to introduce me as your intended bride, you goof. Unless you’ve changed your mind?”

Both men growled at her, and simultaneously pushed her out the front door onto the porch. Dalton was the first to step into his mother’s embrace as she rushed the porch. “It’s good to see you, Mama.”

Nina had tears in her eyes when she pulled back and kissed Dalton’s cheek, “My, you look so handsome. I’m glad you’re home for good, son.”

Clint stepped up next and accepted the same greeting before tugging Zoey forward. Nina gave her a brilliant smile as she embraced her. “Zoey Carson, you are even more beautiful in person. I can certainly see why you stole my boys’ hearts.”

Zoey felt a blush creep up her cheeks as she accepted a hug from Lance too. “Thank you. Did you guys have a good trip?”

Lance shrugged, “I never consider commercial airline travel good, but it was alright. The place looks great, boys. When will the remodeling be done?”

They all entered the living room, and Zoey offered drinks and cookies to her future in-laws as they took seats. Clint took their luggage on up to the apartment over the garage, while Tanner filled his father in on the remodeling plans.

Nina turned to Zoey with a bright-eyed gaze and she couldn’t help but notice the similarities between her and Dalton. Nina’s blonde hair was pulled back in a clip, but her dimpled cheeks and brilliant blue eyes looked decades younger than she actually was. “So, dear, are you all ready for the big day?”

“No, I still have some shopping to do. I have had to wait until last minute because Clint will sneak a peek if he thinks I have presents hidden,” Zoey answered, sipping her wine. When Nina looked at her funny, she laughed, “Oh, you mean the wedding! Oh I’m definitely ready for that. All that’s left is picking up the flowers and the guys’ tuxes.”

Nina’s happiness was nearly tangible as she reached out to hold Zoey’s hand. “I’m so glad you four decided to have the wedding while we’re here.”

“Of course, Nina, we would never have left you guys out.”

“I’m just so excited to see my boys married, and on Christmas Eve no less. Tell me, what can I do?”

Zoey laughed at the woman’s enthusiasm. “Figure out how to hide me from those three tomorrow, because they haven’t seen my wedding dress, and I want them to be surprised when I walk down the aisle.”

Her future mother-in-law nodded, “And how are you holding up, sweetie? I know this is your first Christmas without your mom.”