Farzad Five Years Later “Who’s ready to go Christmas tree hunting?” I ask, laughing warmly at the precious scene unfolding before my eyes.  Shelby has Adam, our four-year-old, bundled up so tightly in a snow suit, scarf, mittens, knit cap, and boots that he can barely bend his knees and elbows. His cheeks glow red, giving the impression he’s burning up despite our snow-covered front yard. But none of this bothers him as he claps his hands together, screaming, “I’m ready, Daddy!” His bright gold and green eyes shine, reminding me of myself at his age. But Ariana, our two-year-old, is all Shelby—round faced with stunning almond eyes the color…

Hawk Six Years Later Our children stand in line by height, leaning against one of the ranch fences for family photos. Eli poses tall and proud at five years old, his ebony hair a messy mane, despite all of the work his mama put into detangling his head.  Next is Tayanita, two years younger and a few inches shorter. Her tight black braids whip back and forth keeping time with her fidgeting. Last is Scott, a chubby one-year-old with fat cheeks and thick, straight black ebony locks, who excels at blowing kisses, making raspberry noises, and contagious belly laughs. Every time the photographer gets them lined up perfectly, Roxy and…

Lily Five Months Later Fifteen minutes into the first look, Turner eyeballs the photographer and says, “We’re done here.” “Wait,” the confused thirty-something man with brown hair and tortoiseshell glasses looks confused. “You have me booked for an hour.” Turner nods confidently. “Don’t worry. You’ll be paid for the full hour with a hefty tip, if you do me a favor.” “And what’s that?” the photographer asks, still looking flabbergasted. The grumpy cowboy pulls a wad of cash out of his back pocket, not even counting it, and hands it to the guy. “I want you to ensure nobody enters this tent until I come out. You hear me?” The…

Bijou Three Months Later My breath catches in my throat as I watch my handsome blond cowboy round the front of his 1970 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost, wearing his white Stetson, a polished pair of brown boots, dark wash Wranglers, and a dress shirt and black coat.  Opening my door, he offers me his hand with a boyish grin. “Are you ready?”  “I’ve been ready for more than five years, baby,” I reply, flashing an ear-to-ear smile.  Once I stand, he pauses, drinking me in until his azure eyes well with tears. “You’re breathtaking. I don’t know what I did to get this lucky, but I’m going to spend the…

Flynn Three Months Later Tita looks stunning in her periwinkle silk gown as her grandsons accompany the diminutive lady down the aisle. Her smile radiates warmth and joy, and she winks at me mouthing the name “Zorro.” It’s become our inside joke. I smile and wink back, trying not to look nervous. Staring down the long line of groomsmen, I nod at my foster brothers, absorbing the fact that this is really happening. I thought I’d be the last man standing when it came to bachelorhood. And I would have been if it wasn’t for my beautiful little señorita, Jasmine Estrada. But when it was all said and done, I…

Izzie Six Months Later Wolfe wraps me in his strong arms, holding me tightly. “It’s all over now. You don’t have to ever think about this again.” I hope he’s right, although you never know what the future holds when it comes to criminal court cases. Jess has already warned me about this, and as a true crime reporter, she should know. He shields me with his body as we leave the courthouse and face a wall of reporters outside, waiting for soundbites. Once we’re safely multiple blocks away and in his black dually, he pulls me into his lap, cradling me and kissing me. His big hands thread through…

Faith Five Years Later The thrill of the auction block action blows me away, and I see yet again why Travis can’t get enough of it. We’re at the Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auction in Newport Beach, California, one of the premier collector car shows and auctions in the country. It’s unmatched when it comes to the sheer volume and variety of incredible rides. Travis has already gotten top-dollar and then some for three immaculately restored vehicles—a 1962 VW Karmann Ghia Type 34, a 1967 Shelby GT350, and a 1972 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7—and is happily shooting the breeze with some of the most recognized car collectors in the…

Zane Five Years Later Ruby’s not in a mood for listening, and she’s as stubborn as her mama. She wants to be smack-dab in the middle of the barrel racing competition even though I’ve explained to her she needs to be patient and wait until she gets older. But the tempestuous little raven-haired beauty won’t listen, even after I promise her a funnel cake before the bullriding starts. Her bottom lip’s sticking out now, and it’s hard to be angry at her because she’s Rebecca’s doppelgänger. The result? I spoil her too much, something that my wife points out on the regular. But honestly, all my girls have me wrapped…

Cricket Four Months Later My heart beats out of my chest as I watch Christian walk up the long driveway to our cabin. He’s tanned and tall and absolutely breathtaking in his crisp sheriff’s uniform and white Stetson. Although I now wear his ring on my finger, I still pinch myself daily that this cowboy is mine. I know he feels the same way about me because he tells me all the time. It’s hard to think back on all the wasted years between us. I know this is something that could eat away at both of us if we let it. But I have to remind myself that every…

Jess TWO YEARS LATER The room is dark, and Logan’s at my side, peering into the screen. “How the heck do you know what you’re looking at?” Polly, the radiology tech laughs, “Experience. Lots of experience.” Hollister is small, and Logan went to school with her. I can tell she’s impressed to see him so domestic. And I can’t blame her, having heard the local rumor mill about him. But Logan couldn’t be a more devoted husband.  I ignore the weird feeling of cold goo on my stomach and narrow my eyes, looking at our baby. I can hear his heartbeat, and it’s the most wonderful sound … since the…