“Where are we going?” I asked, feigning impatience. Nathan had been dropping less-than-helpful hints about his surprise all morning. Not that I’d complain, I loved surprises.
Plus, he’d been spoiling me non-stop after making good on his promise to give me a first date I’d never forget. My cheeks felt a little warmer just thinking about it.
I kept telling him he didn’t have to spoil me, even though I secretly loved it. He always said the same thing: I don’t have to, but I want to.
I remembered him saying “It’s sad that you think I’m spoiling you when all I’m doing is taking care of you”. Apparently, I’d been dating the wrong guys my whole life.
The warm September air felt good on my skin as I let my hand hang out the window. A comfortable silence settled in the truck’s cab after I stopped pestering Nathan with questions.
He parked in front of a rundown farmhouse just outside of town.
Did he buy this place?He’d talked about buying land more than once.
Our current situation was a little unconventional—we had a small studio apartment, furnished from my old apartment, smack dab in the middle of Main Street. We spent our nights there, but per our compromise with Gran, I worked at her place during the day and we had dinner with her most nights.
I hopped out and met Nathan in front of his truck. Appreciating his rugged good looks and the way his tight gray T-shirt showed off all his delicious muscles.
“Let’s take a walk,” he said, reaching for my hand.
He walked me around the neglected property, staring at me as he asked me question after question.
When he asked if I thought I could live there, I looked around and smiled.I can absolutely see myself living here.
But I wouldn’t be me if I made it that easy. “It’s kind of a mess.”
“That’s why it’s so cheap, but the land is perfect and we can renovate or rebuild the house.”
Still staring at the rundown farmhouse, I feigned nonchalance. “I think we can make it work.”
When he didn’t respond, I turned around to find Nathan on one knee.
“Will you marry me?” His lopsided grin made my heart flutter.
In his left hand was a red velvet ring box. Inside the box sat a large, gorgeous, solitaire diamond that sparkled in the sunlight.
“Aren’t we already engaged?” I asked, reaching for the ring.
“We are. I wanted to do it the right way,” he said, snatching the ring away.
“Hey!” I pouted.
“Hey what? You haven’t answered me yet,” he teased.
“Yes, Nathan. For the second time, yes, I’ll marry you.”
He slipped the ring on my finger, picked me up and swung me around. When I wrapped my legs around his waist, I leaned back so I could see his eyes.
Running a finger down his scar, I said, “I love you, Cowboy.”
After he kissed every thought out of my head, he said, “I love you, Slick. What do you say? How about we buy some land and start a family?”
It was one of the best days of my life.
Six more weeks later…
“Morning,” Nathan said as he pulled me close and put his hand on my belly.
“I wish we didn’t have to work today.” Nathan had only been back on full duty for three weeks, and while I was happy for him, I missed him when he had long days and overnight assignments.
