I make it to the top of the steps, and he turns and strides into the house. I approach behind him, and he stops and takes a deep breath, like he’s bracing himself for something. When he finally turns to meet my eyes, his back is straight and he goes still as he fixes me with a serious stare.
“There are some things I need to say. I know…I know at the hospital we didn’t get the chance to really talk all of this out, but it’s been weighing on me and I need to say it.”
“What is it?”
“I’m sorry,” he says, his voice breaking. “I’m so damn sorry, Sutton. I messed up. I thought I was helping, taking things off your plate, but I wasn’t listening. I didn’t ask you what you wanted, and that’s on me.”
Tears prick at my eyes, but I blink them away. “I hear you. And I appreciate that. But I need you to know I wasn’t just mad about that. You can’t just decide what’s best for me and expect me to go along with it. I’m not one of your ranch hands. We have to talk about big things like this, especially money.”
He nods, his eyes never leaving mine. “I know. And I’m not asking you to be. I’m asking you to let me be better. To let me try.”
I shake my head, the tears spilling over now. “I was so mad at you for that, but I…I was mad that I didn’t get to save the ranch. I wanted to prove to my dad that I was worthy of his admiration and love and when you paid it off, you took that from me.”
He takes my hands in his, his grip warm and steady. “I love you, Sutton. I love you more than I’ve ever loved anything in my life. That wasn’t my intention. But you did save the ranch. You kept Ms. Langley from burning it to the ground. Had you not been there when Reed showed up, they might have already done damage by the time anyone else got there. You saved Hicks Creek in everything you did. That was all you. But, baby, youdidn’t need to do any of those things to be worthy of love. You already are worthy just by being you.”
Tears roll down my cheeks as he reaches down and brushes his lips against mine.
“I’m not sure what happens next, Sutton, but I do know that I want to spend the rest of my life with you. And that I will prove to you that you’re worth it, and remind you daily so that you never question it again.”
“Wade—” I start.
He drops to one knee in front of me, and I inhale quickly.
“I don’t have a ring, but I’ll get one. I don’t want to spend another second without you, Sutton. Will you marry me?”
“Yes!”
The words roll off my tongue so easily that I know it’s the right answer. I’ve loved him for a long time and that it’s so fast isn’t relevant.
He stands up and grabs me up into a bear hug and kisses me at the same time. He slowly drops me down so that my body is sliding against his. I can feel the rock-hard bulge in his pants.
I grin back at him.
Oooh, celebratory sex? Yes please.
After all that emotional breakthrough stuff, I need to shut my brain off for a bit. I just need to feel him inside me, all around me.
His hands grip my butt cheeks, and my legs wrap around his waist as he carries me to his bedroom. He gently drops me on the bed before he starts removing his clothes, and I do the same.
“I’m not promising everything will be perfect, Sutton. I promise that I will grow and learn with you. I’ll listen. I’ll constantly be the best version of myself for you,” he rambles.
“Me too,” I breathe.
I can’t get my clothes off fast enough. Before I know it, we’re both naked and standing in front of each other. He grabs meagain, pulling me into a hot kiss. He pushes me back so that we’re falling onto the bed together.
His mouth and hands are everywhere—it’s like he’s a starving man. We’re tearing at each other, desperate to feel every inch of one another.
I moan softly as his lips trail down my neck, leaving a trail of wet kisses that send shivers down my spine. He’s possessive, almost feral in his desire for me. I can feel the heat of his body as he moves between my legs, his muscles flexing with every touch.
His hands glide over my skin, sending electrifying sparks wherever they touch. He kisses me again, deep and passionate, as if he’s trying to devour me. My heart is pounding in my chest, and I clutch at his back, pulling him closer to me.
As he moves lower, my breath hitches in my throat. I know what he’s about to do, and I can’t help but arch into him, eager for his touch. He doesn’t disappoint; his mouth is warm and gentle as it explores me. I gasp, my hips moving unconsciously with his skilled touch. My fingers dig into his scalp as his tongue slides against my most sensitive spot. He takes it into his mouth as he slides a finger inside me, seeking out my G-spot.
Oh God, his touch is sending me into a frenzy.
I can feel my clit swelling with every stroke of his tongue, and my heart races with anticipation. My body is begging for release.
Why did I fight him so much?
