His lips let go of mine, and I gasped to catch my breath. “I’ve been wanting to do this all day long,” he said, nuzzling my neck and kissing it from top to bottom.
“You’re not mad anymore?” I struggled to get the words out as he continued exploring my neck.
He pulled back and looked me in the eyes. “I was never angry. Just disappointed.”
“But you never answered any of my calls.”
“I left my phone behind at my cooking station last night. I’m still hoping some Good Samaritan will turn it in.”
“Youlostyour phone?”
He grinned and nodded. “You thought I’d been ignoring you? Never.”
A tidal wave of relief crashed over me. Giddy laughter rolled out of my mouth as I cupped his cheeks with both my hands. “I love you, Cash Walker.”
“I’ve waited a long time to hear you say it.” He loosened his grip on my waist and let me slide ever so slowly to the ground, his hungry eyes never releasing my gaze.
“And?” I said, faking a bit of annoyance.
“And what?”
“When someone confesses their love for you, it’s customary to let them know whether or not you reciprocate the feelings.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I thought it was obvious how I felt about you.” He slung my guitar across his back and gripped my waist with both hands. One side of his mouth curved into that teasing grin I couldn’t get enough of. “Of course I love you. Do you need a little more convincing?”
The tips of his fingers drew me closer, until there wasn’t an ounce of daylight between us. His lips were only a breath away from mine when my door flew open, and Moose came charging out. He stood on his hind legs with his paws braced against us. He sounded off a series of barks and excited whines.
Cash jumped back, his jaw falling open. He dropped to his knees and gave Moose a bear hug. “What are you doing here, boy?” His wide eyes cut to me. “The new girl at the rescue told me some old lady had adopted him today.”
“Grandmother drove me.” I shrugged.
“You? You adopted him?”
“I hate to break it to you, but I’m in love with two boys. You’re going to have to share me.”
He stood and kissed my cheek. “I think I can live with that.” He gazed down at Moose and shook his head. “They say you’re never supposed to fall for the ones you foster. But there’s something special about that boy.”
“There’s something special about both of my boys.” I wrapped my arms around his waist and rested my head against his chest.
“This is just the best surprise ever.”
“Well…” I stepped back and fished in my back pocket. “I don’t know if it’s thebestsurprise. The day isn’t over yet. Close your eyes and hold out your hand.”
“Why?”
“Just do it!” Careful not to let them make a sound, I placed a set of keys in the palm of his hand. “Okay, open your eyes.”
“Keys? Maybe you should hold on to your keys for a little while longer. I haven’t even proposed yet. I’m kind of old fashioned that way.”
I slapped his shoulder. “They’re notmykeys, silly. These are the keys to your brand-new food truck.”
All the color drained away from his face. He grabbed onto both of my arms. “What did you just say?”
“You heard right. These keys are for your food truck.”
“But how?”
“Remember that check last night? Grandmother and I went shopping with it this afternoon. She felt terrible about everything that happened and added a bit more money to the pot—okay, she added a lot more money—and we got you something you’re going to love!”
