“Thanks.” He opened the door and cold air blew in.
“Stay in the cabin. Go back to bed.”
“No, ma’am.” He stepped out on the porch in his bare feet. He hadn’t bothered to locate his socks so he could put on his boots.
She turned back one more time. “See you soon.”
“Very soon.” But not soon enough.
Rance stood in front of Midnight Thunder, arms crossed, probably because it was bleedin’ cold outside at this hour. Rance had a short conversation with Sara. Then he helped her into the driver’s side and did something with the seat again.
That lass had gumption, but if she was as knackered as he was… well, he had to trust her judgment, didn’t he?
She backed around nice and easy as if she owned that vehicle. Then she drove away.
Like an eejit, he stood shivering until the forest blocked the red taillights. He’d made a mess out of proposing to her, no question. But he didn’t regret doing it.
If he’d stopped to think, he wouldn’t have said those two words. They’d still be locked away, maybe forever.
But now she knew his heart, even if she thought he was off his rocker. She liked him, even admired him. She loved the sex and his accent. He could build on that.
Getting her to love him enough to want to marry him wouldn’t be hard. Finding a way to be together once she loved him — there was the challenge. Before he tackled that one, he needed more sleep.
Returning to the bedroom, he shucked his clothes and laid down on the sheets that smelled of sex. The heady aroma reminded him that she’d be back. Smiling, he pulled up the covers and closed his eyes.
A sharp rapping on the open bedroom door roused him from the deepest sleep he’d had in years. Sunlight filled the room.
“Time to get up, buddy,” Rance called out from the doorway. “You’re due at the house in an hour for that phone call with Lucky.”
“Thanks.” He cleared his throat. “Thank you.” What would he do without that fella?
He grabbed a quick shower and shave before pulling clothes out of his duffel. A wee bit wrinkled, but they’d have to do. The scent of coffee drew him to the kitchen.
Rance stood at the stove. “Don’t know what you usually have for breakfast, but I’m making us each a fried egg sandwich. We can eat fast.”
“That would be grand.” He’d read enough about Montana to know black pudding wouldn’t likely be on the menu around here. “I appreciate it.”
“I talked to Lucky and he’d actually like you there early so the two of you can work out how you’ll break the news.”
“That would be smart, now, wouldn’t it?” Preplanning an important conversation. What a concept. “Can I help with anything?”
“It’s done. Just get yourself some coffee.” He carried two plates to a small round kitchen table.
“You’re taking good care of me, mate.” He poured a mug of coffee and joined Rance at the table.
“Glad to. How’d it go? I mean, generally. I’m not asking for details.” He bit into his sandwich.
“We enjoyed ourselves.”
Nodding in approval, he swallowed. “Just what I hoped for.”
“I asked her to marry me.”
“Sure you did.” Rance flashed him a grin. Then he paused, his eyes growing wide. “You’re not kidding.”
“I’m not. She didn’t tell you?” That pleased him.
“She didnottell me. What the hell, dude? Are you nuts?”
