I’d hoped that when he saw me riding again, Dad would change his mind and let me stay on the ranch. I wanted to build something that would last and work alongside my family. But based on his reaction to Jake, if we stayed together, my dad would cut me off. Maybe not at first, but he’d never give his blessing for me to marry a man he considered so far beneath me.
My head spun trying to sort out my options, and two glasses of champagne didn’t help. Jake stayed by my side through dinner though I noticed he didn’t touch the lobster.
Once the dishes had been cleared and dessert was being served, he leaned over and whispered against my ear. “You’re running out of time, sugar.”
Nodding, I reached for my water. My mouth was so dry that swallowing felt like chugging down sandpaper.
“Is everything okay, Roxanne?” Dad leaned forward.
“I think I just need some fresh air.” Pushing back from the table, I lost my balance.
Jake jumped up and steadied me. “I’ll go with you.”
The two of us wound through the maze of tables toward the front of the club. As we passed by unfamiliar faces, I realized how many people I didn’t know. The invitations went out to people my father handpicked, people he wanted to impress or colleagues he wanted to strengthen his business relationship with. The dinner at Mama Mae’s house stood out in a stark contrast. She’d filled her table with the people she loved—the ones who meant the most to her.
Jake pushed the front door open, and we stepped out into the cool night air. He shrugged off his jacket and draped it over my shoulders.
I looked up at him. Thousands of twinkle lights sparkled behind him.
“So, this is it. What are you going to tell your family, sugar? Don’t make me sound like a complete dick, okay?” His chest rose as he drew in a deep breath. The chest I’d spent hours pressed up against.
I couldn’t do it. Staring into his eyes, I saw the love I wanted—a love that came without strings attached. A love that I could feel deep down in my bones. He didn’t love me because of my last name or for what I could do for him. He loved me for who I was. I’d be a complete fool to let him go.
“I’m sorry I put you through this, but I don’t want to break up. I love you, Jake. I don’t want to move to Oklahoma, and I don’t want to leave you.”
His hands came up to cup my cheeks, his thumb brushing along my jawline. “You mean it, sugar? Choosing me might mean turning your back on your family, and I can’t ask you to do that.”
“You’re not asking. I’ve felt more love over the past few weeks with you than I have in twenty-seven years with them. It’ll be rough, but you’re worth it. The life we’ll build together will be worth it.”
He rested his forehead against mine. “I love you too, Roxy. I’m pretty sure I fell for you the second you bent over in Lloyd’s shop. You’ve had my heart on a string ever since.”
“Will you take me home now? I don’t want to go back inside. I’m ready to live my life on my own terms and that doesn’t include sucking up to a bunch of my dad’s friends.”
“Text your mom so your family knows you’re safe. Tell them you’ll see them at the parade tomorrow.”
“We don’t have to go to the parade. I don’t need to prove anything to my dad anymore.” I slid my hand down his arm to twine our fingers together.
“You’re right, sugar. You don’t have anything to prove to your dad, but I want to be by your side when you prove to yourself that you can do what you set out to do. Will you ride next to me tomorrow?”
“Yes.” I wrapped my arms around his neck as he pressed his lips to mine. The kiss held so much promise—promise of unconditional love, promise of the future, promise of a life that would be full of memories we’d make together.
“Now, let’s get you out of that gorgeous dress. I’ve been walking around with a hard-on all night.” Jake gave the ticket to the valet, and I squeezed my legs together, trying to put a damper on the heat building in my core as we waited for his truck to be brought around.
I’d made my choice, and no matter what happened, I wasn’t going back.
11
JAKE
Ihanded Roxy a paper cup full of hot cocoa. She looked adorable in her red and white knit cap. While we’d been tangled up in her soft-as-silk sheets last night, Mother Nature had defied the odds and covered our little town with a blanket of snow just in time for the Christmas parade. Most of it would melt away by noon, but for a brief period, it had turned Broken Bend into a picturesque holiday setting.
“Was there a long line?” Roxy asked. She’d stayed with the horses while I’d gone in search of something to warm us up.
“Not too bad. I saw your brothers on my way back. You’re right. Your whole family is saddling up and getting ready to ride. Are you sure you don’t want to join them?” As much as I loved her and wanted her to be mine, I didn’t want her to regret her decision.
“No regrets. Like Mama Mae said, when you love someone as much as I love you, there’s no decision to be made. Your heart makes it for you.” She rose to her tiptoes and planted a chocolate-scented kiss on my cheek.
“I love you, Roxy Swisher.”
