He scoffs and shakes his head, opening his mouth to say something before Mags clears her throat and shoots him a deathly glare. “Don’t you dare, Red Grayson. That’s none of our business.Remember.”
"Like hell, it's not. They made a mistake years ago and it's our job to make sure they don't repeat it again," he grumbles, looking over to where Austin is no longer hiding his observation of Charlie.
“Well,personally, whatever her reason, I’m hopin’ Charlie moved back to town because a certainCallhad been heard,” I say. “I want to see Austin happy and rewarded with his One. If that’s Charlie, then so be it.”
Red and Mags share a look, some silent conversation that only they can understand. It ends with Red giving her a shrug. “They’re not wrong. Austin’s not the only one who deserves it.”
“All I’m sayin’ is that we’re not interferin’ again,” Mags grumbles, and I don’t miss the way Red’s gaze softens.
Toby sidles up next to me, bending down to press a soft kiss just below my ear, sending a shiver right through me. “Think I can steal you away from your gossipin’ for a surprise?”
I tip my head back to shoot him a suspicious look. “I could be persuaded,” I reply. “Is it a good surprise?”
He arches a brow. “Isn’t everythin’ I give you?”
“Damn, woman. Why are you keepin’ the good man waitin’ when he’s talkin’ likethat?” Mags says, fanning herself. “You’ve got yourself a hot rancher. Don’t keep the man waitin’.”
Toby chuckles and I can’t help but grin. “He hasn’t saidwhatthe surprise is though, Mags. I’m thinkin’ it’s not one ofthoseones, unfortunately.”
“Well, you’ll never know unless you go and find out now, will ya?” She counters and I realize I can’t argue with that.
Putting my hand in his, I let Toby pull me to my feet. “OK, bossman. I’ll let you whisk me away," I sigh like it’s a hardship when I’m excited on the inside.
“Much obliged, Skippy.”
Thirty minutes later, it’s turning to dusk as we come to a stop outside the barn. It’s still light enough to see the beautiful colors of the twilight sky above us though and it doesn’t matter how often I see them, they still mesmerize me.
“So, bossman. What’s this surprise you’ve promised me?”
He grins and reaches into his pocket, pulling out a blindfold. “Do you trust me?”
“With everythin’ I have.” That earns that soft expression of his that I love.
“Good answer, Skippy,” he rasps as he lifts his arms and gently covers my eyes. “Can you see anythin’?”
“Nope,” I say, popping the p and earning a chuckle.
“Good. Wait there.”
The truck jostles and I hear the driver’s door shut. Moments later, my side opens and Toby helps me out, lacing his fingers with mine and leading me forward.
“Is this a romantic gesture or should I be worried?” I muse.
“Definitely romantic, Dee. I promise I won’t let anythin’ happen to ya.” He lifts my hand to his lips and presses them to my silver and sapphire engagement ring sitting there.
I smile. “Good answer.”
“Just a little bit further, OK.” I nod and try to work out where we are. I can’t hear anything other than our footsteps on the floor but the smell of hay and dirt and motor oil hits my nose, which has to mean we’re in the barn.
My heart rate spikes as we come to a stop. “You ready?”
“As I’ll ever be.”
“Good, my love. Now, before I take the blindfold off, I want to tell you how much I value and appreciate you, and your decision to stay and build a life with me here at Bull.”
“I wanna be where you are, Tobes. I love you. It’s as simple as that. Call or no Call,” I reply.
“Every time I hear you say that I feel like the luckiest damn man on the planet.”
