“Horses, baby. We’re going riding on the horses.”
“Oh, well, it’s been a while since I’ve been on one of those.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll be right beside you,” he winks, disappearing down the stairs, clicking his tongue so our two fur balls follow him.
It doesn’t take me long to get dressed, finding Gray on the back patio drinking yet another coffee. The whispering spring breeze brushes over my skin as I step outside barefoot. A fresh mug waiting for me on the table beside a covered plate of food.
“You’re the best boyfriend ever,” I groan, taking a sip of the dark roast energy boost.
“Why’s that?” he chuckles.
I only shrug. “You support my caffeine addiction.”
A barking laugh escapes him before he winks at me. “Eat and drink up. We’ll be gone for a while.”
I nod and do as he says. Twenty minutes later, we’ve loaded up a trailer hitched to the back of the truck. Our boys happily climbing into the backseat, their massive heads hanging out the same window, tongues lolling out to the side.
It’s a short drive to the trails that line Boulder Lake. A beautiful scenic route, many enjoy biking, hiking, and riding along. We used to come here when I was younger. Jaxon and I would race our horses along the edge despite my mother’s protest. She hated that I didn’t mind being rough and tumble with my brothers. She’d wanted me to be ladylike and want tea parties and hair and makeup. I did like those things; I just wanted the wind in my hair, too.
Gray parks and begins unloading the horses. Chocolate exits first and then Rocket. “I didn’t think he could—” I pet his mane.
“He can walk and trot just fine with a smaller rider. He doesn’t run anymore though.”
Looking up into Rocket’s big eyes, he leans his snout into my palm. “Hey buddy, looks like we finally get to have a little fun together.”
Gray is quick to tack both horses, then hoist me up onto Rocket, who huffs and shakes his head wildly as if giddy for this new adventure.
It’s a beautiful day. A breeze, coupled with the sunshine a reminder of why the seasons can be so breathtaking here in Cole County.
As promised, Gray stays by my side, our horses clomping forward in unison, with Bronc and Bull obediently walking between them. I’d been surprised when Gray didn’t even bother putting their collars on, let alone a leash. He’d been right. Our boys haven’t left our side either.
It’s an hour of following the trail, my back and ass aching when Gray halts the horses climbing down.
There’s a picnic area laid out. A classic wicker basket set dead center of a blanket I recognize from the upstairs linen closet. “What’s going on?”
“Come on,” he grins.
He tugs my hand lightly, softly pulling at the reins of our horses. Typing the reins to a tree behind us, Gray continues to chuckle. Humor and excitement shining in those whiskey eyes as if he has a secret.
My heart hammers, my nerves firing, unable to settle and just appreciate the peacefulness and beauty of the place that has always been home for me. But something isn’t right. Gray can be movie-worthy romantic sometimes, but something about this is different. The seclusion. The preset area.
“Gray, tell me what’s going on,” I warn, turning to face him. “I’m not good with surprises.”
“You’re so impatient.” He kisses the tip of my nose, but that smile never fades.
“Gray.” His name an exasperated groan on my tongue.
“Look in the basket.”
Quirking a brow, I slowly peel the top open. Inside is a stuffed cow. It’s coloring a match for Fester, the first bull I ever rode. The only bull, if I can help it, but something glints on his horn.
Picking up the toy, a solitaire princess-cut diamond ring sparkles in the sunlight.
My eyes are wide as I face Gray again. “Are you?”
“I need you to listen before you say no or go off on one of your tangents of why you can’t. River, you are the sole person in this world who has just seen me as Grayson Garrison. There is no one I have loved more than you. It’s your laugh and your smile, and your backtalk. The noises you make in your sleep and the way you scream my name.” I swat at his chest and he laughs. “But mostly it’s your pride and trust in me. No one sets my world on fire like you do. I know you have reservations about getting married, but just as you’ve helped me navigate through so much in my life, I want to help you do the same, so Dr. River Thompson Bone Crusher Extraordinaire, please marry me.”
Tears burn behind my eyes. It’s not that I didn’t know this day would come for us; I did. It was only a matter of time.
