And at least for the moment, I’m not scared.
Chapter 35
Grayson
Riverstaresatme.
Those grayish green eyes glisten with unshed tears. What kind, I’m not sure because I can’t read her expression.
I’d been lucky enough that Beau agreed to help me this morning. That he had the time and liked me enough today to do me the favor. Apparently, I’m a hard boss to be friends with.
I didn’t know I was going to propose until last night, when she told me she was proud of me. It’s all I’ve ever wanted. Someone to genuinely just be proud of me, Grayson. The man unto himself.
So this morning I let her sleep. The guys handled the ranch, Tate met me in town, and I sped to Carruthersville to buy the ring. Luckily, I’d had time to get home and shower before she woke up. It was by chance that this all worked out so flawlessly.
The imitation Fester was a gift I was going to give her just because, but he served a better purpose today.
“River, baby. Please say something.”
“I, uh—”
My heart stutters, the pain already working its way through my chest, anticipating a rejection. I knew there was a chance I wouldn’t leave here with a fiancé, but there was no way I wasn’t jumping. I’ll take the dive as many times as it takes her to say yes. My feelings for River are ingrained in my soul. If my words didn’t convince her, I can only hope my actions since we’ve been together will.
She must know it’s me and her. That I want her. That Ihaveto have her. The good, the bad, the tears, and the laughter. Life without River isn’t living.
“This won’t be easy,” she whispers.
Gripping her chin between my fingers and tilting her gaze up to meet mine, so much love shines in her mossy eyes. “I never said it would be, but I want it all with you. If anyone is up to the challenge, it’s us.”
She nods, but looks down at her cow again, playing with the fur. “Are you going to put it on, or do I have to?”
My heart races, posture stretching straight. Did she? Does that mean we? It takes everything in me not to tackle her to the ground. I thought for sure it would take a lot more convincing than a little speech and a cow, but fuck, I’ve never been so happy. I’ve never felt so free and optimistic.
Pulling the ring from the horn, I reach for her hand. “I wish I could tell you how happy you’ve made me today.”
“Just put it on Gray.”
“Bossy!” I taunt, slipping the ring on her finger. One with sharp edges like the both of us have, but filled with crystal clear beauty too.
Her mouth finds mine, shoving the basket out of the way as she climbs into my lap. “This is just one step, cowboy. Don’t think you can run with it.”
I only smile against her lips, kissing her senseless. All I heard was, this is as far as I can push her today, but one day she’ll cave. One day, the two of us will have it all. But for now, I have the woman of my dreams in my arms.
Lying her down on the blanket, my hips grind into her. Her moans caught by my mouth. “Are you going to let me make love to my future wife, Boss?”
She nods, reaching between us to undo my belt. Our mouths meet again, slanting, hungrily devouring one another. Our tongues are at war as our bodies itch to be skin to skin. It’s always this way with us. Hot, feverish. The need for us to become one driving our actions.
As much as I want her naked, we’re out in the open. Anyone could come along. Yet, that’s not going to stop me from taking her on the spot. My fiancé. My future.
I’m not wasting this moment.
“We’re going to make this quick, and then we’re going home.” She nods again, her swollen lips parted with anticipation.
Shoving her jeans down her legs and then doing the same with mine, I slide into her. Her back immediately arches high as I fill her. A drawn-out moan vibrating through her chest, bringing out my grin.
River has always felt perfect to me. Our bodies meant to come together from the day we met, but today feels different. We feel different. I told her this would be quick, but as the sun beats down on us and our boys snore only feet away, I know I’m not rushing this.
Let someone find us. It doesn’t matter to me.
