It was demure and simple. Not a showstopper. Instead, it was the kind of ring that could blend into the pattern of a woman’s life. This one wouldn’t snag sweaters or be a prima-donna about demanding all the attention.
The ring was perfect. As though it had been made just forme.
“Knox?” my voice went up five octaves as I tried to process what I was seeing.
“Marry me, Gwen. I’m serious. The house. The dog. The lilac trees. It’s not just a dream of mine. It’sreal. Cade and I have been house-hunting. I put earnest money down on a property, and I planned to show it to you this weekend. And the dog can be renamed. But the people who have her call her Buttons. She’s a tiny little fluff-ball mix. I’m not exactly sure what kind of dog she is, but she’s cute, and so sweet, and I think you’re going to love her. And maybe she’ll be training wheels for when we have real kids.”
My hand drifted to my stomach. “Um, that’s what I wanted to talk to you about. But get up out of the snow before you freeze your dick off. It needs to keep functioning for me.”
His face crumpled as he stood up. “I didn’t hear a yes in there, so does that mean you’re saying no? Can I show you the house before you make up your mind?”
I started laughing, and then tears streamed down my cheeks as I barreled into his arms.
“Yes, you crazy beast. I’ll marry you. But can we go talk in private? We have an audience right now, and I have things I need to tell you.”
He looked over at the main house, as if becoming aware of the trio watching us for the first time.
Emerald had a huge grin on her face, and she shouted out, “Gwen, you’ve been sneaky. You found a man without my help after all!”
She didn’t look upset. In fact, she looked delighted.
Eric just seemed confused.
And Dawson seemed like he was ready to get out of here.
He was a nice guy, and definitely attractive, but when he looked at me, there were no sparks in his eyes. I knew he didn’t have any big feelings for me. Emerald had probably cajoled him into the date.
Dawson nodded our way and gave a thumbs up. “Congratulations, man.”
With that settled, I dragged Knox back to the barracks and bolted the door.
Chapter 16
Knox
I pulled her straight into my arms and kissed her. Just like every time before, fireworks went off as soon as our lips touched.
But she tugged out of my arms when I slipped a hand up to her breast.
“What?” I asked. “Aren’t we supposed to celebrate the engagement?”
Gwen bit her lip. “Not before I tell you something. Come sit down with me.”
She led me to the bed I’d claimed in the bunkhouse, then tugged me down to sit next to her.
“Gwen, I know you said you don’t think I’m marriage material, but Ipromiseif you give me a chance, I’ll give you the life you want. I’ll move mountains for you.”
“I’m sure you will, Knox. But will you move mountains fortwoof us?”
I frowned. “What are you talking about?”
And that’s when two life-altering words poured out of her mouth.
“I’m pregnant.”
“Pregnant,” I parroted back, shock coursing through me. “Withmybaby?”
Then I furrowed my brow. “Itbetterbe my baby. It’smine, right?”
