He placed a kiss to her temple. “You’re welcome. For what?”
She laughed. “For helping me realize I could have it all.”
That knowing smirk graced his lips. She expected a smart comment from him, but he didn’t offer her one. Maybe, like her, he understood this was a moment they could both sit back and appreciate. They’d come a long way from the people they’d been at the beginning of last summer.
“Congratulations, Kat.”
She turned toward her father and beamed, leaving Leo’s side to wrap her arms around her father. As usual, he was dressed impeccably in a suit that left no doubt about his wealth. It was a stark contrast to the Levi skirt and boots she’d opted to wear for this event. Gone were her expensive heels and business attire. She’d grown to love the simplicity this town had to offer. And since there wasn’t a single day she didn’t spend traipsing through Sagebrush property, she clung to the more durable clothing choices.
Her father held her at arm’s length and smiled broadly. “This place has done you good.”
“Thanks, dad.”
Chaz stepped forward next and pulled her in for an awkward hug, tossing a glance of trepidation in Leo’s direction.
Biting back a smile, Kat turned again to her father. “Will you be joining us for dinner?”
Her father glanced at Leo. Something passed between them and Kat whirled to look at Leo for any clue as to what that was about.
“No, sweetheart. Charles and I have meetings early in the morning. We best be heading back.”
She frowned. “Are you sure?”
He nodded, pulling her to him for one more hug before pressing a kiss to the crown of her head. “Positive. You two have fun. Celebrate. Call me later.”
Her brows pinched further. “Okay?”
Chuckling, her father turned to Leo. “Take care of my girl.”
Kat scoffed which only spurred more quiet laughter. She gave Leo a pointed stare.
He tugged her against his chest and kissed her temple then murmured, “Just accept it, Princess. Even you need taking care of every once in a while.”
She leaned into him, reveling in his warmth. It was hard to argue with him when he was so close. Kat tilted her chin and allowed herself to drink in the man who had stolen her heart. She would never tell him, but she already knew what this dinner was supposed to be. It wasn’t her fault that she’d overheard Leo speaking to her father the other night when she’d returned from using the restroom. Their voices came from the living room, and she’d stopped short.
At first, she’d been irritated that Leo thought it necessary to get her father’s blessing on their future union.
But then he’d said something that shredded everything she believed.
“I’m aware Kat is more than capable of making her own decisions. But I also know how much she means to you. I’d never dream of coming between Kat and her family. That being said, I want you to be aware I plan on asking your daughter for her hand and it would make the whole process easier to know you approve.”
Her father had waited a few painful moments before he grunted. “As we have discussed before, all I want is her happiness.”
She could imagine her father rubbing his jaw as he paused again.
“A blind man can see that you are a big part of that happiness. And I know you’d never stand in her way of chasing any dream she might have.”
“No sir,” Leo murmured. “She’s my whole world. I’d gladly risk anything if it means to see her smile. Everything.”
Kat believed him. Leo understood her on levels no one else had. Each and every day they’d been together, he’d shown how much she meant to him. Leo had successfully helped her let go of her anxiety over losing her sense of self.
“Leo?”
“Hmm?”
“I—”
An arm draped around Leo’s shoulder. “Please tell me your brother isn’t going to make this wedding a big deal.”
