“They’re so big!” Lucy ran over to the back patio doors to see better. Then she turned back to Grady. “Do wild animals really live there?”
“Yep. Deer, elk, moose, and bears.” When Lucy’s blue eyes widened, he hastily added, “The bears are still hibernating yet. They don’t venture out until April, when the weather gets warmer.”
“Wow.” Lucy turned back to stare at the mountains. “I wish it was warmer now so I could see the mountains up close.”
“We can do a little hiking, if your mom wants to.” He eyed Lauren warily. “If not, that’s okay. It was just a suggestion.”
“I would love to go hiking, but maybe when the weather warms up.” She smiled at him. “It’s so peaceful around here without all the traffic noise.”
“Yeah, we don’t have traffic jams.” He couldn’t help but smile as Lauren gazed around his house with appreciation. “It’s nice and quiet until the summer tourist season.”
“I can see why you live here.” Lauren glanced at Lucy, then stepped closer. “And you should know I’d never ask you to leave.”
He had a plan he wanted to discuss, but he wasn’t sure if this was the right time. The danger was over, Simon Cromwell was sitting in jail, and Karla had agreed to testify against Nelson for a lighter sentence for her part in the kidnapping-for-ransom scheme. Nelson had used the prison computers to find the Cromwell twins and had asked Karla to get in touch with them on his behalf. Nelson’s release had been revoked in light of the new charges he faced as a result of Lucy’s kidnapping.
Lauren had been appalled that Nelson had used her childhood tragedy against her. Grady was just glad the guy would spend even more time behind bars.
“I, uh, have an idea,” he managed.
“Can I see the bedrooms?” Lucy asked, interrupting them.
“Sure, go ahead.” He didn’t look away from Lauren. They’d been seeing each other for the past four weeks, spending most of their time in Chicago. Grady had gotten somewhat used to the penthouse apartment, but he’d wanted Lauren to see his home before he made their fake engagement real. When Lucy disappeared down the hall, he didn’t waste a second. “I love you, Lauren.” He dipped his hand into his pocket and pulled out a small ring box. “Will you please marry me?”
“Oh, Grady. Yes! I’d love to marry you.” She held out her hand so he could slide the diamond engagement ring onto her finger. “The ring is beautiful, thank you.”
He knew she could afford something bigger, but he’d come to appreciate how down-to-earth Lauren was, despite her wealth. She didn’t make him feel bad for not having as much money, even though he did fairly well working for Rex Grayson.
Well enough that he didn’t have to work as many cases now if he chose not to. He kissed her for a long moment, then leaned back to look down at her. “I know this place isn’t as fancy as your penthouse, but I was thinking we could split our time between Chicago and Cody. While keeping Lucy’s school schedule in mind,” he quickly added. “I think she could benefit from spending some time here.”
“I completely agree.” He was surprised when Lauren didn’t argue. “In fact, I think we should make this home here in Cody our primary residence. That way Lucy can go to school here. It hasn’t been the same since Ariel’s mother moved her daughter to a different school. The only reason to go back to Chicago would be to attend specific charity events.” She searched his gaze for a moment. “I’ll prioritize those that are most important to me.”
“Really?” He hadn’t expected this. “Are you sure? Maybe you should see what it’s like here in the dead of winter.”
She arched a brow. “Winters are long and cold in Chicago too. Besides, I’m looking forward to a more laid-back lifestyle.” She smiled. “I love you, Grady. This town, this rural setting is part of you. And I like it too.”
Maybe she was just saying that to make him feel better, but he wasn’t going to complain. They had time to figure things out. “I love you, very much.” He kissed her again, thinking he was the luckiest man on earth. Then Lucy skipped down the hall, interrupting them.
“Hey, did you ask Mom to marry you yet?” Lucy demanded. “You’re not supposed to kiss her unless you’re going to get married.”
“I did ask her, and she said yes.” He grinned at Lauren’s surprised expression. “Lucy made me wait until we were here in Wyoming to ask you.”
“Yay!” Lucy jumped up and down with joy. “I get to have Grady as a dad!”
Lauren laughed and drew Lucy in for a three-way hug. Grady thought his heart would burst from being so full of love.
Love for God, for Lauren, and for his new family.
