Tears are streaming down my face and the only thing I can manage to do is nod. “Yes, Ford,” my words feel holy, like a vow, “I’ll marry you.”
His shoulders drop and he plays with the ring sitting on my finger. I can see the pride shining in his eyes and I can’t help but admire the ring.
“You should know something,” he starts and clears his throat, his body shifting like he’s uncomfortable.
I’ve learned a lot about Ford over the last month of living with him.
He’s stubborn.
He’s fiercely loyal.
He loves this land with everything in him.
His heart beats for me and he puts me first before anything else.
And not much rattles him, so seeing him nervous right now is strange. I’m not sure whether to giggle or take whatever is about to come out of his mouth very seriously.
“I’ve had my will, the deeds to the land and the house, as well as the business paperwork, changed to ensure you are always protected and taken care of.”
I blink at the man in front of me a few times, unsure if I heard him right.
Yeah, giggling would not have been the right move.
My stomach pitches and this time I’m not sure if it’s because of the baby I’m growing, or the words just laid at my feet. Maybe a little of both.
I can’t believe what he’s just told me. “That’s too much,” I try to argue.
He shakes his head, his voice like steel, “No, it’s not nearly enough. You are everything to me, Sunflower, and you deserve to be protected if something were to happen. You better believe I wasn’t going to wait around until something did.”
My hands cup his face and I kiss him hard. “I love you, Cowboy,” I mutter the words against his lips and feel his curve into a smile.
“I love you, wife.”
I chuckle and shake my head while pointing out, “I’m not your wife yet.”
He pulls back, his amber colored eyes intense as he stares down at me. “Are you wearing my ring?” I nod and he looks very satisfied with himself. “Are you growing my baby?” I nod again. “Like I said—wife.”
I shake my head at him, but I don’t argue. It would be useless anyway.
“What kind of wedding to you want?” His question is curious and I find myself shrugging.
“Nothing outlandish. I want to get married here, on our land, surrounded by the people who matter to us,” I admit.
He kisses me softly and whispers, “Perfect.”
I’m not perfect, far from it, but I think we might be perfect together. It’s hard to believe there was a time when I watched this man from afar. I’m still not sure where I got the courage to write him in the first place.
And now here we are, looking toward a future which will be as glorious and full as we make it.
“We have to get ready for the fundraiser. It’s Casino Night,” I remind him gently and he groans.
“I’m only going because you’re going,” he grunts.
As if I didn’t already know that. But it’s time for Ford to rejoin life in Seneca Falls. Because this community is what will help lift us up when times get hard. They’ll also be right there to cheer us on when success feels too easy.
“Here’s the plan,” I can hear the negotiation in his voice, “I’m going to strip you and make love to you to celebrate our good news.” Even though we’ll probably be late then, I perk up at the suggestion and Ford smirks. “Then while you’re getting ready, I’ll make you a PB&J.”
“They’ll have food at the event,” I remind him.
