He gave her another kiss. “I’m thinking of something more long term with plenty of stringsand attachments.” He straightened and pulled something out of his jean jacket pocket before he got down on one knee. “I was going to wait until Christmas, but . . .” He opened the box to reveal a diamond engagement ring. “Marry me, Jolie. I can’t offer you a mansion on a hill. Or even a big fancy diamond ring. But I can offer you my love forever.”
Tears filled her eyes. “Mansions on hilltops are overrated. I prefer pink houses with just enough room for a family of three. And I’ve never cared for gaudy rings. But before you slip that beautiful ring on my finger, we need to talk to Cheyenne first. She might not be ready for her father to get married again.”
He laughed. “Are you kidding? Who do you think helped me with the snow, the sign, and the ring?”
“Cheyenne?”
He nodded. “She’s convinced that you’re responsible for me allowing her to date and I’m sure she thinks when we marry you’ll continue to take her side.”
“Only if you’re wrong.”
Cal smiled as he claimed her hand and slid the ring on. “Then let the battle begin, Miss Applegate.”
Chapter Sixteen
“I guessyou’re looking for Joey Mac.”
Cheyenne stopping peeking at the people filing into the church and turned to Nathan, who was standing backstage next to her waiting for the pageant to begin. He wore a white Stetson cowboy hat tugged low on his forehead, a light blue western shirt that matched his eyes, Wrangler jeans, and cowboy boots.
He looked . . . hot.
She self-consciously smoothed her hair behind her ears. While Nathan looked hot, she was sure she looked ridiculous in the white prairie dress Miss Gertie had made her. Cheyenne had wanted to wear a western shirt and blue jean skirt, but Maisy hadn’t wanted her showing her panties to the people in the front row when she knelt next to the manger. Plus, the shirt didn’t have room for the pillow that stood in for the unborn baby Jesus. She adjusted the pillow as it kept slipping down.
“I wasn’t looking for Joey Mac.”
“Then who are you looking for?”
“My dad and Jolene. If she’s not with him, thenthat means the snow didn’t work.”
Nathan nodded. “I heard about the snow. It’s all my mom could talk about at dinner. I guess no one in town thought your dad would fall for Miss Applegate.”
Cheyenne hadn’t thought it either. She’d overlooked Jolene as a match for her father just like the entire town had. But after spending time with Jolene, she realized she was exactly the kind of woman Cheyenne wanted for her father. She was honest, kind, and caring. And Cheyenne couldn’t help feeling a little indignant on Jolene’s behalf.
“Why wouldn’t he fall for Jolene? Just because a person doesn’t look like Jen Jacobs doesn’t mean she isn’t pretty.”
“I didn’t mean that Miss Applegate wasn’t pretty. I just didn’t think that she and your father had a lot in common.”
Cheyenne lifted her chin. “Well, I think Jolene and my dad make a perfect couple. And just because people seem different that doesn’t mean they are. Sometimes you need to spend a little time with a person before you realize how much you have in common.” She hesitated. “Like us.”
His eyes flickered with surprise. “Us?”
She swallowed hard. “Yes. Us. I didn’t think we had a lot in common. I thought you were kind of a . . .”
“Geek?”
She shot a glance at him and found him smiling. She smiled back. “Yes. But you’re not. You’re really cool.”
His smile faded. “I’m not cool, Cheyenne. AndI never will be. I don’t play sports or like wild parties . . . I don’t want to act like someone I’m not. And I’ll never again lie just because I want a cool girl to like me.”
Guilt had her looking away from his direct gaze. “I’m not cool either. And you’re right. Changing who you are to get someone to like you is stupid. If they don’t like you for who you are, they aren’t worth having.” She looked back at him. “I like you for who you are, Nathan. And I’m sorry for what happened. Daddy said he plans to rehire you. But I know I probably still ruined our friendship.”
Nathan stared at her for so long Cheyenne started to wonder if any feelings he might’ve had for her were long gone. Then just when he opened his mouth to say something, his mother came hurrying up.
“Oh Lord. You two look so sweet you make my teeth ache.” As always, Luanne had on a jumble of bracelets that rattled as she adjusted Nathan’s hat. “Now don’t be nervous, Natty. If you forget your lines, Raynelle will be standing backstage to holler them out to you.”
“I’m not going to forget my lines, Mom.”
Luanne patted his cheek. “Of course you won’t. You always were one of my brighter bulbs.” She turned to Cheyenne. “And you . . . why, you look beautiful, honey. But we don’t want you hiding that gorgeous hair behind your ears.” She fluffed Cheyenne’s hair, then stood back and nodded. “Perfect. And before I forget, I’ve got a little Christmas present for you.” She took off one ofher bracelets and slipped it over Cheyenne’s hand.
