“I like cops. Theyarethe good guys.” Coop said as Rachel nodded.
Chloe asked, “Is the good detective single?”
Chase rolled his eyes. “I didn’t ask.”
“Jade, you know my perfect guy,” Chloe said, probably to distract her from problems, but in any event, it came in handy now. “What do you think?”
Jade smiled and said, “Since he’s tall and has dark blond hair, I looked and didn’t see a ring on his finger.”
Chloe grinned and clapped her hands. “Excellent work, Jade!”
Cash said, “I have cop friends, and I know they don’t always wear wedding rings on duty. They don’t want the bad guys to know there’s someone at home they care about.”
“You’re a killjoy, Cash!” Chloe teased and gave him a playful shove.
“Derek occasionally hangs out at Southside Suzy’s,” Chase told them. “He knows Richard, Suzy, and Vince.”
“Surprised we haven’t run into him,” Cash said.
“We have at a distance. I think you’ll recognize him like I did,” Chase told Cash. “We’ve just never been introduced.”
“Well, well, I’ll have to ask Suzy to give me a shout next time he’s there,” Chloe said.
When the waiter returned, the men ordered bourbon. Chloe suggested the women try a cosmopolitan. Appetizers were ordered with drinks and soon served. The cosmo was a first for Jade, and she thoroughly enjoyed it while perusing the menu and sharing Chase’s shrimp cocktail. Discussions revolved around the cattle, Chloe’s bed-and-breakfast, and Cash’s dude ranch. After they’d ordered their entrées, Chase turned the conversation to Jade’s project of equestrian therapy.
“Despite never having been on a horse until I rode Jubilee, this is something I’ve wanted to learn to help the children I have as clients,” Jade said and smiled at Chase. “I’m just about finished with a ten-month online course offered through the University of Denver to earn my Equine-Assisted Mental Health Practitioner Certificate.”
“Jade, that’s so exciting,” Chloe said.
“Yes, it’s wonderful,” Rachel said. “What comes next?”
“My friend and office receptionist, Katy, and I will work on-site with certified practitioners and their horses. Quarter horses have a great temperament for this therapy and are considered part of the equine therapy staff.”
“Can you work with the horses on the Triple C?” Coop asked.
“Yes, Jubilee has the perfect disposition,” Jade said.
“Where is the on-site location?” Chloe asked.
“The Desmond Horse Ranch in Castle Rock,” Jade answered.
“The Desmond Horse Ranch,” Cash repeated. “What do you think, Chase?”
“Apparently, equine therapy certification is part of their business,” Chase replied. “If Jade is fine with it, so am I.”
“I think this is great!” Chloe said. “As long as Kendra doesn’t give you any grief, Jade.”
“When I spoke with Kendra on the phone, she couldn’t have been nicer,” Jade said. “Kendra mentioned having a new boyfriend.”
“Good,” Chase and Cash said at the same time.
Everyone laughed. Their entrées were delivered, and the filets, steaks, and ribs were delicious. It was a wonderful evening with people who were not just her friends but felt like family. Jade hadn’t realized how much she had missed having folks to call her own. When her trunk of memories and the missing photo crossed her mind, she didn’t let it dampen her spirits. As the waiter cleared their dishes, he said dessert was on the house. Though everyone said they were stuffed, he enticed them to order spectacular dishes that had been made fresh that day. Jade’s heart was full, too, and she turned to the man who was making it all possible.
“Thank you for everything, Chase,” Jade whispered as the others around the table talked about their upcoming chocolate molten cakes, cheesecakes, and brownie surprises. “I love you.”
Chase didn’t say a word. He scooted back his chair and knelt on one knee. Jade heard a hush around the table as others noticed. Chase pulled a black velvet box out of his jacket pocket and opened it. The largest diamond she had ever seen took Jade’s breath away.
“Will you marry me, Jade?” Chase officially asked.
