“I’d like to meet them, too.”If I’m not still being hunted by a crazed blackmailer.“Of course, it kind of depends on work, but if I’m able, I’d love to come celebrate Cheryl’s birthday with you all.”
“She’d love that. If something comes up and you can’t, feel free to come by whenever the opportunity arises. And if my son starts giving you trouble when y’all go back home, you’re welcome to leave him behind and come here for a visit by yourself.”
Chuckling, Mac put a gentle hand on the older man’s flannel-covered arm. “As ornery as he is, I might take you up on that offer.”
“Well, that’d be just fine.” Robert’s smile faltered a bit. “You know, I haven’t said anything before now, out of respect for you. But I know why y’all are up here, and I want you to know, you can stay as long as you need to.”
Mac blinked, surprised by the serious change in topic. “Oh. Um, okay. Thank you.”
“Sean didn’t give me details and I didn’t ask, but I got the feeling it has something to do with your family. I know you’ve only known us for a week, now, but you’ve known Sean a whole lot longer than that. I guess what I’m trying to say is, my boy cares about you more than any other girl I’ve ever seen him with. He’d do anything to keep you safe.”
Heat crawled up her neck and into her cheeks. “I care a lot about your son, too, Robert.”
“I know you do, honey.” He reached up and patted her hand. “A father can tell these things.”
“So can I.”
They both turned to see Coop standing at the threshold of the barn’s open door.
“Hey.” Mac cleared her throat. “We were just talking about you.”
“I heard.” He looked at his dad. “Can you give us a couple minutes?”
“Sure.” Robert gave her a wink before heading back outside. “It’s getting close to supper time. I’ll go see if your mom could use a hand.”
Coop started toward her with an almost-nervous expression on his face. Her gut tightened.
“What’s wrong? Did something happen?”
“Nothing’s wrong.” He shook his head. “I…I had something I needed to say to you, but I thought it was best if we didn’t have an audience.
“Okay.”
Mac did her best not to panic. He’d said nothing was wrong, but the guy looked like he was about to throw up.
“Whatever it is, just say it.”
“How about I show you?”
Show me?
She was about to ask Coop what he meant when he pulled something out of his pocket. Her heart damn near stopped when she saw the small, black box resting on his outstretched palm.
“W-what is that?”
“Take it.”
Staring down at the box, Mac shook her head.
His shoulders bounced with silent laughter as he opened it for her. Inside was the most beautiful piece of jewelry she’d ever seen.
Snuggled between two layers of white satin, the diamond engagement ring was simple, but also ornate in its design. A sliver of the sun’s evening light shone through the barn’s wide, wooden slats, landing on the center stone, causing it to sparkle.
If she could’ve picked out the most perfect ring in the entire world designed specifically for her, this one would’ve been it. It was small yet beautiful. Vintage yet timeless.
“It was my grandmother’s.”
His voice tore her attention away from the priceless piece of jewelry. Her shock-filled eyes rose to meet his.
