Tessa rocked my world the moment she came into my life. I didn’t have any idea she’d completely become it though.
My life is infinitely better with her in it and I hope to make her my wife.
“I think the right person shows up at the right time. We just have to pray we’re smart enough to know it’s her. Anyway, all of this is to say, I’m really happy for you.”
“Thank-you.”
“Good luck. Do you have anything special planned for asking her?”
I grin. “I sure do.”
“Did you know that the Kentucky Derby has never been canceled?” Tessa asks as we’re walking back to one of the owners’ suites at the race.
“I did.”
“Did you know the Garland of Roses blanket weighs around forty pounds?”
I laugh softly. “I didn’t.”
She sighs and walks over to the seats that are reserved for us. “This book has a ton of facts. It’s really interesting.”
I walk over and pluck the race book out of her hand. “Tessa, you’re rambling.”
“I’m nervous.”
“About?”
“What if we lose?”
I shrug. “We probably will.”
Honestly, our chances aren’t that great, but just being here is a dream come true. The accolades and the fact that we’ll be able to use this for marketing and building a strong program are going to help the ranch for years to come.
She slaps my chest. “Killian!”
“Tessa.”
“You can’t say that.”
“I can because it’s true, but also because it doesn’t matter. I’m proud of our team, the horse, the program, the fact that I’m here with you, and we’re going to enjoy the race. That’s what I care about. Not if he wins, which would be great, but also unlikely.”
Her hands move to my chest where she rests them. “I guess, but I just want this day to be perfect. I want him to win. I want to scream and cry and be so happy I can’t stop smiling.”
“You do, huh?” I ask.
“Yes. Don’t you?” she sounds perplexed.
Of course I want the same, but I really want to see her that way—and not because of the horse, but because of us.
Because…
Fuck it.
I step back and then drop to one knee in front of her.
She moves her hand to her mouth as I reach into my pocket.
“I had this entire thing planned and how it would go, but we’ve never been ones to follow any kind of rules or plans. You’ve been the one person in my life who has managed to knock it off its axis, but at the same time, right it. In my dreams, I couldn’t have envisioned a better partner. I couldn’t make you any more perfect than you are because you are my other half. You’re the key to my heart and the woman I want beside me every moment for the rest of my life. So, I ask you Tessa Rivers, will you let me make you the happiest woman in the world?”
