He hugs me back, so strong and dependable and steady.
I thought when we first met that he was the opposite. Too young, too playful, and unserious. I thought he seemed like a good time and nothing more, certainly nothing permanent in my life.
Now, I can’t imagine it without him.
He saved me and the boys, in more ways than one.
He slowly pulls back from me, his blue eyes misty. I gape at him as he slowly drops down to one knee.
“I’m not proposing,” he blurts out.
I choke on a sob, nodding.
Holy shit. I almost just had a heart attack.
“I just want you to start getting used to the idea because it is coming, someday.”
I’m gaping at him like he’s grown two heads.
“And today is your thirtieth birthday, so it’s really the perfect time, but I’ve decided to wait. Not because I’m not ready. Because, darlin’, I’ve been ready to make you my wife for a long time now. But I know you’re not there yet. I knowyou need time, time for healing and adjusting and getting into a routine. So, this is me telling you to get used to the sight of me down on this knee. I’m gonna keep warming you up until I think you’re ready, just like I do my mare on a cold morning. All right?”
I nod, pulling him up. “Okay.”
“Okay.” He presses a kiss to my forehead. “I love you. Do you know that?”
“Yes,” I whisper.
“Okay. Don’t forget it. And this isn’t your only present, by the way.”
“What? Duke …”
The rest of my gifts arrive over the next few days.
The first one is a bunch of big white rocks. I keep staring at them, trying to figure out what they are. I don’t make sense of it until Duke begins arranging them in a circle about twenty yards from the greenhouse.
“It’s a firepit!” I yell in the middle of the day with no one else around.
My lips curl into a smile when I’ve finally figured it out. I’m watching Duke work on it, yelling at the ranch hands and barking orders.
The next day, a massive package arrives. It’s as big as a car, and for a fleeting moment, I think maybe it is.
Then it’s dropped off in the yard, and I see what it actually is.
“A hot tub!” I screech.
The ranch hands helping unload it turn to stare at me.
Duke walks over, grinning widely. “Yeah, baby, that’s a hot tub. And come winter time, we are definitely gettin’ in it.”
I laugh into him as he pulls me close.
His eyes widen. “Whoa, was that a laugh? Who are you, and what have you done with my girlfriend?”
I swat his chest. “Stop it. I hate you. How dare you get me so many presents!”
He shakes his head. “I wish it had gotten here before your birthday.”
“It’s perfect. You’re perfect.” I sigh.
