Page 64 of Home to the Cowboy

June was still sleeping when Dylan got up around five. They hadn’t slept much, but he had so much energy, he’d nearly woken her up.

Last night, he’d fetched only what she needed for the night from her car, so this morning he’d brought in the rest of her things. Fat Ruby looked right at home in his room. He’d also cleaned out the second closet in the room for her.

Afterward, he joined the rest of the family for the early morning chores on horseback.

Carson glanced his way. “You look happy.”

Dylan grinned. “June is back.”

Cooper just smiled, but Becket and Hayden were clearly surprised.

“When did she arrive?” Becket asked.

“Late last night,” Dylan said. “I thought I was dreaming.”

“Is she back for good?” Becket asked.

Dylan couldn’t stop smiling. “Oh, yes, I’ll make sure of it.”

“So,” Hayden said with a big smile, “can we assume the spare part wasn’t the only thing you bought in Bozeman on Tuesday?”

Dylan laughed out loud. He was happy and didn’t mind that everyone knew it. “No, it wasn’t. I haven’t given it to her yet, she was still sleeping this morning and last night … we were otherwise busy.”

Becket took out his phone. “Well, breakfast is the perfect time to announce your engagement. There’s still some bubbly in the fridge if I’m not mistaken. I’ll talk to Ellie.”

Touched, Dylan swallowed. This family had taught him that everything, no matter how small, should be celebrated. He couldn’t think of anyone else he’d wanted to share his engagement to June with than with his family.

He still had to ask her, but she’d flown around seven hundred miles to be with him, he was feeling confident.

Chapter Twenty-One

June had just showered and dressed and was drinking coffee, Daisy lying on her lap, when Abby called.

“I’m dying over here, what happened!” Abby cried out.

June laughed. “Oh, Abs, I’m so happy!”

“Tell me everything.”

Laughing and giggling, she told Abby about the trip and what happened. Well, not about everything.

Abby sighed. “Oh, this is so romantic, I’m so happy for you. Have you talked about the future?”

“He talked about the rest of our lives”—behind her was a sound and she turned her head—“but it’s not as if he wants to get married any—” Daisy barked and jumped off the couch. June caught her breath. Dylan was back and he wasn’t looking very happy.

“Who are you talking to?” he asked.

“It’s Abby, but—”

Before she realized what he was about to do, he grabbed the phone and glaring at June, he spoke to Abby. “Abby? It’s Dylan. I love her, of course I damn well want to marry her. We’ll talk to you soon.”

Dropping the phone on the couch next to her, he hauled June up into his arms. “I told you I love you, damn it, and of course I want to marry you.”

June’s heart was bouncing up and down, her blood roaring in her ears. “I didn’t know that. You haven’t asked me.”

“I’ve asked you with every kiss.” His lips barely touched hers. “With every touch.” His big hands closed over her breasts. “And every time I became a part of you.”

Sighing, she slipped her arms around her big cowboy. “Yes.”