“Yeah, Dad. She’s the love of my life. Keeps me in shape. Makes me want to be better. Couldn’t ask for anything more.”
“That’s all I’ve ever wanted for you,” he said. “I know I wasn’t the best father to you. Was too hard on you. Didn’t tell you I was proud when I should’ve. But I am”—he rested his hand on the nape of my neck, eyes rimmed with tears—“sodamn proud of you.”
My brows furrowed, my throat aching with holding back tears. “Dad…”
Tears ran down his weathered cheeks, his chin quivering. “And if your mama were here, she’d just be beside herself at the man you’ve become. You’re the best parts of us, Beaumont, and I-I love you more than anythin’.”
I dropped to my knees in front of his chair, hugging him tightly. I’d waited years to hear him say these things—decades. “I love you, too.”
He held me just as tightly, and I felt like a boy again who just wanted to make his dad, his hero, proud. And to hear that I had, today of all days, meant more to me than he’d ever know.
“You wanna come with me back to the house? We’re all gonna celebrate after I ask, Claire.”
He laughed, his eyes crinkling. “You’re sure as hell confident she’ll say yes.”
I shrugged a shoulder. “She’s a smart woman.”
He clapped my stubbled cheek. “Ah, there’s that arrogance I gave ya.” I stood while he got up from his chair. “Now, let’s go get you a wife.”
Claire
I leanedover the steering wheel as I pulled into the ranch. There wasn’t a soul here. “What the hell?”
I slammed my truck door shut and found Beau on our porch, drinking a coffee. We’d been so busy lately that we hadn’t had time to watch the sunset like usual. “Where the hell is everyone? It’s four in the afternoon!”
He gave me an easy smile as he came down the steps. “Hey, baby.” He kissed me quickly. “I love your hair.”
“Thanks. Where are all the ranch hands? Delilah’s patients?” They were normally walking around, doing nature trails, or stuff in the corrals.
He took my hand, leading me to the other side of the house. “Don’t worry about it.” Why was he smiling so damn hard?
“Don’t wo—what is that?” The golf cart wassparkling. Beau shrugged, pulling me closer. I yanked my hand out of his. “Beau, what is going on?”
“Just get in the cart, and I’ll explain when we get there.”
I crossed my arms. “Tell me what’s going on first.”
“Stubborn as a damn ass,” he muttered under his breath before slinging me over his shoulder.
“Beau!” I shrieked, beating at his back. “Put me down!”
He put me in the golf cart and strapped me in. Before I could say anything, he was driving with one hand, the other over my eyes. “Promise you won’t look.”
“Fine.” Only because it seemed important to him that I didn’t.
Emmett
I parkedon the other side of my house. Claire’s truck was already in the driveway. “Shit,” I hissed, racing towards Beau’s. Everyone was still inside, the lights off. “I made it in time?” I whispered.
“They’re at the creek,” Delilah said. “Don’t have to whisper.” She kissed me hard, hands lacing through my hair. “You look hot, baby.”
“Can you two get a room?” Weston groaned. “Like cats in fucking heat or something.”
I kissed Delilah again, middle finger held out for Weston. I never thought I’d have this with anyone. This comfort. This love. So there was no way in hell I was about to hide it. And the fact that my sister was getting engaged a few hundred yards away from us right now had me wondering what kind of ring my girl might like.
Claire
I felt the cart stop.“Will you tell me what’s going on now?” Beau unbuckled me and guided me out of the seat.
