Anita puts a hand over her mouth.
“I know pushing you away hurt you. I’m so sorry I did that. If you’re willing to forgive me, I promise to stay committed to us despite any fears I face.”
I wring my hands. Her eyes are enormous, but she stays silent. She tried so hard to make things work with me; it’s no surprise she’s reluctant to trust me.
“I’m in love with your strength, the way looks at me like I hung the moon even when I'm covered in dirt, and how you talk in Spanish to the horses. I love that you’re brave enough to take a chance on a broken cowboy and his daughter. You make me want to be a better man."
Tears spill down her cheeks.
I can’t help it. I shove my chair back and march around the table. As gently as I can, I lift her and sit with her on my lap.
“Don’t say anything. Just watch me over the next eleven months. We still have time left on our cohabitation agreement. I’m okay with however you want things to go.” I’m pleading, but I don’t know what else to do.
She wipes her tears.
“I love you, Chance.”
I must be frowning because she smooths the skin between my brows.
“Are you staying?” I hold my breath.
“I was right about you. You’re the staying kind. I’m glad you found your courage.”
She kisses me then, sweet and full of forgiveness. I pull her close, tasting the salt of her tears on her lips.
"I'm not going anywhere," she says when we break apart, and the certainty in her voice makes my chest expand with joy.
7
Anita
ChanceandIenterMel’s room together, our hands laced. Mel’s eyes linger on the touch, hope in them.
“I wanted to go downstairs to listen to your conversation, but I stopped myself.”
“You did good, sweetheart.”
He sits on one side of her while I sit on the other .
“Anita and I decided to stay together.”
Mel launches herself at us, trying to wrap her slender arms around our necks.
“This is the best Christmas present I’ve ever received,” she exclaims as she sits back on the bed.
“Me too,” I say.
Then I spot Chance getting down on one knee in front of me and my mind blanks.
“I don’t have a ring or fancy speech prepared.” His voice breaks. “All I have right now is my courage and determination to never let go of your hand and my love for you. Anita Sanchez, will you end our cohabitation agreement early and marry me?”
“Yes.”
I pull him up and kiss him.
Mel squeals.
“Can I be a bridesmaid?”
