“I know you’re sitting around waiting for her to choose you, but don’t be a coward, Burke. Go after her. Fight for her. If you love her, and I know you do, then you need to prove it. Don’t let your pride keep you from her. If you don’t, you’ll regret it for the rest of your life.”
The moment he says it, I know it’s true. I’ve spent all this time telling myself I haven’t asked her to stay because I didn’t want to force her hand, but that’s bullshit. The truth is, I was afraid she’d say no. Afraid she’d leave. My damn pride was getting in the way.
“Damn, Richard. You’ve got a point.”
He smirks. “Usually do. See ya, Burke.”
He turns and walks out of the barn, and I lean back against the wall, taking a deep breath.
This is it. Do or die.
I can’t let her walk out of my life without a fight. If I do, I’ll never forgive myself.
So, I square my shoulders, march out the door, and head straight for the east pasture where she’s working with the yearlings.
It’s a beautiful day. Blue skies. Not a cloud in sight. A warm breeze rustles the grass and sends my hair dancing. But I’m too nervous to enjoy the weather. All I can think about is the woman who has stolen my heart and how I can convince her to stay.
I catch sight of her long red hair and the bright purple bandana tied around her neck, and my pulse picks up. She’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. The way she moves is mesmerizing, and the young cows gravitate toward her, like they can sense the goodness in her.
“River!”
She turns, and the smile on her face fades as soon as she sees me.
I know the look in her eyes. It’s fear. She’s afraid of what’s coming. Afraid of me. Afraid of her own feelings. I know the feeling. But not anymore. I’ve made up my mind, and I’m not backing down.
“Colby,” she greets me in a wary tone.
I stop a few feet away and take a deep breath. Now or never.
“I’m not good at this, River. So, bear with me, okay?”
She nods. “Okay.”
“You and me, Thurston. It’s real. It’s the only thing that’s ever been real for me.”
“Colby—”
“Shh,” I say, holding up my hand. “I’m not finished. I’ve spent a lot of years keeping everyone at arm’s length. Not letting anyone get close. But then you showed up, and all bets were off. You wormed your way into my heart and turned my life upside down. And it’s been one hell of a ride. One hell of a fight. And I’m not about to let you walk out of my life.”
“You aren’t?” she asks, her eyes widening.
“Hell, no. It’s been rough. You’ve given me a run for my money. But River, you’re the best damn thing that’s ever happened to me. You make me laugh. You make me want to be better. And I’m not gonna let that slip through my fingers because I’m too proud to fight for what I want.”
“What do you want, Colby?”
“I want you to stay, River. I can’t offer you the foreman position, but I can do you one better.”
“One better?” she asks, arching a brow.
“How would you like to be the owner’s girlfriend?”
Her mouth drops open, and she blinks. “What are you talking about, Burke? Don’t joke with me right now.”
“I’m not joking, River. I’m dead serious. The ranch is yours, babe. Well, half of it, anyway. That is, if you’ll have it. And me.”
“What?”
“I’m giving you half the ranch, River. That’s my offer. This place is your home. Our home. And I want to share it with you. I don’t want to be without you. Not now. Not ever.”
