Page 65 of Home to the Cowboy

Dylan inhaled sharply and lifted her chin. “Yes, you’ll marry me?”

“Of course I’ll marry you, I love you and even though I don’t know everything about love, I do know I want to spend the rest of my life with you. With or without papers.”

“What about a ring?”

Her heart skipped a beat. “What about it?”

Groaning, Dylan dropped his hands and turned on his heel. “Aw, hell, I’m probably doing this all wrong. Don’t move!” he called out over his shoulder.

Stunned, June stared after him. Daisy whimpered and June looked down at the dog who was as puzzled as she was. “I don’t know what he’s going on about, either,” she whispered. Both she and Daisy stared at the bedroom door through which Dylan had disappeared.

Minutes later, he was back with a small box in his hand. Stunned, June watched as he opened the lid. This time her heart almost shuddered to a stop. On a bed of black velvet was the most beautiful ring she’d ever seen. A square-cut blue stone laid sideways on a fine gold band with a sprinkle of diamonds on either side.

She was still looking at the ring when Dylan went down on one knee. With a joyous bark, Daisy sat down next to him, also looking at June. “When I told the lady in the shop about your eyes, she showed me this one. As soon as I saw it, I knew this was the one I wanted to give to you. If you’d rather have something else for an engagement ring, we’ll get it, but I want you to have this one as well. I love you June Kincaid, I lost my heart to you and Fat Ruby the moment I saw you walking in the rain. Please marry me?”

By this time, the tears were flowing freely over her face. Sniffing and wiping the tears away as best as she could, she fell to her knees.

“Why are you crying?” he said, dropping his hand which held the little box. “If you don’t like the ring …”

Holding out her hand, she wiped her face again. “Told you I cry when I’m happy. Of course I love the ring, it’s gorgeous. Will you please put it on my finger?”

Exhaling, Dylan took out the ring. “Geez, woman, you’ll give me a heart attack!”

As he slid the ring over her finger, she looked down at her hand in awe. “We’re engaged,” she smiled and lifted her hand.

Grinning, Dylan pulled her up. “We are. The family wants to celebrate this over breakfast, are you game?”

“You told them?”

Nodding, he laughed. “By now, the whole of Marietta probably knows.”

Her eyes widened. “Oh, wow.”

Groaning, Dylan pulled her closer. “Sorry about that, but you’ll get used to it. Now I want to kiss my fiancée, if that’s okay?”

Pulling down his head, she grinned. “That’s very okay.”

Dylan’s hands slid down her back. “I think we’re going to be late for breakfast,” he murmured as he lifted her top.

*

They were very late for breakfast. June had wanted to show Abby her ring and talk to her before they could leave.

“Arlene is also here,” Dylan chuckled as he opened the door of his truck for June. Barking, Daisy also jumped out.

As he helped June down, he kissed her again. “I’m already addicted to your kisses.”

Laughing, June took his arm as they moved toward the house. “You’ve got lines, cowboy, but I like kissing you as well. That’s one of the reasons I couldn’t wait for the weekend to see you.”

“We haven’t really talked about everything. What about your apartment in Seattle? Is there anything you would like to move here?”

“I’ve put the apartment on the market and told the Realtor if the buyer wants any of the furniture, they’re welcome to keep it. There are books and a few items I would love to bring, but only if you have room.”

He stopped and turned her toward him. “It’s our home now, remember? Whatever you need and want, we get. If you are going to work from home, we’ll add a room to the house for your study with lots of bookcases.”

Her eyes bright, she slipped her arms around his neck. “That sounds perfect, thank you. I have a nest egg that should cover the cost …”

“I would love to give you an office with lots of bookcases, please let me?”