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“Yes, we do. I hope you can make room for both of us. We could build on or—”
Cord pressed a finger to her tempting lips. “We’ll work something out.”
Her eyes grew round. “Are you sure…really, really sure you don’t mind taking us in? I couldn’t stand it if you changed your mind later.”
Cord smiled as his hand cupped her cheek. “I want us to be together, and I’ll do whatever it takes. I promise.”
He proved it by pulling her into his arms, lowering his head, and pressing his mouth to hers. Her skin was still cool from the car’s air conditioning. Her curves fit snugly against him, sending his heated blood pumping hard and strong.
When his tongue swept inside her mouth, she tasted fresh and minty. He moaned, wanting nothing more than to pull her into the house and continue this kiss for the rest of the night. Her kisses and touches were the only nourishment he needed.
Not wanting to break their embrace, he stepped toward the door, taking her with him. Even though he’d have no problem continuing this reunion right here on the front porch, Lexi would probably be mortified if one of the ranch hands happened upon them. He was fumbling with the door handle when she pulled back. Her lips were rosy and swollen. Her eyes questioned what he was doing.
“Let’s go inside where no one will disturb us.” He pulled on her hand, but she wouldn’t budge. “Come on, don’t you want to celebrate privately?”
“First, I have one more surprise for you.” She handed over the papers.
He frowned. “You sure know how to dampen a guy’s enthusiasm. You couldn’t have waited to finalize the sale of Haggerty until later?”
She shook her head as she smiled. Her eyes glittered with happiness. Didn’t she understand that even though he’d consented to the sale, the reminder of parting with a piece of his heritage still hurt?
“Open it.” She practically bounced up and down in anticipation.
What in the world? He unfolded the document and noted the bank’s name at the top—the same bank that held his mortgage. When he noticed it was marked Paid in Full, he started at the beginning and scanned the page. Lexi
patiently waited while he made out the highlights.
“What about the resort? What about Haggerty?”
“Seems my father still has a lot of pull. He convinced the investors to spend the extra money to buy the Arizona property.”
Cord glanced at her. “You did all of this for me?”
Her eyes lit up and then she nodded.
“How did you pay off the loan?”
“I had a little bit of rainy day money set aside.” She pressed her fingers to his lips, holding back his protest. “Daddy pulled a few strings. This is just a copy. The official paperwork won’t come through until later this month. Consider this a wedding gift.”
He moved her hand from his mouth. “Does this mean you’re proposing?”
“Most definitely.”
“Shouldn’t you have a ring for me?” He smiled, teasing her.
“Quit joking around. This isn’t funny.” Her face sobered as her gaze held his. “Cord, will you marry me?”
He grinned. “Considering you’re now part owner of this ranch, I guess I’d better accept.”
She playfully slugged his arm. “Couldn’t you just say yes?”
He cleared his throat. “Yes, Alexis Greer, I’d be honored to be your husband.”
She squealed and jumped into his arms. Her lips pressed to his. Cord’s chest swelled with love and a happiness he’d never encountered before. No life experience had ever fulfilled him as much as making Lexi’s dream come true—and he’d only just begun.
