AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Morning,” Chase drawled, smiling down at her.
“Lord, what time is it?”
“After seven.”
“Ooh,” she groaned. “I’ve got to get up and feed the animals. And Cody’ll miss the bus—”
“Let him.”
“What?” Rubbing her eyes, she tried to clear the cobwebs from her mind.
“Give the kid a break—”
“But school barely started.”
“I know, but this is a special day.”
“Oh?” She pressed closer to him. “Tell me more—”
“We’re going to talk to the minister of your choice and plan a wedding for next week.”
“Oh, Chase, how can you even think about getting married so soon?” she said, laughing at the absurdity of the situation.
“I’ve had all night,” he replied, dead serious. “And there’s no way around it, lady. We’re getting married next Saturday come hell or high water.”
“Such a wonderful proposal,” she mocked. “How could any woman refuse?” She stretched and pulled herself upright, ignoring the slumberous look of passion lurking in Chase’s stare. “But I think I’d better talk to Cody.”
“I did.”
She’d started to stand and walk to the kitchen, but she whipped her head around, her long golden hair streaming behind her. “When?”
“Yesterday. When I found him at the homestead house. I told him how I felt about you and him and I told him I wouldn’t get in the way of his relationship with his natural father even though I wanted to adopt him.”
“And?”
“And he seemed to accept the idea. But then, he was pretty disappointed with his father.”
“I can imagine . . .” She looked longingly up the stairs.
“You go on up,” Chase suggested. “See what he has to say. I’ve got a few calls to make anyway.”
Dani walked up the stairs and knocked softly on Cody’s door.
“Huh?” she heard from within the room and then an excited yip from Runt.
“Can I come in?”
“Sure.” Cody was lying in the bed with half the covers spread upon the floor. When Dani opened the door to his room, Runt ran out like a shot.
“How’re ya feelin’?” she asked.
He frowned. “Okay, I guess. Mom, I’m real sorry I took off. It’s probably my fault that Dad came back to the shed and . . . and . . . well, you know.”
“Don’t blame yourself,” Dani said, sitting on the edge of the bed and pushing Cody’s tousled hair out of his eyes. “I’m just glad that you’re home and safe.”
“But the equipment—”
“Can be replaced. You can’t.”
