AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Yes, it is. You’re working more hours at the clinic, and you’d be moving into his place. I doubt we’d get any more moments like this.” Her voice sounded so heartbroken.
Constance cupped Dianna’s face between her hands. “I’ll always have time for you.” She let that sink in. “But maybe you need to find something you love to do, too.”
“But Dad needs me here to help at the ranch.”
“Dad has the ability to hire as many men as he could possibly need. If you find something you love to do, he’s going to support you just like he supported me.” Constance’s eyes widened. “I know Shane is looking for some help with his equine therapy program. He needs people who can help with the children. You’d be great with that.” Constance could see it in her sister’s eyes. There was the same kind of longing that Constance had experienced when she wanted to learn more about becoming a veterinarian.
“I don’t know…”
“You don’t have to commit to anything, but go visit with Shane. You never know. This could be the one thing that has been missing from your life that you never realized you wanted. James and I could go with you if you need us to.”
Dianna’s gaze bounced between Constance’s eyes until finally, she nodded and smiled. “Maybe you’re right. I do like working with children. If nothing else, it will get me off the ranch for a few hours every day.”
“Exactly.”
They spent the rest of the afternoon under the tree, just enjoying one another’s company, until Constance got a text message from James.
James:Come to the barn. I need your help with Clio.
Constance stared at the message,hating the way her pulse accelerated. Something must be wrong with her horse if James was asking her to help.
Dianna peered over Constance’s shoulder at the message and immediately got to her feet. “Let’s go.”
Neither one of them had brought an ATV or ridden a horse to their little getaway. They ran for short spurts and speed walked the rest of the way until they made it to the barn.
By the time Constance arrived, her lungs burned and her throat was too dry to say anything. She hurried down the aisle toward Clio’s stall with Dianna at her heels. Her shaking hand yanked open the door and she froze as she sucked in a gasp.
James knelt beside the horse they’d both brought into the world, holding a small white box in his hand. He offered her a crooked smile, then shifted his focus to Dianna who was behind her right shoulder. “Thanks for making sure she got here okay.”
Constance whirled around and whacked Dianna on the shoulder. “Youknew?”
Dianna pressed her lips together and shrugged.
Dragging her attention back to James, Constance willed her heart to return to a normal pace, but it refused. She probably looked a complete mess. The back of her neck was damp and her hair was probably sticking out at odd angles. She still breathed heavily, but the moment James grasped her left hand, all of that disappeared. It was just the two of them.
“Constance, I’ve known since—”
She shook her head and pulled him to stand in front of her. “I’vealwaysloved you. And there is no one I want to spend the rest of my life with other than you.” She placed her hand against his cheek. “I want you to know that I’m just as invested in this relationship. We’re a partnership.”
His eyes bounced toward Dianna, then back to Constance. “But you don’t want to marry me?”
Constance laughed. “Of course, I want to marry you. I just didn’t want you to ask me.”
His brows furrowed and he scratched his head. “I’m confused.”
Dianna cleared her throat. “I think she’s trying to say that you’re both coming to this proposal willing to offer yourself rather than having to ask the big question.”
Constance’s face flushed red. Her sister had hit the nail on the head. “I want to marry you more than anything. There’s not a doubt in my mind. You make me want to be more, do more, and follow my dreams. I want someone who will help me realize those goals without a second thought… and that’s you. I just wasn’t sure if you were ready for it—ready for me?”
James pulled her into a firm hug, crushing her against his chest. “I’ve been ready for this from the moment your father aimed his rifle at me. There’s nothing like looking down the business end of a weapon to make you put your priorities in order.” He pulled back and tilted her chin up so their eyes met. “You’re my everything.”
His lips came down, claiming hers with a force she hadn’t experienced since the beginning of their relationship. Her heart soared as she wrapped her arms around his neck and held him like her life depended on it. James had given her more than she could have ever dreamed possible. He’d helped her find herself and grow into someone she was proud of.
The way he held her made her legs feel like jelly. A spark of electricity burst to life inside her and flickered into an erratic flame. James deepened their kiss, stealing her breath. She dug her fingers into his hair, allowing these sensations to sweep over her and consume her.
Dianna cleared her throat, and Constance pulled back sharply. She shot James an embarrassed smile as he chuckled and grabbed her left hand once again. “Okay, so to make it clear, I’m not asking you to marry me. We’re agreeing to tie the knot together.”
Her already flushed face warmed even more, and she nodded.
