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“I never told Ty I was working on a science experiment. Honest. He figured out I wanted a dad, but he thought all the pranks were from me being smart.”
“Scary smart,” Ty added. Cassidy kept walking and he began to feel a hint of desperation. “Granted, Ishould have told youabout the apartment. And the car. And the skunk. Iadmit that. But I knew the kid didn’t mean any harm and it gave me the perfect opportunity to court you.”
That slowed her down. “Court me?”
“It’s an old-fashioned word, Iagree. But it sure fits what I was hoping to do.”
“That doesn’t change the fact you were trying to protect your business interests by dating me.”
“Damn it, woman. That tears it. There’s only one way to win an argument with you.” He ripped open his shirt, buttons pinging in every direction. He tore it off his shoulders, balled it up and flung it onto the concrete parking lot. “I did not, Irepeat, did not date you for my grandmother’s sake or for the sake of the agency.”
Cassidy rounded on him, wide-eyed. “Ty! What are you doing? Stop that!”
“The hell I will. I’m not stopping until you quit arguing and say you love me. Now where was I? Oh, yeah. Iam not marrying you to save Willie’s business.” He did the unthinkable next, something a cowboy would never do. He yanked off his Stetson and threw it on the ground. “And I’m sure as hell not marrying you because of any magazine article.”
She held up her hands. If she’d been any closer, she’d have coldcocked him silly. “All right, all right. Ibelieve you!”
“Sorry, honey. Ididn’t catch what you said.” He hopped up and down on one foot, grabbed the heel of his size fifteens and started yanking. “Don’t just stand there. Help me, boy.”
Hutch stared at him as though he’d lost his mind. “You want me to pull off your boot?”
“If it wouldn’t be too much trouble.” Still hopping; he said, “I’m in love with you, you fool woman. Iwant to marry you because I’m crazy about you, not because of any scientific experiments or because of bad publicity.” He planted a sock-covered foot on the ground and held out his other foot to Hutch. “Don’t dawdle. Toss that one aside and start on this ’un. And then go get in the truck. It might get downright embarrassing from here.”
Hutch didn’t wait to hear more. The minute he’d yanked Ty’s boot free, he scurried across the parking lot and disappeared from sight.
“Okay, woman. We’re getting down to the serious stuff now.” This better work or he’d light up all of San Antonio with his blush. “Do you believe me or do I bare my assets to the world?”
“Stop it!” Cassidy begged. “I give up. Ibelieve you.”
“Well, that’s something.” He stood in his stocking feel fists planted on his hips, and faced her down. “But it’s still not good enough.”
“What else do you want me to say?”
“Not much.” He dropped his hand to his belt buckle “How about, Ibelieve you. Iknow you wouldn’t do anything as unscrupulous as those people said. How about, Ilove you, Ty. I’ve always loved you. And I’d trust you with my life. That might make a good start.” She flew into his arms and he staggered under the impact. His poor ripples were going to be one mass of bruises by morning. But it would be worthit.
“I love you, Ty. I’ve always loved you. And I do trust you, not just with my life, but with my son’s, too.”
“And when are you going to marry me?”
“Right away. As soon as we can get a license.”
“And where are you going to live?”
“Wherever you want.” She peeked up at him. “But I’m hoping it’s on the prettiest ranch in all of Texas.”
He lowered his head and branded her with a kiss. He’d have done more, but he had enough sanity left to remember where they were. “Okay, then. Now that you’ve made me look like a total idiot in front of all Hutch’s schoolmates, you can help me pick up my clothes.”
She bent down and retrieved his hat, dusting off the brim. “I would have given in sooner, you know.”
He scowled. “You would have?”
“Yeah.” She grinned. “But I wanted to see how far you’d go.”
He slapped his Stetson on top of his head and gave her a wink. “Honey, for you I’d have gone all the way.”
It wasduring the brief drive back to the ranch that Cassidy finally realized the truth. She was going home. Ahome where she belonged. Where people were waiting for her and would welcome her with openarms.
When they arrived, Willie stood in the yard. Beside her hovered a nervous looking couple. Cassidy inhaled sharply. “Aunt Esther!”
