We’re still on the ranch. I love it here, especially at night. This is where I come when I want to think and be alone.”
“I can see why. It’s as if you’re the only one alive out here.”
Worried she felt too isolated, he asked, “Do you think you could live on the ranch for the rest of your life?”
“I love the ranch. It’s so beautiful. I’d like to ride the horses. I love horses.”
“You can ride whenever you want. I’ll even get you your own. What I mean is, the ranch is somewhat secluded, the town is small, there isn’t much to do. Can you deal with that? Can you live in a small town and on the ranch with me and my family without resenting being stuck here?”
“Jack, if you really want me to stay, I wouldn’t be stuck here. We could travel. I can work anywhere. All I need is my computer. I’ve traveled all over, and I’ve been alone for a long time.” She didn’t feel isolated. More like right where she belonged. “Being on the ranch, with you, with your family, is the best place I could be.”
“You mean it. You wouldn’t feel trapped?”
“Not trapped, Jack. I’d be part of a family.”
“We’ve only known each other a short time. It’s too soon to ask, but someday soon will you be my wife and have babies with me?”
“I want that more than anything. But it’s only been a few days. Are you sure you want to make that kind of commitment? With my past, you may decide I’m more trouble than I’m worth.”
“I’ll take all the trouble you can throw at me as long as I have you. I want to know we have a future together.” He couldn’t lose her and go back to living the kind of life he’d been living the years before he’d met her. He didn’t want to go back to not feeling anything. With her, his feelings were all good and happy and hopeful for their future.
“I hope you know how I feel about you. I told you before, I don’t play games. I don’t want to waste time beating around the bush. I’ve lost more than two years of my life. I don’t want to spend another day without you.”
“I hoped you felt the same way I do.” The tightness in his belly eased. He hadn’t realized how much he was counting on her to stay with him and give them a chance to really explore the overwhelming feelings they had for each other.
“I know you need time. Time to recover and figure out what comes next. Time to settle in with me at the ranch. We’ll take that time to be together without all the craziness of the last few days. Soon, I’ll give you a ring and ask you to marry me properly.”
“Jack, I don’t need all that. I only need you.”
“I want to give you a ring, my ring, and I want us to have a wedding with flowers and cake. Most of all, I want you to have the happy ending you deserve. I’ll spend the rest of my days making you happy.”
Overwhelmed by the words, knowing he meant every one of them, filled her with so much love.
They sat in silence watching the stars for a long time. When they spotted a shooting star, they both made the same wish, for a happy ending.
Jack slid off the trunk and pulled her off the back of the car.
“Let’s go home. I’ve wanted you all day.”
He kissed her softly and pushed his body against hers. His thick erection pressed to her belly. Tonight they would finally be together. Anticipation raced through her veins. She held on to his hips, pulling him closer. He groaned low in his throat as she rose to her toes to better align her body with his. He pressed his hard shaft snugly into the apex of her thighs. Heat pooled then washed through her. He kissed her neck and cupped her breasts in his hands. His thumbs rubbed over the soft silk and her hard nipples. The thin fabric added another layer of sensual caresses over her heated skin. She sighed and arched into his touch.
“I don’t think I can wait to get you home,” Jack rasped against her ear.
“Take me to bed. We have all night.”
He released her reluctantly and took a deep calming breath. His hands slid down her arms to take her hands. He drew her to the car