“Yeah, you’re probably right. I could get disowned for something like this. Especially if you ended up hurt.” He swallowed and his arms went numb at the thought. No one would ever hurt her again if he had anything to say about it. He ground his molars together. “There’s one thing I should tell you, though.”
She stiffened, her back going rod-straight. “What?”
“I need to apologize.”
“I don’t like where this is going.” Her voice already sounded defeated. He whipped his hand over and grasped hers, holding it tight. “Nothing to be worried about. I just need to tell you how sorry I am for the comments I made about your folks. I didn’t know they passed away.”
“Well, I figured as much.”
His brows shot up. “You did?”
She sighed. “Yeah. I mean, who in their right mind would make a comment like that if they knew the circumstances?”
“I’m so sorry, Kate. Even if the situation had been different, I should have never said something like that in the first place. That conversation alone will haunt me for eternity.”
She squeezed his hand. “I understand so don’t worry about it.”
“Of course you do.” He shook his head. “Because you’re an amazing woman. I’m lucky you’ve even given me a chance.”
They pulled onto the familiar dirt road leading to his property and his chest tightened further. He hadn’t even told his parents he was asking Kate on a date. They would have strongly advised against it and he would have gone and done it anyway so there was no reason for telling them.
Besides, if things had turned out differently, he would have never heard the end of it. He glanced over at Kate, who smiled warmly at him. At least she would be by his side. If they did it together, nothing could go wrong.
His parents were on the porch, much the same way as they had been earlier in the week. When he pulled the carriage around the drive, his father stood and leaned against the rail. A smirk covered his face as he tipped his hat to them.
Hazel beamed and got to her feet, immediately coming down the stairs to meet them. “What have you two been up to this morning?”
AJ jumped down from the carriage and came around to help Kate. She flashed him a knowing smile as he placed her on her feet and slipped his arm around her waist. “We’ve decided to end the competition.”
Hazel clapped her hands together. “Really? I knew you two would end up together.” She turned to Ethan. “Didn’t I say he’d propose to her before the end of the week?”
AJ’s jaw dropped and he held up his hand. “No, you misunderstood, Mother. What we meant was—”
“Atta boy, son. I knew you had it in you.” Ethan laid a hand on AJ’s shoulder and Hazel rushed to give Kate a big hug.
Kate’s eyes widened and she mouthed. “Oh, my.”
She was smiling! Did that mean she was up for it? There was only one way to find out.
He shrugged and mouthed back, “Why not?”
Hazel released Kate and grabbed Ethan by the elbow. “We have to call your sister. She’ll never forgive us if we don’t tell her first.” Her voice carried into the house as Kate whirled around to face him.
“What do you mean, why not?”
AJ placed his hands behind his back and rocked on his heels. “It’s clear you’re crazy about me…” He took a step closer to her.
“Oh really? You think that?” She leaned in as the smile grew on her face.
“I do think that. You know it’s true.”
“You’re such an egomaniac. But… I really think it’s you who’s all into me.”
“Well, I can’t hardly deny that since I told you so. I’m over the moon for you and I’ll shout it to the world.” He chuckled and stepped close enough to take her hand. “So what do you think? Can you live with me and work with me too?”
“Hmm. Tough question.”
He dropped down on one knee. “Kate, I truly do love you. It’s who I am now. The man who loves you and wants to be with you until the end of time. Will you please marry me?”
Kate broke into a smile and then her eyes narrowed. “On one condition.”
“You name it, Katie girl.”
“If this is going to be a partnership for life and work, we do everything together.”
He tilted his head to the side. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“Of course, I’ll marry you. I love you so much and it feels amazing to finally be able to say it. I can’t wait to start the next chapter with you.”
He beamed and shot to his feet before pulling her into his arms and pressing a firm kiss to her lips. When he pulled back, he tapped her nose. “So where do we start?”
She shrugged. “It doesn’t matter.”
“It doesn’t?”
Kate shook her head. “Nope. Because no matter what, it’s going to be great.”
“You think so?” he chuckled.
“Absolutely. Because anything you can do, I can do better.”
I truly hope you enjoyed Arguing With Her Billionaire Cowboy!
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Jack's back home after eight years away. Tracie isn't prepared to see him again. When she does, she realizes he still has her heart. They'd started out as best friends and even then she loved him. Can they pick up where they left off? Is life that simple? Is love ever that easy?
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About April Murdock
April Murdock loves romance, especially sweet stories that make you sigh out loud. She loves to write stories inspired by people in her life – past and present. Okay, so truthfully, she’s never known a billionaire or anyone from royal bloodlines, but taking reality and pumping it up a bit is what makes it fun!
April has lived her whole life in the Southern US. Traveling is a great love, but coming home to Georgia where her heart is makes her happy. April is married to her high school sweetheart. Their children are married and they can’t wait to have grandchildren to spoil.
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