chuckled. “Not an easy feat, believe me. That was the biggest headache of all. I thought I could teach Percy to swim.”
“My god. He’d love that. Lachlan, I don’t know what to say.”
Lachlan took my hand and tugged me closer, drawing my attention from my surroundings so I’d focus on him. “I built this home for you and me, cowboy, because there is nowhere else in the world I’d rather be than by your side. You’re the most wonderful person I know. You’re loyal, loving, honest, and stubborn as all hell some days, but I love you, and I want to make a home with you.”
I knocked my forehead to his, grinning stupid huge but unable to stop. “Are we making lists again?”
He shoved my arm. “I ain’t puttin’ up with your shit, so don’t start.”
“Did you just say ‘ain’t?’ Holy hell, I’ve made a country boy outta ya.”
“You know what, let me start again. Easton Campbell, you’re the most annoying, irritating pain in the ass I’ve ever met.”
I poked him in the ribs, making him laugh. “Nope. No good. Try again.”
“But you’re my pain in the ass,” he continued as I dug my fingers into his sides while he squirmed and howled. “Oh my god, stop. That tickles. I’m trying to ask you to marry me, asshole.”
I stilled. The world around me stopped. Everything stopped. Blood thrummed in my ears. “You what?”
Lachlan calmed and smiled from under shy, downcast lashes. “What I was trying to say before I was so rudely interrupted was, I want to make a home with you and have a family with you here in Jasper.” His gaze flicked up to my face. “Will you marry me, cowboy?”
“Oh, wow. Okay, I didn’t see that comin’.”
He held his hands wide. “Surprise. What do you say?”
I opened my mouth to answer when that letter I’d been staring at earlier flashed through my head. Instead of yes, I said, “Um…”
Lachlan lost three shades of color, and his smile melted away. “Um?”
“No, I mean … wow.”
“You’re freaking me out.”
“It’s … I really have to tell you my news.”
“Right now? We’re kind of in the middle of something. Something I thought was important.”
“I know, but this is important too, and it’s only fair you know before I answer you, in case you change your mind.”
Lachlan looked worried now and stepped back. “This isn’t how I pictured this going. It was supposed to be: Easton, will you marry me. And then you say yes, and then we kiss, and life is good. But you said um, and now you have news that might affect all of it?”
I held up a hand. “Don’t panic. Give me a second to explain. A letter came in the mail today. You know how Child Services has been trying to get Mervin to comply with parenting courses and whatnot so he can regain visitations with Percy?”
Lachlan’s eyes darkened, and his jaw ticked. “Yes. Don’t tell me that asshole’s getting those visitations.”
“No. Well, he must have got tired of them pressurin’ him. He’s givin’ Percy up for adoption. Because I’ve been fosterin’ him for a year, they wanna know if I’m interested in adopting him.” My chin quivered and eyes filled again. “There’s no question. I’m gonna do it. That boy is mine. I love him to death. Lachlan, I’m gonna be his dad for real. Forever and ever. He’s gonna be my son.”
Lachlan’s face softened, his worry draining away. He approached and took my face. “Do you think he’d mind having two dads?”
I grasped Lachlan’s forearms. “Are you serious? You don’t mind?”
“Are you kidding? You told me from the beginning he was a part of you. The idea of giving him back to Mervin always sat heavily on my mind. This is the best possible news. If we get married, he can be a part of us both. I love him too, East. He’s a great kid.”
“So you’re sayin’ I can have this fancy farmhouse in the mountains, a husband, and a son?”
“That’s what I’m saying, cowboy. I built this house to make a family with you. Who knows, maybe Percy will get a brother or sister someday too.”
“Wow. Then yes. A thousand times yes.”
We came together there in a puddle of sunshine in our new kitchen. This life was everything I didn’t think I’d ever get. My heart swelled until I was sure it was going to break through my chest.
“Should we go tell everyone?” Lachlan said when he came up for air.
“We can be late. I’m not done with you yet.”
I crushed my mouth to his and walked him until his back hit the counter. Elaina would be pissed, but I needed to spend quality time with my man first. My fiancé. My future husband. The man I loved with all my heart.
THE END
I put the city in the country, but what happens when you put the country in the city?
Join Easton and Lachlan as they travel to Edmonton to finalize Percy’s adoption.
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Start with OWL’S SLUMBER TODAY
Imagine what life would be like if panic ruled your world at the mere thought of going to bed at night.
For as long as he can remember, Finnley Hollins has been crippled by his extreme phobia of sleep. Every night is a battle, and every morning isn’t without consequences. The root cause is something he’s ashamed to admit to anyone. It’s his war, and he will fight it alone.
When an unexpected turn of events lands the stunningly gorgeous Aven Woods at Finnley’s place of business, his life gets turned upside down.
All it would take is one night together for his secret to be exposed. Finnley wasn’t prepared to fall in love. More so, he wasn’t prepared for his phobia to completely consume his life. Not only is it affecting his job and his relationship, but now it’s affecting his health. What will it take for Finnley to finally admit he needs help?
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